Abstract: A bunk bed structure having a vertically movable upper bunk provides a main frame having two spaced corner posts at each end interconnected by end cross pieces in their upper extensions, with a side support interconnecting the upper portions of each end post on one side of the main frame. A lower bunk frame having a depending medial portion to support a bed board and bedding is carried by four tubular corner collars on the lower portions of each of the corner posts. A similar upper bunk frame is slidably carried by four tubular corner collars on the corner posts for vertical motion above the lower bunk frame. Each upper bunk corner collar has associated fastening pins that releasably fasten and positionally maintain the collar on its associated corner post.

Abstract: A bed includes a bed body, ascending and descending means, and an auxiliary leg member. The bed body has a floor frame, and a main leg member fixed to the floor frame. The ascending and descending means has an ascending and descending link, and an extensible and retractable actuator for operating the ascending and descending link. The ascending and descending link holds the bed body with one of the opposite ends, and it holds the auxiliary leg member with the other one of the opposite ends. For instance, the ascending and descending link constitutes a parallel link, the floor frame constitutes one of the parallel elements of the parallel link, and the auxiliary leg member constitutes the other one of the parallel elements of the parallel link, thereby enabling the whole bed body including a mattress to ascend and descend.

Abstract: An electrophysiology table includes a dual section table top comprising a pair of elongated planar sections in superimposed planar to planar relationship. One of the table top sections is adapted to be manually moveable axially horizontally over the other section, the other section is electric motor powered for axial horizontal motion to advance the dual section table top to a new position where the manual moveable section is optimized. The table is also adapted to be vertically adjusted as well as to be tilted or angulated. With the two sections locked, the motorized section may move the table along the tilt slope.

Abstract: A crib comprising a blow molded headboard panel vertically positioned and constituting the head end of the crib. A blow molded footboard panel is vertically positioned and constitutes the foot end of the crib with the footboard being essentially parallel with the headboard and with a space therebetween. A pair of blow molded side panels are provided with each of the side panels vertically positioned and spaced in parallel relationship with respect to each other and with the ends of the side panels removably coupled with respect to the ends of the headboard and footboard to form a generally box-like configuration.

Abstract: An infant incubator tilt mechanism is disclosed that allows infinite adjustment of the tilt angle of the infant mattress within certain limits. The mechanism includes a bent rod positioned within the infant incubator itself and underlying the infant bed and which has an offset portion that engages a bed lifter. As the bent rod is rotated about an axis, the bent rod moves the bed lifter to raise and/or lower the infant bed. One end of the bent rod extends outwardly to the exterior of the infant compartment and is rotatable by an exterior mechanism having a lead screw that is rotated by the operator to cause lateral movement of a link mechanism along an axis at about ninety degrees to the axis of rotation of the bent rod. The lateral movement of the link is again translated into rotational movement and connects to the bent rod to translate that rotational movement to the bent rod. The entire tilt mechanism is readily removable so as to be easily cleaned.

Abstract: A free-standing, self-supporting bed has a movable platform supported by a stationary frame. The platform may be elevated vertically to a stored position higher than head height when the bed is not in use. Counterweights allow the platform to be elevated and lowered with a minimum of effort. In the stored position the platform is suspended from the frame by redundant lines passing over pulleys. In the sleeping position the counterweights are suspended from the frame and the platform rests on the frame and may be secured thereto by latching devices operable from one side of the bed. The lines and pulleys are arranged so that the counterweights have a 2:1 mechanical advantage with respect to the platform and so that, during raising or lowering of the platform, forces keeping the ends of the platform horizontal are automatically exerted thereon.

Abstract: An adjustable roll-in ambulance cot having adjusting mechanisms which require less maintenance than previous designs and which will operate smoothly and consistently in use is provided. The adjustable roll-in cot includes a cot frame having a leading end, a trailing end, and a pair of opposing side frame members. The cot is supported by leading and trailing pairs of collapsible legs having respective upper ends connected to the cot frame and lower ends including transport wheels thereon for transport of the cot. Mechanisms are also provided for adjusting the height of the cot frame relative to the transport wheels and for latching the cot frame into a plurality of predetermined positions for patient transfer and loading.

