Abstract: A bed assembly has a frame with at least one articulated frame section and a drive system for moving the articulated frame section. The drive system includes a first electrical circuit and a remote control unit that sends command signals to the first electrical circuit. The bed further includes a mattress having at least one air bladder and a controller including a compressor fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder. The controller includes a second electrical circuit that couples to the first electric circuit so that at least one of the command signals received from the remote control unit is communicated to the second electrical circuit via the first electrical circuit.

Abstract: An articulated medical bed for supporting a person in articulated movement is disclosed. The bed comprises a main frame defining a base and an articulated support frame including an upper body section pivotally connected to the base, a seat section pivotally connected to the upper body section and a detachably mounted lower leg section pivotally connected to the seat section. An elongated link member pivotally connects the lower leg section to the base. A glide member is mounted on the seat section and supported for linear movement along the base whereby the seat section is supported for rocking movement about the glide member. A linear actuator is connected to the upper body section for simultaneously actuating the upper body section, seat section and lower leg section in articulated movement. A side rail is supported on the base and includes telescoping inner and outer horizontal rail members extending between vertical rail members.

Abstract: A mechanized foldable bed is disclosed. The foldable bed has a front frame assembly and a rear frame assembly pivotal with respect to the front frame assembly. A motor is securely mounted under the bed, a driving rod is driven by the motor, a first connecting rod is pivotally connected with the driving rod and a second connecting rod is pivotally connected with the first connecting rod. A tube securely mounted under the bed is for receiving the second connecting rod therethrough. Furthermore, due to a first connector securely connected with the front frame assembly and pivotally connected with the driving rod and a second connector pivotally between the rear frame assembly and the second connecting rod, the torso and legs of a patient are supported simultaneously.

Abstract: An adjustable foldable bed is disclosed. The adjustable foldable bed has a front frame assembly and a rear frame assembly pivotal with respect to the front frame assembly. The foldable bed has a motor securely mounted thereunder, a driving rod driven by the motor, a first connecting rod pivotally connected with the driving rod, a second connecting rod pivotally connected with the first connecting rod. A tube securely provided under the bed is for receiving the second connecting rod therethrough. Furthermore, due to a first connector securely connected with the front frame assembly and pivotally connected with the driving rod, the torso of a hospital patient is supported while a first frame member of the front frame assembly is inclined by the motor.

Abstract: The bed frame includes a base frame and an articulating upper frame. The base frame includes a head end, a foot end and oppositely-disposed longitudinally extending sides. The articulating upper frame or deck comprises an upper body section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a lower leg section. These frame sections are longitudinally spaced apart and transversely extended, and at least the upper body, thigh and lower leg sections are movable with respect to the seat section to provide for the articulating movement. The articulating upper frame is mounted on the base frame for longitudinal shifting of the articulating upper frame relative to the base frame. A drive assembly for raising and lowering the upper body section relative to the base frame includes linkage connected to the upper body section such that, tilting movement of the upper body section shifts the articulating upper frame longitudinally relative to the base frame.

Abstract: A stretcher includes a first actuator coupled to a head section and a second actuator coupled to a thigh section. A set of buttons accessible to a patient carried by the stretcher are coupled to motors that drive the respective first and second actuators. The buttons are pressed to move the thigh section through a full range of motion and to move the head section through a limited range of motion. A switch inaccessible to the patient is pressed to move the head section through a full range of motion. Lockout switches are provided for disabling the buttons and the switch. A first hand crank is coupled to the first actuator and is manually rotated to move the head section through the full range of motion. A second hand crank is coupled to the second actuator and is manually rotated to move the thigh section through the full range of motion. A CPR release handle is provided for quickly lowering the head section to the lowered position without the use of the buttons, switch, or first hand crank.

Abstract: A drive unit for adjustable beds of the type which have movable head and leg sections, and adjustable height, comprises a unidirectional, rotary motor, and a drive shaft for each adjustable bed function. The driveshafts are selectively rotated in opposite directions by the motor. A pair of solenoids operably couple the motor with the driveshafts, interchangeably, or alternatively with a linear tracking gear, and thereby adjust the configuration of the bed.

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.

