Abstract: A hospital bed, particulary suitable for home use comprises a plurality of sections which can be releasably connected together, and can be assembled for delivery and storage with head and foot sections, and head and foot boards stacked on a seat section. When thus assembled the bed can be put into a box and for ease of movement wheels project through the bottom of the box. The various sections and parts are releasably connected by pairs of brackets which clip together, the brackets held together by a clip which prevents disengagement. Power means are provided for raising the head section panel and the foot section panel. The bed has fixed legs which are provided with wheels. Movable legs can also be provided, extendable and retractable. When the movable legs are extended the fixed legs are raised, the wheels clear the floor. Head, foot and seat panels are joined together for articulation by means of a novel hinge.

Abstract: A roll-in cot is provided and includes a rectangular undercarriage including a pair of side frame members and a pair of transverse frame members, downwardly extending supports affixed at respective corners of the rectangular undercarriage, and undercarriage wheels attached to the downwardly extending supports to provide high ground clearance for the undercarriage. The cot also includes a cot frame having a pair of opposing side frame members and a pair of supports extending downwardly from each of the opposing side frame members. The opposite ends of the supports are secured to a transverse member having a pair of load wheels thereon. Coacting pairs of complementary cross-forming frame members extend between and interconnect the cot frame and the undercarriage.

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

Abstract: An operating table, universally applicable for all types of operations, is based on a column (1) which constitutes a support for a two-part bed, with the parts "bed A" and "bed B", each of which is attached to its part of a ring (2) which can be rotated through 360.degree. in the horizontal plane in a bearing unit (3). The bearing unit (3) is arranged on a vertically rotatable device (14) on the supporting vertical column (1) which is designed so that the axis of rotation coincides with the patient's vertical centre of gravity. The patient can thus be rotated in the vertical plane. Thus the patient's rotations coincide with the patient's horizontal and vertical centre of gravity, enabling the patient to be rotated into the required position with a minimum of effort. It will thus be possible to gain access to the operating table from all sides, and there will be a choice between "bed A" and "bed B", with the patient lying on his stomach or on his back.

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

Abstract: 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 bedding supporting floor is supported on a stationary frame supported on a base having castors through a lifting device so that the bedding supporting floor is oscillated about an oscillation shaft provided on a center axis thereof, and an oscillation device for oscillating the bedding supporting floor with respect to the stationary frame is provided. A plate-like bearing member having a circular arc edge provided on a head portion and a foot portion of the bedding supporting floor is placed on a pair of rolls supported on the stationary frame.

Abstract: A table such as an x-ray or operating table with a top positionable into multiple positions and angular orientations with respect to a mounting base such that the positions or orientations include variable elevated positions, variable transverse positions, variable longitudinal positions, variable angular orientations in the longitudinal direction, variable angular orientations in the transverse direction, and variable rotational orientations.

Abstract: A surgical table is provided which includes a patient support portion for receiving a patient and a base member connected to and supporting the patient support portion. The patient support portion includes a seat portion and a leg support portion wherein the leg support portion is mounted for movement to a plurality of positions including a first position in which the leg support portion is coplanar with the seat portion, and a second position wherein the leg support portion is located underneath and in overlapping relationship with the seat portion.

Abstract: A retractable collapsible hydraulically operated ambulance cot having an upper frame with a bed for patient support; a lower frame; an intermediate frame disposed between and cooperable with the upper frame and the lower frame; a frame support pivotally connected to the upper frame, lower frame and the intermediate frame, which supports the upper frame and allows separation of the upper frame from the lower frame at a selected height of the upper frame above the lower frame; and adjustable retaining means cooperable with the frame support to retain the upper frame at the selected height. The cot is highly user friendly in allowing one or two ambulance attendants to easily transfer the cot into and out of the rear of an ambulance.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a hospital bed effects relative vertical movement of a base and a patient litter. The drive mechanism includes spaced, telescoping threaded screw assemblies, which are driven by a single electric motor through a train of gears having helical teeth oriented to offset inherent frictional forces of the screw assemblies. A support for the motor and a component of the drive train are made of electrically nonconductive materials to electrically isolate the motor, and are arranged to damp vibrations produced by the motor. Two coiled electrical cords extend between the base and patient litter, and are each received in a recess in the patient litter when the patient litter is adjacent the base. A sensor arrangement provides an electrical signal indicative of the relative vertical positions of the patient litter and base, and a manual drive arrangement is provided to permit the gear train to be manually driven.

