Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wheeled transport device featuring at least one castor which has a wheel and a brake system which has a contact member with one opening which is defined by an edge. The contact member is configured to be manipulated between an applied state, where the edge is in contact with the wheel, and a released state where the edge is not in contact with the wheel.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus operable by a user for transporting a patient along stairs. A seat section is coupled to a support structure supporting a track assembly having a belt. A motor selectively generates torque to drive the belt. A user interface is arranged for engagement by the user, and has a direction input control for selecting a drive direction of the motor, and an activation input control for operating the motor to drive the belt. A controller in communication with the motor and the user interface is configured to limit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control preceding engagement of the direction input control to prevent driving the belt, and to permit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control following engagement of the direction input control to drive the belt in a selected drive direction.

Abstract: Patient transport apparatus with defined transport height comprises a support structure and a litter that are interconnected by a lift mechanism. The support structure comprises a base frame and a plurality of articulable support members or legs. The litter comprises a litter frame and a patient support surface with articulating back and leg sections. The lift mechanism may comprise one or more actuators configured to raise and lower the litter between a lowered position and one or more defined raised positions. The Patient transport apparatus may further comprise a controller coupled to one or more sensors and the lift mechanism. The controller may be configured to define a transport height for the litter based, at least in part, on a characteristic detected by the one or more sensors, and to manipulate the lift mechanism to adjust the litter to the defined transport height.

Abstract: Roll-in cots having lift assist mechanisms and lift assist mechanisms are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a lift assist mechanism includes a force application member having an actuation element, an actuation mechanism comprising a first grasp handle and a second grasp handle, and a force transmission assembly. The force transmission assembly includes a first keyway plate that is coupled to the first grasp handle, a second keyway plate that is coupled to the second grasp handle, and an actuation pin that extends through both the first keyway plate and the second keyway plate, where the actuation pin selectively applies a force to the actuation element of the force application member.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus is provided for use with a retainer of a transport vehicle. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a patient support surface to support a patient. An engagement member is coupled to the support structure and arranged to engage the retainer when unloading the patient transport apparatus from the transport vehicle. A dampener is operable in a standby state or a resistance state such that the dampener provides increased resistance to movement of the patient transport apparatus in the resistance state as compared to the standby state. The resistance state of the dampener is activated by manually moving the patient transport apparatus in a first direction and the standby state is activated by manually moving the patient transport apparatus in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a surgical table base with sufficient stiffness and adjustable support members with force feedback are described herein. In some embodiments, a base for a surgical table includes a base body to which other components of a surgical table can be coupled. A surgical table, and optionally a patient supportable by the surgical table, and any equipment to be carried by the surgical table, collectively representing a table load to be carried by the base body to support the surgical table on a surface. The base further includes a support assembly coupled to the base body to support the base body on the surface. The support assembly includes at least four support members. Each support member has a surface-engaging end and can transmit a portion of a total load represented by the weight of the base and the table load through the surface-engaging end to the surface. The surface-engaging ends of any three of the four support members define a plane.

Abstract: A chair includes a seat support, a leg frame extended underneath the seat support, a back support upwardly extended from the seat support, and a back support guiding arrangement. The back support guiding arrangement includes a guiding wheel rotatably mounted on a rear side of the back support for biasing against an external object so that when the back support of the chair accidentally hits the external object, the guiding wheel is arranged to act as a buffer to minimize damage imparted on the external object.

