Abstract: An ambulance cot is disclosed and the ambulance cot having a base frame configured for support on a surface, a litter frame configured for supporting thereon a patient and an elevating mechanism interconnecting the base frame and the litter frame and configured to interconnect the litter frame and the base frame in order to facilitate movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward and away from each other. A control mechanism is provided on the cot which is configured to facilitate the movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward each other and at differing speeds predicated on at least one of whether the base frame is supported on the surface and the litter frame is supported by an external support separate from the elevating mechanism.

Abstract: An ambulance cot is disclosed and the ambulance cot having a base frame configured for support on a surface, a litter frame configured for supporting thereon a patient and an elevating mechanism interconnecting the base frame and the litter frame and configured to interconnect the litter frame and the base frame in order to facilitate movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward and away from each other. A control mechanism is provided on the cot which is configured to facilitate the movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward each other and at differing speeds predicated on at least one of whether the base frame is supported on the surface and the litter frame is supported by an external support separate from the elevating mechanism.

Abstract: A positive lock for an ambulance cot and method thereof which requires lifting an upper frame of the ambulance cot, in order to permit a spring actuator to clear an interference fit of the positive lock, are provided. If the upper frame is not lifted, then the spring force used to pull on the positive lock is insufficient to overcome the interference fit. Clearing the interference fit permits the cot to be height adjusted. Optionally, a light indicator may be provided which illuminates if the cot has not been positively locked in a height adjusted position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle used in transporting or treating large numbers of victims or patients from a mass-casualty incident to or from a hospital in an evacuation situation. The typical vehicle contains a stacked stretcher system, a loading ramp system, and an oxygen system. This vehicle must have an independent energy source or must be capable of being powered by an outside energy source. The vehicle can be flexible enough to provide facilities for treatment of victims either at the site of a disaster, in route from the disaster, at any remote site, or near a healthcare facility. A variation of the vehicle contains refrigeration or freezer units and is capable of transporting or maintaining casualties until mortuary services can be obtained. Variations of the equipment include trays made of stainless steel, stretchers that can be easily cleaned and that allow for easy drainage of liquids.

Abstract: A stretcher for transporting patients, comprising a rest plane (2) for supporting a patient in a substantially lying position, and means for raising (3, 35) for raising the rest plane (2) with respect to the surface on which the stretcher (1) is resting, comprising at least two distinct support elements (3) which rest on a ground surface, each of which is connected to the rest plane (2) such as to be able to move, independently of the other thereof, between a respective closed position and a respective open position, such that when both the support elements (3) are in a closed position, the rest plane (2) is supported at a lower height, and when both the support elements (3) are in an open position, the rest plane (2) is supported at a greater height, and motor means (35) for moving the support elements (3) from the respective closed positions into the respective open positions, such as to raise the rest plane (2).

Abstract: A roll-in cot having a patient support attached to a wheeled transporter wherein the wheeled transporter comprises leading and trailing collapsible legs having respective proximal ends pivotally connected to a frame and distal ends including wheels wherein at least the leading or the trailing collapsible legs are operable from a locked condition by a release assembly wherein the release assembly comprises a safety and a leg release wherein one of said safety and said leg release comprises a linkage, wherein in an activated condition the linkage prevents the collapse of the collapsible legs, said linkage is connected to a touch bar disposed in front of said collapsible legs whereby engagement of the touch bar against a platform deactivates the linkage and enables the collapsible legs to be collapsed on release of the other of said safety and said leg release.

Abstract: A bed comprises a main frame, a leg comprising at least one leg member and at least one link, and a stabilizer connecting the leg member to the main frame. At least portions of the main frame, the leg, the link, and the stabilizer form a four bar system for raising and lowering the bed.

Abstract: A roll-in cot (1) having a patient support attached to a wheeled transporter wherein the wheeled transporter comprises leading (3) and trailing (4) collapsible legs having respective proximal ends pivotally connected to a frame (2) and distal ends including swivel castor wheels (18A, 18B) wherein at least the swivel castors (18A) of the leading collapsible legs (3) are operable in either a swivel or lock mode, and wherein the swivel mode is only operable by a castor release mechanism (22) while the cot (1) is in a fully upright position.

