Abstract: An automated tri-fold bed includes a bed frame, a mattress support that is pivotable between a horizontal configuration and a mattress folding configuration, and a mechanism for pivoting the mattress support about a transversely centered longitudinal pivot axis. The pivoting mechanism includes an actuating arm attached to the mattress support and an actuator for moving the actuating arm to pivot the mattress support. A mechanism is also provided for folding at least one end of the mattress support about a transverse axis to permit raising of one end of a mattress on the mattress support.

Abstract: A patient-handling apparatus includes an upright post having a top end and a support arm having an inner end adjacent to the upright post and an outer end away from the upright post. The support arm is coupled to the top end of the post about a pivot point to permit movement of the support arm relative to the post between a cantilevered position at an angle to the post and a stored position alongside the post and to permit movement of the support arm relative to the pivot point during movement of the support arm between the cantilevered and stored positions. A mechanism is provided for suspending a patient in the air from the support arm following movement of the support arm to its cantilevered position so that a patient can be moved from one place to another along the support arm between the inner and outer ends of the support arm.