Abstract: An apparatus, method and program product position a powered examination chair at a constant, desired speed despite fluctuations line voltage. A power signal supplied to an actuating motor of the chair is apportioned according to the line voltage supplied to the chair. The desired speed may be customized by a user in the field.

Abstract: An adjustable bed carriage for supporting a main bed frame above a substantially planar floor. The adjustable bed carriage has a first leg with an upper end slidably attached to a first end of the main bed frame and a second leg with an upper end pivotably attached to a second end of the main bed frame. Each of the first leg and the second leg are pivotably connected to each other at a central pivot located substantially at a midpoint of each, to permit pivoting movement of each of the first leg and the second leg about the central pivot in opposite directions. The pivoting movement of the legs moves the adjustable bed carriage between a fully extended condition and a fully collapsed condition.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable bed includes a bed frame attached to movable legs powered by a motor. Operation of the motor causes the legs to move longitudinally along a guide rod, collapsing the legs beneath the bed and moving the bed frame vertically. Collapsing the bed to its substantially lowermost position compresses a spring. The energy stored by the compression of the spring is used to raise the bed from its substantially lowermost position. Pivotally attached to the legs is a caster and foot arrangement. During normal operation, the foot engages the floor. When the bed frame moves to its substantially uppermost position, a pin extending from the leg engages one end of a slot, causing the caster to pivot and engage the floor, rendering the bed horizontally mobile.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and program product gradually and automatically accelerates or decelerates chair motor speed to achieve a smooth, nearly imperceptable movement of the chair. To this end, voltage is apportioned to the motor according to an acceleration profile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method positions a powered examination chair at a constant, desired speed. The desired speed is achieved irrespective of patient weight and/or direction of chair travel. A power signal supplied to an actuating motor is apportioned according to a load incident on the chair. The determined load accounts for patient weight, as well as to gravitational and mechanical forces.

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 bed for use with at least one imaging device in which a plurality of scans to be correlated are performed, as well as in a continuous motion scanner used to compile whole-body scans. The patient bed includes a horizontal rail base and a movable patient surface. Electronic controllers are provided for controlling the horizontal and vertical positioning of the patient surface. The horizontal rail base is secured to the support proximate the scanner. A linear motor is used to generate horizontal motion of the patient bed. The linear motor is controlled using a motion controller in communication with a computer associated with the imaging device. A pedestal is provided for mounting a vertical carriage assembly. A vertical track is carried by the pedestal for controlling vertical travel of the patient bed. A motor is provided for controlling vertical motion. A pallet support member is cantilevered from the vertical carriage assembly for carrying a pallet.

Abstract: A combination bed and bathing device designed for bathing patients and individuals who may suffer varying degrees of impairment or immobility due to illness, injury or other conditions, which may render these individuals incapable of adequately conducting personal hygiene, including a bed frame. A mattress portion is adjustably coupled with the bed frame. The mattress portion is adjustable vertically with respect to the bed frame. A water container is coupled with the bed frame. The water container has an open upper end and a closed lower end. The open upper end has a rigid perforated netting secured therein. A sliding pad is coupled with the water container. The sliding pad covers the open upper end of the water container in a covered orientation. The sliding pad has a removable central section.

Abstract: A height adjustable bed includes a sliding hinge mechanism for attaching each of two articulated supports to wheeled bases. A linear actuator is connected between an actuating frame that is attached to each of the articulated supports and a horizontal linkage member that is attached to each of the articulated supports. Extension of the linear actuator raises the bed from a low position with assistance of a mechanical advantage provided by a fulcrum between the articulated support and the actuating frame that results from displacement of downward forces from the sliding hinge to the actuating frame.

Abstract: A power-controlled bed mainly includes an upper bed frame on which a mattress divided into movable back, thigh, and leg rest parts and a fixed hip rest part is supported; a lower bed frame; at least one lifting mechanism pivotally connected at upper and lower ends to the upper and the lower bed frames, respectively; and a microcomputer controller for controlling operation of the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism may be manually controlled for the upper bed frame to statically stay at different positions, or be automatically controlled via the controller to dynamically shift the upper bed frame between two or more selected position combinations, so that the force of gravity is well utilized in the movements of the bed to promote a user's blood circulation, help clearing of sputum, enable sufficient supply of oxygen to the brain, do rehabilitation exercises, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting or/and lowering persons has two interconnected X-frames each with two pivotally connected members arranged in an upright position in spaced parallel relationship, a support supported by the members, and one of two inflatable bags surrounding the pivotal connections so that portions of the bags lie between members, whereby inflation and deflation of the bags, opens the X-frames in scissors-fashion and allows the frames to close in a similar fashion thereby raising and lowering the support.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for accurately positioning a breast tumor of a patient in the decubitus position on examination table and preventing patient movement once the tumor is positioned and for preventing pain and loss of sensation in the patient's downwardly positioned arm and shoulder while the patient is in the decubitus position.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage having a patient support deck elevatable by a pair of hydraulic jacks controlled by a foot pedal arrangement. Brakes are provided for the wheels on the wheeled carriage activatable by additional foot pedals.