Abstract: Representative embodiments include a support apparatus that can be positioned between a load element and a support element to cushion the load element against vibration with respect to the support element. A receiving member and a base member are movably engaged along an axis of movement. An element engaging surface is defined on one of the members and is configured to releasably engage one of the elements. A vibration reduction device mounted between the members and configured to yieldably resist relative movement of the members toward one another.

Abstract: An ambulance cot comprising generally a variable height support frame which is positionable and maneuverable above a surface by adjustable legs having support wheels and a method of use are disclosed. The support frame has a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion having loading wheels. With the cot in a lowest position, the loading wheel are configured to rotate about a single axis when engaging the surface and to be positioned above the surface when the second portion is placed in a raised position relative to the first portion. The cot further includes a swivel castor mounted to the first portion between the loading wheels and the support wheels. When the cot is in the lowest position, the swivel castor engages the surface and will rotate about two axes when the second portion is in the raised position and about the same axis as the loading wheels when the second portion is not in the raised position.

Abstract: An arresting device used in a cot fastening system for an emergency vehicle is disclosed. The arresting device includes an extension beam providing a bolt pattern, and a pair of antler brackets each having first and second hook portions. The present invention may be used with a plurality of prior art cots, without requiring modifications or installation changes to the emergency vehicle or the cot fastening system to which the arresting device is a part thereof.

Abstract: An ambulance cot loading and unloading device which utilizes an elongate guide track configured for mounting to a floor surface of a cargo area on the ambulance. A trolley is supported for movement relative to the guide track and has an elongate boom. The ambulance cot has a powered collapsible and extendable base and a patient support deck mounted on the base. A connection mechanism is provided on the trolley and the ambulance cot which is configured to interconnect and securely hold the ambulance cot on the trolley.

Abstract: An ambulance cot loading and unloading device which utilizes an elongate guide track configured for mounting to a floor surface of a cargo area on the ambulance. A trolley is supported for movement relative to the guide track and has an elongate boom. The ambulance cot has a powered collapsible and extendable base and a patient support deck mounted on the base. A connection mechanism is provided on the trolley and the ambulance cot which is configured to interconnect and securely hold the ambulance cot on the trolley.

Abstract: A stretcher (18) has front wheels that are powered by a motor (146). An operator actuates a lever (150) to cause the wheel to be powered. The powered wheels can be moved between a position in which they are constrained to rotate about a common axis extending between the wheels to a position in which each wheel can swivel separately.

Abstract: A stretcher comprising an upper frame for placing a litter thereon, having casters on a front leg and a rear leg; a constant load spring serving as a slide mechanism for changing the position of the upper frame vertically; a pin lock mechanism for fixing the upper frame having been moved vertically at an arbitrary position; a trapezoidal concave-shaped fitting groove for fixing the head side of a litter to the front end part of the upper frame; and a C-shaped hook for fixing the foot side of the litter to the rear end part of the upper frame, characterized in that a vertically and longitudinally adjustable lock supporter engaging with a lock piece for fixing the stretcher installed on the cargo bed of an ambulance or the like is provided in the rear part of the stretcher, and the pin lock mechanism is mounted with an emergency lever.

Abstract: An ambulance cot has a wheeled base and a patient litter. The patient litter includes a pair of hollow, laterally spaced, longitudinally extending side rails, the side rails being configured to extend from a head end to a foot end of the patient litter. At least one retractable, generally U-shaped litter section with at least one hand grip is oriented thereon adjacent a bight portion thereof. The legs of the U-shaped litter section are configured to be slidably received into the interior of the respective longitudinally extending side rails, each of the parallel legs having first and second sections and a hinge configuration interconnecting them.

Abstract: An ambulance cot loading and unloading device which utilizes an elongate guide track configured for mounting to a floor surface of a cargo area on the ambulance. A trolley is supported for movement relative to the guide track and has an elongate boom. The ambulance cot has a powered collapsible and extendable base and a patient support deck mounted on the base. A connection mechanism is provided on the trolley and the ambulance cot which is configured to interconnect and securely hold the ambulance cot on the trolley.

