Abstract: An air suspension bed for use in over-the-road trucks which utilizes an automotive air shock and a mechanical suspension to support a mattress, for use while a truck is in motion.

Abstract: A patient table, which is movable in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction. The patient table comprises: a base; a patient support surface; a support mechanism connected to the base and the support mechanism moving the patient support surface in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction; and a telescopic cover enclosing the support mechanism, the telescopic cover expanding and constructing with movement of the support mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism for raising and lowering the height of a patient support surface of a bed which includes a threaded shaft upon which a pulley support is raised and lowered and a chain and pulley system which transfers vertical displacement of the pulley support to the patient support surface. An articulating perimeter frame for supporting a patient on a bed frame which includes a plurality of extruded elongate members which are coupled together by hinges and corner members. The perimeter frame receives and supports inserts which receive head, seat and foot mattress sections. A pivotal push handle/tray combination that is pivotally coupled to the end posts of a bed and includes a mechanism for locking the handle/tray combination into one of a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A patient support 2 comprises two arms 10, 12 pivotally connected together and which extend between a base 6 and a support 14 to which a patient support table is coupled. In the preferred form, each arm 10, 12 comprises linkages which define pivot points 20A to 20D and 30A to 30D forming parallelograms. This ensures the support 14, and hence the table, has a constant orientation relative to the base. The arms 10, 12 may be controllable independently.

Abstract: The invention refers to a bed with a mattress pad supported in a three-dimensionally movable manner and a bedstead with legs, which supports the mattress. The mattress pad is in springy or not springy, but yielding manner attached to the bedstead. Sensors are arranged spaced across the surface of the mattress pad, to detect the local lowering of the mattress pad during loading; and lifting means reacting to the local lowering also arranged spaced across the surface of the mattress pad between the mattress pad and the bedstead, to align the mattress pad in the horizontal disregarding the locally different loading. The sensors and the lifting means are formed as double-acting pressure cylinders, which are connected in cross-wise manner with regard to each other.

Abstract: An examination table system for facilitating movement of a patient lying on a tabletop of the table system. The examination table system includes a table assembly for supporting the patient above a floor surface. The table assembly includes a generally planar tabletop and a plurality of leg members. A conveyor system is provided for moving the patient lying on the tabletop in a direction parallel to the tabletop. The conveyor system comprises a conveyor belt mounted about the table for movement. A pair of end rollers mounted to one of a pair of ends of the tabletop is provided for moving the conveyor belt about a pair of opposite ends of the tabletop. A drive assembly is provided for moving the conveyor belt about the tabletop. The drive assembly comprises a conveyor belt motor mounted to the table and a control for controlling operation of the conveyor belt motor.

Abstract: An adjustable height platform comprising a bottom platform, a top platform and a scissors linkage secured between the top and the bottom platforms. The scissors linkage includes scissors legs which pivot about a pivot axis. A drive system provides a horizontal force to the scissors linkage. An unlocking mechanism lifts the pivot axis in response to the horizontal force and unlocks the scissors legs from a collapsed, retracted, and aligned position. After unlocking the legs, the horizontal force continues to raise the top platform with respect to the bottom platform.

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

Abstract: An articulated bed comprises a main frame supported by a leg tube. An upper portion of the leg tube is longitudinally and pivotally displaceable relative to the main frame at an upper movable pivot point. A lower portion of a stabilizer is connected to a lower intermediate portion of the leg tube at a lower orbital pivot point. An upper portion of the stabilizer is pivotally connected relative to said main frame at an upper fixed pivot point. A wheel is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the leg tube at a pivot axis. The upper movable pivot point, the lower orbital pivot point, and the pivot axis do not coalign and the distance between the upper fixed pivot point and the upper movable pivot point are maximized when the main frame is in a raised position.

Abstract: The system of present invention is intended for use with a bed having a drive system for moving at least one movable section of the bed and a weight meter which receives transducer signals from transducers in the legs of the bed and displays a patient weight. In the system of the present invention the weight meter is operably coupled to the drive system so that when the drive system is activated, the weight meter automatically enters a hold mode wherein the weight meter stores the most recent weight value as a hold weight value. When the bed drive system is deactivated, the weight meter automatically returns to the operating mode by converting changes in the signals from the transducers into a change in weight value that is added to or subtracted from the hold weight value.

