Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure and support wheels coupled to the support structure. An auxiliary wheel is coupled to the support frame to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over a floor surface. The auxiliary wheel is movable to a deployed position with the auxiliary wheel engaging the floor surface and a stowed position with the auxiliary wheel spaced a distance from the floor surface. An actuator assembly coupled to the support frame and to the auxiliary wheel. The actuator assembly includes a lift actuator and a spring cartridge assembly. The lift actuator is operable to move the auxiliary wheel to the deployed position and to the stowed position. The spring cartridge assembly is configured to bias the auxiliary wheel towards the deployed position.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure and support wheels coupled to the support structure. An auxiliary wheel is coupled to the support frame to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over a floor surface. The auxiliary wheel is movable to a deployed position with the auxiliary wheel engaging the floor surface and a stowed position with the auxiliary wheel spaced a distance from the floor surface. An actuator assembly coupled to the support frame and to the auxiliary wheel. The actuator assembly includes a lift actuator and a spring cartridge assembly. The lift actuator is operable to move the auxiliary wheel to the deployed position and to the stowed position. The spring cartridge assembly is configured to bias the auxiliary wheel towards the deployed position.

Abstract: Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of the engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring or a platform. In order to facilitate rotation, slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring or platform are selectively placed in engagement with each other, in one embodiment of the invention. The slick surfaces may be provided by two (2) separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring, platform or bed skirt. One cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. The other cover may be the same as the first cover or may have sock surfaces on two sides. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, one of the covers may be provided as a protective cover that encapsulates the entire mattress. In another alternate embodiment, one cover may be provided that cooperates with a suck surface that is integrally provided on one or the other of the mattress or box spring or platform.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring or a platform. In order to facilitate rotation, slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring or platform are selectively placed in contact in order to reduce the normal friction therebetween. The slick surfaces may be provided by two (2) separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring or platform. A first cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. In order to further facilitate rotation, a second cover includes a slick surface on one side and forms part of a levitation device. The other side of the second cover may be formed with a slick or a non-slick surface. The levitation device creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring under the influence of an air supply which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly.

Abstract: A first embodiment provides a manually operable castor assembly for a hospital bed, including a wheel unit fittable to a bed frame and provided with a lock actuator. A sensor unit is provided with a trigger element and a sensor element, the trigger element being located on the manually operable brake actuator and the sensor element being located on the wheel unit. Another embodiment provides a manually operable safety side panel assembly including a hinge assembly coupled to the panel element and attachable to a bed frame, and a sensor unit including a trigger element and a sensor element, the trigger element being located on the manually operable actuator and the sensor element being located on a part of the side panel or hinge assembly. Monitoring apparatus monitors the manually operable bed safety device and including a control unit coupled to the sensor unit and an indicator unit controllable by the control unit and operable to give an indication of the state of the device.

Abstract: Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of the engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring or a platform. Slick surfaces are placed in contact between the mattress and the box spring or platform The slick surfaces may be provided by two (2) separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring or platform. A first cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. A second cover includes a slick surface on one side and forms part of a levitation device. The other side of the second cover may be formed with a slick or a non-slick surface. The levitation device creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring under the influence of an air supply which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly.

Abstract: A compact patient support provides a full range of motion and function while optimizing compactness and achieving an improved “low height” position. Casters joined to the base of the support have a low profile and provide mechanical braking about a swivel axis and a rotational axis of the wheels. The low profile of the casters allows for a more compact base. The lift mechanism includes a lift actuator with the motor mounted on the upper of two stacked X-frames allowing for shorter cables and harnesses and allowing for a more compact folding of the X-frames when the support is in a lowered position thereby reducing bulk and contributing to the overall compactness of the patient support.

Abstract: Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of the engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support surface, a manually operable brake operatively associated with the patient support surface, a manual brake activation handle or pedal for manually operating the manually operable brake, and an electrically powered actuator. The actuator is mechanically coupled to the manually operable brake and to the manual brake activation handle or pedal, and actuates the manually operable brake and moves the manual brake activation handle or pedal from a first position to a second portion in response to a signal at the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A patient support has caster devices supporting a frame for movement in relation to a supporting surface. A lift supports an auxiliary wheel in relation to the frame. A shaft may be rotatable to drive the lift to move the auxiliary wheel between a deployed position and a retracted position. The shaft may rotate to control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. A sensor may control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. An element may provide a dampening effect when the auxiliary wheel encounters a raised surface and urge the auxiliary wheel into contact with the supporting surface when the auxiliary wheel encounters a lowered surface.