Abstract: A deployable gurney lift assembly (12), which has a carriage assembly (14) plate (20) with two pivot arms (38) disposed opposite one another on each side of the carriage assembly (14), an antler holder (16) to accommodate a bar of the gurney, and at least one hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric jack (22) lift actuator for lifting and lowering the arms (38). Retractable deployment apparatus for slidably moving the retractable deployment apparatus along a length of base tracks (28). Base tracks (28) having rear ends terminating in stops (42), and carriage assembly (14) guides slidably engaged along deployment tracks (28).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a roll-in cot may include a support frame, a pair of front legs, a pair of back legs, and a cot actuation system. The pair of front legs may be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each front leg includes at least one front wheel. The pair of back legs may be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each back leg includes at least one back wheel. The cot actuation system includes a front actuator that moves the front legs and a back actuator that moves the back legs. The front actuator and the back actuator raises or lowers the support frame in tandem. The front actuator raises or lowers the front end of the support frame independently of the back actuator. The back actuator raises or lowers the back end of the support frame independently of the front actuator.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a base and a litter supported by the base. The patient support apparatus also comprises powered devices that perform one or more predetermined functions on the patient support apparatus. A user interface is employed to control the powered devices. The user interface is designed to enable caregivers to cause operation of the powered devices with fewer buttons, while retaining functionality in using powered devices.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a litter that includes a support structure articulable between seated and supine configurations. The support structure includes a seat section and a leg section coupled to the seat section and articulable relative to the seat section around a seat axis between first and second angular positions corresponding to the seated and supine configurations, respectively. The apparatus includes a steerable wheel assembly coupled to and rotatable relative to the leg section around a steering axis, and a wheel system including a deployment frame coupled to and rotatable relative to the leg section around a pivot axis and a wheel coupled to and rotatable relative to the deployment frame around a wheel axis parallel to the seat axis. The apparatus includes a wheel deployment mechanism configured to rotate the deployment frame around the pivot axis when the leg section articulates between the first and second angular positions.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure. The support structure comprises a base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. One or more handle assemblies are coupled to the frame to maneuver the patient transport apparatus. Each handle assembly comprises a handle and a handle extension supporting the handle. The handle extension is configured to articulate relative to the frame from a stowed position to a use position such that the handle is adjacent to the frame in the stowed position and the handle is extended from the frame by the handle extension in the use position. The apparatus also includes a locking device comprising one or more locking elements configured to discretely lock and unlock the handle extension relative to the frame in the use position or the stowed position.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for patient support include arrangements of patient support tops, that are selectively connectible with a connection assembly, through a slide assembly allowing particular arrangement of the patient support tops. The patient support tops can be arranged for flip rotation to assist in positioning a patient's body.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a base frame with a plurality of caster wheel assemblies, each of the caster wheel assemblies including a caster brake actuator movable between a total braking position and a non-braking position. A linkage system is coupled to the caster brake actuators for controlling the caster brake actuators and is operable to move the caster brake actuators between their total braking positions and their non-braking positions. The linkage system is configured to compensate for tolerances in the linkage system wherein the linkage system can control the caster brake actuators to simultaneously move between their total braking positions and their non-braking positions.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a deck with a seat section, a leg section, and a back section. The back section is pivotally mounted to the seat section. The leg section has a proximal end pivotally mounted to the seat section and a cantilevered end spaced a first distance from its proximal end. The seat section, the leg section, and the back section are arranged to lie in a common plane when the deck is in a supine configuration to support a person in a supine position. A lift is mounted to the seat section of the deck, with the lift being configured to raise the deck relative to a supporting floor surface to a maximum height less than the first distance.

Abstract: A retractable wheel system includes a rotatable member, a swing arm attached to the rotatable member and a wheel, a swing mount attached to the rotatable member, and a spring member. The spring member is attached to the swing mount at a connection point on a first end and to the swing arm on a second end. The spring member is rotatable relative to the swing mount at the connection point. The spring member is configured to apply a force in an upward direction when the connection point is above a line extending between a wheel attachment point and a swing arm rotation point of the swing arm and a force in a downward direction when the connection point is below the line of the swing arm. A transportation unit including the retractable wheel system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power ambulance cot having a cot control system operably connected to a cot actuation system to control independent raising and lowering of front and back legs thereof, and which detects a presence of a signal requesting a change in elevation of a support frame thereof and causes the cot actuation system to raising or the lowering of the front and/or back legs automatically upon detecting a condition during loading/unloading a patient from an emergency vehicle or transporting the patient up or down an escalator and methods thereafter are disclosed.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are a restraint system for securing a gurney in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a conventional antler and rail-type gurney restraint system is improved by the addition of a center latch restraint that engages with a latch member secured by a support bracket to the underside of the gurney. In one configuration, the latch member enters into engagement with the center latch restraint through lateral movement of the control end of the gurney. In that respect, the EMT may use the same autonomic movements used with the conventional antler and rail-type system to secure the gurney in the vehicle. Optionally, one or more of the gurney occupant restraint belts are directly connected to the support bracket, whereby occupant loads during an accident will bypass the gurney and occupant head excursions can be reduced.

