Abstract: A side rail assembly for a bed-like stretcher includes a tubular side rail with first and second tubular posts connected at each end. Each of a pair of mounting members connected near each end of the stretcher frame includes first and second vertically spaced-apart pivotal connection points. First and second linkage bars are pivotally connected between each of the posts and the connection points of one mounting member to form a pivotally connected quadrilateral. A handle is mounted to each of the posts for pivotal movement about a horizontal line, while a handle linkage connects the handles so that movement of either handle causes identical movement by the other. A latch on each post cooperates with a catch fixedly attached to the frame. A latch actuator connects each latch with a handle, so that pivotal movement of either handle causes the latches to disengage from the catches, permitting lowering of the side rail assembly.

Abstract: A multi-position examination chair for supporting a patient and assuming sequentially a plurality of obstetric and gynecologic examination positions includes a base. A chair mounted on the base includes a back portion pivotally attached to the base and a seat portion pivotally attached to the back portion. A first linear actuator pivotally moves the back portion into a desired position relative the base, and a linkage cooperates to cause a predetermined amount of pivotal movement of the seat portion relative to the base in response to pivotal movement of the back portion. A second linear actuator power means pivotally moves the seat portion into a desired position relative the back portion. Actuation of one of a plurality of switches cooperates with a control system for movement of the back and seat portions from one of the examination positions to at least a next following one of the positions within the sequence.

Abstract: A multi-position examination chair for supporting a patient and assuming selected ones of a plurality of examination positions which permit a plurality of standard obstetric and gynecologic examinations to be performed upon the patient includes a base for providing support and a chair mounted on the base. The chair includes a plurality of movable chair portions which are movable with respect to each other. An hydraulic power arrangement is provided for moving each of the chair portions into desired relative positions such that the plurality of examination positions may be achieved. A plurality of switch means are provided, with each such switch means associated with a respective one of the examination positions. A control means is responsive to the plurality of switch means for controlling operation of the hydraulic power arrangement. Actuation of each of the switch means results in the chair portions moving into the examination position associated with the actuated switch means.