Abstract: An adjustable supporting table generally comprises a basic frame, a first moveable bracket, a first pulley assembly, and a first driving device. The basic frame includes a main traverse rod. The first moveable bracket is pivotally attached to the basic frame and is provided with a traverse rod. The first pulley assembly is configured with a plurality of basic frame pulleys, a plurality of first pulleys, and a first cable. The basic pulley assembly is rotationally disposed at the main traverse rod of the basic frame. The first pulleys are rotationally disposed at a traverse rod of the first moveable bracket. The first cable is routed along those plurality of basic pulleys and first pulleys. The first driving device is fixedly disposed on the basic frame for extending or rewinding the first cable. Wherein when the first driving device is actuated, the first cable can be extended or wound such that the first moveable bracket can be disposed at a desired position.

Abstract: A device for adapting a surgical operating table such that the upper torso of the patient can be raised in order to place the patient in a seated position, the device further providing the means of exposing or supporting a side of said patient's upper torso and limbs. The device contains a continuously adjustable positioning mechanism, and corresponding actuator for said mechanism, in a way that a user can rapidly and conveniently put a patient in the desired position, from a supine posture to a fully seated position. Additionally, the device does not render the surgical table permanently modifed, as the process of modification is reversible by means of a simple attachment mechanism. The device uses a back support section hingedly connected to a base frame, this base frame providing the attachment support to the surgical table. Side support panels are either moved out of the way on the patient's operative side, or left in place to provide support to the unaffected side.

Abstract: An adjustable bed having a bed frame, an assembly supported by the frame and including base and back portions, and a mattress foundation supported on the base and back portions. A motor when operated moves the back portion from a generally flat orientation to a raised orientation generally about a pivot axis and generally radially out from the pivot axis as it is pivoted to the raised orientation. The head end edge of the back portion travels generally in a vertical straight line up.

Abstract: A bed frame is provided with a base plate. The base plate has a fixed base plate portion secured to the bed frame, a hip plate portion and a back plate portion sequentially and rotatively connected to an end of said fixed base plate portion and a first leg plate portion and a second leg plate portion sequentially and rotatively connected to another end. The back plate portion is arranged to be raised by a back elevating mechanism. When the back plate portion has been raised, the hip plate portion is moved in synchronization with the rotation in the raising direction. At this time, since the back plate portion is raised to make an angle larger than that of the hip plate portion, the hip of a user is not held between the fixed base plate portion and the back plate portion.

Abstract: A device for tilting the top end and/or bottom end of a bed, includes two hingedly connected frames and a control unit operably connected thereto for adjusting the spacing therebetween. One fixed frame is supported on the bed base while the other, movable frame supports one end of a mattress. The fixed frame comprises two parallel co-planar tubes and the movable frame consists of a U-shaped frame pivotably mounted on and between the tubes. The control unit is attached to the fixed frame and controls the longitudinal translation of slide blocks with worm screws. The blocks are slidable along the tubes to tilt the movable frame relative to the fixed frame. The worm screws are mounted in the two tubes and the control unit is located outside the area encompassed by the fixed frame.

Abstract: A rehabilitation bed for accommodating an obese person includes a main frame with separate forward and rearward frame structures connected together end-to-end and constituting mirror images of one another, forward and rearward deck structures for supporting a mattress thereon being mounted to and resting upon the forward and rearward frame structures, head and foot actuator mechanisms pivotally mounted to the forward and rearward frame structures and pivotally coupled to the forward and rearward deck structures, separate forward and rearward carriages underlying and supporting the respective forward and rearward frame structures of the main frame, front and rear actuator mechanisms respective pivotally coupled to a front linkage assembly of the forward carriage and a rear linkage assembly of the rear carriage and operable between extended and retracted conditions to pivotally move the front and rear linkage assemblies reciprocally along arcuate paths being mirror images of one another to cause the forward and

Abstract: A variable force clutch for use with a linear actuator power screw assembly including a threaded drive screw with a stop member secured at each end, the screw assembly used in an application apparatus having at least one cable provided with a barreled end for engaging the assembly. The clutch includes a nut configured for engagement in the bore and having a threaded interior surface for engaging the threads of the drive screw, a grooved exterior surface, upper and lower ends each having a stop lug, the nut being vertically movable resulting from axial rotation of the screw. At least one variable force clutch dog has a grooved formation for slidingly engaging the grooves on the nut, and a cable end retainer configured for securely retaining a barreled cable end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows a bed system to recall bed functions is accomplished by providing a bed controller with additional memory and processing steps. The additional memory is used to store current bed function data, desired bed function data, and recall bed function instructions. The additional processing, when executing the recall bed function instructions, compares the current bed function data with the desired bed function data. When the data does not match, the additional processing generates a function adjust signal which causes the bed to readjust itself to the desired function.