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

Abstract: A patient lift apparatus is provided with a U-shaped base that folds to enable convenient reduced width storage of the unit when not in use. Accordingly, the U-shaped base of the unit has a hinge with a vertical axis in each leg of the "U". These hinges are located midway of each of the vertical legs. Typically, these hinges provide for a pivotal movement of the casters at the ends of each leg of the "U" from a caster extended position for patient lifting and transport to a caster folded position parallel to and spaced apart from the base of the "U". A releasable lock mechanism is provided to each leg for locking the hinge in either the caster extended position or the caster folded position. The lock includes an outer moving sleeve with a spring biased inner key connected to the spring biased sleeve. The key moves with the sleeve and fits into and out of paired apertures in the hinge.

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 lifting device for turnable parts of a furniture article has a scissors-type element, an electric motor actuating the scissors-type element and having a driven member formed as a rotatable nut, and a stationary threaded spindle on which the electric motor is displaceable.

Abstract: A multi-function and automatic sick bed, which comprises left and right elevating mechanisms, front and rear elevating mechanisms, each of the aforesaid elevating mechanisms includes motor, gears, screw rod and connecting rod; each such elevating mechanism can be adjusted to provide a comfortable position for a patient's head, legs or feet.

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 sheet position adjustment assembly comprises a sheet that overlies a support element such as a mattress on a relatively moveable frame of an adjustable bed. A pair of lengthwise adjustable straps connect the sheet adjacent the head portion of the mattress to a relatively stationary base of the adjustable bed. The straps are securely sewn to the sheet by nylon stitching. A mat of reinforcement material is sewn to the sheet at the attachment interface with the straps. A low-friction fabric panel is provided on the underside of the sheet that slides on the mattress. An upstanding rail is attached to the bed frame adjacent the head portion of the mattress to prevent collapse as the connecting straps extend thereover during the position adjustment operation. The method of adjusting the position of the sheet comprises connecting the sheet to the fixed base portion of the adjustable bed. The position of the moveable frame is then vertically adjusted upwardly by lifting or pivoting.

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

Abstract: A hospital bed, particulary suitable for home use comprises a plurality of sections which can be releasably connected together, and can be assembled for delivery and storage with head and foot sections, and head and foot boards stacked on a seat section. When thus assembled the bed can be put into a box and for ease of movement wheels project through the bottom of the box. The various sections and parts are releasably connected by pairs of brackets which clip together, the brackets held together by a clip which prevents disengagement. Power means are provided for raising the head section board and the foot section board. The bed has fixed legs which are provided with wheels. Movable legs can also be provided, extendable and retractable. When the movable legs are extended the fixed legs are raised, the wheels clear the floor. Power means are provided for moving the movable legs, and the movable legs, power means and associated parts can be removably mounted on the bed.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a base frame and a mattress frame having a plurality of pivotally interconnected sections. A plurality of links are positioned between the base frame and the mattress frame. The mattress frame may be moved between a high position and a low position. A single linear actuator is connected to the mattress frame. The actuator is extendable and retractable to raise and lower the mattress frame with the mattress frame sections in a common plane. The actuator may also be retracted when the mattress frame is in the low position to articulate the mattress frame sections.