Abstract: This invention is to provide capable of easily and properly changing a height in several steps with a simple structure, includes a support link 20 and a reception link 28 in which a slider 43 is slidably housed. The support link 20 and reception link 28 are pivotally disposed in a base 1. An engaging pin 22 is formed on the support link 20. A guide portion 39 having a plurality of engaging portions 40 formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction is formed in the reception link 28. The engaging pin 22 is slidably inserted into the guide portion 39. when the reception link 28 is pivoted, the slider 43 inhibits or allows the engaging pin 22 to engage with the engaging portion 40 in accordance with the pivot direction of the reception link 28.

Abstract: A foldable bed includes four posts each having two or more holes, a block slidably engaged on each of the posts, four rods coupled between the blocks and the blocks, a disc slidably received in each of the blocks, a shaft extended through each of the discs and having one end engagable with the holes of the posts, a spring for biasing the shafts to engage with the holes of the posts, a spindle is disposed in the coupler and four cables are coupled between the shafts and the spindle, the shafts are disengaged from the holes when the spindle is rotated such that the blocks can be easily adjusted upward and downward along the posts.

Abstract: A platform (1) comprising a fixed structure (2) and a plate (3) movable in translation comprising four corners (4). Each corner (4) of the plate is secured to a vertical translation structure (5) which ends in a counterweight (6). A fixed structure comprises three guideposts (7, 14, 21) which coact with three translation structures (5). A support arm (9) is disposed in the upper portion of the platform (1) which coacts with the fourth translation structure (5). In this way, a fourth guidepost is avoided, so that ready access is provided to the space below the plate. At the same time, the plate is supported at all four corners and so is securely arranged.

Abstract: A free-standing, self-supporting bed has a movable platform supported by a stationary frame. The platform may be elevated vertically to a stored position higher than head height when the bed is not in use. Counterweights allow the platform to be elevated and lowered with a minimum of effort. In the stored position the platform is suspended from the frame by redundant lines passing over pulleys. In the sleeping position the counterweights are suspended from the frame and the platform rests on the frame and may be secured thereto by latching devices operable from one side of the bed. The lines and pulleys are arranged so that the counterweights have a 2:1 mechanical advantage with respect to the platform and so that, during raising or lowering of the platform, forces keeping the ends of the platform horizontal are automatically exerted thereon.

Abstract: A lock bracket assembly for securing a mattress support member of a crib to a headboard of the crib, includes an elongated bracket having a plurality of slots therein secured to the headboard, each slot having an enlarged mouth portion and a lower base portion in open communication with the enlarged mouth portion; a bar secured to the mattress support member, the bar having at least one mounting pin for insertion within at least one respective slot so as to mount the mattress support member to the headboard; and lift-prevention means for preventing escape of each mounting pin from the respective slots, the lift-prevention means including a lift-prevention opening in the bracket and an extension which is secured to the bar and which extends into the lift-prevention opening when the at least one mounting pin is inserted within the at least one respective slot.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a base frame, a mattress frame and linkage for mounting the mattress frame for relative movement with respect to the base frame. A mechanical jack is operatively connected to the base frame and the linkage for moving the mattress frame between high and low positions. A mechanical jack includes an enclosure. A bearing supports a ram within the enclosure for extension and retraction. A drive plate and a hold plate define apertures through which the ram extends. A drive bar is shifted by rotation of an actuator shaft to lock the drive plate to the ram and extend the ram from the housing. The drive spring resiliently biases the drive plate to an unlocked or return position. A hold spring biases the hold plate to a locked position to prevent return movement of the ram into the enclosure. A release bar is shifted into engagement with the hold plate upon reverse rotation of the actuator shaft to release the plate and permit lowering of the ram into the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a defocused laser beam to a sharp-edged spot (having variable size) in a target plane. The beam has a low power density in a plane of interest between the delivery apparatus and the target plane. In a preferred embodiment, the target plane is the retina of a patient's eye, and the defocused beam profile is controlled so that the beam has low power density at the eye's cornea. The beam produced by the invention is useful not only for ophthalmic surgery, but also for industrial laser heat treating and cutting applications in which a sharp-edged beam cross-section is needed at a target, particularly where delivery of low beam power densities at non-target structures are desirable. In a preferred embodiment of the inventive apparatus, an input laser beam emerges from an optical fiber, and a first lens (having short focal length) is mounted adjacent the optical fiber's output end to receive and transform the input beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the conversion of a manual-type ambulance cot to electromechanical usage. In a manual-type cot having a wheeled undercarriage, a cot frame, scissor-action collapsible legs and an extensible member associated with the undercarriage so that extension and retraction of the extensible member raises and lowers the cot frame, the improvement of the present invention includes a linear actuator attached to the extensible member and powered by a high energy density gelcel-type battery. Manual lifting of the cot frame is replaced by electromechanical raising and lowering so that lifting injuries may be avoided.

