Abstract: A hinged level and method for utilizing the same in connection with the leveling of a pressure transducer with respect to a reference point are provided. The hinged level includes a plurality of elongate members interconnected to one another by a hinge. The hinge allows the elongate members to be pivoted relative to one another within a first plane. A level device is aligned with the first plane. The level or elevation of a pressure transducer relative to a reference point, which corresponds to the elevation of an implanted catheter, is determined by placing the free ends of the hinged level relative to the reference point and the pressure transducer. The height of the pressure transducer is then adjusted until the level device indicates that the elongate members are level.

Abstract: A castor wheel assembly, alone or in combination with a patient support platform or mobile support cart, is provided. The mobile support cart includes a stop mode in which the castor wheels are prevented from rolling across the floor by a braking mechanism. The platform is capable of supporting devices that may be attached or associated with a patient throughout their stay at a healthcare facility. The castor wheel assembly can incorporate a braking mechanism operated by a cable that extends through a mounting plate.

Abstract: A patient support platform or mobile support cart is provided. The mobile support cart includes a transmission system that allows the patient and/or medical staff member to choose a stop, walk or roll mode. In the stop mode, the castor wheels are prevented from rolling across the floor by a braking mechanism. In the walking mode, the transmission causes a tracking wheel to engage the floor for providing tracked or guided motion to the mobile support cart. In a roll mode, the tracking wheel is raised and is disengaged from the floor, and the castor wheels are free to rotate. The platform is capable of supporting devices that may be attached or associated with a patient throughout their stay at a healthcare facility. The braking mechanism can include a cable and an associated brake arm, with the cable positioned to allow braking without inhibiting the ability of the castor wheel to swivel with respect to a castor mounting plate.

Abstract: A patient support platform provides a solution for healthcare facilities and nursing staff to address patient and staff safety, patient mobility, patient comfort, the availability of patient information, monitoring drugs and therapy provided, and controlling health care expenses. The patient support platform preferably includes a transmission system that allows the patient and/or medical staff member to choose a stop, walk or roll mode. The transmission system preferably includes a drag wheel for applying a braking force in response to a voltage generated by a braking motor. The platform supports a plurality of devices that may be attached or associated with a patient throughout their stay at a healthcare facility. The support platform also preferably includes a mechanism for releasably attaching the support platform to another structure, such as a bed. Embodiments of the present invention include multiple non-medical uses of the platform.

Abstract: A patient support platform or mobile support cart is provided. The mobile support cart includes a transmission system that allows the patient and/or medical staff member to choose a stop, walk or roll mode. In the stop mode, the castor wheels are prevented from rolling across the floor by a braking mechanism. In the walking mode, the transmission causes a tracking wheel to engage the floor for providing tracked or guided motion to the mobile support cart. In a roll mode, the tracking wheel is raised and is disengaged from the floor, and the castor wheels are free to rotate. The platform is capable of supporting devices that may be attached or associated with a patient throughout their stay at a healthcare facility. The braking mechanism can include a cable and an associated brake arm, with the cable positioned to allow braking without inhibiting the ability of the castor wheel to swivel with respect to a castor mounting plate.