Abstract: A mortuary tray for use within a first call vehicle for removing the body of a decedent from the place of death is adjustable in length to suit various vehicles and may be readily broken down into component parts for economical shipping. A rear part is adjustably received within a front part, and a ramp is hinged to the front part. These three parts may be fabricated of lightweight sheet-metal. The front part has protruding fasteners which extend within parallel slots in the rear part and secured by nuts. The ramp has three segments defined by two folds: a first segment aligns with and extends over the rear opening of a vehicle, a second segment extends over the rear bumper, and a narrow third part is the first which engages a mortuary cot as it enters the vehicle.

Abstract: A caster assembly for use with varies structures, including ladders and elevated platforms is provided. In one embodiment, the caster assembly includes a first wheel coupled with a first bracket and configured to rotate about a first axis relative to the first bracket. A shaft is coupled to the first bracket as well as to a second bracket. The first bracket is rotatable relative to the second bracket about a second axis, which may be coincident with, or parallel to, an axis of the shaft. A third bracket is coupled with the shaft and is rotatable about the second axis, the third bracket being selectively locked in at least two positions relative to the second bracket. A second wheel is coupled with the third bracket, the second wheel being rotatable relative to the third bracket about a third axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for at least semi-autonomously manoeuvring a motor vehicle (1), in which a sensor (4) is used to determine a position value describing a current relative position between an object (8) in an area (7) surrounding the motor vehicle (1) and the motor vehicle (1), a driving trajectory (13) is determined, the motor vehicle (1) is manoeuvred along the determined driving trajectory (13), the position value is continuously updated during manoeuvring of the motor vehicle (1) on the basis of odometry, and contact between at least one wheel of the motor vehicle (1) and the object (8) is detected, wherein the position value is corrected if the contact between the at least one wheel and the object (8) is detected and the position value describes a relative position which differs from the contact between the at least one wheel and the object (8).

Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to powered pusher devices configured to push wheeled objects from one location to another. Further embodiments relate to wheeled objects such as carts for transporting items from one location to another. Other embodiments relate to platform powered pushers that can be coupled to a family of various wheeled objects.

Abstract: A patient transport loading and unloading apparatus for an emergency vehicle includes at least one support configured for mounting at the access opening of the vehicle. The support is deployable between a stowed position (in which the support cannot support the patient transport apparatus) and a deployed or loading position. Further, the support is configured to remain generally horizontal when the patient transport apparatus is loaded onto the support and while the patient transport apparatus is moved into the vehicle through the access opening.

Abstract: Cot fastening systems (2) which fix and hold an emergency cot (14) to a crash stable cot fastener track (12) provided within an emergency vehicle (8). The track (12) has a longitudinal length with front (85) and back ends (80), open side rails (28, 30) longitudinally extending between the ends, and a channel (86, 88) centrally located between the rails. The side rails (28, 30) align, accommodate and guide a forward fixture (4) of the cot towards the front end (85) as the cot (14) is rolled within the vehicle to retain the forward fixture (4) adjacent the front end (85) at least vertically and laterally. The channel (86, 88) accommodates and retains a rearward fixture (6) adjacent the back end (80) at least vertically and laterally. A securing mechanism (70,102) releasably prevents removal of the forward fixture (4) from the open side rails and removal of the rearward fixture (6) from the channel (86, 88).

Abstract: A patient support including a base; a patient support surface supported by the base; an electrically powered device; a rechargeable power storage device for powering the electrically powered device; and a receiving coil electrically coupled to the rechargeable power supply for inductive coupling with a transmitting coil. The receiving coil is for recharging the rechargeable power supply when the receiving coil is inductively coupled to the transmitting coil.

Abstract: A method and an alignment system which auto-levels and/or auto-centers a loading platform (104) to load and unload a wheeled stretcher (106) to and from an emergency transport vehicle (100) are disclosed. A controller (114) of the alignment system receives a command to extend the loading platform from the emergency vehicle and extends the loading platform under power from the emergency transport vehicle. The controller recognizes an approaching wheeled stretcher, and aligns automatically the loading platform with a leading edge of the approaching wheeled stretcher to compensate automatically for any alignment issues between the loading platform and loading wheels (130) of the wheeled stretcher.

