Abstract: A mower is provided that includes a height-adjuster assembly that adjustably connects the ground engaging wheel to the housing of the mower at an adjustable height from the ground. The height-adjuster assembly includes a bracket fixed to the housing, an arm, a sleeve, a wheel mount, a pin, and a handle. The arm is rotatably mounted relative to the housing and the bracket about a pivot point. The sleeve is fixed to the arm for rotation with the arm relative to the housing and the bracket about the pivot point. A handle overlays the pin and the sleeve. The handle is configured to be grasped by a user for movement along a first direction to move the pin from a first position into a second position. Upon reaching the second position, the handle and the sleeve can be rotated to rotate the ground engaging wheel relative to the housing.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system operable to transport an object, comprises a frame, a frame transport system, a securing system, an object lift system and a sideways drive system. The frame transport system moves the frame in a plurality of directions comprising a first direction. The securing system couples an object to the frame. The object lift system lifts the object, and comprises at least one pump and at least one cylinder. The sideways drive systems deactivate the frame transport system and moves the frame in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A patient support platform provides a solution for healthcare facilities and nursing staff to address patient and staff safety, patient mobility, patient comfort, the availability of patient information, monitoring drugs and therapy provided, and controlling health care expenses. The patient support platform preferably includes a transmission system that allows the patient and/or medical staff member to choose a stop, walk or roll mode. The transmission system preferably includes a drag wheel for applying a braking force in response to a voltage generated by a braking motor. The platform supports a plurality of devices that may be attached or associated with a patient throughout their stay at a healthcare facility. The support platform also preferably includes a mechanism for releasably attaching the support platform to another structure, such as a bed. Embodiments of the present invention include multiple non-medical uses of the platform.

Abstract: A patient transporting device having a mobile IV pole comprising a wheeled base, a mast, and a gas spring. Actuating the gas spring retracts the base with little or no effort on the part of a user. With the base retracted the IV pole can be positioned for engagement to a bed, gurney, or wheelchair. The IV pole may be releasably attached to one or more supporting mounts on the bed, gurney, or wheelchair to take the weight off of the wheeled base. This weight relief allows for easy retraction of the base by the gas spring. The supporting mounts can be pulled close to the bed, gurney, or wheelchair by biasing mechanism.

Abstract: The dolly-pallet of the present invention includes a load bearing deck that may be alternately supported by the retractable support skid or the wheel elements. Initial displacement of the skid during the retraction process is along an upward substantially vertical path. Once the retractable support skid is retracted such that the dolly-pallet is being supported by the wheel elements, the retractable support skid may be further displaced along an upward substantially arcuate path so as to move it away form the wheel elements, allowing them to swivel if they are so configured. In this way, the center of mass of the load is lowered vertically, thereby reducing stress on the displacement mechanism until the load is supported by the wheel elements.

Abstract: A device for suspension and level adjustment in motor vehicles has a first connection element for connecting to at least one vehicle wheel, a second connection element for connecting to the body of the motor vehicle, at least one chassis spring, and an adjusting device. The adjusting device has two bearing points which are adjustable in their distance to one another via a gear driven by a motor. A first bearing point is connected to one connection element. A second bearing point is supported against the other connection element via the chassis spring. The gear has a coiled spring and at least one engagement element which engages between at least two coils of the spring adjacent to one another. The gear spring is assigned to the one bearing point and the engagement element is assigned to the other bearing point. The gear spring and the engagement element are pivotably mounted relative to one another and, for adjusting the distance of the bearing points, are able to be rotationally driven using a drive motor.

Abstract: A pallet jack having first and second turn radii includes a support frame having a first end and a second end. The support frame is positionable between a raised position and a lowered position. A main wheel connects to the support frame proximate the first end while a first extensible wheel connects to the support frame proximate the second end. The distance between the main wheel and the extensible wheel define the first turn radius when the support frame is in the raised position. A ground engaging device attaches to the support frame between the main wheel and the first extensible wheel. Positioning the support frame towards the lowered position, the ground engageable device engages the ground and the extensible wheel disengages the ground. The second turn radius is thereby defined by the distance between the main wheel and the ground engaging device, which is less than the first turn radius.

Abstract: A steering device for decreasing a turning radius of a pallet jack includes a ground engaging member connected to a support member of the pallet jack between a main wheel and an extensible wheel. The load supporting member of the pallet jack is positionable between a raised position and a lowered position. A first turning radius of the pallet jack is defined by the distance between the main wheel and the extensible wheel. While the extensible wheel engages the ground when the support frame is positioned towards the raised position, positioning the support member towards the lowered position engages the ground engageable member with the ground causing the extensible wheel to disengage the ground. The main wheel and the ground engageable member then define a second turning radius which is less than the first turning radius.