Abstract: A space saving bed system includes a base unit and a bed unit. The base unit is supported in place by the weight of materials of which it is constructed. A bed unit, made up of a bed frame with bed legs attached, supports the bedding. A leveraged fold out leg system, one at each corner of the bed, connects the bed frame to the base unit. Hydraulic units and the weight of the base unit act to support and stabilize the bed unit in the raised and stored position and counter balances the weight of the bed, insuring safety and ease in handling it between a stored overhead configuration above a desk, drawing table, clothes storage unit, or the like, and a lowered in-use configuration for sleeping. When the bed is in the overhead storage configuration, locking hinges secure it in position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel baby crib having means to mount a mattress platform at a variety of selected heights above the floor and a gate stop adjustable between an operative and an inoperative orientation. In the operative orientation, the gate stop prevents the gate from being lowered to its normally lowest position. In the inoperative orientation, the gate stop does not interfere with gate travel. The invention in a first embodiment provides means so that when the mattress is in the maximum height position, the gate stop must be in the operative orientation, thus preventing the gate from being lowered beyond the mattress height position.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a base supported by casters, and a lift arrangement vertically movably supports a patient support section on the base. The lift arrangement includes a threaded first member secured to and projecting downwardly from the patient support section, a rotatably supported tubular second member having an internal thread which engages the threaded first member and having an external thread, and a further member which is supported on the base and has a thread engaging the external thread on the tubular second member. In one embodiment, the further member is a nut fixedly supported on the base, and a drive member rotatably supported on the base has an opening through which the second member extends and has a key portion which slidably engages an axially extending slot provided in the second member.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a head end, a foot end, and a planar mattress portion extending therebetween. The head end and foot end feature a drive screw and nut housing assembly. Each head end and foot end features tubes which are slidingly received within the head end and foot end. The tubes are attached via a cable to the nut housing. Upon rotation of the drive screw, the nut housing rises or descends, thereby adjusting the height of the bed. The translational movement of the nut housing along the drive screw is limited by a drive screw pin at the upper and lower extremities of each drive screw. The drive screw pin selectively engages a similar slip nut pin located on a slip nut which is received within the nut housing. Frictional force between the slip nut and the nut housing is maintained by a pair of pressure plates which are compressively received within the nut housing. The compressive force between the slip nut and the nut housing is adjusted by means of a pair of set screws and springs.

Abstract: A bed, particularly a bed for persons who are sick or require nursing care, which comprises a bed frame, in which a preferably adjustable insert or frame for supporting a lying body is disposed, and a lifting frame, which carries the bed frame and is provided with a lifting device for lifting and lowering the bed frame. The lifting device comprises a plurality of foot supports, preferably four of such foot supports. The bed frame is provided with depending carrying supports, and a foot roller is provided at the bottom end of each carrying support. In order to improve the external appearance of the bed, the carrying supports and the foot rollers are disposed within the foot supports. The foot rollers, when lowered to a retracted position, protrude downwardly from the foot supports.