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

Abstract: A wheeled object or vehicle, such as a hospital bed (10) comprises a main chassis or frame (12) supported by a plurality of supporting wheels or rollers (11), which define the vertices of a polygonal supporting surface (21). The bed, which is usually moved by a walking person, is provided with at least one motor driven driving device (15), including at least one driving wheel or roller (18), positioned within said polygonal supporting surface. The driving device is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis (14) in relation in the chassis or frame so as to change the angular position of the driving wheel (18) in relation to the chassis or frame. Biasing means, such as a compression spring or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (22, 34) is provided for biasing the driving device (15) in a direction away from the main chassis or frame (12) and towards the supporting surface (21).

Abstract: An ambulance cot loading and unloading device which utilizes an elongate guide track configured for mounting to a floor surface of a cargo area on the ambulance. A trolley is supported for movement relative to the guide track and has an elongate boom. The ambulance cot has a powered collapsible and extendable base and a patient support deck mounted on the base. A connection mechanism is provided on the trolley and the ambulance cot which is configured to interconnect and securely hold the ambulance cot on the trolley.

Abstract: A roll-in cot having a patient support attached to a wheeled transporter wherein the wheeled transporter comprises leading and trailing collapsible legs having respective proximal ends pivotally connected to a frame and distal ends including wheels wherein at least the leading or the trailing collapsible legs are operable from a locked condition by a release assembly wherein the release assembly comprises a safety and a leg release wherein one of said safety and said leg release comprises a linkage, wherein in an activated condition the linkage prevents the collapse of the collapsible legs, said linkage is connected to a touch bar disposed in front of said collapsible legs whereby engagement of the touch bar against a platform deactivates the linkage and enables the collapsible legs to be collapsed on release of the other of said safety and said leg release.

Abstract: A telescoping folding platform that is compact in the retracted and folded configuration and that is made rigid and locked in the unfolded and extended configuration by means of spring biased securements that are incorporated into the structures of the platform. The platform can be given numerous utilitarian embodiments by means of attachments that are locked in place in securements that are incorporated into the structures of the platform. When the attachments are wheels and a drawbar the platform is configured as a cart which has particular utility in off the road emergency rescue situations.

Abstract: An ambulance cot is disclosed and the ambulance cot has, if desired, a wheel supported base and a litter raisable and lowerable by a powered elevating mechanism oriented between the base and the litter. The ambulance cot also has wireless communication capability to facilitate communication between the ambulance cot and a loading system on an ambulance as well as facilitating wireless troubleshooting via a handheld wireless unit. The ambulance cot also has a longitudinally extendable head section. The ambulance cot also has several accessories, such as an accessory hook mounted to the underside of the fowler, and a collapsible pouch accessory fastened to the retractable head section and the litter frame as well as a pinch safety feature.

Abstract: An ambulance cot comprising generally a variable height support frame which is positionable and maneuverable above a surface by adjustable legs having support wheels and a method of use are disclosed. The support frame has a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion having loading wheels. With the cot in a lowest position, the loading wheel are configured to rotate about a single axis when engaging the surface and to be positioned above the surface when the second portion is placed in a raised position relative to the first portion. The cot further includes a swivel castor mounted to the first portion between the loading wheels and the support wheels. When the cot is in the lowest position, the swivel castor engages the surface and will rotate about two axes when the second portion is in the raised position and about the same axis as the loading wheels when the second portion is not in the raised position.

Abstract: A collapsible pneumatically operated ambulance cot having a support frame, a wheeled base, a support mechanism disposed therebetween, and a lift mechanism for pneumatically moving the upper frame relative to the lower frame is disclosed. The lift mechanism permits a single attendant to raise the cot from a lowered position to a raised position, and an infinite number of positions therebetween, and to raise the wheeled base relative to the support frame to situate the cot onto an elevated surface such as the transport deck of an ambulance.