Abstract: The disclosed articulated wheel assemblies and associated vehicles, for example wheelchairs, include articulated wheel assemblies with at least one offset connecting arm rotatably attached at one end to a payload platform, for example a seat, and attached at the other end to a linear actuator, where the linear actuator is further connected to a wheel. Embodiments include a rotary actuator for varying the linear actuator swing angle, a rotary actuator for eccentrically rotating a hubless wheel, a linear actuator motor for varying the length of the linear actuator, and a propulsion motor. Embodiments provide omnidirectional motion, stepping action when presented with obstacles, irregular surface negotiation, tight space maneuvering and other features to provide disabled people increased mobility. Alternate embodiments include a payload platform with a support strut, which is rotatably attached to an offset connecting arm and pivotally mounted to a seat.

Abstract: A power-assist apparatus for use with hospital beds has at least one drive wheel interconnected to a frame of the hospital bed so as to be movable between a first position in which the drive wheel is positioned in spaced relationship to an underlying surface and a second position in which the drive wheel resiliently contacts the underlying surface. A controller is cooperative with the drive wheel so as to move the drive wheel between the first and second positions. A motor is drivably connected to the drive wheel. A handle is connected to the frame of the bed so as to extend upwardly and outwardly therefrom. The handle has control mechanisms for controlling the drive wheel and the motor.

Abstract: A concrete pumping truck having a forward end and a rear end with a hopper attached at the rear end of the concrete pumping truck comprises an auxiliary axle system pivotally attached to the rear end of the truck adjacent the hopper, the auxiliary axle system comprising a pair of pivotable wheels movable between a first position in contact with a ground surface and a second position elevated above the ground surface.

Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly includes a wheel frame supporting a wheel, and a pivot bracket assembly secured to the wheel frame. The pivot bracket assembly is displaceable between an extended position and a retracted position. A biasing mechanism is coupled with the pivot bracket assembly.

Abstract: An amphibious passenger vehicle having several open or covered holes and a surrounding cover to accommodate fishing and hunting. An aft mounted engine, forward/reverse transmission, drive linkage and disk/caliper brake assembly controls a pair of rear wheels. Electric, screw actuated cylinders and pistons or manual linkage control the steering of a pair of forward wheels. Independent front and rear elevation control linkages independently control the elevation of the fore and aft wheels.

Abstract: A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.

Abstract: A retractable suspension for an amphibious vehicle, the configuration of which allows the size of an opening in the hull necessary for accommodating the protraction of each wheel to be kept to a minimum. The suspension is configured such that the only component that comes to extend beyond the hull upon protraction is a generally tube shaped lower link that is pivotally attached to the hull at it is inboard end, that pivotally supports a hub carrier at its outboard end and that may simultaneously accommodate a drive shaft therein. The weight of the vehicle is supported by a spring arrangement bearing on the inboard end of the lower link.

Abstract: A steering device for decreasing a turning radius of a pallet jack includes a ground engaging member connected to a support member of the pallet jack between a main wheel and an extensible wheel. The load supporting member of the pallet jack is positionable between a raised position and a lowered position. A first turning radius of the pallet jack is defined by the distance between the main wheel and the extensible wheel. While the extensible wheel engages the ground when the support frame is positioned towards the raised position, positioning the support member towards the lowered position engages the ground engageable member with the ground causing the extensible wheel to disengage the ground. The main wheel and the ground engageable member then define a second turning radius which is less than the first turning radius.

Abstract: A modular drive unit for a gurney including a control/handle module, a cord reel/charger module, a drive module, and a chassis assembly, plus all needed electrical wiring harnesses and pneumatic tubing to connect them. The modules mount to any existing gurney and to each other without making permanent modifications to the gurney. The gurney is controlled by a handle assembly containing all necessary controls and indicators to allow the operator to select forward or reverse direction, increase or reduce speed of travel, observe the state of battery charge, and energize or deenergize power from the various modules. In addition, the handle may be swung down through 180 degrees to facilitate loading and unloading the gurney.

Abstract: A portable transportation assembly 10 having a pair of wheels 40, 42 which may be selectively raised and lowered and which is adapted to transport a bathroom assembly 200 in an easy and efficient manner.