Abstract: A bed for a recreational vehicle that is stored near the ceiling in the front portion of the vehicle when not in use and is lowered for usage. The bed when stored above the driver's area does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle. The bed is lowered into the seating area when made available for use. The bed movement is power actuated over a height difference of two and one-half to three feet. The seats are adjusted out of the path of the bed and the power mechanism is interrupted when items are in the path of the bed movement. The power actuator is contained within the bed frame and movement is controlled by a rack and pinion mounting.

Abstract: Impressions for a bed having slats and spring supports for applying differing upwardly directed forces to bottom surfaces of different ones of the slats are taken while a user of the bed is in a recumbent position on an under mattress of an impression taking bed supported by slats. Slats of the impression taking bed are supported by springs of the type which support the slats of the bed to be used. The vertical position of differing ones of the spring supports of the impression taking bed are modified to a position compatible with the user while the user is on the impression taking bed. The vertical position is modified with respect to an initial adjustment position of the springs for slats of the impression taking bed. The amount of which the vertical position was modified for the springs of the impression taking bed is recorded to enable the vertical position of the spring-like support means of the bed to be used to be controlled.

Abstract: The lifting device comprises essentially a flat, rigid frame suitable for wall fixing, formed by two longitudinally slotted vertical guide posts connected together at top and bottom by cross-struts. Within each guide post a screw-shaft spindle is set on bearings, and the two spindles can be driven in the same sense of rotation by a common motor. Two nuts placed above each other a certain distance apart run on each screw-shaft spindle and are guided along the slot in their respective post. A cantilever is attached to the pair of nuts in each guide post and projects from the plane of the frame. When a bed or other load is in a raised position, the space below it is left completely free and is freely accessible.

Abstract: A system for optimal space utilization by using at least one raisable and lowerable berth. The at least one berth can be raised to a storage or day position and lowered to a service or night position by a driving motor operatively connected to the berth. The position of the berth is essentially horizontal in the storage as well as the service position. The berth is provided with guiding bodies for movable engagement along essentially vertical guide rails fastened adjacent to limiting walls of the compartment in question. The guide rails can also be a part of the bearing structure of the compartment. Below the berth there are arranged at least one permanently mounted, pivotable chair capable of being stowed and/or put down in a position to free the necessary space for lowering the berth to the night position.

Abstract: A mobile device for transporting patients in the field is power adjustable and includes a frame having a terrain engaging portion connected to a patient supporting portion. The patient supporting portion is height adjustable between a first position adjacent the terrain engaging portion and a second position remote from the terrain engaging portion. A self-contained power device is connected to the frame for adjusting the height of the patient supporting portion relative to the terrain engaging portion. An actuator is operably connected for actuating the self contained power device whereby manual adjustment of the patient supporting portion relative to the terrain engaging portion is avoided. The patient supporting portion has a plurality of sections adjustable relative to each other. The self-contained power device provides adjustment for the sections independently of each other and independently of the height adjustment.

Abstract: This invention discloses an electrically driven elevation bed apparatus which moves up and down while keeping its horizontal posture, in order to make effective use of indoor space. The elevation bed of this invention includes improved driving systems and safety devices for the driving systems. The driving systems includes a driving device including a spring to store biasing force on a supporting shaft thereof for the ascending of the bed frame. Also included is the use of steel belts as cord bodies to hand the bed frame to make the driving device compact and to eliminate troubles encountered with wireropes. The third aspect of the present invention also relates to an improvement of the driving systems. This aspect enables the bed frame to be positioned in inclined postures by introducing clutch means in the driving device to raise one side of the bed only. To the elevation bed, various safety devices are provided for movement of the furniture.

Abstract: A patient support includes a support surface and lifting structure adapted to permit the insertion of an x-ray cassette beneath the portion of the patient's body that is to be x-rayed. The structure for lifting preferably includes a plurality of inflatable runners. Structure for selectively deflating the runners is provided so as to permit insertion of an x-ray cassette between adjacent runners and beneath the patient. Structure for placing the inflatable runners in fluid connection with fluid supply means is provided such that the runners can be reinflated. In an alternative embodiment, the inflatable runners can be replaced by mechanical lifting apparatus.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a mattress in a crib so that it is easily, manually, vertically adjustable and comprising a bracket at each corner of the crib inside the crib, the brackets each having a track or guide for it to slide on and a socket for the reception of a part of the mattress support in an easily detachable manner. Each bracket has a spring-biassed hook on a plate but slidable relative to the bracket and its guide, and notches on the guide receiving the hook so that an upward and then a horizontal motion is needed to free the hook from the guide and allow adjustment of the bracket vertically along the guide.