Abstract: A patient support is provided comprising a support surface, a base, and a lift assembly positioned to support the support surface above the base. The lift assembly includes an actuator configured to adjust the height of the support surface. The actuator includes a housing formed to include first and second cylinders. The actuator further includes a first piston positioned in the first cylinder and a second piston positioned in the second cylinder. The first piston includes a first fluid passage therein. The second piston includes a second fluid passage therein.

Abstract: A patient table, which is movable in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction. The patient table comprises: a base; a patient support surface; a support mechanism connected to said base and said support mechanism moving said patient support surface in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction; and a telescopic cover enclosing said support mechanism, said telescopic cover expanding and constructing with movement of said support mechanism.

Abstract: A modular intervention bed for use with a medical tomographic imaging system having an associated patient transport device and an imaging device. The modular intervention bed comprises a trestle configured to engage a patient transport device, with the trestle having an intervention area. A patient couch movably mounted on the trestle, with the patient couch defining an opening corresponding to the intervention area. The couch comprises a plurality of patient mats with each mat connected to at least one other mat, a pair of rollers mounted on each mat in a spaced apart relationship with each roller proximate an outside edge of each mat. The modular intervention bed can be reconfigured by adding or removing a mat thereby moving the intervention area and opening to correspond with the portion of a patient under investigation during an intervention procedure guided by a medical tomographic imaging system.

Abstract: A surgical scanning system includes a scanner supported on a carrier movable relative to an operating room table. The carrier engages a guide that is collinear with the long axis of an operating room table. The relative movement between an operating room table and a scanner along a guide decreases the likelihood of collision therebetween. The ability to collect a scan of a patient while on an operating room table increases the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome.

Abstract: A stretcher includes an elongated base having a head end and a foot end, a plurality of floor-engaging casters rotatably mounted to the base, a radiolucent upper deck, head and foot end hydraulic cylinders coupled to the base adjacent to the head and foot ends thereof, and head and foot end connectors for coupling the head and foot end hydraulic cylinders to the head and foot ends of the upper deck. The head and foot end connectors secure the upper deck to the base while allowing (a) movement of the upper deck between a low position and a high position, (aa) translation of the upper deck toward the foot end of the base, and (aaa) rotation of the upper deck to a Trendelenberg position or to a reverse Trendelenberg position. The head end and foot end hydraulic cylinders are spaced apart to define a central imaging region above the base between the hydraulic cylinders which is free of structure that would interfere with imaging.

Abstract: A cantilevered mobile bed/chair apparatus for safely transferring a patient from and to a hospital type bed comprises three hinged together segments forming back, seat and foot platforms operating in conjunction with a four wheeled, rectangular base. The hinged together platforms convert from a fully adjustable chair mode to a bed mode by a first jack located beneath the seat platform. The platforms are raised and lowered by a second jack associated with a telescoping tower attached to an E frame. The telescoping tower is mounted vertically from one side of the rectangular base, and when extended, has a height greater than a hospital bed. The E frame, which supports the platforms, is cantilevered horizontally from the top portion of the telescoping tower, and the height thereof is controlled by the second jack mounted together with the bottom portion of the telescoping tower, to the wheeled base. The side edges of the platforms are beveled or angled downward.

Abstract: In order to give a physician easy access to a patient placed in an interjacent space within a vertical magnet apparatus of a vertical magnet-type MRI apparatus, support and movement mechanisms 19 are provided on respective opposing surface sides of a pair of vertical opposing magnets 11, for supporting a cradle 22 or a seat 32 of a chair on belts 18, and moving the cradle 22 or the seat 32 in the horizontal direction by motors 17 and in the vertical direction by hydraulic cylinders 13.

Abstract: An improvement to gurneys for cleaning patients confined to bed which generally is comprised of a structure with legs having caster wheels, which includes, generally, a framework for affixing a table to support the patient with a washing basin comprised of a piece of flexible and collapsible laminar material, attached to the frame, which follows the perimeter of the support table and is connected to form walls that delimit a space for washing. The improvement is comprised of a frame that includes elongations at the ends of its longitudinal sides, which project vertically above the table with rows of notches to affix and hold the upper edge of the laminar piece and to delimit the washing space. These elongations may be comprised of extensions of the ends of the longitudinal sides of the frame in a U shape, formed with vertical inclined sections joined below the frame, of which one, the furthest from the frame, projects above the table to incorporate the row of affixing notches for the laminar material piece.

