Abstract: A mobile stretcher, having one or more lateral recumbant positioning devices, an upper base frame, a mattress frame, and a patient retention device. The mattress frame is pivotally connected to the upper base frame and each lateral recumbant positioning device has a retracted position and an extended position. When each lateral recumbant positioning device is in the retracted position the angle between the plane of the upper base frame and the plane of the mattress frame is an angle equaling zero. Conversely, when each lateral recumbant positioning device is in the extended position the angle between the plane of the upper base frame and the plane of the mattress frame is an angle greater than zero and preferably between 60° and 65°.

Abstract: A bed including a frame, an articulating deck on the frame having head, seat, and foot deck sections, and a mattress on the deck. The deck foot section and mattress foot portion have a first length when the foot section is in the up position and a second length shorter than said first length when the foot section is in the down position. A first driver varies the length of the deck foot section, and a second driver moves the foot section relative to said seat section between the generally horizontal up position and the generally vertically downwardly extending down position.

Abstract: An infant care apparatus such as an incubator or infant warmer having a mattress for supporting the infant on an infant platform that can, at times, by fully rotated 360 degrees to obtain full access to the infant. In the incubator, a translation platform can be slid into and out of the infant compartment and the mattress tray is pivoted to that translation platform so as to rotate at a pivot point that connects the mattress tray to the translation platform. Accordingly, when all of the doors of the infant incubator are in the closed position, the mattress tray is constrained from rotational movement but that mattress tray can be rotated a full 360 degrees whenever both doors are open or when the translation platform has been moved to a position at least partially exterior of the infant compartment. In all, the apparatus provides easy and convenient access to the infant for carrying out procedures on the infant while it is still supported by the infant care apparatus.

Abstract: A roll coach for moving patients to and from a hospital bed is disclosed. It comprises a frame (4, 6, 8) a movable bunk (30) mounted on said frame (4, 6, 8), a lifting mechanism (14, 18, 20, 22, 24) connecting the bunk (30) with the frame and operative to move the bunk in a vertical direction, and a tilting mechanism (28, 32, 34) operative to tilt the bunk (30) such as to bring the side of the bunk in contact with the bed surface essentially in the middle of the bed. There is also disclosed a drag sheet and a method of moving a patient to and from a hospital bed by using a moveable bunk.

Abstract: A therapeutic bed includes a castor support framework and a Trendelenburg support frame including curved arms which are mounted on guide rollers of the castor frame. The Trendelenburg support frame carries guide rollers on which rings at opposite ends of the bed run. A patient support platform is mounted on the rings. A patient supine support including a mattress and leg supports are mounted on the patient support platform. Side rails are engagable and lockable to the platform. A patient prone support includes a head support, an adjustable abdomen support and support pad sections which are each split longitudinally to define adjustable support parts which are hingedly mounted to the corresponding opposite side rails, engaged and locked in position. The therapeutic bed provides for prone positioning of a patient by rotation of the rings on the rollers through 180.degree.. The bed may also be used for kinetic therapy and/or Trendelenburg motion when a patient is in the supine and/or prone position.

Abstract: In a treatment bed system for radiation therapy a rotation drive mechanism (relative isocentric rotation drive mechanism, rolling rotation drive mechanism, and pitching rotation drive mechanism) for rotating the bed independently around three axes (i, r, and p) perpendicular with respect to a patient each other and a parallel transfer mechanism (X-axis direction transfer mechanism, Z-axis direction transfer mechanism, and Y-axis direction transfer mechanism) for transferring the bed independently in parallel in the directions of three axes (X, Z, and Y) perpendicular with respect to a floor surface each other are provided. Thereby, the irradiation from arbitrary directions and distances to a patient held stationary on the bed can be performed.

Abstract: A patient orientation table has a base, a carrier element in the form of a C-arm flexibly supported thereupon, a tabletop arranged on this carrier element which is variable in height by means of the C-arm and which is flexibly arranged at the C-arm, with a motorized drive for moving the C-arm, and a motorized drive for moving the tabletop. This latter drive is arranged at the C-arm in the region of the articulation point of the tabletop, and the drives are mutually coupled so that, given motion of the C-arm, the tabletop is readjusted while maintaining its momentary attitude.