Abstract: A load cell mounting assembly for a bed. The bed includes a base unit. Two pairs of lift arms are pivotally attached to the base unit. Extending between each pair of lift arms is a torque bar. A frame is secured to the torque bars by a plurality of torque bar mounting brackets. Coupled to each torque bar are a number of load cells. The load cells are electrically connected to a control unit that is configured to receive signals from the load cells and to determine patient information from the load cell signals. When the bed is in its lowest position, the load cells engage the floor and the bed is supported only by the load cells.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for braking in a patient positioning system. The system includes a patient positioning surface for supporting a patient, a first brake for affecting motion of the patient positioning surface, and a second brake for affecting motion of the patient positioning surface. In an embodiment, the first brake is a power-off brake that is active when power is removed from the brake. The second brake is a power-on brake that is active when power is applied to the brake. Power may be applied and/or removed from the first and second brakes o affect the motion of the patient positioning surface.

Abstract: A patient's bed has a mattress support 6 carried by two bed ends each of which has a rise and fall travel beam. The beams stay parallel to the ground but adopt any inclination in response to an electric screw drive operated from a hand held cable connected control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bed, particularly a hospital and/or nursing bed, consisting of a bedstead that comprises a bed frame and a supporting structure, wherein the bed frame is formed by longitudinal and transverse beams. In order to create a bed that is easy and economical to produce and is also suited to accommodating heavy persons, it is suggested that the bed frame contain additional weight-baring latticework elements.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus comprises a lower frame having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. The patient-support apparatus also has an upper frame supported above the lower frame and movable relative to the lower frame. A plurality of casters are coupled to the lower frame. A mattress is carried by the upper frame. Elevation adjustment pedals are adjacent both of the first and second sides of the lower frame and are adjacent only one of the first and second ends of the lower frame. The elevation adjustment pedals are movable to change the elevation of the upper frame relative to the lower frame.

Abstract: An ambulance cot is provided having a wheeled carriage, a frame for mounting the wheels, a horizontally oriented patient litter supported from the wheeled carriage and variable, pneumatically powered height scissors frame. The pneumatic actuator is designed to give a patient air-ride transportation and an adjustable height litter for lifting a patient from the ground. The patient litter has a pivoting hinge for transporting a patient down stairs. This pivot will allow the stretcher to pivot to a horizontal angle while going down stairs, for patient support and ease of transportation for said operator below. One embodiment has tracks attached over the wheels to provide a more stable and smooth ride as the cot is moved down stairs. Another embodiment comprises a translational trolley configuration. A hand brake is mounted on the patient litter for braking the tank-like motion of the tracks.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, and a mattress. The bed further includes a plurality of foot-operated controls configured to control features of the bed.

Abstract: An adjustable bed carriage for supporting a main bed frame above a substantially planar floor. The adjustable bed carriage has a first leg with an upper end slidably attached to a first end of the main bed frame and a second leg with an upper end pivotably attached to a second end of the main bed frame. Each of the first leg and the second leg are pivotably connected to each other at a central pivot located substantially at a midpoint of each, to permit pivoting movement of each of the first leg and the second leg about the central pivot in opposite directions. The pivoting movement of the legs moves the adjustable bed carriage between a fully extended condition and a fully collapsed condition.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for positioning a patient with a patient positioning system. The system includes a patient positioning surface for supporting a patient. The system also includes a lift subsystem for adjusting elevation of the patient positioning surface, a longitudinal subsystem for moving the patient positioning surface in a longitudinal direction, a lateral subsystem for moving the patient positioning surface in a lateral direction, a tilt subsystem for tilting the patient positioning surface, and a rotation subsystem for rotating the patient positioning surface. The system further includes a control subsystem for controlling operation of the patient positioning system and a base affixed to a floor for securing the patient positioning system. The control subsystem may perform iso-center tracking to maintain a region of interest of the patient in an image area during tilt. The control subsystem may also avoid collision with the ground and/or predetermined objects.