Abstract: A stretcher includes an elongated base having a head end and a foot end, a plurality of floor-engaging casters rotatably mounted to the base, a radiolucent upper deck, head and foot end hydraulic cylinders coupled to the base adjacent to the head and foot ends thereof, and head and foot end connectors for coupling the head and foot end hydraulic cylinders to the head and foot ends of the upper deck. The head and foot end connectors secure the upper deck to the base while allowing (a) movement of the upper deck between a low position and a high position, (aa) translation of the upper deck toward the foot end of the base, and (aaa) rotation of the upper deck to a Trendelenberg position or to a reverse Trendelenberg position. The head end and foot end hydraulic cylinders are spaced apart to define a central imaging region above the base between the hydraulic cylinders which is free of structure that would interfere with imaging.

Abstract: A height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base which utilizes a unique pivoting base having castors and a unique support arm assist spring mechanism. The pivoting castor base allows movement of the bed in any direction on the plane of the floor when also positioned at any user desired height while also providing a stable and lockable support for the bed. The support arm spring mechanism provides an initial assist force when the bed is in a nearly or fully lowered position and thereby minimizes the force required by the linear actuators used to raise the bed.

Abstract: A stretcher comprised of a roller base, a scissor-type lift frame having a lower end rotatably connected to the base, a tubular undercarriage rotatably and slidably connected to an upper end of the frame, a foldable rigid support positionable over the undercarriage, a soft, foldable cushion positionable over the support and connected thereto to prevent disassociation therefrom, and first and second side-arm supports rotatably connected to the undercarriage. The lift frame includes left and right side assemblies, each side assembly having a fixed-length leg member and a telescoping variable-length leg member, both of which are rotatably connected to the base, and rotatably and/or slidably connected to the undercarriage. The leg members of each side assembly are connected to one another at their respective mid-sections by a joint, and are rotatable with respect to one another along an axis of the joint, which is offset from the member's central axes.

Abstract: A stretcher comprised of a roller base, a scissor-type lift frame having a lower end rotatably connected to the base, a tubular undercarriage rotatably and slidably connected to an upper end of the frame, a foldable rigid support positionable over the undercarriage, a soft, foldable cushion positionable over the support and connected thereto to prevent disassociation therefrom, and first and second side-arm supports rotatably connected to the undercarriage. The undercarriage includes first and second longitudinal frame members and first and second movable end extensions. Internal to each of the longitudinal frame members is a releasably locking mechanism to lock the stretcher at a predetermined height. The internal locking mechanism is releasable allowing the stretcher to be vertically adjusted by either one or two thumb triggers, located at one of the movable end extensions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to joint motion imaging and provides a vertical magnet type MRI system comprising a vertical magnet unit (10) having a pair of opposite vertical magnets (11), a movable table (20) provided with wheels (22) for traveling and a cradle (21) to carry a specimen laid down thereon, and capable of being moved into and moved out of a space between the pair of opposite vertical magnets (11), table locking devices (13) for locking the movable table (20) with the cradle (21) being in place between the pair of opposite vertical magnets (11), a movable chair (30) provided with wheels (32) for traveling and capable of being moved into and moved out of the space between the pair of opposite vertical magnets (11), and a chair locking device (14) for locking the movable chair (30) in place between the pair of opposite vertical magnets (11).

Abstract: A variable width bariatric bed including a frame having a modular configuration with front end, rear end and middle frame sections that are detachable from one another to facilitate storage, transport and relocation through narrow entrances. A series of electric motors carried by the frame apply pushing forces to raise a plurality of mattress support deck sections to adjust the contour of a mattress. Each of the mattress support deck sections has a pair of pull out extensions that are adapted to slide outwardly and in opposite directions from a retracted position to an extended position at which the mattress support deck sections have a relatively wide width to support a correspondingly wide (e.g. 48 inch) mattress. Such mattress includes a mattress body and a pair of (e.g. foam or air filled) mattress extensions that are releasably connected at opposite sides of the mattress body and seated upon the pair of pull out extensions of the mattress support deck sections.