Abstract: A knock-down crib including two end pieces or panels with corner posts at their side edges; a front dropside and a rear side, guides on the corner posts, brackets on the upper and lower rails of the dropsides, slidable automatic latches on the brackets on the lower rails, and sliding engagement means at the ends of the upper rail of the dropsides to position the sides with respect to the end pieces or panels, and to hold the parts together in assembled relation, the assembly of all the parts being without the need for any tool and without any extraneous fasteners such as screws.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is provided within a substantially rectangular bed frame and a headboard secured to the bed frame. The plurality of adjustable caster assemblies are provided for affixing to a respective side rail of the bed frame, and the caster assemblies cooperate to allow both elevation of the bed frame and thus the mattress supported on the bed frame, and inclination of the bed frame and mattress. Accordingly, the elevation of the head of the bed can be raised or lowered with respect to the foot of the bed, and similarly the elevation of the foot of the bed can be easily adjusted with respect to the head of the bed. Each of the caster assemblies includes adjustment members secured to a side rail of the bed frame, and first and second legs pivotably connected to the adjustment member and pivotably connected to each other adjacent the roller.

Abstract: An infant incubator mattress positioning assembly having a pair of lift mechanisms spaced apart on the deck of the incubator. Each lift mechanism includes a scissor linkage which is operated by a lead screw mechanism. The mattress tray, positioned on the free ends of the links of the scissor linkages, is moved by turning a crank in the lead screw mechanism of each lift mechanism.

Abstract: A safety control system for an electrically operated hospital bed utilizes a wireless disconnect signal from an above mounted safety light to an outlet below which supplies electrical power to the bed, thereby to interrupt power to the outlet upon the detection of physical contact with the safety light, as perhaps caused by an IV pole raising with the bed. In a preferred embodiment, a two-way transmission path is utilized to verify no blockage of the line of sight transmission path between the outlet and the light, with power to the outlet being disconnected upon contact with the light or blockage of the line of sight path.

Abstract: This invention discloses an elevation bed apparatus which moves up and down while keeping its horizontal posture, in order to improve an effective use of an indoor space. The elevation bed of this invention includes an elevation device and a safety device, and the elevation device includes a winding mechanism and a wire driving system of a wire wound on the winding mechanism. A bed main body moves up and down along a guide rail when the wire is wound and rewound. When the elevation bed is of an electric type, the safety device checks the operation or cuts off the power source to stop the elevating motion of the bed main body.

Abstract: This mattress hanger assembly provides an adjusting assembly for raising and lowering a mattress support. The assembly includes a bracket having a plurality of openings each representing a different position to which the support can be raised or lowered. A hanger carried by the support is received in one of these openings and a lock member secures the hanger in a selected opening to prevent the hanger from slipping out of the opening and placing the mattress in an unstable condition. The crib can include a drop rail having a track and slide system to facilitate access to the adjusting assembly.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism for a physical therapy bench has great lifting height due to levers extending at an angle with each other in one end position which are made to coincide approximately midway in their movement, said movement being permitted to continue in said levers passing each other and in their other end position again extending at an angle with each other.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for supporting a spring from a crib having a plurality of closed loop brackets mounted on each corner post of the crib and a Z-shaped hanger mounted at each corner of the spring frame. One end of the hanger extends outwardly from the spring frame so as to mate with the associated bracket. The outer end has a depending lip which extends below the bracket when the spring is hung in place. Accordingly, the spring must be lifted vertically and moved horizontally in order to remove the hanger from the bracket.