Abstract: A multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) computer control system in a heavy equipment machine is in communication with multiple sensors in order to measure deviations from a path to be followed. Sensor corrections are applied to return the heavy equipment machine to a path to be followed or to restrain the machine from deviating from the path to be followed. Sensor corrections affect a controlled variable, such as cross-slope. Sensor corrections may account for false positives and false negatives. Sensor corrections are applied to the heavy equipment machine using a gain matrix (G). The multiple vectors of gain values comprising the gain matrix (G) are utilized by the MIMO computer control system to simultaneously and proportionally actuate each drive leg of the machine to obtain a desired grade including a compensated slope and/or elevation.

Abstract: A harness system for a patient transport apparatus. The harness system comprises one or more harness assemblies. Each harness assembly comprises a flexible restraint member formed of a coated fabric and comprising one or more joints in which stitches join sections of the coated fabric. Covers are attached to the coated fabric over the stitches to provide a barrier to outside contaminants and to ease cleaning of the flexible restraint member.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a roll-in cot may include a support frame, a pair of front legs, a pair of back legs, and a cot actuation system. The pair of front legs may be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each front leg includes at least one front wheel. The pair of back legs may be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each back leg includes at least one back wheel. The cot actuation system includes a front actuator that moves the front legs and a back actuator that moves the back legs. The front actuator and the back actuator raises or lowers the support frame in tandem. The front actuator raises or lowers the front end of the support frame independently of the back actuator. The back actuator raises or lowers the back end of the support frame independently of the front actuator.

Abstract: A siderail assembly for a person support apparatus comprises a siderail body, a grip portion, and a power communication device. The siderail body includes a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extending between the front surface and the back surface. The side surface defines a perimeter of the siderail body. The grip portion includes a siderail opening through a portion of the siderail body. The grip opening has an upper grip opening portion that cooperates with the side surface to define a grip. The power communication device is configured to communicate power wirelessly to a device in communication therewith.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a roll-in cot may include a support frame, a pair of back legs, a pair of front legs, and a cot actuation system. The pair of back legs and the pair of front legs can be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each of the pair of front legs can include a front wheel and an intermediate load wheel. The intermediate load wheel is offset from the front wheel by a load wheel distance. A front actuator can raise the pair of front legs such that the front wheel and the intermediate load wheel of each of the pair of front legs are aligned along a loading level. The intermediate load wheel of each of the pair of front legs can be offset from the pair of back legs by a loading span. The load wheel distance can be greater than the loading span.

Abstract: A diagnostic assembly (30, 320) and method for detecting a presence of cancer in a breast of a patient. The diagnostic assembly (20, 320) comprises a frame (22, 322), at least one cold bar (26, 326, 426) supported by the frame (22, 322) for receiving a hand of the patient, and a temperature controller (72) in communication with the cold bar (26, 326, 426) to maintain a constant temperature of the cold bar (26, 326, 426). The method comprises the steps of cooling at least one hand of the patient and recording a test thermal image of the breast of the patient after the hand of the patient has been cooled. The step of cooling the hand of the patient includes receiving the hand of the patient on the cold bar (26, 326, 426) to transfer heat from the hand of the patient to the cold bar (26, 326, 426), and maintaining the cold bar (26, 326, 426) at a preselected temperature.

Abstract: Roll-in cots having wheel alignment mechanisms. According to one embodiment, a roll-in cot includes a support frame, a pair of legs pivotably and slidably coupled to the support frame, and a pair of hinge members that are pivotably coupled to the support frame and to one of the legs. The roll-in cot also includes a wheel linkage pivotably coupled to the pair of legs and a wheel alignment mechanism. The legs and the hinge members pivot relative to one another in a relative angular rotation ratio and the wheel alignment mechanism rotates the wheel alignment mechanism relative to the hinge members at a reduction ratio. The relative angular rotation ratio of the legs and the hinge members is approximately inverse to the reduction ratio of the wheel alignment mechanism.

Abstract: An MRI compatible stretcher has a plurality of non-magnetically susceptible and electrically conductive metal members in physically overlapping sections, each having electrically non-conductive spacers separating the overlapping sections to prevent electrical conductivity there between. The insulators break electrical conductivity and thereby prevent the formation of large and continuous metal current loops, while the overlap ensures continuous metal strength and integrity. In particular embodiments, flanges terminate longitudinally extensive metal members, and the electrically non-conductive spacers separate the flanges from adjacent metal members. Fasteners secure the flanges, spacers and adjacent metal members together.