Abstract: A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.

Abstract: A pedal-controlled movable bottom frame includes a frame body, two movable connecting rods and a position rod. The frame body and the movable connecting rods are respectively provided with two casters and have their ends respectively assembled with four support legs of a worktable. The position rod is assembled between the two movable connecting rods, having its intermediate portion secured with a retaining unit. A pedal is assembled on the frame body above the retaining unit, and a clasping member is provided under the pedal. The frame body and the movable connecting rods is turned downward by treading the pedal once, letting the casters support the worktable and the clasping member clasp the retaining unit. The clasping member disengages from the retaining unit by treading the pedal once again, letting the support legs support the worktable again.

Abstract: A mobile base includes a main body having a first side formed with two first foot portions and a second side formed with two second foot portions, two fixing rollers each mounted on a respective first foot portion, an adjusting plate mounted between the second foot portions, an adjusting roller mounted on the adjusting plate to move therewith, and an adjusting unit mounted between the second foot portions and urged on the adjusting plate to press the adjusting plate to move. Thus, the adjusting unit is hidden in a space between the first side rack and the second side rack, so that the adjusting unit is not operated unintentionally.

Abstract: A movable bottom frame includes a frame body, two movable connecting rods and a locking rod. The frame body and the movable connecting rods are respectively provided with two casters and have their ends respectively and pivotally assembled with four support legs of a worktable. The locking rod is assembled between the two movable connecting rods. The frame body has a first pedal to be pedaled down to make the frame body and the movable connecting rods pivotally turned downward to let the casters stand on the ground and lift up the worktable. A second pedal positioned beside the first pedal can be pedaled down to disengage the locking rod from the locking hook, letting the worktable supported by its four support legs again. Thus the worktable can be stopped or moved slidably by pedaling.

Abstract: The invention provides a mechanism suitable for lifting an appliance, particularly a domestic appliance. The mechanism (2) comprises a generally cylindrical body (8) having a wall (50) and a longitudinal axis (16) which extends in an upward direction. At least one rolling support member (20) is rotatably mounted on an axle (100) beneath the body (8). A housing (6) having a generally cylindrical socket portion (200) with an inner surface (208) receives the body (8). The wall (50) and the inner surface (208) incorporate opposing camming surfaces (62) (210) such that when the body (8) is rotated about the axis (16) with respect to the socket portion (200), the camming surfaces (62) (210) co-operate. The housing (6) is moved axially with respect to the body (8) and away from the at least one rolling support member (20). The mechanism (2) lifts the appliance (400) from a resting position and into an elevated position ready for manoeuvring.

Abstract: A receiver hitch-mountable utility cart has a support frame for supporting a payload, a hitch arm rigidly attached to the support frame, the hitch arm shaped to engage a receiver hitch bar of an over-the-road vehicle, a wheelbase assembly with wheels for transporting the cart with the wheels on the ground, and a user-operable translation mechanism connecting the wheelbase to the frame, enabling the frame to be raised and lowered relative to the wheelbase by operation of the translation mechanism, such that the cart, in an uppermost position, may be aligned and connected to the receiver hitch bar of the over-the-road vehicle, and the wheels may then be retracted to carry the cart entirely on the receiver hitch bar.

Abstract: A hydraulic suspension strut (30) has a first on-off valve (58) connecting the first and second chambers (42 and 44), and a second on-off valve (62) connected to chamber (42) only. Suspension arm (3) of wheel (1) can be retracted beyond normal road travel, or protracted to road travel mode, by use of pump (9) and valves (58 and 62). The space in the strut above port (56) may be used as a hydraulic bump stop. An accumulator (50) may be included, as a hydraulic spring. Alternatively, strut (70) (FIG. 6; note alternative accumulator position) allows suspension to be raised above normal road travel. Strut (100) (FIG. 8) may be operated in roadgoing, raised, or retracted mode. These struts may be applied to reconfigurable suspensions; particularly for amphibious vehicles, which may require wheels to be withdrawn above the hull water line to reduce drag on water, particularly during cornering.