Abstract: A bed includes a base, a frame supported on the base for relative movement about a horizontal pivot axis between raised and lowered positions, and a drive assembly for driving movement of the frame. The drive assembly includes a drive box supported on the base for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis parallel to the pivot axis of the frame, a motor supported in the drive box, a pair of laterally spaced sleeves supported in the drive box for rotation about horizontal axes that are perpendicular to the pivot axis of the frame, a pair of transmission elements connected between an output shaft of the motor and the sleeves for rotating the sleeves in unison with one another when the motor is operated, and a pair of screws supported in the sleeves for relative rotational movement.

Abstract: A stretcher for supporting a patient includes an elongated frame having an upper frame and a lower frame having a head end, a foot end, and first and second elongated sides. The stretcher also includes a drive mechanism coupled to the upper frame and to the lower frame for supporting the upper frame above the lower frame and for vertically positioning the upper frame relative to the lower frame between an upward raised position and a downward lowered position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-functional bed structure which includes a main operational control unit and a bed portion. The main operational control unit includes an elevating mechanism which can be controlled to cause the bed portion to move up and down or forward and backward reciprocatingly in different selected manners. The bed portion may be a roller type or a non-roller type. A roller type bed portion includes a chassis structure below a mattress-supporting bed frame provided with roller rails. A lifting mechanism is mounted on the chassis structure to lift or lower the bed frame by engaging rollers connected to a top of the lifting mechanism with the roller rails on the bed frame. A raising mechanism is mounted below the bed frame to raise different parts of the mattress as needed by the user. The elevating, the lifting, and the raising mechanisms all can be operated in three different control manners, namely, manual, displacement range, and random controls, so that the bed portion may be shifted rhythmically.

Abstract: A seat is adjustably mounted immediately forwardly of the front end of an adjustably inclinable patient support table. A patient whose back and head are supported on the inclined table is positioned so that the seat has a rear portion adjacent a front of the table to support the patient under the buttocks, so that the patient's epigastric region is frontally accessible by a doctor positioned in front of the patient.

Abstract: A patient rotator (50) for assisting a patient having limited motion capabilities in lying down on a bed (500) and getting up to the side (502) and method of use are disclosed. The rotator has a frame (52) with a person support member (66) rotatably mounted on the frame at an axis (68) coplanar with the top (504) of the bed and perpendicular to the side. The patient uses a controller (94) to rotate himself on the person support member between vertical and horizontal orientations as desired while he remains on his side.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an individual in selectively adjustable orientations is provided. The apparatus includes a base member and at least one support member which is pivotally attached to the base member. The support member is rotatable about an axis defined by its pivotal connection to the base member such that the position or orientation of the support member is selectively adjustable relative to the base member. The device also includes a mechanism for driving the rotation of the support member about the axis and a control unit which controls the operation of the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A hospital bed (10) especially adapted for use by a woman giving birth is disclosed. The bed includes a base (11) on which a litter frame (12) is positioned. A lift assembly (14) attached to the base and is connected to a inner frame (50) located inside the litter frame. The lift assembly moves the inner frame and litter frame up and down. The litter frame is pivotally connected to the inner frame so that the litter frame can be selectively moved in the Trendelenburg position.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus, includes a table underframe and a base unit for supporting the table underframe which can be swiveled about a horizontal axis, and also includes a displacement device for displacing the table underframe relative to the base unit. The device for swiveling the table underframe is usually a complex construction which is expensive to manufacture. Moreover, the supporting therein is often problematic. Therefore, in a simple construction a first point of a guide rod is arranged at a hinge point on the base unit and a second point of the guide rod is arranged at a hinge point on the table underframe, so that a swiveling motion of the table underframe is imposed upon displacement of the table underframe with respect to the base unit.

Abstract: A veterinary surgical table is provided which includes a top animal-supporting surface mounted for inclining and supported by at least one extensible rod which provides counterbalancing support for the weight of the top surface and an animal placed thereon. The top surface is preferably longitudinally bifurcated into two pivotally mounted sections to provide independent tilting of each section toward one another, each section being separately counterbalanced by an extensible rod for such tilting movement. The top surface is preferably supported by the extensible rods in strut-supported configuration for minimizing the framework for supporting the table. A slidably removable tray is mounted beneath the separation between the sections for receiving fluid runoff and for enhanced cleaning and sanitation.