Abstract: Described briefly, according to a typical embodiment of the invention, a floor-mounted stationary base frame supports two traveling frames. One of the traveling frames comprises the mattress support frame. The other comprises the side and end walls of a single enclosure surrounding the mattress. Scissors arrangements connect the traveling frames to the base frame whereby the traveling frames are simultaneously operable in opposite directions to raise the mattress while the enclosure is lowered. A brake apparatus permits frame travel only during conscious and controlled operation of a brake release handle.

Abstract: A crib assembly (10) includes a bedstead (12), spring frame (20), and hanger support bracket (30). The hanger support bracket (30) is fixedly secured to the end post (14) of the bedstead (12). The assembly (10) further includes a hanger mounting bracket (28) for retaining a hanger (26) on the spring frame (20). The hanger mounting bracket (28) completely encloses the hanger (26). The assembly (10) also includes a sinuous spring assembly (20) for supporting a mattress (24) thereon.

Abstract: A device comprised in combination of a lath support, with at least one means for receiving one flexible lath end, and a bearing to be secured to the bed frame, which has at least one pin which fits into the one of at least two cavities lying above one another in said lath support, in such a way that adjusting the height of a flexible lath relative to said bed frame becomes possible.

Abstract: A crib assembly (10) includes a bedstead (12), spring frame (20), and hanger support bracket (30). The hanger support bracket (30) is fixedly secured to the end post (14) of the bedstead (12). The hanger support bracket (30) includes a base portion (32) and a plurality of hooks (34) extending from the base portion (32). A flexible arm (44) extends from the base portion (32) to the hook (34) for releasably retaining a hanger (26) on the hook (34).

Abstract: A tilt mechanism is disclosed for adjusting the angle of rest of an infant contained within an infant incubator. The tilt mechanism comprises at least one bent rod that underlies the bed on which the infant is positioned. By rotating the bent rod, an offset shaped portion of the rod elevates one end of the infant bed. The rotation is effected by a handle located outside the incubator and which has a plurality of positions, each of which position is locked in place by a spring biased plunger that enters certain grooves formed in the interior surface of the handle. A push button pushes against the spring bias to move the plunger out of engagement with the grooves in the handle so that the handle can be rotated to another selected position.

Abstract: In a piece of furniture, such as a piece of seating or rest furniture of the type comprising a substantially rectangular frame having two opposing frame sidepieces, a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending grooves is provided on opposing surfaces of said sidepieces. A first flange extending in the longitudinal direction of the profiled rail member is insertable into the grove to support a bottom portion in the furniture. The rail member further comprises a web, which abuts the frame sidepiece, when the first flange has been inserted into one of the grooves, and a second flange connected to the first flange and/or the web of the rail member and extending outwardly from the frame sidepiece. The first flange forms an acute angle in the range of 15.degree.-75.degree., preferably 30.degree.-60.degree., with the web. The grooves formed in the frame sidepieces are correspondingly inclined and free of internal lining. As a result a very simple and inexpensive piece of furniture is obtained.

Abstract: A convertible crib which has a frame with four upright corner posts, includes a leg for each corner post which is vertically movable for adjusting the height of the frame. Each corner post has a plurality of guide elements which are received in a guide channel provided in each of the legs. Bolts extend through holes in the legs and can be threadably engaged with the guide elements for holding the legs at a selected vertical position on the respective post. A plurality of holes are provided along the length of the legs so that the different set of holes can be selected to adjust the vertical height of the frame.

Abstract: A coffin bed adjusting apparatus for providing both elevation and tilt adjustments to a coffin bed in a burial casket. The bed frame is connected to a bed support member which is pivotally mounted to an elevating support member. The elevating support member is threadedly mounted on a threaded shaft, the rotation of which adjusts the vertical height of the bed. A rack is slidably mounted on a threaded shaft, the rotation of which adjusts the vertical height of the bed. A rack is slidably mounted to the elevating support member, and is engaged to a pinion which is also mounted to the elevating support member. The rotation of the pinion drives the rack, which translates the rotating movement into a pivoting of the bed support member thereby causing a desired tilt of the casket bed frame. This pivoting is achieved by the interaction of a slot in the bed support member and an arm on the rack. The pinion which moves the rack is rotated by a second shaft.