Abstract: A golf bag includes a body, a seat, a glide device and a brake-device. The body is affixed to the seat and the seat includes a slot, a plate-channel and a cavity. There is a plurality of ditches on two sides of the seat. Nearby the ditches, there is a shaft-channel extending to the cavity; and the glide device is on the ditches of the seat so that a shaft can be passed through the wheels and the shaft-channel of the seat. The brake-device has a jammed-plate, a back-plate and a start-plate for controlling the seat when being towed or stored. The jammed-plate has a jammed-notch and an arm is attached to the slot. There is a first elasticity-component positioned between the jammed-plate and the slot. The back-plate is placed on the plate-channel to connect the jammed-plate on the seat. The starting-plate has a joint-plate and a pull-plate, wherein the joint-plate linking the wheels into action is connected to the seat and a second elasticity-component within the seat.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient includes a patient support with head and foot ends and a wheeled base supported by castered wheels. An auxiliary wheel assembly is secured to the wheeled base and includes a rotatable support shaft with an axis and a drive pin locked in a keyed surface of the support shaft. A wheel stowing spring is located at an end of the rotatable support shaft to continually urge an auxiliary wheel mounted at one end of an auxiliary wheel support bracket to a stowed position. The auxiliary wheel support bracket is rotatably connected to the support shaft at an opposing end and has a stop mounted thereon. An auxiliary wheel support spring continually urges the auxiliary wheel support bracket in a first direction about the axis of the support shaft so that the stop on the auxiliary wheel support bracket engages a stop element integral with the drive pin. This arrangement maintains the support spring in a pretensioned state.

Abstract: A vehicle arranged for raising and lowering the frame relative to the ground wheels for loading comprises a vehicle frame with a hitch at a forward end of the frame and at least two ground wheels for supporting the frame for movement across the ground. Each wheel has a mounting assembly providing driven rotation of a hub carrying the wheel spindle from a raised height of the wheel to a lower locked position. The hub is driven by a hydraulic motor driving a pinion. A fender is mounted on the vehicle frame for covering the wheel during transport, the fender including two interlocking portions thereof which are spring mounted so as to be movable relative to the wheel to accommodate the movement of the wheel to the raised position. The frame has a rear portion which is movable rearwardly to adjust the position of the load and the rear portion of the fender can be attached to the rear frame portion so as to be moved away from the wheel with movement thereof.

Abstract: A cargo hauler having a bed that can be lowered from a first position to a second position to facilitate the loading and unloading of cargo comprising a cargo bed, a set of wheels supporting the cargo bed, a U-shaped axle, U-shaped axle having a first end and a second end with the set of wheels attached proximate to the ends of the axle and a power source for moving the cargo bed between a cargo transporting condition and a cargo loading condition to aid in the loading and unloading of cargo.

Abstract: The containment cart has a floor, two side walls, and a rear wall between the side walls. Wheels are mounted to the floor, allowing the containment cart to be readily transportable and insertable into a drum cavity of a solvent recovery device. Caster wheels assist an operator in changing direction of the cart. A releasable and sealable door acts as a ramp once lowered. Further, while lowered, the door raises the front wheels to prevent the cart from undesired movement while drums are being placed on or removed from the cart. A channel is disposed along a front face of the side walls and floor of the cart to receive a gasket. The door has a mating protrusion extending outwardly from the door to extend into the channel and sealably engage the gasket while the door operably engages the front face.

Abstract: A method of retaining a suspension system includes creating a negative pressure within an air spring such that a longitudinal member is retained in a substantially fixed position relative to a chassis component when the longitudinal member is placed in an unloaded condition. When there is no pressure in the air spring, the air cell is deflated and the suspension is mechanically bottomed out. By further introducing a negative pressure into the air cell with the gas feed, a partial vacuum is formed and the air cell collapses in upon itself. The collapsed air cell grips the piston thereby immobilizing the air spring. Accordingly, when the vehicle is lifted and the air suspension becomes unloaded, the longitudinal member is maintained relative to the chassis component by the immobilized air spring to thereby prevent the air cell from being inverted and damaged.

Abstract: Described is a collapsible cart for transporting items from a first surface to a raised surface. The collapsible cart comprises a platform, for carrying items thereon, wherein the platform comprises a front edge and a back edge. A collapsible front leg is attached to the platform. The collapsible front leg comprises an front upper leg and a front lower leg. Connected to the front upper leg and to the front lower leg is a spring biased to rotate the front lower leg towards an extended position relative to the front upper leg. A front release mechanism persuades the collapsible front legs to be withdrawn towards the platform. A collapsible rear leg is also attached to the platform. The collapsible rear leg comprises a rear upper leg, a rear lower leg and a spring connected there between biased to rotate the rear lower leg towards an extended position relative to the rear upper leg. A rear release mechanism allows the collapsible rear leg to be withdrawn towards the platform.