Abstract: A medical bed including a frame supported on pivoted support members wherein pivoting of the support members results in vertical movement of a patient support surface of the bed. The pivoting of the support members is accomplished by motors which are actuated by a control circuit operating in response to operator actuated switches. The bed is movable between uppermost and lowermost positions wherein a lower intermediate position is provided adjacent to and vertically spaced from the lowermost position, and an upper intermediate position is provided adjacent to and vertically spaced from the uppermost position. The controller operates to automatically stop vertical movement of the bed when it reaches either the lower intermediate position or the upper intermediate position.

Abstract: A height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base which utilizes a unique pivoting base having castors and a unique support arm assist spring mechanism. The pivoting castor base allows movement of the bed in any direction on the plane of the floor when also positioned at any user desired height while also providing a stable and lockable support for the bed. The support arm spring mechanism provides an initial assist force when the bed is in a nearly or fully lowered position and thereby minimizes the force required by the linear actuators used to raise the bed.

Abstract: A patient lifter has a patient support platform that made be lowered until it touches the floor. Once in this position, it is a simple matter for a single person to place a patient who is prone on the floor onto the patient platform. Once on the platform, the patient support platform can be raised to a height sufficient to transfer the patient onto a bed or chair. The invention has many different devices for raising and lowering the patient support platform which may be chosen. The device is provided with wheels so that it may be easily transported to the site of the patient and be used to move the patient from place to place.

Abstract: A chair for transporting a patient includes a base frame, a plurality of casters mounted to the base frame, a seat, and a push bar mounted to a back section of the seat for use when transporting the patient. A wheel is coupled to the base frame for movement between a downward brake-steer position, facilitating steering the chair during transport of the patient, and an upward neutral position. A brake mechanism brakes the casters when the brake mechanism is in a braking position and permits rotation of the casters when the brake mechanismn is in a releasing position. A brake-steer shaft is coupled to the brake mechanism. Movement of the shaft moves the brake mechanism between the braking position and the releasing position. The brake-steer shaft is pivotably coupled to the base frame. The brake-steer shaft is coupled to the wheel so that rotation of the brake-steer shaft moves the wheel between the brake-steer position and the neutral position.

Abstract: The posture of a patient on a nursing bed can be changed by separating a bed tray that is in a base of the nursing bed from leg-side lifts and hand-side lifts. Leg-side and head-side nets are fully stretched, and the body of the patient is supported on the leg-side net and the head-side net above the bed plate using the leg-side lifts and head-side lifts while the patient faces upwards. An elongate cushion is then placed lengthwise on the bed plate. The body of the patient is then lowered until the body comes into contact with the elongate cushion. Winding drums are then rotated to pull on the nets on the side toward which it is decide to turn the patient so as to loosen the leg-side and head-side nets, so that the body of the patient rolls on the elongate cushion toward that side, and so that the body of the patient is supported by the bed plate. The elongate cushion is then subsequently removed from the bed plate.

Abstract: A transport mechanism for supporting and laterally moving a bed mattress over the bed frame. The bed frame is divided between a longitudinally extending central frame and a longitudinally extending lateral frame pivoted thereto. Chain drives mounted in the head and foot of the central and lateral frames are attached to the head and foot ends of a flexible mattress support. The lateral frame is pivotal to cause the courses of the chains over the lateral frame to form variably adjustable angles with the courses thereof over the central frame.

Abstract: A medical table having a head end column and a pair of foot end columns, all of which are automatically and simultaneously extendable and retractable between upper and lower positions. A patient support system, which may include a body support and separate leg supports, is supported by the head and foot end columns.

Abstract: An ambulance cot having a wheeled base, a horizontally oriented patient litter support disposed on the base and having an elongate guide extending lengthwise thereof. A support mechanism is provided for supporting the patient litter support for vertical movement relative to the base while being maintained in the generally horizontal orientation. A device is provided for selectively locking the patient litter support at selectively different vertical elevations.