Abstract: An ambulance stretcher having a wheeled base (11) supported by foldable leg assemblies (16, 17). Castors (313, 393) are provided on the leg assemblies for providing improved mobility of the stretcher. The front castors (313) are selectively locked by a locking mechanism (30) to either allow the castors to swivel or roll in a single direction. The locking mechanism is accessible on both sides of the stretcher. Activation of the locking mechanism on either side of the frame selectively locks or unlocks both front castors.

Abstract: An undercarriage for transporting a stretcher includes a support base, which is adapted for supporting a stretcher, a first pair of legs pivotally mounted to the support base, and a second pair of legs pivotally and slidably mounted to the support base. The first pair of legs is independently pivotal about the support base from the second pair of legs. In addition, a journaled member is provided at the distal ends of each leg. The undercarriage also includes a control system that is adapted to selectively pivot the first pair of legs to a stowed position and to selectively pivot the second pair of legs to a stowed position. The control system is further adapted to selectively lengthen or shorten the legs to adjust the height of the support base.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting or/and lowering persons has two interconnected X-frames each with two pivotally connected members arranged in an upright position in spaced parallel relationship, a support supported by the members, and one of two inflatable bags surrounding the pivotal connections so that portions of the bags lie between members, whereby inflation and deflation of the bags, opens the X-frames in scissors-fashion and allows the frames to close in a similar fashion thereby raising and lowering the support.

Abstract: A medical examination table which is movable between a lowered patient entry/exit position and a raised patient examination position. A scissor-lift assembly is provided to raise and lower the examination table. The examination table includes a drawer having a pivotal front panel which is adapted to support instruments or other items thereon when the drawer is folded to a downward position. The examination table further includes a storage pocket located beneath the backrest. The storage pocket and its contents are concealed when the backrest is lowered and are accessible when the backrest is inclined.

Abstract: A height adjustable bed includes a sliding hinge mechanism for attaching each of two articulated supports to wheeled bases. A linear actuator is connected between an actuating frame that is attached to each of the articulated supports and a horizontal linkage member that is attached to each of the articulated supports. Extension of the linear actuator raises the bed from a low position with assistance of a mechanical advantage provided by a fulcrum between the articulated support and the actuating frame that results from displacement of downward forces from the sliding hinge to the actuating frame.

Abstract: A bed with adjustable positions comprises head, foot and central units. The head and foot units include respectively an upper and lower structure and a linear actuator for elevating or lowering the upper structure with respect to the lower structure. Two opposite upper structures can be elevated simultaneously or separately. The central unit is provided with a central platen to which a pair of side platens is hinged. A rotation subassembly is located in head and foot units respectively and is intended to turn the central unit, while an inclination subassembly is used to incline the side platens, so as to prevent the patient from sliding during rotation. A pneumatic bag subassembly is formed from upper and lower sections, which can be independently inflated or deflated. A reaction board, having a width slightly narrower than central platen and a length substantially equal to the upper section, is placed on the latter.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, a mattress, a pair of head end siderails, and a pair of foot end siderails. The bed further includes a plurality of foot-operated controls configured to control features of the bed.

Abstract: A mobile veterinary gurney having a base frame member supporting a plurality of wheels, an elevation scissor frame member mounted on the base frame, and a gurney table mounted on the elevation scissor frame, there being mounted on the elevation scissor frame member a manually actuated, pressurized gas cylinder cooperative with the base frame member for controlling the opening and closing of the elevation scissor frame member and allowing the elevation of the gurney table to be locked at a selected height.

Abstract: A cot for assisting in the transfer of a body from a removable support bed of the cot to another surface. The cot includes a trolley which serves as a transporter for the removable support bed. The cot also includes a tilting device which is designed to tilt the support bed about the trolley. The support bed may be removed from the trolley to reduce the total weight carried by the attendants, and permit the removal of a body from locations which are difficult to access. When removed from the trolley, the support bed may be rolled upright with wheels that are located at one end of the support bed. The support bed is contoured in shaped to pool bodily fluids which may escape during transport. A locking device is provided on the trolley for releasably securing the support bed thereon.

Abstract: The bed (10) is provided with a height-adjustable lower frame (14) comprising a plurality of supporting legs (16) and with an upper frame (12) connected with said lower frame. Each supporting leg (16) comprises at its lower end (38) a swivelling and/or guide roller (40) which is received by the supporting leg (16) and is enclosed by a supporting edge (52) of the supporting leg (16) at the lower end (38) of the latter. Said roller (40) is retained by a retaining element (42,44) which is displaceably guided along the supporting leg (16) for the purpose of moving the roller (40) out of the lower end (38) of the supporting leg (16) beyond the supporting edge (52) of the latter and into the lower end (38) of the supporting leg (16). A lifting means (56) is movable out of the upper end (68) of the supporting leg (16) and into the upper end (68) of the supporting leg (16), said lifting means (56) comprising a fastening element (76) which is connected with the upper frame (12).

