Abstract: A patient transfer trolley for transferring patients from one location to another in hospitals and like establishments. The trolley comprises a wheeled frame (11) carrying a patient support surface (13) and a device (15) for aiding transfer of a patient between said patient support surface (13) and a further support surface such as a hospital bed or operating table. The handling device (15) comprises a body (41) having a transfer surface (43. The body is movable whereby it can assume first and second positions, and preferably also a third position. In the first position the transfer surface provides a bridge between said patient support surface and said further support surface. In the second position the body extends upwardly of the patient support surface to provide a safety barrier therfor. In the third position the body is stored so as not to obstruct access to the patient support surface (13).

Abstract: A machine for detopping fruits and vegetables, specially suited for the decapping of strawberries by severing the top therefrom, comprises an endless upwardly-inclined loop type conveyor mounted on a sub-frame which is in turn mounted on a main frame for horizontal orbital motion relative thereto. The conveyor consists of a receiving station section inclined to the horizontal so that already decapped product discharges against the travel of the conveyor, and a severing station section at a higher level than the receiving station section, a downwardly-extending discharge section and a return section. The conveyor consists of parallel rollers alternate ones of which are positively driven by pinion gears engaging rack members at the side, so that co-operating pairs will grip the tops. Only product that has been so gripped can be conveyed upwards by the conveyor and presented to a transversly moving endless band severing knife at the severing station.