Abstract: A bed comprises an inflatable mattress supported on a platform of articulable links by a support system mounted on a weigh frame. The weigh frame is supported on a base frame supported relative to a floor. A pneumatic system includes a platform-mounted blower directing air through passageways in the articulable links. An exhaust passageway parallels the pressure passageway for exhausting opposite the blower. Air flow into and out of air cells in the mattress are controlled by valves coupling the pressurized air chamber and exhaust chamber to cell ports. A connector assembly is used to couple the cells to the platform, to adjacent cells, and to tubes connected to other cells. An alternative pneumatic system includes fans distributed on the platform in association with sets of mattress cells. A footboard assembly is formed as two gates that swing out from the foot of the bed. Each gate has a storable tray that is positionable on either side of the gate.

Abstract: An examination table for supporting a patient in a medical examination apparatus has a positioning plate and a floor stand, the positioning plate being adjustable in height and able to be tilted. The examination table is very simple and space-saving in construction, but still allows a tilting of the positioning plate into a vertical position, by virtue of the floor stand having a curved girder which has a base end at the floor fastened rotatably about a horizontal shaft, and the positioning plate is provided with a mount that is movably attached to the girder so that the mount with the positioning plate can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the girder.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the raising and lowering of the foot plate on a chiropractic table of the tilt-elevating type. The foot plate is pivotly mounted on the fixed base and has stabilizer pins that are engaged by lugs on the upper or moveable part of the table when the table is tilted and disengaged when the table is returned to a horizontal position. A sliding bar and roller mechanism slowly lowers the foot stand to its normal position on or near the floor.

Abstract: Treatment apparatus supporting a patient lying in a generally prone or supine position for manipulation includes a base and a table supported thereabove for movement between selected different horizontal positions or working levels for treatment of the patient. The table is tiltable toward and away from an upright position for facilitating the patient in mounting and dismounting before and after treatment and includes a foot piece adjacent an end of the table for supporting the patient when mounting and dismounting. A plurality of cushions are mounted for movement along the table to selectably adjustable positions for accommodating patients of different size and shape.

Abstract: The invention provides an institutional bed having a mattress frame which can be moved vertically between raised and lowered positions and which can be moved from the lowered position into one of the Trendelenberg or tilted positions. The mattress is supported on an elevating mechanism having pivots trapped in adjustable pivot sets which are mounted at ends of a connecting element. This element is moveable longitudinally of the mattress frame by an actuator to elevate the bed. Each pivot set can be released individually with the mattress frame lowered and the actuator can then be operated to tilt the mattress frame depending on which pivot set was released.

Abstract: An adjustable and portable bed raiser which raises the head of a bed to an incline so as to reduce gastroesophageal reflux, and thus heartburn, while a user is sleeping. The adjustable bed raiser is separate from the bed intended to be lifted and is comprised of a rotary motor, a mattress support, a control means electrically connected to the motor, a means for lifting the mattress support, and thus the bed to an inclined position.

Abstract: A lift column suitable for use in a patient rest or operating table, or for industrial applications, is disclosed. The lift column is a simple compact structure without service members or other elements extending laterally beyond the confines of the lift column. The maximum travel of the lift column is greater than the structural height of the column. Furthermore, the patient rest or operating table can be swung about two horizontal axes which are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A bed framework comprising a base frame provided with casters and a supporting frame provided with at least one subframe movable and/or swingable with respect to said supporting frame. The two frames are connected to each other through at least two pairs of rods with associated arcuate guides secured to said base frame for allowing a change of the elevation and inclination of said supporting frame in respect of said base frame.One end of each rods is pivotally connected to said supporting frame and the other end is provided with pins engaging guide slots in said arcuate guides whereby said supporting frame is vertically raised or lowered when said pins are moved along the guide slots of the associated arcuate guide.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a base and a deck having a head end and a foot end. A first scissors lift linkage is coupled between the base and the deck adjacent the head end of the deck. The first scissors lift linkage is movable from an extended position to a retracted position to raise and lower, respectively, the head end of the deck relative to the base. A second scissors lift linkage is coupled between the base and the deck adjacent the foot end of the deck. The second scissors lift linkage is movable from an extended position to a retracted position to raise and lower, respectively, the foot end of the deck relative to the base. A controller is provided for selectively and independently moving the first and second scissors lift linkages between the extended positions and the retracted positions.