Abstract: A hybrid golf bag, includes a conventional golf bag body with an open top and a closed bottom, a wheel mount attached to the bottom, at least two wheels rotatably connected to the wheel mount, and handle means attached to the golf bag body. The handle means are selectively adapted for both carrying and pulling the golf bag body. The golf bag body has a periphery and at least two wheels that extend outside of the periphery. The wheels have a retracted position proximate to the periphery and an extended position away from the periphery. The handle means includes a shoulder strap adapted to be used for carrying the golf bag body, and a rigid push/pull handle that has an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A caster system wherein a constant force is applied to the caster for load support purposes. A plurality of casters are interconnected by a fluid conduit system and each caster includes an expansible chamber motor for adjusting the vertical position of the caster. A fluid pressurizing unit communicates with the conduits and an adjustable force compression spring selectively varies the biasing force on the piston to adjust the equal force imposed upon each caster wheel.

Abstract: A hydraulic suspension strut (30) has a first on-off valve (58) connecting the first and second chambers (42 and 44), and a second on-off valve (62) connected to chamber (42) only. Suspension arm (3) of wheel (1) can be retracted beyond normal road travel, or protracted to road travel mode, by use of pump (9) and valves (58 and 62). The space in the strut above port (56) may be used as a hydraulic bump stop. An accumulator (50) may be included, as a hydraulic spring. Alternatively, strut (70) (FIG. 6; note alternative accumulator position) allows suspension to be raised above normal road travel. Strut (100) (FIG. 8) may be operated in roadgoing raised, or retracted mode. These struts may be applied to reconfigurable suspensions; particularly for amphibious vehicles, which may require wheels to be withdrawn above the hull water line to reduce drag on water, particularly during cornering.

Abstract: A lowerable suspension assembly for the deck of a vehicle is elevated and lowered by air springs between a travel position when the deck is horizontally disposed and a loading and unloading position when the deck is inclined and one end is in contact with a supporting ground surface.

Abstract: A stretcher for transporting a patient along a floor includes an elongated frame, a patient-support deck carried by the frame, and an elongated shaft having a longitudinally-extending axis of rotation. The shaft is coupled to the frame for rotation about the axis of rotation between a first orientation and a second orientation. The stretcher also includes a wheel supported relative to the frame and movable relative to the frame in response to rotation of the shaft. The wheel is in a first position engaging the floor when the shaft is in the first orientation and the wheel is in a second position spaced apart from the floor when the shaft is in the second orientation.

Abstract: A lift axle control system is provided for a vehicle that has fixed axles and a lift axle. The lift axle is configured to move between a raised position spaced apart from the ground and a lowered position in contact with the ground to reduce the load carried by the fixed axles. The lift axle control system is configured to control the raising and lowering of the lift axle. According to a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the lift axle control system includes a housing and a valve configured to control the flow of air to a lower bag that lowers the lift axle into contact with the ground.

Abstract: A lifting arrangement for a wheel shaft of a vehicle operates on a wheel shaft that is movably suspended in a vehicle frame structure through one or more stay devices. The stay devices are articulatedly connected to the frame structure through at least one frame connection, and to the wheel shaft by at least one shaft connection. A lifting device is arranged in connection with the frame structure and the stay device to raise the wheel shaft in a vertical direction relative to the frame structure when actuated. The stay device provides a compact mechanism to permit the vehicle axle to be lifted, while preserving room for other vehicle components.

Abstract: A stretcher includes an elongated base having a head end and a foot end, a plurality of floor-engaging casters rotatably mounted to the base, a radiolucent upper deck, head and foot end hydraulic cylinders coupled to the base adjacent to the head and foot ends thereof, and head and foot end connectors for coupling the head and foot end hydraulic cylinders to the head and foot ends of the upper deck. The head and foot end connectors secure the upper deck to the base while allowing (a) movement of the upper deck between a low position and a high position, (aa) translation of the upper deck toward the foot end of the base, and (aaa) rotation of the upper deck to a Trendelenberg position or to a reverse Trendelenberg position. The head end and foot end hydraulic cylinders are spaced apart to define a central imaging region above the base between the hydraulic cylinders which is free of structure that would interfere with imaging.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a cylinder, a piston rod projecting from an upper portion of the cylinder, and an electric motor for adjusting a vehicle height and/or controlling a damping force. The rotational motion of the motor is converted into a linear motion of the piston rod and vice versa.