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

Abstract: In a collapsible bed structure for bed-ridden invalids, a bed section is provided on an upper open end of a bathtub, the bed section having at least first, second and third bed plates each pivotably connected at their neighboring side. A link structure is provided to change the bed section between a rest position in which the first, second and third bed plates are horizontally supported and an operative position in which the first, second and third bed plates are supported in a chair-shaped configuration within the bathtub. A pedestal plate is pivotably placed at one end by a hinge to the first plate of the bed section, the pedestal plate having a rack operative to move the pedestal plate upward around the hinge so as to raise the haunches of an occupant lying on the bed section to expedite the occupant's divestiture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive for adjustable parts of recliners or beds, comprising a multi-part housing, at least partly sealed off against the outside, in which electrical drive components, such as an electric motor, and mechanical drive components, such as a linkage, are located, where at least all the electrical drive components are located in the sealed section of the housing and in which the mechanically movable components leading out of the sealed housing section are sealed off against the wall of the housing section by means of a seal. The purpose of the invention is to create a drive for adjustable parts of recliners or beds which offers sufficient safety when used in damp or wet environments.

Abstract: In a connecting module for the transmission of electrical energy and/or information signals between a patient support means of an operating table and a supporting apparatus releasably connectable with the patient support means, including a support apparatus module portion (42) and a patient support means module portion (44), one of the module portions (42,44) is provided with a first group of transmission elements (88,98) for the transmission of electrical energy and/or information signals and a second and a third group of complementary transmission elements (60,72) are provided in the other module portion (44,42) and are so arranged that upon connection of the patient support means with the support apparatus in a first position of the patient support means relative to the support apparatus the transmission elements (88,98) of the first group cooperate with the transmission elements (60,72) of the second group and so that in a second position of the patient support means relative to the support apparatus, whi

Abstract: A bed apparatus is provided which has a support frame, a rotation frame and a bed plate structure. The rotation frame has a one-end side and other-end side supported in a width direction so that one of these end sides each serving as a fulcrum is rotatable in a direction in which an opposite-end side of the rotation frame is raised. A link mechanism is connected to the rotation frame and driven by a drive source. The bed plate structure comprises a middle bed plate assembly and a pair of side bed plate assemblies connected to the middle bed plate assembly such that these side bed plate assemblies can be rotated in the raised direction only. With the rotation frame rotated, one of these side bed plate assemblies which is situated on a lower side in the rotation direction is abutted against the support frame to allow the bed plate structure to be bent upwardly.

Abstract: A convertible gurney (10) has an outer fixed support frame (12) which includes a pair of side frames (16) connected by lower horizontal cross frame members (30). An inner frame (14) includes a base (84) and hinged segments (42, 46 and 48) which define rear, seat and leg segments. Inner frame (14) is positioned between the side frames (16) and removably connected thereto by four fasteners (90). A detachable manual operator (170) is mounted on a selected side frame (16) opposite a bed (36) for a patient and effects movement of the segments (42, 46, 48) between gurney and chair positions by operation of a hand crank (184). Each side frame (16) has a foldable side panel (190) which may be utilized in transfer of a patient between a bed (36) and the convertible gurney (10). A patient is first positioned on a hard transfer board (36) as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and moved with the transfer board (36) across the side panel (190) forming a bridge between the bed (36) and the convertible gurney (10).