Abstract: A multi-axis positioner patient platform comprises a patient table and a base. A first actuator drive has a first end is connected to the patient table. A second end of the first actuator drive is connected to the base. Further, a second actuator drive has a first end connected to the patient table and a second end connected to the base. Finally, a third actuator drive has a first end connected to a common longitudinal position of the first actuator drive and a second end connected to the base.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient in a substantially horizontal position, which wheeled carriage has thereon a patient support having head and foot regions and a pair of lateral side regions and a wheeled base supported at least by three floor surface engaging and castered wheels spaced from one another at locations defining corners of a theoretical polygon. An auxiliary wheel and a support structure therefor are suspendedly mounting the auxiliary wheel to the wheeled base. The auxiliary wheel is oriented inside a boundary of the theoretical polygon and includes an axle about which the wheel rotates. A control structure includes a first manually manipulatable member at at least one of the pair of lateral side regions and a second manually manipulatable member at at least one of the head end and the foot end so that an attendant can operate a selected one of the manually manipulatable members to effect a movement of the auxiliary wheel and the support structure therefor.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient in a substantially horizontal position includes a patient support having head and foot regions and a pair of lateral side regions and a wheeled base supported at least by three floor surface engaging and castered wheels. An auxilliary wheel and a support structure therefor suspendedly mount the auxilliary wheel to the wheeled base. A unitary pedal is provided for controlling first and second hydraulic jacks to adjust the height of the patient support.

Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable bed frame having a main support including head and foot ends. The support is movable between raised and lowered positions and independent first and second elevating mechanisms are coupled to the main support. The mechanisms are spaced from one another on the main support to carry the bed frame on a support surface. An electrical supply system provides power to actuate the mechanisms to change the height of the main support above the support surface and a controller is coupled to the supply system to selectively activate the first and second elevating mechanisms to move the main support between raised and lowered positions. DC motors and worm drives are used independently to drive the elevating mechanisms and stops are provided at the raised and lowered positions to ensure that the main support is horizontal in the raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A trolley 10 can be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The trolley is usually in the lowered position when it is put into an ambulance. A magnet 252 is secured to one connecting leg of the trolley and a counter 258 is connected to the top frame 16 of the trolley. When the trolley is moved to a lower position the magnet 252 comes in close proximity to the counter 258 and a count is recorded. The recorded count gives an indication of the number of times that the trolley has been raised and lowered.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in transporting and lifting immobile large animals. It has two major cooperating components: a cart and a lift. Both have tubular frame constructions with fabric releasably attached to the frames for supporting an animal. The cart has large wheels for maneuverability even over rough terrain to an animal needing care. The fabric can be unsnapped from the cart frame to more easily load the animal. The legs can be pivoted outward, allowing the cart to be lowered to the ground for greater ease in loading an animal. The cart, with the loaded animal, fits over a lowered lift. The lift has an upper frame which can be raised to bring the supported animal to a desired level. It has wheels on its base frame to allow it to be wheeled to a desired location. Two separate motor-driven lifting mechanisms are used to raise the upper frame, capable of lifting up to 300 pounds. Belts are provided to secure an animal on the lift.

Abstract: A height adjustable bed on a floor provides a two stage continuous adjustment system and method of operation thereof. An upper frame is raised from a lowermost position to a maximum intermediate position with a first set of legs resting on the floor. The upper frame is further raised from the maximum intermediate position to an uppermost position with a second set of legs resting on the floor. The transition from the first set of legs to the second set of legs and vice-versa is smooth and continuous. The system is powered by a reversible electric motor. A much greater range of distance is achieved over previous height adjustable beds. The ratio of uppermost distance of the upper frame off the floor to the lowermost distance can be greater than 2.5. A third set of wheeled legs can be added for mobility when it is desired to move the bed.

Abstract: An ambulance cot having a wheeled base, a horizontally oriented patient litter support disposed on the base and having an elongate guide extending lengthwise thereof. A support mechanism is provided for supporting the patient litter support for vertical movement relative to the base while being maintained in the generally horizontal orientation. A device for selectively locking the patient litter support at selectively different vertical elevations is provided.