Abstract: A surgical table is disclosed which includes a base and a first planar table surface which is fixedly mounted to the base. A second planar table surface is mounted to the base by means of a linear guide such that the second table surface is positioned in the plane of the first table surface and is movable toward and away from the first table surface. A third table surface is interconnected between the first and second table surfaces. This third table surface is formed of a bendable material and is provided with a cylindrically convex shape. The radius of curvature of this convex shape varies as a function of the linear position of the first table surface with respect to the second table surface. Preferably, the third table surface is formed of an X-ray transparent material. Articulated leg brackets allow the height and tilt angle of the table to be adjusted.

Abstract: The medical couch contains a lower frame, an upper frame for carrying a table top, and a link mechanism interconnecting both frames. The link mechanism includes pivotally interconnected support arms which are operated in a scissor action to lift and lower the upper frame with respect to the lower frame. An electronic motor drive system containing an electric motor and a lead screw is provided for performing such operation. The drive system is pivotally connected to the lower frame such that the lead screw extends towards the upper frame. The pivoting axis is arranged horizontally. A nut element which is mounted on the lead screw travels therealong when the motor is in operation. The nut element is provided for supporting the link mechanism and pivotally connected therewith. The nut element will be pivoted about an upper horizontal axis when it travels along the lead screw. The nut element moves the upper frame to a selected horizontal position above and parallel to the lower frame.

Abstract: The medical couch contains a lower frame, an upper frame for carrying a patient table top, and a link mechanism interconnecting both frames. The link mechanism includes two pairs of pivotally interconnected support arms which are operated in a scissors action to lift and lower the upper frame with respect to the lower frame. An electronic motor drive system containing an electric motor and a lead screw is provided for performing such operation. The drive system is pivotally connected to the lower frame such that the lead screw extends towards the upper frame. The drive system is rotatable about a pivoting axis which is arranged horizontally. A nut element which is mounted on the lead screw travels therealong when the motor is in operation. The nut element is provided for supporting the link mechanism. It is pivotally connected therewith. The nut element will pivot about an upper horizontal axis when it travels along the lead screw.

Abstract: A kit of parts for converting a bed into a four-poster comprises pelmets for securing to the ceiling of the bedroom above and parallel with the sides and end of the bed, corner posts for locating one at each corner of the bed, and four brackets each including a first portion for securing to the pelmets above an associated corner of the bed and a second portion pivotal on the first portion and adapted to receive the upper end of an associated post, resilient means reacting between the second portion of the bracket and said upper end of the post, the post and second portion of the bracket being pivotal together between an operative vertical position with the resilient means urging the lower end of the post against the floor and a non-vertical position permitting insertion or removal of the upper end of the post from the bracket.

Abstract: A pivoting bed having at least one individual bed that is independently rotatable about a vertical support column. A support arm protrudes out from the vertical support column. At the end of this support arm, a single mounting point is provided to which a rectangular bed frame may be horizontally mounted. The bed frame, while remaining in its horizontal position, may pivot about the single mounting pivot of the support arm; and the support arm may, in turn, be pivoted about the vertical support column. The vertical support column is typically round, and the support arms are typically "L" shaped, including a vertical tube portion adapted to fit over the vertical support column and a horizontal arm portion adapted to transversly protrude away from the vertical tube portion. The single mounting point of the support arm is adapted to mate with a centrally located hub of the horizontal bed frame.

Abstract: A bed has a first frame structure (2,5,11,12) and a further frame structure (6). The first frame structure has a support surface (2) for a mattress or the like, and between the two frame structures is arranged at least one pivot-arm mechanism (14) for lifting the first frame structure up from the further frame structure and to cause, at the same time, lateral displacement in the width direction of the rectangular support surface and preferably also in its longitudinal direction. In the normal positions of the frame structure, the further frame structure has at least one longitudinally extending side part (24) located inwardly of the nearest side edge (4) of the support surface, and during said lateral displacement said side edge is moved towards and over said side part.