Abstract: An articulated bed having a modified standard bed frame that supports an independent power module, replaceable without disassembly from the frame. The modified frame is the well known horizontally collapsible angle iron frame type with castered legs. The frame includes a pair of side rails each having head and foot rail portions pivotally connected at their ends for packing and shipping, that interengaged one another when assembled in the home. The modification in the frame is that the side rails are inverted and the legs are somewhat lengthened to accommodate the power module. After the frame is assembled in the home, a pair of "U" shaped cross members is attached across the frame and the power module fixed to the tops of the cross members. Then a folded for shipping mattress support assembly is unfolded and attached to the top of the frame over the power module.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a mattress frame having pivotally interconnected sections, a main or base frame supporting the mattress frame and telescoping leg assemblies. A first motor drive actuator is supported on the main frame. The first actuator engages a crank arm or lever fixed to a head section of the mattress frame. A second actuator is mounted on the base frame. A second actuator engages a crank arm attached to a knee section of the mattress frame when the actuator is moving to a fully retracted position. A cable carrier is engaged by the second actuator as it moves to a fully extended position. A cable assembly interconnects the cable carrier with the telescoping leg assemblies. The second actuator positions the mattress sections in a knee break position and moves the mattress frame between low and high positions.

Abstract: In an articulated bed having a motor for raising and lowering the bed, a control circuit operated by the user has first user memory for storing a first user variable indicating a user-selected first preferred bed position and a recall button by which the user can command that a handler routine in the control circuit return the bed to the first preferred bed position indicated by the first user variable. Further, the control circuit can have a tracking memory for frequently storing a tracking variable indicating the current position of the bed and a "store" or "program" button or control by which the user can command that the first user variable be set to equal the current tracking variable. Thus, any time the bed is in a position preferred by the user, the user can push the "store" button to store a user variable indicating the preferred bed position in the controller's memory; then afterwards the user can have the bed return to that preferred position by pressing the "recall" button.

Abstract: An adjustable articulated bed including a bed foundation having a body member and a generally separate head member, a mattress supported on the foundation, an electrical motor coupled to the head member, and a support frame which supports the mattress, foundation and motor. The motor when operated pivots the head edge of the head member upwardly, moves the head member away from the body member along a roller-glide assembly, and together with the pivoting motion moves the entire foundation towards the head edge of the frame. Thereby, the head portion of the mattress does not slide with respect to the foundation head member and the head edges of the mattress and foundation travel up in a vertically straight line thereby remaining in constant close proximity to the wall at the head edge of the bed. Advantageously, the person lying on the bed experiences a similar movement; that is, his shoulders move in a straight vertical line.

Abstract: The present invention has the object of providing a configuration of bed so that the fixed bed frame in rotary-type bed does not disturb care given to a physically handicapped person lying on the bed. A rotary bed frame (6) rotatable around a vertical axis is provided on the fixed bed frame (1) placed on the floor, with a front screen (3) attached to the front side, and a movable mat support member (23) which receives a mat (32) foldably provided, which is divided into a back receiving part, a waist receiving part and a leg receiving part, is provided on this rotary bed frame (6). The rotary bed frame (6) is rotated by an appropriate drive, and at the same time, the back receiving portion (23b) is caused to stand up prior to rotation. Furthermore, the front side portion of the bed frame (1) at least has a transverse width (L) permitting stepping over.

Abstract: A lifting device for swiveling a part of a piece of furniture includes a scissor jack attached to the part being swiveled and operated by a drive unit having a spindle and a gear motor which is connected to the scissor jack and runs along the spindle. Incorporated in the drive unit is a safety mechanism for stopping a movement of the scissor jack upon occurrence of a blockage. The safety mechanism includes a pair of disks rotatable about the spindle and engaging each other via a complementary tooth gearing provided about the perimeter of each disk. One disk is stationary and the other disk is a spring-loaded disk which is displaceable in axial direction relative to the one disk. In this manner, the disks can be disengaged upon blockage during downward movement of the scissor jack to disconnect the gear motor from its output element and to prevent a further movement of the scissor jack.

Abstract: A rotating device for producing altered states of consciousness in a subject is provided. The subject's body rotates about a point in the center of the body support means at a speed between about 10 and about 60 revolutions per minute. In a preferred embodiment the direction of rotation is periodically reversed.

Abstract: A kinetic rehabilitation device employing controlled passive motion for use in the rehabilitation of the lumbar spine. The device includes a frame, a body support secured to the frame, a control panel, a first and second member secured to the support and pivotally attached to diametrically opposed sides of the frame, and a screw drive assembly for pivoting the first and second members about said frame. A first optical sensor assembly is mounted on one of the pivoting members to zero the body support about its longitudinal axis. A second optical assembly is mounted on the screw drive assembly to feed positional information to the control panel.