Abstract: An ambulance cot is disclosed and the ambulance cot having a base frame configured for support on a surface, a litter frame configured for supporting thereon a patient and an elevating mechanism interconnecting the base frame and the litter frame and configured to interconnect the litter frame and the base frame in order to facilitate movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward and away from each other. A control mechanism is provided on the cot which is configured to facilitate the movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward each other and at differing speeds predicated on at least one of whether the base frame is supported on the surface and the litter frame is supported by an external support separate from the elevating mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ambulance cots, cot systems and methods of using the same. In particular, the present invention provides an ambulance cot comprising a hydraulic system and a tip angle monitoring, recording and alert system, and methods of using the same (e.g., to transport subjects and/or to detect and/or record operational data related to cot usage).

Abstract: A low profile hospital bed includes a mattress support frame and pivotably mounted wheel frames. Lift actuators connecting between the mattress support frame and the wheel frames move the wheel frames between a folded position and an unfolded position. When the wheel frames are in the folded position, the lift actuators are relatively horizontal and thus unable to provide enough vertical force to move the wheel frames. Accordingly, connecting between the actuators and the wheel frames are leverage members which rotate and urge the wheel frames away from mattress support frame during an initial, first stage of movement as the wheel frames partially unfold. After the first stage of movement, the leverage members function as simple mechanical links between the lift actuators and the wheel frames as the lift actuators continue to power the complete unfolding of the wheel frames.

Abstract: A multiple level elevating cot adapted to be rolled into emergency vehicles, the cot having a wheeled undercarriage supporting a cot frame having a leading end and a trailing end, The leading end comprises a drop frame adapted to be positionable in extended, middle, collapsed, and lengthened positions. Leg members interconnect the cot frame and the undercarriage. A latching device is adapted to selectively secure the leg members in a plurality of elevational positions. The cot further comprises a pair of sidearm supports provided to the cot frame between the leading end and the trailing end, each of the sidearm supports being adapted to be positionable in vertically-up, vertically-down, substantially horizontal, and folded positions relative to the cot frame.

Abstract: An arresting device used in a cot fastening system for an ambulance is disclosed. The arresting device includes an extension beam providing a bolt pattern, and a pair of antler brackets each having a mounting hook portion. The pair of antler brackets is mounted to the extension beam. The present invention may be used with a plurality of prior art cots, without requiring modifications or installation changes to the ambulance or the cot fastening system to which the arresting device is a part thereof.

Abstract: A system comprising an assembly of structures and supports operable for installation in a vehicle for the purpose of transporting at least one medical attendant, one patient disposed on a stretcher, and a driver on a small utility vehicle having a flat horizontal surface or “bed”. The invention provides an improved method for evacuating injured people such as, for example, injured victims of a terrorist attack, or injured soldiers from a battlefield, on a relatively narrow vehicle. The supports are arranged so that at least one patient on a stretcher or spineboard can be placed longitudinally in the bed of the vehicle with a medical practitioner positioned adjacent the patient to attend to the patient's medical needs during transport.

Abstract: A lift-assisted device having a patient support structure, a base, and an undercarriage. The device can be powered by a pneumatic cylinder and a compressed gas source. The undercarriage can be a scissors linkage having at least one first member being slidably connected to the patient support structure an upper end of the first member and pivotally connected to the base at a lower end of the first member, and at least one second scissors linkage member, the second scissors linkage member being pivotally connected to the first scissors linkage member. An upper end of the second member is pivotally connected to the patient support structure, and a lower end of the second member is pivotally connected to the base. The pneumatic cylinder is arranged for moving the upper end of the first member and the lower end of the second member with respect to the patient support structure.

Abstract: A multiple level elevating cot adapted to be rolled into emergency vehicles, the cot having a wheeled undercarriage supporting a cot frame having a leading end and a trailing end, and adapted to selectively secure the cot frame in a plurality of elevational positions. The cot frame includes a pair of side extension arms provided between the leading end and the trailing end, each of the side extension arms being adapted to slidably extend outwardly from a stowed position adjacent the cot frame to an extended position substantially perpendicular to the cot frame. The cot further includes a drop frame that may be lengthened and sidearm supports positionable in vertically-up, vertically-down, substantially horizontal, and a folded position relative to the cot frame. The cot frame may form a part of an integral stretcher or may serve as a carrier to which a separable top structure mounts.