Abstract: An infant support for use with an incubator or a warmer or a combination thereof comprises a support surface having a head end and a foot end and a driver engageable with the head and foot ends. The driver comprises a first elevator and a second elevator. The first elevator is engageable with the head end and the second elevator is engageable with the foot end. The driver is movable to cause the head and foot ends to move between raised and lowered positions.

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: 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 lifting apparatus for supporting a table assembly of a patient table. The lifting apparatus includes a lower base, an upper base securable to the table assembly, and at least one pair of non-intersecting front and rear lift arms holding the upper base above the lower base. Each lift arm includes a lower end pivotally connected to the lower base, an upper end pivotally connected to the upper base, an elbow located between the lower and the upper ends, an elongated lower portion extending between the lower end and the elbow, and an elongated upper portion extending between the elbow to the upper end. The lower and the upper portions connect at an angle at the elbow. The lifting apparatus provides a combination of both vertical and horizontal movement of the table assembly and also nests in its lowered position in order to minimize the table's overall height when lowered.

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: A vertically adjustable mechanical bed consisting of a bed frame for support of a mattress and occupant attached to moveable leg means powered by a motor means. Operation of the motor means causes a bearing block attached to the leg means to move longitudinally along a guide rod means, thereby collapsing the leg means beneath the bed and moving the bed frame vertically. Collapsing the bed to its substantially lowermost position causes the bearing block to engage a spring, thereby compressing said spring between the bearing block and a transverse member of the bed frame. The energy stored by the compression of the spring is used to raise the bed from its substantially lowermost position. Pivotally attached to the leg means is a rolling means consisting of a caster and foot arrangement. During normal operation, the foot is firmly engaged with the floor surface.

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 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 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 bed construction wherein a sleep surface has at least one toroidal shaped section, a toroidal shaped main frame supporting the sleep surface, and a pair of opposing toroidal shaped legs supporting the main frame.

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 mobile medical emergency and surgical table that comprises a frame assembly, a pair of mechanically advantaged undercarriage assemblies having wheels, a plurality of stretcher yoke assemblies, a plurality of preferably uniformly dimensioned and interchangeable storage cassettes, an electrical subsystem, and a plurality of optional mounts for the attachment of medical and surgical equipment.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base frame (10) supporting radius arms (15) on either side. The radius arms (15) support an upper frame (20), via cross tubes (16). Linear actuators (30, 31) act on the cross tubes (16) to raise, lower or tilt the upper frame (20). Further linear actuators (32, 33) are provided to profile platform sections (41, 42, 43). The actuators, their control systems, power and other functions e.g. patient weighing, air pumps, lights are all mounted centrally on the upper frame and housed within a single housing located almost entirely within the upper frame. The location of the actuators and housing provide a very low minimum height of the patient support apparatus, the single housing eliminating trailing cables and wires and ensuring easy cleaning and maintenance.

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: A mobile veterinary gurney having a base frame member supporting a mobility means, an elevation scissor frame member mounted on the base frame, and a gurney table mounted on the elevation scissor frame, there being mounted on the elevation scissor frame member a manually actuated, pressurized gas cylinder cooperative with the base frame member for controlling the opening and closing of the elevation scissor frame member and allowing the elevation of the gurney table to be locked at a selected height.

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 rehabilitation bed for obese persons is provided that has a center frame section with first and second ends. A transport assembly is coupled to the center frame section that has at least one pair of transport wheels depending downwardly from the center frame section. A head base frame is pivotally coupled to the one end of the center frame section and a foot base frame is pivotally coupled to the other end of the center frame section. A patient support surface is coupled to the center frame section, the head base frame, and the foot base frame and is adapted to provide support for a mattress for the bed. The bed may thus be unfolded for use by a person with the head base frame, center frame section and the foot base frame located in substantially the same plane. The head base frame and foot base frame may also be pivoted upwardly relative to the center frame section leaving the transport wheels in contact with the ground so that the bed is easily transportable from room to room.

Abstract: A bed having a base, a pedestal mounted on the base and a patient supporting member mounted on the pedestal. The pedestal is generally centrally oriented relative to the base and to the patient supporting member and includes a mechanism for effecting an elevating of the patient supporting member relative to the base. A stabilizing mechanism is provided for enabling the pedestal to accommodate differing elevations between the base and the patient supporting member and yet facilitate a maintaining of longitudinal axis congruency between the relatively movable components of the pedestal so that an orientation of the patient supporting member will remain relatively fixed with respect to the base independent of a height of the patient supporting member relative to the base.