Abstract: A veterinary medical lift device to treat animals having a mobile veterinary preparation table with a sloping flange or an angled ramp that is height-adjustable and that allows a large degree of ease in relocating an animal to the top of the table. In another embodiment, the veterinary medical lift device may have a fixed exam table which lowers close to the floor and which would have its height adjustable table situated such that it would be perpendicular to the wall.

Abstract: A chair for supporting a patient above a floor comprising a base frame, an intermediate frame coupled to the base frame for pivoting movement relative to the base frame about a generally horizontal transverse axis thereon and wherein the intermediate frame is lockable relative to the base frame. An articulated patient support including longitudinally spaced back and seat sections mounted to the intermediate frame for movement relative to one another and relative to the intermediate frame and wherein the back and seat sections are movable relative to the base frame about the horizontal transverse axis when the intermediate frame is locked relative to the base frame.

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 method is provided for measuring the weight of a medical imaging scanner patient. The scanner has a bore portion for receiving and housing the patient during a scan. Initially, a reclining apparatus associated with the scanner is provided, on which the patient can recline during the scan. A hydraulic lift mechanism is then used to position the reclining apparatus and the patient at bore level. The pressure within the hydraulic lift mechanism can then be measured as a function of downward force exerted by the reclining apparatus and the patient surface. Alternatively, the automatic measuring of patient mass, associated with the movement of the reclining apparatus and patient into the bore, can be determined by calculating instantaneous acceleration of the reclining apparatus and patient as the reclining apparatus and patient are slid into the bore.

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: A bed permits changing of bedclothes without moving the person on it and without substantial burden for either the patient or the care-taker. A left and a right carriage member 5 and 6, wheels 15 to 18 and a shaft 7 constitute a carriage. The carriage supports mats 11 and 12 via balancing members 3 and 4 and shafts 1 and 2 and advances the mats 11 and 12 along rails 31 and 32. The mat 12 is stretched between the rails 31 and 32 by fasteners. The balancing members 3 and 4 are rotatably coupled by a shaft to downward extensions 5a and 6a of the carriage members 5 and 6. The shafts 1 and 2 are rotatably mounted in the balancing members 3 and 4. With advancement of the carriage caused by turning a grip 26, the slides 52 and 54 cause the old mat 12 to be released from the fasteners and wound on the shaft 2, while also causing the new mat 11 to be coupled to the fasteners and stretched between the rails 31 and 32.

Abstract: A patient support stretcher which includes a base and a main frame portion coupled to the base through at least one pair of crossbars forming an X-shaped configuration. The crossbars are pivotally connected to one another and are pivotally connected to the base and the main frame portion. A back support or a fowler section is hinged to the main frame portion and a strut interconnects the back support to the main frame to provide the requisite balanced leverage for effecting the simultaneous lift of the main frame and the fowler section.

Abstract: A cantilevered mobile bed/chair apparatus for safely transferring a patient from and to a hospital type bed comprises three hinged together segments forming back, seat and foot platforms operating in conjunction with a four wheeled, rectangular base. The hinged together platforms convert from a fully adjustable chair mode to a bed mode by a first jack located beneath the seat platform. The platforms are raised and lowered by a second jack associated with a telescoping tower attached to an E frame. The telescoping tower is mounted vertically from one side of the rectangular base, and when extended, has a height greater than a hospital bed. The E frame, which supports the platforms, is cantilevered horizontally from the top portion of the telescoping tower, and the height thereof is controlled by the second jack mounted together with the bottom portion of the telescoping tower, to the wheeled base. The side edges of the platforms are beveled or angled downward.

Abstract: An extendable hand control for a stretcher undercarriage (10) which has height adjustable legs (11, 12). It comprises a handle (19) fitted to an end of a tube (20), slidable within an undercarriage frame member (21). The handle has an associated lever (15) which operates a control cable (14) for adjusting the height of the height adjustable legs (11, 12) . The arrangement includes a locking bar (26) within the slidable tube (20) which sets the maximum extendable position of the handle and the fully retractable position of the handle.

Abstract: A structure and apparatus for engaging and disengaging an electric motor for a power assisted patient transporter. The motor is allowed to slide, along a guide (in one embodiment an elongated slot) on a unitary structure installed on the transporter, to be engaged or disengaged from a lead screw. A key mechanism is provided to lock the motor in either an engage position or a disengage position.