Abstract: A patient support table utilized when a target such as the circulatory organs of a patient is radiographed with an X-ray camera includes a hydraulic multi-stage piston-cylinder unit of which the top piston is driven in the vertical direction by at least two stages for supporting the patient for a sufficient distal mounted upright on the base of the table; a drive unit for driving the pistons in the axial direction; a multi-stage supporting device of which top moves together with the top of the piston-cylinder unit by at least two stages for supporting an overhanging load exerted by the patient, mounted upright on the base beside the piston-cylinder unit; and, a table top supported by the piston-cylinder unit and the support device, for supporting a patient lying on its surface.

Abstract: A pressure relief bed which supports the body of a patient on two racks, each of which carries a series of parallel, closely-shaped padded slats. The slats on one rack are interposed between the slats on the other rack. The structure includes means for alternately moving one rack and the slats thereon out of contact with the patient's body while the other rack, and the slats thereon, support the body.

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 surgical operating table has a cover resiliently supported on a base assembly and microswitches that detect displacement of the cover to prevent lowering of the patient support platform. The base assembly has a castor plate and a base plate which is lowered to brake movement of the table over the floor. A pneumatic tube around the base plate senses the presence of an object under the plate and causes the plate to be raised. A tilt switch in a leaf of the platform prevents angular displacement of the platform when its angle exceeds a safe limit.

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: A vertically adjustable and tiltable bed frame has two actuators which may be used simultaneously or independently to tilt the frame and which also may be used to raise and lower the frame. A level sensor is connected to the actuators so that if the tilt varies from the adjusted and desired position, one or other actuator is adjusted to restore the desired tilted position.

Abstract: An improved transfer system for patients is incorporated either with a tub enclosure or a mobile frame and includes telescoping tubes for lifting a patient chair and thus elevating the patient and lowering the patient into the tube enclousre. The lift system incorporates an improved coupling assembly for coupling the actuator for telescoping the inner tube within the fixed outer tube of the assembly.

Abstract: A powered transfer and transport system is provided to permit disabled individuals increased mobility and freedom of movement. The powered system performs as a wheelchair in one configuration and as a bed in another, and provides powered mechanisms for variously positioning the seating surface which are operable by the occupant from the seating surface. The powered system includes mechanisms for laterally shifting, elevating, rotating, reclining and driving the seating surface. Enhanced mobility and freedom of movement for the individual results, improving the capability for independent living and expanding employment opportunities.

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

Abstract: A vehicle having a suspension control system that is especially applicable to an aircargo transport loader which is adapted for storage in a cargo hold of an aircraft. The suspension control system utilizes sensors to monitor the clearance between the vehicle and an underlying or overlying surface such as the ramp leading into a cargo hold or the roof of the cargo hold. The sensors relay information concerning clearance to a central control where the necessary suspension adjustments are made to allow the vehicle to avoid a clearance problem once travel is continued after stopping for the suspension adjustment. The system allows for suspension adjustments to be made either automatically or manually. The invention also includes an under deck support system which allows for limited pitch, yaw, roll and side to side adjustments to be made to the deck with respect to the underlying base frame.

Abstract: A portable device for facilitating the performance of radiographic procedures. The device has a free-standing base; a patient support table with a substantially flat torso support surface; structure mounting the table to the base for selective movement relative to the base between (a) a first operating position wherein the torso support surface is in a substantially horizontal orientation to support a patient in a prone position and (b) a set-up/second operating position in which the torso support surface is substantially vertically oriented so that a patient in an upright position can lean against the torso support surface; and structure for fixing the position of the table relative to the base.

Abstract: A birthing bed has a base, an intermediate frame mounted on the base with a power-actuated linkage to raise and lower the intermediate frame with respect to the base. A main frame is pivotably mounted on the intermediate frame so that it can be shifted from a horizontal position to an inclined Trendelenburg position. The intermediate frame is adapted to be lowered to bring the patient support surface to a very low level. In that level, the bed can be shifted to a Trendelenburg position with limit switches causing the intermediate frame to rise in order to accommodate the shift of the main frame to the inclined Trendelenburg position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for selectively raising and lowering the entire mattress of a nursing home or hospital bed without changing the angle or tilt thereof, raising and lowering the head of the mattress, and raising and lowering the foot of the mattress, all without affecting the longitudinal configuration of the mattress itself. The invention further provides a nursing home or hospital bed incorporating the apparatus of the invention, and still further provides a method of achieving the various possible mattress configurations enabled by the invention. The apparatus of the invention includes a lifting bar longitudinally disposed relative to the stationary frame of the bed of the invention, and interconnected between moveable mattress supporting components and the stationary frame of the bed through separately operable pivotal interconnections.