Abstract: The mattress is mounted on a rectangular frame and underlying the rectangular frame, at the front and rear ends thereof, are vertical adjusting systems. Each vertical adjusting system includes an expandable air cushion, which is expandable and contractable in the vertical direction, and intersecting link arrangements at the front and rear of each expandable cushion. Each expandable cushion is separately connected to a source of air under pressure which may be either the air compression system of the vehicle in which the system is mounted or a separate air compression system. With the arrangement, the mattress can either be raised or lowered vertically, or it can be tilted.

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 patient transfer trolley has a pivoted top mounted at the upper end of an hydraulic support column of adjustable height. Two hydraulic cylinders connected to one end of the table top are connected to respective hydraulic pumps mounted at opposite ends of the trolley base so that angle of the top can be altered and either end can be put into a Trendelenburg position. A third pump is connected to both the support column and the cylinders for adjusting the angle of the top. An overpressure valve diverts pressure from the third pump initially to the cylinders for adjusting the angle so that the top is returned to a horizontal position. The valve then opens to allow pressure to flow to the support column and raise the trolley top.

Abstract: An imaging table for medical examination and imaging procedures. A tilting imaging table comprises a rectangular base frame on wheels, a column extending upwardly from the base, and a tilt assembly which includes a pair of rotatable pivot arms at the top of the column. A radiolucent table top for imaging purposes is removably secured to the tilt assembly. At least two interchangeable radiolucent table tops, of different configurations and used for different medical imaging purposes, accompany the tilting imaging table and may be secured removably, one at a time, to the tilt assembly. This tilt assembly and any table mounted thereon are tiltable about a transverse axis between a head up position (e.g, 30.degree. head up) and a head down position (e.g., 30.degree. head down). Greater degree of tilt in one direction can be provided if desired. Also shown is a limit stop mechanism for retaining a tilting assembly including pivot arms in a horizontal position.

Abstract: An inclinable bed frame assembly is provided which permits one to adjust the angular disposition of the mattress between a first horizontal position and an inclined position. The bed frame accommodates conventional, full size mattresses and/or head boards as may be desired. Generally, the improved bed frame is comprised of two frames, one lower or base frame and the other upper or mattress frame. Both frames are configurable to most standard size mattresses. The upper or mattress frame is pivotally connected to the base frame only at its foot end thus allowing the head end of the mattress frame to be raised or lowered as desired via torque arms or screw jack assembly.

Abstract: A multi-position body support, commonly known as a stander, supports a user in either a prone or supine orientation at any position from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially standing or vertical position. The multi-position body support comprises a tubular base having dual lock caster wheels for easy moving and positioning of the stander. A vertical support assembly, pivotally mounted to the tubular base, comprises a foot cylinder, knee support frame and a height adjustment frame. A foot support is mounted to the foot cylinder, a knee support is mounted to the knee support frame and a hip support, a trunk support and a head support can be mounted to the height adjustment frame. A padded strapping system secures the user within the pads and to the vertical support assembly. The foot supports can be rotated to aid in orienting the user in the prone or supine position.

Abstract: A patient couch for an X-ray diagnosis comprises a base portion to be fixed to a floor of an X-ray diagnosis room and a movable portion mounted to the base portion to be movable with respect to the base portion and having a table top on which a patient lies. A tilting mechanism is secured to the base portion for vertically tilting the movable portion with respect to the base portion. The base portion and the tilting mechanism each has a width, in a width direction of the table top, smaller than a width of the table top and disposed below the movable portion along a longitudinal direction of the table top at a portion apart from a central axis thereof in the longitudinal direction so as to provide a space between a substantial portion of the movable portion and the floor. The tilting mechanism is tilted about a central axis, which is positioned below a horizontal level of the table top, by an angle more than 85.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a framework is arranged to pivotally mount a bed structure including a mattress to permit an individual to elevate the feet portion of the individual relative to the head. The feet of the individual are secured within a strap structure, with the strap structure rotatably mounted relative to a rotary support. The tilting bed apparatus allows a person to sleep in a tilted position, whereby beneficial effects of gravity, such as increased blood flow to the brain and reduced spinal column compression, may be obtained.