Abstract: A locking mechanism (100) includes one or more casters (102,103,104,105) coupled to a frame (101). A lift mechanism (106,107) is distally extendable from the frame to elevate the casters. A pivoting bar (108) is pivotable relative to the frame to distally extend the lift mechanism from the frame. A foot pedal (113) is pivotable relative to the pivoting bar between a closed position and an angularly displaced open position. When in the angularly displaced open position, the foot pedal can extend distally from the pivoting bar.

Abstract: A mobilization device adapted to be attached to a piece of conveying equipment such as a gurney. The device includes a base. The coupling structure is connected with the base for supporting at least a portion of the conveying equipment. The device also includes a wheel assembly that is sized to hold the wheels of the conveying equipment off of the ground. The wheel assemblies of the device are used to move the conveying equipment and include tires having a relatively larger height and width to aid in increasing the mobility of the conveying equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liftable hospital bed, comprising a bedplate base frame (1) symmetrical about a transverse central plane and a longitudinal central plane, wherein two ends of the bedplate base frame (1) are provided with bed leg rods (2), the lower end of the bed leg rods (2) being hinged to a first roller device (3) in contact with the ground and the upper end of the bed leg rods (2) being connected to a second roller device (4), the second roller device (4) being slidable in tracks (5) on the bedplate base frame (1) and the tracks (5) being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bedplate base frame (1); connecting rods (6) are hinged to the bed leg rods (2); and a turnover mechanism is further provided for changing included angles between the bed leg rods (2) and the bedplate base frame (1) to lift the bedplate base frame (1), the turnover mechanism comprises the connecting rods (6) and a thrust mechanism, end portions of the thrust mechanism drive the connecting rods (6) to rotate via a hinged four-rod mech

Abstract: A portable transfer board can facilitate moving a person having limited mobility, for example a person in a wheelchair transferring himself or herself into or out of a wheelchair. The portable transfer board can be transported in a compact configuration and placed in a transfer configuration on an as-needed basis. For example, a user or caregiver can tote the portable transfer board in a backpack, in a compartment on a wheelchair, or on his or her person. When needed for transfer, the user or caregiver can reconfigure the transfer board, so that at least one dimension is lengthened, and deploy the transfer board.

Abstract: A two-wheeled cart is especially adapted for use as a game cart and may be easily towed by a conventional mountain bike. The cart has two interchangeable wheel positions. In the first wheel position the wheels are attached to the frame at opposite lateral sides of the cart and in this position the center of mass of a load carried on the bed of the cart is relatively low. In the second wheel position the wheels are aligned one in front of the other along the direction of travel as the cart is moved; in this position, the bed of the cart is raised to a relatively higher position than the position of the bed when the wheels are in the first wheel position so the center of mass of a load carried on the bed is relatively higher than when the wheels are in the first wheel position.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a frame, a lift mechanism supporting the frame, and a litter deck for supporting a person. The litter deck is adapted to be reconfigured between a chair configuration and a cot configuration. The litter deck is also adapted to be removably mounted to the frame, with the litter deck being adapted to be supported by the frame while the litter deck is in its chair configuration and also while being reconfigured between its chair configuration and its cot configuration.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a roll-in cot may include a support frame, a pair of back legs, a pair of front legs, and a cot actuation system. The pair of back legs and the pair of front legs can be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each of the pair of front legs can include a front wheel and an intermediate load wheel. The intermediate load wheel is offset from the front wheel by a load wheel distance. A front actuator can raise the pair of front legs such that the front wheel and the intermediate load wheel of each of the pair of front legs are aligned along a loading level. The intermediate load wheel of each of the pair of front legs can be offset from the pair of back legs by a loading span. The load wheel distance can be greater than the loading span.

