Abstract: A bed assembly (10) includes a frame (22) which supports four mattress support panels (50-56) which are able to move with pivoting of the various parts of the frame (22). The frame (22) is formed with a plurality of transverse struts (40) which depend from the frame (22). The mattress support panels (50-56) are releasably supported on the struts (40). The panels (50-56) can thus be removed to gain access to the bed components below the platform (20). The frame (22) presents substantially vertical side wall to accommodate a variety of mattresses, including mattresses not specifically designed for the bed (10).

Abstract: A bed assembly (10) includes a frame (22) which supports four curved mattress support panels (50-56) which are able to move with pivoting of the various parts of the frame (22). The curved panels (50-56) better conform to a patient's body shape and provide an effective lengthening of the mattress support (50-56), particularly when the back rest (30, 50) is raised to a sitting position. The support panels (50-56) are located below the pivot points of the frame (22), which further enhances the lengthening effect. The assembly also includes first and second patient retention panels (80, 82) with complementary edges (92, 94) which can slide over one another. A key pad unit (100) protrudes from the retention panel (80) at a convenient patient position and can be gripped by a patient's hand.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (32-36) for a frame assembly (20) of for example, a hospital bed, has a smooth outer form which substantially conforms to the outer size of frame assembly struts to which it couples. The hinge assembly (32-36) has its components located internally and provides at least one reliable electrically conductive path therethrough so as to provide an electrical connection between frame struts (24-30) coupled together by the hinge (32-36), avoiding the need for electrical wires. There are provided angle markers on the hinge to indicate the degree of rotation of the hinge halves (50 52).

Abstract: A bed assembly includes a wheeled base, a sub-frame and mattress support frame. The sub-frame supports a plurality of electrically operated actuators which provide for raising and lowering of the bed. The bed can be lowered to a first low position in which the bed frame is around 38 to 45 centimetres above floor height and to a lower position in which the frame is around 30 centimetres above floor height. The bed is lowered to the first height upon receipt of a first command input and can only be lowered below that first height upon receipt of a second control input distinct from the first control input. Preferably, the bed is lowered at a slower speed from the first low height to its lowermost position.

Abstract: A pedal (10) is formed from a single moulding and includes first and second arms (12, 14), each provided with an over moulded marker (16, 18). The pedal (10) has two fittings (20, 22) for coupling with a brake actuator rod (24) and a coupling member (26) respectively. A castor (40) includes a wheel (42) which can rotate about a bushing (44) and a coupling shaft (46). Within the shaft (46) there is provided a brake mechanism for locking the wheel (42). A base frame (80) for a bed includes longitudinal and transverse struts (52, 54) arranged in a rectangular form, with four castors (40) and four associated pedal assemblies (10). Two actuator rods (24) are provided, one for each pair of opposing pedal assemblies (10), while two connecting elements (26) are provided, one for each pair of side-by-side pedal assemblies (10). All the pedals and thus all the brake mechanisms are coupled to one another through the two actuator rods (24) and two coupling elements (26).

Abstract: A profiling bed or similar support surface having a back section, seat section, thigh and calf section convertible to a chair configuration. The back section is mounted on an angled slide to retract as it is rotated. The angle of the slide also provides upward lift of the back section as it is retracted and rotated. This combination of movements mimics the way a person's tissues stretch when they move to a sitting position, reducing pressure and shear. At the same time, the thigh section can be rotated to an incline and the calf section either raised into a horizontal configuration or lowered to a chair configuration during movement of the thigh section. In another embodiment the thigh section is also mounted on a slide to retract towards the foot end as it is rotated to an incline, providing reduction of abdominal strain and increased comfort.

Abstract: A bed (10) or trolley or similar consists of a platform (20) comprising a back section (21), seat section (22), thigh section (23) and foot section (24). The “auto contour” controls are configured such that when the sections (21, 23, 24) are driven from a flat condition, the back (21) and thigh (23) sections are moved simultaneously, until they reach the same angle. The thigh section (23) then remains at that position and the back section (21) continues until it reaches its maximum position. To lower the sections using the “auto contour” controls only the back section (21) is driven down until it reaches the equivalent position to the thigh section (23) and then both sections (21, 23) are driven down simultaneously. The patient is held in a relatively constant position, thereby reducing the shear between the patient's skin and the support surface.