Abstract: A therapy mat table has an upper surface and removable mat. A portion of the mat and a separate plate is rotatably mounted within the flat top so as to be capable of being selectively raised and lowered to form a seat back for a patient reclining or sitting on the pad on an elongated side edge of the table. The table may also include transfer bars which help to move a patient on and off the table or when moving to a standing position or while simply standing. The table may further include a stowable foot stop, which prevents backward movement of the patient's feet when the patient is standing between the transfer bars. The table may also include a knee blocker, which helps to limit or prevent buckling of the patient's knees when the patient is standing between the transfer bars.

Abstract: A powered transport device for a person support apparatus includes a floor contacting driver, a prime mover, a power source and a controller. The prime mover is coupled to the driver and an output of the prime mover provides input to the driver. The power source provides power to the prime mover. The controller senses a performance characteristic of the powered transport device and varies the operation of the powered transport device based solely on the performance characteristic.

Abstract: A patient support has caster devices supporting a frame for movement in relation to a supporting surface. A lift supports an auxiliary wheel in relation to the frame. A shaft may be rotatable to drive the lift to move the auxiliary wheel between a deployed position and a retracted position. The shaft may rotate to control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. A sensor may control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. An element may provide a dampening effect when the auxiliary wheel encounters a raised surface and urge the auxiliary wheel into contact with the supporting surface when the auxiliary wheel encounters a lowered surface.

Abstract: A method of actuating a manually operable brake on a caster wheel of a patient support apparatus to stop motion of the apparatus includes electrically coupling the control system of the patient support to an actuator at the patient support, generating actuating signals with the control system based on input at the patient support apparatus, transmitting the actuating signals to the actuator to thereby actuate the actuator to output a driving force, and mechanically coupling the driving force of the actuator with the manually operable brake to thereby actuate the manually operable brake and thereby brake the caster wheels.

Abstract: A patient lifting apparatus is provided and which is operative to lift an injured person or patient from a lower area to an elevated position where the patient or injured person can be easily and safely transferred to a stretcher or other support device. The patient lifting apparatus includes a pair of side sections that are interconnectable. Each side section includes a lifting device and a lifting bar which is movable up and down. In a connected mode, the two side sections are connected together and the lifting bars include attachments for attaching to a patient support. Once attached to the patient support, the lifting bars via the lifting device are operative to lift the patient support upwardly generally between the two side sections where the patient can be transferred to a stretcher or other structure.

Abstract: A bed frame has a bed frame having side frame members and cross supports interconnecting the side frame members for supporting one of a mattress and box springs and an integrated roller system which actuates the bed frame between a first wheels up position rollers connected to said bed frame are operably disposed between said bed frame and a floor to ready mobility of the bed frame via the rollers and a second wheels down position such that the bed frame in is in contact with the floor without the rollers contacting the floor and is generally frictionally disposed to inhibit movement.

Abstract: A person support apparatus comprises a lower frame, an upper frame, a drive structure, and a control system. The upper frame is movably supported above the lower frame. The drive structure is coupled to the upper frame and configured to selectively engage a surface to, when activated, propel the person support apparatus along the surface. The control system is configured to determine an engagement status of the drive structure with the surface and trigger a response based on the engagement status.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a patient support coupled to the frame, a plurality of casters and a wheel coupled to the frame, a motor coupled to the wheel and operable to rotate the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along a floor, and an electrical system comprising a controller configured to signal operation of the motor to rotate the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor. The electrical system further includes user inputs adjacent at least one end of the frame and adjacent at least one side of the frame. The user inputs including forward and reverse switches that are engaged to determine whether the patient support apparatus is propelled in a forward direction or a rearward direction, respectively.

Abstract: Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of the engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring. Slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring are selectively placed in contact in order to reduce the normal friction therebetween. The slick surfaces may be provided by two separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring. A first cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. A second cover includes a slick surface on one side and forms part of a levitation device. The other side of the second cover may be formed with a slick or a non-slick surface. A levitation device creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring under the influence of an air supply which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly.

Abstract: A mobility assist assembly, consisting of a transportable patient support module including a support surface which is modifiable by at least a plurality of upwardly extending and individually height adjustable and articulate-able posts integrated into a supporting carriage. A power transport module can be docked to the carriage. The patient support surface further includes a plurality of individual height or width adjustable sections. A headboard proximate docking module interfaces with the patient support module and a power assist modules.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring or a platform. In order to facilitate rotation, slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring or platform are selectively placed in contact in order to reduce the normal friction therebetween. The slick surfaces may be provided by two (2) separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring or platform. A first cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. In order to further facilitate rotation, a second cover includes a slick surface on one side and forms part of a levitation device. The other side of the second cover may be formed with a slick or a non-slick surface. A levitation device creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring under the influence of an air supply which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly.