Abstract: A transport carriage for transport for transport of a patient support and/or an operating table column of an operating table includes a chassis which is connectable with the patient support and/or with the operating table column. The chassis includes a first longitudinal beam and a second longitudinal beam arranged at a distance thereto. The first and second longitudinal beams form a fork-shaped opening. At least one castor which is pivotable about a swiveling axis is arranged at each longitudinal beam forming the fork-shaped opening. The transport carriage includes at least one delimiting unit for delimiting the swiveling movement of at least one of the castors about its swiveling axis. This delimitation can be automatically revoked upon lifting the base of the operating table.

Abstract: A patient transfer device for transferring a patient resting on a sheet from a first resting device to a second resting device.

Abstract: A bed is composed of combining a wheelchair and a bed main body portion. The wheelchair has a seating bottom portion composed of bendably coupling a plurality of divided members, a chair bottom support member supporting the seating bottom portion, a chair base portion for fixing the chair bottom support member, and traveling wheels supporting the chair base portion. The bed main body portion has a bed bottom portion composed of bendably coupling a plurality of divided members, a bed bottom support member supporting the bed bottom portion, and a bed base portion for fixing the bed bottom support member. In a case where the wheelchair and the bed main body portion are combined, a support member supporting the seating bottom portion is switched from the chair bottom support member to the bed bottom support member.

Abstract: A combined type nursing bed. A moveable backrest is provided on a fixed bed body, and a wheelchair is disposed at an end of the moveable backrest. The wheelchair includes three rectangular plates, a wheelchair support, and a second driving mechanism. When in use, the three rectangular plates are driven by the second driving mechanism and pivots around rotating shafts to form the wheelchair. The wheelchair can be separated from the bed body. Through separation and combination of the wheelchair and the bed body, a patient can be easily transferred. The transferring process does not require hard labor of the nursing personnel, and the patients do not suffer addition discomfort due to use of the nursing bed.

Abstract: A patient support including a base; a patient support surface supported by the base; an electrically powered device; a rechargeable power storage device for powering the electrically powered device; and a receiving coil electrically coupled to the rechargeable power supply for inductive coupling with a transmitting coil. The receiving coil is for recharging the rechargeable power supply when the receiving coil is inductively coupled to the transmitting coil.

Abstract: A slidable conveying assembly may include a latch frame and a latch rod rotatably engaged with, and extending at least partially through the latch frame. The latch rod may include a latch paddle at a first end. The assembly may also include a notch frame configured to slidably engage with the latch frame and a notched bar that may extend at least partially through the front notch frame and that may include multiple notches. The assembly may also include a biasing mechanism operably coupled to the latch frame and the latch rod and configured to bias the latch paddle into the multiple notches such that the latch paddle is biased into removable engagement with the multiple notches as the latch frame slides along the notch frame.

Abstract: A rolling cart comprises a frame unit defining an interior space in which items are transportable; a wheel, the wheel having a boundary defined by a circumference, a left edge maximum extent, and a right edge maximum extent; and the interior space at least partly within the boundary. The rolling cart may further comprise a container in which the items are transportable suspended within the interior space. The container can be integral to the frame unit. In another variation, the rolling cart further comprises: a plurality of left rollers rotatably connected to the frame unit; a plurality of right rollers rotatably connected to the frame unit; a left inner surface defined by the wheel, the left inner surface contacting the left rollers for rotatable support; and a right inner surface defined by the wheel, the right inner surface contacting the right rollers for rotatable support.

Abstract: A foldable trolley for supporting a stretcher, including a foldable frame having a pair of vertical support members that are rigidly secured to each other by a first horizontal member, and a pair of elongated frame members that are pivotally secured to the pair of vertical support members at their respective bottom ends and rigidly connected by a second horizontal member, a wheel assembly including a first wheel and a second wheel rotatably attached to a corresponding vertical support member, and a plurality of clamp assemblies, each clamp assembly being mounted to a top end of each vertical support member and each elongated frame members, each clamp assembly being movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: An MRI compatible stretcher has a plurality of non-magnetically susceptible and electrically conductive metal members in physically overlapping sections, each having electrically non-conductive spacers separating the overlapping sections to prevent electrical conductivity there between. The insulators break electrical conductivity and thereby prevent the formation of large and continuous metal current loops, while the overlap ensures continuous metal strength and integrity. In particular embodiments, flanges terminate longitudinally extensive metal members, and the electrically non-conductive spacers separate the flanges from adjacent metal members. Fasteners secure the flanges, spacers and adjacent metal members together.