Abstract: A medical chair provides a radiolucent backrest pivotally secured to a seat section. A pivoting push bar on the backrest pivots between an operative position, where it can be used to maneuver the chair, and a storage position where it does not compromise the radiolucent property of the backrest. The chair includes a leg support section, and the backrest and leg support section pivot between a chair structure and a stretcher structure. The pivoting of the backrest and legs support section are controlled by actuators that are positioned so as not to interfere with the radiolucent property of the backrest. A foot platform on the leg support section is connected to remain substantially parallel to the seat section as the leg support section is pivoted. A remote control allows for adjusting the configuration of the chair from points distant from the medical chair.

Abstract: A medical chair provides a radiolucent backrest pivotally secured to a seat section. A pivoting push bar on the backrest pivots between an operative position, where it can be used to maneuver the chair, and a storage position where it does not compromise the radiolucent property of the backrest. The chair includes a leg support section, and the backrest and leg support section pivot between a chair structure and a stretcher structure. The pivoting of the backrest and legs support section are controlled by actuators that are positioned so as not to interfere with the radiolucent property of the backrest. A foot platform on the leg support section is connected to remain substantially parallel to the seat section as the leg support section is pivoted. A remote control allows for adjusting the configuration of the chair from points distant from the medical chair.

Abstract: A mobile patient stretcher is provided and particularly adapted for additional use as a pain clinic treatment table designed to accommodate a C-arm of a fluoroscopic or like imaging apparatus. The stretcher litter top or patient support surface is radiolucent and includes selectively removable lateral side rail sections so that the litter top can be selectively converted into an hourglass shape without side rails as required for treatment procedures and/or C-arm access and imaging. On the other hand, with the lateral side rail sections in place, the stretcher includes a full-width patient support surface, and also includes a radiolucent fowler back rest, selectively deployable side rails, and a hydraulically or otherwise controlled conventional wheeled stretcher base that is adapted to place the patient support surface in a raised, lowered, Trendelenburg, or reverse Trendelenburg orientation.

Abstract: A mattress assembly including a bottom mattress section and a top, transfer mattress section is provided. The transfer mattress section includes lateral flaps which are coupled to the sides of the bottom mattress section by hook and loop type fasteners. Pull straps are secured to the flaps for moving the transfer mattress section, and a patient thereon, with respect to the bottom mattress section once the fasteners have been disengaged. The interface of the top and bottom mattress sections is low friction to facilitate sliding the top mattress section with respect to the bottom mattress section.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus such a surgical table or a stretcher is provided. The apparatus includes a top assembly for supporting a patient in a variety of selected positions. The top assembly is supported by first and second hydraulic column assemblies which are, in turn, mounted to a base assembly. A stabilizing mechanism is provided for exerting a constant downward force upon the hydraulic column assembly supporting the head end of the top assembly. The stabilizing mechanism counteracts the lifting force at the head end of the apparatus when a patient's weight is located at or beyond the foot end thereof. The stabilizing mechanism includes a gas spring which is mounted to the base assembly and a cable connected between the base assembly and top assembly. The gas spring exerts a constant force upon the cable in all elevational positions of the top assembly.

Abstract: A multi-purpose patient support and transport apparatus is provided which includes a Trendelenburg mechanism and a novel guard rail assembly. The Trendelenburg mechanism is actuated by turning a handle in one direction. This allows a penumatic spring connected between the seat and backrest assemblies to be fully contracted, thereby moving the backrest assembly to a Trendelenburg position. When the handle is turned in the opposite direction, the backrest may also be rotated downwardly, but is precluded from moving beyond the reclining position by a stop member which prevents the pneumatic spring shaft from moving entirely within the spring casing. The guard rail is mounted to the frame of the apparatus by a pair of pivot arms extending at an oblique angle with respect to the plane of the rail. This allows the rail to be stored under the frame when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A multi-purpose chair/stretcher assembly is disclosed which includes seat, backrest and leg supporting assemblies, the backrest and leg supporting assemblies both being pivotably mounted to the seat assembly. A pair of telescoping linkage assemblies connect the backrest and leg supporting assemblies so that the pivotal movement of one with respect to the other causes both to rotate in the same direction if restricted from telescoping. If this linkage assembly is allowed to telescope, the backrest assembly may be moved independently of the leg supporting assembly. A second linkage assembly connects the leg supporting assembly with the seat assembly. This second linkage assembly, while extendable and contractable, may be locked in a rigid configuration so that the leg supporting assembly may be held in a fixed position with respect to the seat assembly.

Abstract: A stretcher is provided which is usable for ophthalmic surgery and other similar operations. It includes a pivotably mounted backrest assembly and a headrest which is pivotably mounted to the backrest assembly. The headrest is substantially narrower in width than the remainder of the stretcher to provide easier access to a patient's head. A receptacle including a locking mechanism is centrally positioned beneath the headrest. It includes a passage which receives the mounting member of a wrist rest assembly or a headrest extension assembly. The headrest extension assembly is mounted to the headrest for providing a full width surface area for the patient's head.

Abstract: A multi-purpose patient support and transport apparatus is provided which includes a Trendelenburg mechanism and a novel guard rail assembly. The Trendelenburg mechanism is actuated by turning a handle in one direction. This allows a pneumatic spring connected between the seat and backrest assemblies to be fully contracted, thereby moving the backrest assembly to a Trendelenburg position. When the handle is turned in the opposite direction, the backrest may also be rotated downwardly, but is precluded from moving beyond the reclining position by a stop member which prevents the pneumatic spring shaft from moving entirely within the spring casing. The guard rail is mounted to the frame of the apparatus by a pair of pivot arms extending at an oblique angle with respect to the plane of the rail. This allows the rail to be stored under the frame when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A cassette holder is provided for use with a wheeled stretcher or the like. The holder is slidably and pivotably mounted to a pair of support tubes positioned beneath the top board of the stretcher. It may accordingly be positioned beneath any portion of the top board which is desired. To replace an x-ray or other type of film cassette, the holder may be pivoted downwardly towards either side of the stretcher. A tray slides out from the holder to provide easy access to the cassette. The holder accepts cassettes from both sides of the stretcher depending upon which support tube is utilized as a pivot axis.

Abstract: A rail assembly for a wheeled stretcher or the like is provided. The assembly is pivotably mounted to the stretcher and may be locked in up, down or horizontal positions. Unlocking is accomplished by pushing a locking tab while moving the assembly towards the foot end of the stretcher.

Abstract: The patient supporting platform of the present stretcher is supported above an undercarriage by hydraulic lift cylinders to be raised or lowered and tilted into head-up or head-down positions. A backrest is provided on the patient supporting platform and may be inclined at various angles so that the position of the patient supporting platform can be adjusted throughout a wide range of adjusted positions. Foot operated brake levers are provided at each side of the stretcher for at times locking the wheels. Duplicate controls for carrying out the various adjustments of the stretcher, and for controlling the brakes, are provided on each side of the stretcher so that an attendant positioned at either side of the stretcher may immediately make any necessary adjustments of the stretcher while continuously monitoring the condition of the patient.