Abstract: A patient lifting apparatus is provided and which is operative to lift an injured person or patient from a lower area to an elevated position where the patient or injured person can be easily and safely transferred to a stretcher or other support device. The patient lifting apparatus includes a pair of side sections that are interconnectable. Each side section includes a lifting device and a lifting bar which is movable up and down. In a connected mode, the two side sections are connected together and the lifting bars include attachments for attaching to a patient support. Once attached to the patient support, the lifting bars via the lifting device are operative to lift the patient support upwardly generally between the two side sections where the patient can be transferred to a stretcher or other structure.

Abstract: Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of the engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.

Abstract: A device for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a plane formed by a box spring where slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring are placed in contact to reduce the friction between. The slick surfaces are provided by a first cover for the top of a box spring and a second cover for the bottom of the mattress. The first cover is provided with a slick upper surface and non-slick bottom surface while the second cover includes a slick surface that faces downward. The first cover is attached to the box spring with its non-slick side is in contact with the box spring and its slick side is in contact with the slick side of the second cover of the first cover. A levitation device forms part of the second cover and includes an air supply that creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated.

Abstract: A patient support is configured to support a person in at least a horizontal position. A propulsion device may be coupled to the patient support to facilitate movement of the patient support from one location to another. The propulsion device includes at least one wheel. A deployment mechanism moves the wheel between a storage position and a use position relative to the patient support. The deployment mechanism is motorized. The deployment mechanism uses a toggle force to initiate movement of the wheel from the storage position to the use position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the frame, and a wheel supported with respect to the frame and movable between a lowered position engaging a floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. The patient support apparatus also has a drive assembly with a first mode of operation coupled to the wheel and operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor and a second mode of operation decoupled from the wheel so that the wheel is free to rotate when the wheel is in the lowered position and the patient support apparatus is moved along the floor. A first user input is provided to move the wheel between the raised and lowered positions and a second user input is provided to signal the drive assembly to drive the wheel.

Abstract: A bed has a head section and a foot section. The bed can assume a horizontal position and at least one position in which the foot section is at an angle relative to horizontal. For instance, the bed may assume a chair position, in which the head section is pivoted upwardly and the foot section is pivoted downwardly, to a substantially vertical position. Casters allow the bed to move relative to the floor. The casters can retract toward the head section of the bed as the foot section pivots downwardly toward the floor.

Abstract: A patient support is provided for supporting a patient. The patient support includes a bedframe and a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a wheel pivotably coupled to the bedframe and a wheel position holder. The wheel position holder has a cam and a cam surface that includes recesses configured to cooperate with the cam to position the wheel.

Abstract: A guiding wheel assembly, mainly for a hospital bed, including a wheel (1) with a horizontal rotation axis (6) installed on an arm (7) that is fixed to the frame (5) with the use of an axis (4) allowing swinging in the vertical plane. The wheel (1) is firmly fixed in the straight direction. The arm (7) is provided with a track (3), against which a pressing element (8) leans. The pressing element (8) is fixed with a pin (9) to the frame (5) in a swinging way.

Abstract: A bed leg with a caster, equipped with a braking mechanism that allows the bed to be immobilized is provided. The bed leg comprises a housing, which houses a caster, an actuating mechanism installed in the housing, a pedal joined to a lever and a braking pad mounted on the lower part of the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is a therapeutic table with an improved position adjustment mechanism and to a method for adapting a therapeutic table to include an improved mechanism for position adjustment of a table. In an embodiment, the improved position adjustment mechanism is a ribbon switch on the top surface of a frame forming the base of the table and a ribbon switch on the bottom surface of a frame forming the base of the table, which ribbon switch when pressure is applied activates the movement of the table up and down, respectively.

Abstract: A patient support has caster devices supporting a frame for movement in relation to a supporting surface. A lift supports an auxiliary wheel in relation to the frame. A shaft may be rotatable to drive the lift to move the auxiliary wheel between a deployed position and a retracted position. The shaft may rotate to control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. A sensor may control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. An element may provide a dampening effect when the auxiliary wheel encounters a raised surface and urge the auxiliary wheel into contact with the supporting surface when the auxiliary wheel encounters a lowered surface.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed, comprises a lower frame, an upper frame supported above the lower frame and configured to support a patient, and a support structure coupled to the lower frame. The support structure includes a lift having a movable portion that is movable generally vertically relative to the lower frame and relative to the upper frame. The movable portion of the lift is configured to carry a patient care equipment support.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring or a platform. In order to facilitate rotation, slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring or platform are selectively placed in contact in order to reduce the normal friction therebetween. The slick surfaces may be provided by two (2) separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring or platform. A first cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. In order to further facilitate rotation, a second cover includes a slick surface on one side and forms part of a levitation device. The other side of the second cover may be formed with a slick or a non-slick surface. A levitation device creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring under the influence of an air supply which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly.