Abstract: A low profile hospital bed includes a mattress support frame and pivotably mounted wheel frames. Lift actuators connecting between the mattress support frame and the wheel frames move the wheel frames between a folded position and an unfolded position. When the wheel frames are in the folded position, the lift actuators are relatively horizontal and thus unable to provide enough vertical force to move the wheel frames. Accordingly, connecting between the actuators and the wheel frames are leverage members which rotate and urge the wheel frames away from mattress support frame during an initial, first stage of movement as the wheel frames partially unfold. After the first stage of movement, the leverage members function as simple mechanical links between the lift actuators and the wheel frames as the lift actuators continue to power the complete unfolding of the wheel frames.

Abstract: A stretcher comprises a patient support area supported by front legs and rear legs. The front legs and rear legs are coupled by a gear mechanism, and an actuation device coupled to the gear mechanism effects retraction or extension of the stretcher in a smooth and continuous motion. The actuation device is operable to lock the gear mechanism to position the stretcher at any desired height between fully extended and fully retracted.

Abstract: An undercarriage for transporting a stretcher includes a support base, which is adapted for supporting a stretcher, a first pair of legs pivotally mounted to the support base, and a second pair of legs pivotally and slidably mounted to the support base. The first pair of legs is independently pivotal about the support base from the second pair of legs. In addition, a journaled member is provided at the distal ends of each leg. The undercarriage also includes a control system that is adapted to selectively pivot the first pair of legs to a stowed position and to selectively pivot the second pair of legs to a stowed position. The control system is further adapted to selectively lengthen or shorten the legs to adjust the height of the support base.

Abstract: Bariatric gurney and process including a winch mounted in an ambulance for pulling the gurney up removable rails. The gurney includes extenders for increasing the patient support surface of the gurney and may include a removable patient safety bar.

Abstract: An ambulance stretcher support is described for an ambulance having a floor with a top floor surface. In one embodiment, each support includes a stretcher leg receiving member that is adapted to releasably receive an ambulance stretcher leg. A base, configured to be mounted to the ambulance floor, mounts the stretcher leg receiving member for movement between a position substantially coplanar with the top floor surface, and a position below the top floor surface. A vibration reduction device is mounted between the base and the stretcher leg receiving member such that the stretcher leg can be releasably supported on the stretcher leg receiving member and the vibration reduction device will reduce transfer of vibration from the ambulance floor to the stretcher.

Abstract: A loading ramp having an elongated frame with guideways along its length on opposite side thereof. A moving panel having rollers at its front and rear adapted to roll along die guideways of the ramp to roll the panel along the length of the elongated frame. A table mounted at one end to the moving panel and support means to support the table at its other end out away from the panel. A loading bracket for mounting in the doorway of an aircraft and adapted to receive the upper end of the elongated frame to provide a ramp from the ground to the doorway of the aircraft. A power mechanism for powering the panel and connecting table upward and downward along the frame from adjacent the ground to the doorway of the aircraft.

Abstract: A lift assist apparatus for a wheeled stretcher having an end and a height adjustable undercarriage, the lift assist apparatus including an extendable support apparatus detachably rotatably connectable to the end of the wheeled stretcher.

Abstract: An ambulance cot frame securing system for a patient transport vehicle which includes a floor frame adapted to be secured to a floor of the patient transport vehicle. The floor frame has at a first end thereof a fixed angled restraint inclined upwardly and in a direction toward a second end of the floor frame to define an overhang spaced upwardly from the floor frame so as to provide a gap into which is adapted to be received a first part of the cot frame. The floor frame additionally has a releasable latch mechanism adapted to be releasably coupled to a second part of the cot frame so as to hold is the cot frame in a fixed lengthwise location relative to the floor frame. The securement system additionally has a self-activating locking mechanism activatable in response to a sudden burst of either acceleration or deceleration of the patient transport vehicle to additionally securely lock the first part of the cot frame in a fixed position relative to the patient transport vehicle.