Abstract: The patient examination table for medical examinations comprises a support structure, a patient rest plane, first movement means to rotate the patient rest plane in two directions about a horizontal axis, potentially covering an angular range of not less than 180 degrees, and a second movement means to translate the patient rest surface vertically in both directions. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A patient support apparatus such a surgical table or a stretcher is provided. The apparatus includes a top assembly for supporting a patient in a variety of selected positions. The top assembly is supported by first and second hydraulic column assemblies which are, in turn, mounted to a base assembly. A stabilizing mechanism is provided for exerting a constant downward force upon the hydraulic column assembly supporting the head end of the top assembly. The stabilizing mechanism counteracts the lifting force at the head end of the apparatus when a patient's weight is located at or beyond the foot end thereof. The stabilizing mechanism includes a gas spring which is mounted to the base assembly and a cable connected between the base assembly and top assembly. The gas spring exerts a constant force upon the cable in all elevational positions of the top assembly.

Abstract: An emergency medical system is disclosed for movably supporting a plurality of patients in a generally rectangular vehicle interior space. Three litter rack systems are disposed on respective walls of the interior space. Each of the litter rack systems is provided with a system for automatically adjusting the vertical position between and tilt of the patient litters in each of the rack systems. Adjustable attendant chairs are placed strategically adjacent the rack systems for attending patients therein.

Abstract: A multi-tiered litter rack system is described generally comprising a plurality of support masts arranged on one wall of an emergency vehicle. The masts support a plurality of vertically spaced litters in at least two horizontally spaced positions. The masts enclose vertical adjustment screws which are adapted to independently adjust the vertical position of each end of the litters for controlling the tilt of and vertical spacing between the litters. The multi-tiered liter rack system further includes individual motors associated with each of the respective masts which are operatively connected to the vertical adjustment screws for controlling the vertical position and tilt of each of the litters.

Abstract: A traction bed which can be moved from one location to another without harm or discomfort to the patient has a device for raising the bed to an angle such that the part of the body to be held in traction can be kept above the heart's level. The mobile traction bed also has a unique opening and closing side rail for keeping the patient safe and secure within the bed. The traction side of the bed can have a bar and sleeve for supporting traction weights. By using the mobile traction bed, the patient can rest at home instead of at the hospital, yet can be moved to and from the hospital as is required.

Abstract: A support apparatus for supporting and positioning a patient during a medical examination includes a patient support plate and a combination of elements for lifting and pivoting the support plate which operate to pivot the support plate around a stationary, virtual (i.e., non-load bearing) axis disposed at an end region of the support plate.

Abstract: A medical examination table comprises a pedestal to which an end of a rocker is hinged. An underframe is fixed rotationally to the other end of the rocker. By acting on the two axes of rotation, the table may enable motions that are as different as a simple raising motion and tilting motions of various amplitudes in one direction or another. The advantage of the invention is that it provides a simplification of the industrial-scale manufacturing of tables with or without a rocker.

Abstract: A hospital bed has two mechanical drive mechanisms connected between each end of a bed support frame and a base, each of which has a respective actuator. Selective operation of each of the drive mechanisms with the actuators permits either end of the bed support frame to be inclined to the Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positions at any height of the hospital bed. The drive mechanisms transfer forces for raising and lowering the bed support frame but do not transfer force when the bed is lowered onto an obstacle. When an obstacle is encountered, a switch interrupts operation of its respective actuator.

Abstract: A bed for maintaining a patient body with the head in any desired angular position relative to the feet, and for continuously rotating the patient so that one side of the patient is lower than the other, comprises a floor engaging base on which is mounted a cantilever frame elevatable to any desired angular position relative to the base. A bed table subframe is pivotally mounted to the free end of the cantilever frame and adjustable in a vertical plane to accomplish either Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg therapy on the patient. Pivot connections are provided between the patient support table and the table subframe for effecting the selective movement of the support table about one or the other of two horizontally spaced, longitudinally extending axes. Patient restraining elements are mounted to the sides of the patient supporting table to prevent movement of the patient in any of the various positions to which the support table may be shifted.

