Abstract: A patient support system comprises an operating table, a patient transporter and a table top that can be moved from the transporter to the pedestal of the table. A platform at the top of the pedestal has a lateral hinge and two hydraulically-operated locks located at the hinge, which engage with the table top. The table top carries four secondary locks that are operated by actuators in the platform to cause the locks to engage or disengage the transporter. Lock sensors cause the platform to move when they detect incomplete engagement of the locks.

Abstract: A transfer trolley for transferring a patient onto an operating table has a removable patient support platform divided across its length into two parts coupled by a hinge. A rod and cylinder mounted at their ends to respective parts of the platform are lockable to lock the two parts of the platform and prevent bending at the hinge while on the trolley. The trolley has two arms for supporting the platform, which either extend laterally under the platform on opposite sides of the hinge or longitudinally and traversing the region of the hinge. A control unit on the trolley has infra-red emitters that emit signals to sensors on the table, to control operation of the table, only when the trolley is correctly located for transfer.

Abstract: An operating table or the like has a platform supported by a hydraulically adjustable column. Castors contact the floor through apertures in a base plate that supports a guide wheel. Application of hydraulic fluid to raise the platform causes the base plate to be lowered first to an intermediate position in which the guide wheel contacts the floor. Additional hydraulic pressure brings the base plate into contact with the floor so that the table is braked before the platform rises.