Abstract: A profiling bed or similar support surface having a back section, seat section, thigh and calf section convertible to a chair configuration. The back section is mounted on an angled slide to retract as it is rotated. The angle of the slide also provides upward lift of the back section as it is retracted and rotated. This combination of movements mimics the way a person's tissues stretch when they move to a sitting position, reducing pressure and shear. At the same time, the thigh section can be rotated to an incline and the calf section either raised into a horizontal configuration or lowered to a chair configuration during movement of the thigh section. In another embodiment the thigh section is also mounted on a slide to retract towards the foot end as it is rotated to an incline, providing reduction of abdominal strain and increased comfort.

Abstract: A patient support comprising a frame 22 supporting a translucent support surface 24 elevated above the frame 22 by frame members 23. The members 26 support an x-ray cassette tray 36 for sliding movement along the length of the frame 22. The x-ray cassette trays 36 can be loaded onto the members 26 from either or both the head 30 and foot 32 ends of the frame 22. All of the patient support surface can be covered by the x-ray cassettes. In use, the x-ray cassette tray 36 is pulled out from the members 26 and loaded with an x-ray cassette 53. The handle 39 is pulled out from within the tray 36 and locked into position against latch 38. The tray 36 is then slid back onto the members 26 and the position of the cassette 53 within the tray 36 is indicated by the position of the indicator 65 visible along the side of the frame 22.

Abstract: A patient support consisting of a frame 22 supporting a translucent support surface 24 elevated above the frame 22 by longitudinal channels 23. The channels 23 support an x-ray cassette tray 36 for sliding movement along the length of the frame 22. The x-ray cassette trays 36 can be loaded onto the channels 23 from either or both the head 30 and foot 32 ends of the frame 22. All of the patient support surface can be covered by the x-ray cassettes. In use, the x-ray cassette tray 36 is pulled out from the channels 23 and loaded with an x-ray cassette 38. The handle 39 is pulled out from within the tray 36 and locked into position against latch 38. The tray 36 is then slid back onto the channels 23 and the position of the cassette 38 within the tray 36 is indicated by the position of the indicator 66 visible along the side of the frame 22.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base frame (10) supporting radius arms (15) on either side. The radius arms (15) support an upper frame (20), via cross tubes (16). Linear actuators (30, 31) act on the cross tubes (16) to raise, lower or tilt the upper frame (20). Further linear actuators (32, 33) are provided to profile platform sections (41, 42, 43). The actuators, their control systems, power and other functions e.g. patient weighing, air pumps, lights are all mounted centrally on the upper frame and housed within a single housing located almost entirely within the upper frame. The location of the actuators and housing provide a very low minimum height of the patient support apparatus, the single housing eliminating trailing cables and wires and ensuring easy cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: A bed, couch or trolley platform arrangement consists of a back section (2), seat section (14), thigh section (15) and calf section (18). The backrest (14) and thigh section (15) are pivotally connected to the bed frame (4) for raising and lowering the hack section (14) and thigh section (15). The backrest and thigh section pivots are longitudinally displaceable along the frame away from each other as the back section and thigh section are raised from a horizontal to a raised potition. Bridging plates (13, 20) cover the gaps resulting from the displacement of the hack (14) and thigh (15) sections respectively. The back section also has an additional panel (6) which is arranged to slide upwards along the back section as the back section is raised causing the platform surface to lengthen by the same amount as the contact path length of skin of a person during sitting thereby resulting in prevention of pelvic compression and shearing of tissue.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base frame (10) supporting lifting arms (15) on either side. The lifting arm (15) at on end of the base frame (10) is connected by a pivoting and sliding joint (8) and the lifting arm (15) at the other end by a pivoting joint (7). The lifting arms (15) support an upper frame (20), via pivoting and sliding joints (16). Stabilizing links (5, 6) are connected to the middle of each lifting arm and to the upper frame. Linear actuators (30, 31) act on the top ends (16) of the lifting arms (15) to raise, lower or tilt the upper frame (20). The mechanism achieves an exceptionally low minimum height whilst still maintaining hoist clearance under the base frame (10). The upper frame (20) may be moved to a variety of working heights and achieves high angles of Trendelenburg tilts.