Abstract: A method of actuating a manually operable brake on a caster wheel of a patient support apparatus to stop motion of the apparatus includes electrically coupling the control system of the patient support to an actuator at the patient support, generating actuating signals with the control system based on input at the patient support apparatus, transmitting the actuating signals to the actuator to thereby actuate the actuator to output a driving force, and mechanically coupling the driving force of the actuator with the manually operable brake to thereby actuate the manually operable brake and thereby brake the caster wheels.

Abstract: A patient support is provided for supporting a patient. The patient support includes a bedframe and a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a wheel pivotably coupled to the bedframe and a wheel position holder. The wheel position holder has a cam and a cam surface that includes recesses configured to cooperate with the cam to position the wheel.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed, comprises a lower frame, an upper frame supported above the lower frame and configured to support a patient, and a support structure coupled to the lower frame. The support structure includes a lift having a movable portion that is movable generally vertically relative to the lower frame and relative to the upper frame. The movable portion of the lift is configured to carry a patient care equipment support.

Abstract: A bed transport and utility dolly comprising two or more supports which removably attach at the head and the foot of an adjustable bed. The dolly provides bed transport in a taller and thinner form and allows easy movement through doorways and safe navigation of hallways. The present art apparatus and method of use utilizes the ability of an adjustable bed to substantially retract the bed support arms or legs whereby the transport and utility dolly retains the weight of the bed and allows rotation of the bed into a taller and thinner form before transport, all without the use of specialty tools or extra dollies. Each support comprises a frame with a pivotally attached swing arm having one or more bed couplers with quick release mechanisms which removably attach to the frame or other structurally supportive portion of the bed.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus has a powered transport device that is operable to propel the apparatus along a floor in forward and reverse longitudinal directions, as well as in left and right lateral directions. A user input for selection of discrete speed settings for the powered transport device is included on the patient support apparatus. User inputs for controlling the direction that the apparatus is propelled are provided at the head end, foot end, and both sides of the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed, comprises a lower frame, an upper frame supported above the lower frame and configured to support a patient, and a support structure coupled to the lower frame. The support structure includes a lift having a movable portion that is movable generally vertically relative to the lower frame and relative to the upper frame. The movable portion of the lift is configured to carry a patient care equipment support.

Abstract: A system and method for a bed transport. The system may include a drive system configured to couple to a bed frame and to provide powered movement of the bed frame. The system may also include a substantially vertical control arm and a control handle coupled to the control arm. The system may also comprise a switch on the control handle, and the switch may be configured to control a function of the drive system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system for driving movement of a patient support device across a floor, comprising a base having a front side facing the patient support device, first and second drive wheels arranged on said base said wheels being rotatable around first and second respective wheel axles substantially parallel to the floor and rotatable around first and second respective swivel axles substantially perpendicular to the floor, wherein the first and second swivel axles are spaced apart from each other when projected onto the front side and arranged at fixed positions on the base, wherein the drive wheels are rotatable around their swivel axles between a first orientation for forward movement, and a second orientation for transverse movement, wherein in the second orientation the first and second drive wheels are positioned at substantially different distances from the front side of the base.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a patient support and a powered transport device to facilitate movement of a patient support.

Abstract: Latching motion transfer arrangements are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.

Abstract: The present invention is a bed foundation that, in one embodiment, eliminates the need for a separate frame and box spring. In addition, by employing cross beams of different lengths, the bed foundation of the present invention can be adjusted to fit varying mattress sizes.

Abstract: A bariatric transport is provided. The transport includes a bed area for use by a bariatric patient. The transport further includes a drive assembly that is operable to selectively drive the transport in forward and rearward directions and permit turning of the transport with little or no lateral movement of the transport. Leading and trailing stabilizing wheel assemblies are provided that are selectively moveable into and out of engagement with a supporting floor. Drive devices are also provided to provide selective elevating and lowering of various components of bariatric patient supports.

Abstract: A mattress cover envelops a mattress in order to protect the mattress during moving and storage and has a body member that has a pair of faces joined by left and right side portions and a bottom portion forming an interior space with closed bottom, closed sides, and an open top. A flap extends upwardly from one of the faces and is releasably attachable to the other face in order to provide closure to the cover once a mattress is held therein. Side flaps extend from each side portion to provide added protection to the mattress. A strap extends along the bottom and up a section of each side portion. Loops on the ends of the strap provide carrying handles for the movers.