Abstract: A patient support system comprises an inflatable mattress supported on a platform of articulable links by a support system mounted on a weigh frame. The weigh frame is supported on a base frame supported relative to a floor. A pneumatic system includes a platform-mounted blower directing air through passageways in the articulable links. An exhaust passageway parallels the pressure passageway for exhausting opposite the blower. Air flow into and out of air cells in the mattress are controlled by valves coupling the pressurized air chamber and exhaust chamber to cell ports. A connector assembly is used to couple the cells to the platform, to adjacent cells, and to tubes connected to other cells. A footboard assembly is formed as two gates that swing out from the foot of the bed. Each gate has a storable tray that is positionable on either side of the gate. A headboard has a removable central panel for providing emergency patient access.

Abstract: A postural drainage table for supporting a person at various angular positions for treatment. The table comprises a support frame and a pivotal table support member guidingly supported and connected to the support frame. A table platform is secured to the support member for supporting a patient thereon. A pivot pin connects the support frame and the support member to permit displacement of the support member along a pivotal path. A locking mechanism is also provided to lock the support member in the desired position relative to the support frame to position the platform at a desired angle.

Abstract: A mattress tilting assembly having upper and lower support frames. The upper support frame is designed to carry a conventional box-spring and mattress and is pivoted to the lower support frame so that the head portion of the mattress is raised higher than the foot portion. Lock means are positioned between the upper and lower frames for providing stability when the upper frame is in a raised position. The lock means includes at least one brace member pivoted to the upper frame and having a nose portion disposable within and passing through a slot located in the lower frame for securely holding the upper frame in raised position. Means are also provided so that the frame members may be adjusted to accommodate mattresses of different widths.

Abstract: A manually or automatically controlled adjusting bed-chair combination for persons suffering limited mobility due to accident, disease, or age who thus require intensive caregiving efforts by others. This portable body supporting device provides a patient with greater mobility and self-care even if he/she is confined therein for weeks, months, or longer. The bed-chair includes an upper frame for supporting the invalid's body in a large number of postures ranging from side, supine, sitting, reclining or standing. In turn, this upper frame is articulated by lower supporting frames powered by linear actuators, or the equivalent, and controlled by the patient control or the caregiver's override and automatically preset control to provide a timed regimen of turning or tilting according to the occupant's needs. Whether in bed or chair mode, the support frame consists of an upper body, middle and leg-foot segment. The mid-section provides a base to which the other two sections are pivotally mounted.

Abstract: A patient support table comprising a first patient support surface. The first patient support surface, in a preferred embodiment, is comprised of an x-ray translucent material such as carbon fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the top of the first patient support surface is for supporting a patient and is slightly concave. The patient support table also comprises a support, with the support being affixed to the first end of the first patient support surface at a first end of the support and extends beyond the third end of the first patient support surface. The support is affixed in such a manner that the first patient support surface may be interchanged with a second patient support surface, wherein the second patient support surface has all of the properties of the first patient support surface. The patient support table also comprises a base. The base is affixed to a second end of the support.

Abstract: A surgery table is provided in which a patient support portion may be tilted about a longitudinal and a lateral axis and in which torso and leg supporting portions of the table may be pivoted relative to a trunk supporting portion. A new headrest locking mechanism is disclosed whereby supporting ball and socket connections for the headrest may be locked in position with a minimum of applied torque force. In addition, a lift mechanism incorporating telescoping members is provided whereby a large variation in table height may be obtained.

Abstract: In order to present patients in the correct position for surgical or investigative procedures and in order to reduce the time required to place on and remove from operating surfaces on which such procedures are carried out on patients, a wheelchair of novel configuration is described. The wheelchair has a seating arrangement comprising a back rest portion, a seat portion and foot rest means, adapted to receive a patient in a semi-recumbent or sitting position. The seating arrangement can be tilted so that the back rest portion is substantially horizontal and the seat portion is divided so that the patient's legs can be moved apart, while still supported, to present the patient's ano-genital region for surgical or investigative procedures.

Abstract: A patient examination table, of the type used in an x-ray examination apparatus, has one end secured to a ceiling or floor stand via a tilt mechanism which permits the longitudinal axis of the table to be tilted upwardly or downwardly. The table can be tilted around an imaginary axis, the imaginary axis being movable roughly in the middle of the examination table. The tilt mechanism includes a driven element, which may be a part of the housing for the tilt mechanism, a first gear which is rigidly attached to the stand, a second gear which is rigidly attached to the examination table and a transmission linkage between the first and second gears which permits the second gear to be movable around the drive shaft of the first gear as the driven element is rotated. The second gear is rotated in an opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the driven element.