Abstract: An accident and emergency trolley supports and transports a patient, and includes a surface overlying an upper frame which is supported on a base frame in order to be raised and lowered relative to the base frame. The upper frame is mounted at its periphery on opposed radius arms connected to respective first and second actuators, which are operated by foot-operated pedals. The pedals are disposed on one or either side of the trolley such that operation of any single pedal enables the trolley to be raised at either end or both ends simultaneously. The opposed radius arms provide an uninterrupted window under the trolley allowing for X-ray/imaging.

Abstract: The invention is, in one embodiment, a method of reporting the location of a mobile phone by locating a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver in a mobile communications network. The method first determines the location of the GPS receiver, processes data identifying the location, then synthesizes the location information into a Tele-type (TTY/TDD) compatible format and transmits the location. A TTY/TDD device at a receiving station will process the location data to identify the location of the mobile phone. In one aspect, the method is implemented through modular programming. The invention is also a mobile phone capable of transmitting location information gathered by a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The mobile phone houses a transceiver, a GPS receiver, and a Tele-type (TTY/TDD) synthesizer in communication with the GPS receiver and the transceiver.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for implementing Location Override Key(s) (LOKs) within location services in order to determine whether certain checks on subscriber limitations and/or system default behavior are applicable or not for a particular location request. Each LOK can either have the value override or not override associated therewith, and each Location Application (LA) can be associated with a particular value of an LOK. In addition, an LOK can be accompanied by one or more additional parameters related to the particular LOK. For example, location services can provide LAs with a Privacy Override Key (POK), which can have a value of “override” or “not override”.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for allowing a Gateway Mobile Positioning Center (GMPC) to route positioning requests to the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) where the subscriber is currently located without the need for storing the subscriber's serving Mobile Positioning Center (MPC) address in the Home Location Register (HLR). When an external Requesting Application (RA) wants to locate a particular Mobile Station (MS), the RA contacts the GMPC, and provides the directory number of the subscriber that needs to be located. The GMPC then sends a request for routing information, e.g., the address of the serving Mobile Switching Center (MSC), to the subscriber's HLR. The HLR then returns the routing information to the GMPC, which can then send the positioning request to the serving MSC, using the MSC address. The serving MSC can then route the positioning request to the serving Mobile Positioning Center.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed which performs authorization checks prior to allowing a location service to position a mobile terminal within a cellular network. The various checks involve ensuring that the requesting agency has authorization to request positioning of mobile terminals, determining whether positioning of mobile terminals is allowed within the cellular network that the mobile terminal is currently located in, verifying the authenticity of the identity of the mobile positioning center, ascertaining whether the mobile subscriber has allowed the requesting agency to position the mobile terminal, and confirming that all relevant criteria for positioning have been met by both the mobile subscriber and the requesting agency.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for defining location services in a simplified manner based upon whether the positioning request is an interactive request or a batch mode request. In order to initiate a positioning request, a Location Application (LA) must first register with at least one Mobile Location Center (MLC), define the service parameters specific for that LA and receive a Location Application Identifier Number (LAIN). Thereafter, the LA can send either an interactive or batch mode positioning request along with the LAIN. An interactive positioning request is a request to position a specific subscriber or group of subscribers immediately, while a batch mode positioning request is a request to position a subscriber or group of subscribers when a particular event defined by the LA occurs. Advantageously, the definition of location services is decoupled from issues, such as the point of origin of the request, the identity of the subscriber to be positioned and authorization options.