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

Abstract: A 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 bed is provided with a frame (2, 102) and a keyboard-shaped resting surface (3, 103) comprising a series of mutually independent transverse adjacent removable elements (5, 105, 205) which are vertically mobile independently of each other. This movement is produced by hydraulic cylinder-piston units, manually or motor-operated articulated parallelogram systems (270), or equivalent systems.

Abstract: A portable lifting apparatus and method having a pair of oppositely positioned end pieces to which are attached lifting devices. A support is attached between the end pieces upon which an individual rests. The support contains at least one access opening so that access for a bed pan, for airing bed sores, for changing bandages and linen, is provided. Further, a leveling device is attached to the support for maintaining the support in a level position as the patient is lifted and lowered above the bed. The end pieces may be attached to any existing bed in a hospital or nursing home or elsewhere and the support is conformed to the size and dimension of the bed to which it is attached. The device is remotely operable and, if the patient is capable, may actually be operated by the patient so as to enable the patient to raise and lower himself above the bed for use of a bed pan, and so forth.

Abstract: An adjustable care bed includes a base frame which supports a mattress frame. The mattress frame includes a head section, a seat or intermediate section and a foot or leg section all of which are pivotally interconnected. A first link and positioner subassembly interconnects the head section with the seat section. A second link and positioner subassembly interconnects the seat section with the leg or foot section. Each link and positioner subassembly includes a link fixed to one of the sections and having a free end. A bracket is fixed to the intermediate section. An elongated rod has an end pivoted to the bracket and a free end which extends through a lock housing. The lock housing is pivoted to the free end of the fixed link. A lock mechanism selectively locks or positions the rod with respect to the lock housing. The bed further includes an extendable caster subassembly, and a hi/low mechanism for raising the mattress frame with respect to the base frame, and a leg lift mechanism.

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

Abstract: An adjustable bed and interchangeable drive unit therefor, which includes a bed frame, a plurality of separately adjustable bed sections pivotally secured to the frame, a corresponding plurality of controller shafts wherein each shaft controls one of the adjustable bed sections, a manual drive unit comprising a plurality of handcranks for individually driving each of the plurality of controller shafts, a powered drive unit comprising at least one electric motor operatively arranged for individually driving each of the controller shafts, and quick disconnect/connect means for interchanging the manual drive unit and the powered drive unit, wherein only one of the drive units is secured to the bed at any one time.

Abstract: A variable height bed for use in hospitals, extended care facilities and the like. The bed incorporates a base or stationary frame and an elevating frame interconnected and nesting with the stationary frame. The elevating frame has an operative range of about twenty inches, from a minimum height of approximately ten inches above the floor to a maximum of approximately twenty nine inches above the floor. The bed structure provides for substantial clearance under its midsection and includes means for elevating without the use of a manual cranking operation. Guard rails located along the sides of the bed can be moved completely out of the way of the bed sides when required; and means are provided for immobilizing the bed at any location of the elevating frame.

Abstract: The self-contained module for intensive care and resuscitation includes a detachable receiver table for sick and injured persons, medical assistance equipment and resuscitation equipment, and a footing furnished with ground-support members. The module is characterized in that it comprises a girder (1) which supports the different module units and the table, and which is supported in an adjustable manner above the ground, i.e. adjustable in height and/or inclination, by the footing, which is formed by at least two support legs (7) associated with the operating and guide means, which operating an guide means communicates to the support legs a folding-up or unfolding motion under the girder simultaneously or independently for each leg.