Abstract: An auxiliary axle system for a work vehicle is disclosed including a pair of spaced arms pivotally mounted to the vehicle, at least one tag axle and wheel and a cross member and a latch pin carried on one arm. An operating system for moving the auxiliary axle assembly between a raised stowed position and a ground engaging support position is provided with a modular latch mechanism for retaining the auxiliary axle assembly in the elevated position by containing the latch pin. The modular latch mechanism is carried on a base plate mounted as a unit through adjustable bolt slots behind an existing vehicle metal structure so that only a hook device extends beyond the plate.

Abstract: A stretcher for transporting a patient along a floor includes a frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the frame, a wheel supported relative to the frame and engaging the floor, and a drive assembly drivingly couplable to the wheel. The drive assembly has a first mode of operation decoupled from the wheel so that the wheel is free to rotate in response to movement of the stretcher along the floor, and a second mode of operation coupled to the wheel to drive the wheel and propel the stretcher along the floor.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for rotating a brake-steer shaft of a stretcher. The pedal assembly includes a yoke coupled to the brake-steer shaft to rotate therewith and a flip-over pedal having a proximal end coupled to the yoke and a distal end spaced therefrom. The flip-over pedal is pivotable about a flip-over axis relative to the yoke. The flip-over pedal has a first orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the yoke in a first direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a first direction. The flip-over pedal has a second orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the yoke in a second direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A lift dolly apparatus is described for use in lifting and transporting objects. A latching mechanism is described which securely latches the dolly in the lifted position and can be easily released by using a foot pedal.

Abstract: A stretcher for transporting a patient along a floor includes an elongated frame, a patient-support deck carried by the frame, and an elongated shaft having a longitudinally-extending axis of rotation. The shaft is coupled to the frame for rotation about the axis of rotation between a first orientation and a second orientation. The stretcher also includes a wheel supported relative to the frame and movable relative to the frame in response to rotation of the shaft. The wheel is in a first position engaging the floor when the shaft is in the first orientation and the wheel is in a second position spaced apart from the floor when the shaft is in the second orientation.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient in a substantially horizontal position, the wheeled carriage has thereon a patient support having head and foot ends and a wheeled base supported by castered wheels. An auxiliary wheel and a wheel support structure therefor suspendedly mount the auxiliary wheel at its axis to the wheeled base at a distance L in a horizontal direction from the center of gravity of the wheeled carriage along the length of the wheeled base when the auxiliary wheel is engaged with the floor surface. A moment Mmass is defined by the distance L multiplied by a force Fmass, the force Fmass being defined by the mass of the carriage or carriage and patient at the center of gravity. The moment Mmass is greater at all times than a moment Mforce to prevent teetering of the wheeled carriage, where moment Mforce is defined by multiplying the height H by a force Fmax. The force Fmax is the force required to move the wheeled carriage.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient in a substantially horizontal position, which wheeled carriage has thereon a patient support having head and foot regions and a pair of lateral side regions and a wheeled base supported at least by three floor surface engaging and castered wheels spaced from one another at locations defining corners of a theoretical polygon. An auxiliary wheel and a support structure therefor are suspendedly mounting the auxiliary wheel to the wheeled base. The auxiliary wheel is oriented inside a boundary of the theoretical polygon and includes an axle about which the wheel rotates. A control structure includes a first manually manipulatable member at at least one of the pair of lateral side regions and a second manually manipulatable member at at least one of the head end and the foot end so that an attendant can operate a selected one of the manually manipulatable members to effect a movement of the auxiliary wheel and the support structure therefor.

Abstract: Wheel assemblies for attachment to a carriage or a vehicle. The wheel assemblies can be configured for four wheel steering, locked in predetermined directions, or free pivoting. The wheel assemblies further include an apparatus for retracting and extending the wheels of the carriage to support the carriage on fixed length supports.

Abstract: A compact, trailing, auxiliary axle system is attached to a truck for carrying additional weight and distributing the weight of the truck over a greater number of axles and a greater maximum total distance of distribution of those axles. The apparatus is attached high, and may be secured to the body of a truck, such as a refuse truck, reducing the total length of extension from the rear of the truck, yet pivoting from a comparatively high position for easy stowage above the bubble or bulkhead protruding from the tailgate of a truck. Hydraulic actuation relies on pulling, during deployment, providing improved resistance to buckling, protection from road damage, with short coupling for improved strength of booms, hydraulics, and cross members. Conduits may carry control and power through the frame of the assembly, and conventional suspension components may be used.