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: An ambulance stretcher having a wheeled base (11) supported by foldable leg assemblies (16, 17). Castors (313, 393) are provided on the leg assemblies for providing improved mobility of the stretcher. The front castors (313) are selectively locked by a locking mechanism (30) to either allow the castors to swivel or roll in a single direction. The locking mechanism is accessible on both sides of the stretcher. Activation of the locking mechanism on either side of the frame selectively locks or unlocks both front castors.

Abstract: A linkage for a stretcher suspension. The linkage includes a stretcher receiving frame 17 and a base frame 23. A pair of arms 10 are pivotally fixed to bottom frame 23 and slidingly connected (12, 14) to frame 17. A pneumatic suspension unit 33 is located between the arms 10 and a first link 27 pivotally coupled between arms 10 and frame 17. A cross member 12 of the slide coupling is coupled to a sliding mount 25 of a second link 24 pivotally coupled to an arm 18 pivotally connected to the frame 17 and sliding coupled (21) to the base frame 23.

Abstract: Bariatric gurney and process including a winch mounted in an ambulance for pulling the gurney up removable rails. The gurney includes extenders for increasing the patient support surface of the gurney and may include a removable patient safety bar.

Abstract: A multiple level elevating cot adapted to be rolled into emergency vehicles, the cot having a wheeled undercarriage supporting a cot frame having a leading end and a trailing end, and adapted to selectively secure the cot frame in a plurality of elevational positions. The cot frame includes a pair of side extension arms provided between the leading end and the trailing end, each of the side extension arms being adapted to slidably extend outwardly from a stowed position adjacent the cot frame to an extended position substantially perpendicular to the cot frame. The cot frame may form a part of an integral stretcher or may serve as a carrier to which a separable top structure, such as a stretcher/stair chair, may be detachably secured, the cot frame including seats for slidably receiving the top structure and latching means for securing the top structure to the cot frame.

Abstract: An attachment (A) mounted on an end of a litter (L) used for transporting a person includes a frame (3) extending transversely of the litter between poles (P1, P2) at one end of the litter. A pair of collars (4) are attached to the frame and sized to fit over ends of the poles for mounting the attachment to the litter. Wheels (1, 19) carried by the frame extend beneath the litter so when the attachment is mounted in place, the litter is movable over a surface by only one attendant. A trapezoidal support (18) extends upwardly from the frame above an upper surface of the litter so when the attendant lifts the end of the litter opposite that on which the attachment is mounted, the person placed on the litter is supported in place and will not fall off the litter.

Abstract: The invention is referring to the field of the art of fire-fighting vehicles, rescue vehicles and ambulances, proposing specifically the construction of a multi-functional vehicle which, with the properly disposed equipment and ergonomy, can combine and accomplish all three missions, that is, fire fighting, freeing and rescuing injured entrapped persons and subsquently transportation of these injured persons after, mainly, a car accident. According to the preferred embodiment this single multi-functional vehicle by itself replaces at least three vehicles—that is a fire fighting, a rescue vehicle and two ambulances, having as crew only three persons.

Abstract: A lift-assisted device including a seat portion; a seat support portion which supports the seat portion; a base portion; an undercarriage portion which comprises of at least one scissor linkage member, each scissor linkage member including a first member pivotable connected to a second member near a center portion of the first and second member; a pneumatic bag located between the seat portion and the base portion; a pneumatic cylinder located between the seat portion and the base portion; a pneumatic powering means for powering the pneumatic bag and/or pneumatic cylinder and wherein the first member and second member are slidably connected to the seat portion on one end and fixedly connected to the base portion on an opposite end.

Abstract: A mechanism for initiating movement of a stretcher includes a drive wheel, and a lever or pedal actuated assembly. Moving the pedal or the lever moves a flexible drive link which is wound around a hub of the drive wheel. As the flexible drive link is pulled and unwound from the hub, the drive wheel engages the floor and rotates a sufficient distance to overcome inertia and align the swivel wheels of the stretcher in the desired direction.