Abstract: A combined mobile chair and gurney (10) having an outer base support frame (12) and an inner movable frame (14). Outer support frame (12) has a pair of opposed vertical side frames (16) and a plurality of lower cross members (30) extending between the lower ends of the side frames (16). Inner movable frame (12) has a lower base (84) supported on cross members (30) of the outer frame (12), and a pair of linkages (72, 74) supported on the base (84) connected to three hinged segments (48, 52, 54) which define a rear back support segment (48), an intermediate seat support segment (52), and a front leg support segment (54). The linkages (72, 74) are operatively connected to drive nuts (106, 126) which are mounted on an externally threaded power screw (108) for movement. A patient is supported in a supine position at the uppermost position of the hinged segments (48, 52, 54) shown in FIG. 2 and is supported in a seated position at a lower position of the hinged segments (48, 52, 54) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

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: A hospital bed includes an articulatable patient support with a fowler portion movable between horizontal and inclined positions relative to a frame of the bed. A reversible electric drive motor is supported on the frame of the bed and, through a reduction gearing arrangement and a releasible coupling mechanism, can rotatably drive a threaded shaft. A nut engages and is held against rotation with the shaft, and a linkage arrangement couples the nut to the fowler portion to effect reciprocal movement of the fowler portion in response to reciprocal movement of the nut along the shaft. A manual release is provided on the fowler portion and, when actuated, disengages the releasible coupling mechanism so that the threaded shaft is free to rotate independently of the motor and gearing arrangement.

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: An electronic system for adjusting a load bearing surface such as a chair or bed to provide a desired level of comfort includes an array of pressure sensors located within the load bearing surface. The pressure sensors generate data indicating the actual distribution of pressure exerted by a user on the load bearing surface. An electronic processor processes the data generated by the array of pressure senors. The processor compares the fraction of total load exerted on each of a plurality of regions of the load bearing surface with a desired range for each region. If the fraction of total load for any region is not within the desired range, a servo-mechanism is activated to change the shape of the load bearing surface so that the fraction of total load on each region is within the desired range, so as to provide a desired level of comfort to the user.

Abstract: An exercise machine for passive exercise of a patient. The machine has a patient support platform having first and second parts which are adapted to support the upper and lower parts of a patient's body. Mechanisms are provided for applying a cyclic movement to the first and second parts of the support platform. Supports are pivotally coupled to each of the first and second parts and adjustable whereby the position of the pivotal coupling of each support to the respective first and second parts can be individually adjusted relative to at least one reference plane.

Abstract: In an operating table with a support column (2) and a patient support surface means (14) removably mounted on the support surface, which patient support surface means includes a base section (16) releasably connectable with the support column (12) and at least one further support surface section (18) pivotally connected therewith, and having a drive mechanism for adjusting the further support surface section (18) relative to the base section (16), the drive mechanism being an electric motor drive unit (34, 44, 46) on the patient support surface means (14).

Abstract: The present invention is a drive unit for an adjustable bed, comprising motor means and a clutch assembly comprising a toothed gear jack drive coupling, a toothed gear drive coupling and means for engaging and disengaging the jack drive coupling and the drive coupling, wherein the drive coupling is driven by the motor means and wherein the jack drive coupling, when engaged with the drive coupling by the clutch assembly, drives a controller shaft of the adjustable bed to raise or lower a section of the bed.

Abstract: An articulated bed wherein all power signals within the mattress or supporting frame are maintained at 24 volt DC or less. Both body supporting surface manipulating motors and vibratory motors are accommodated. Remote control of all motors is provided, with control signals being processed as a function of a key in order to minimize the likelihood of instructions for one bed being intercepted and acted upon by another bed within range of the remote control device. A plurality of discrete vibration levels are accommodated through use of pulse width modulation control signals. Overload operation of the lifting motors is sensed, and the motors are immediately shut down regardless of whether contrary instructions are currently prevailing or being received.

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

Abstract: A frame for an adjustable bed is disclosed and which comprises a body supporting platform composed of a head panel, a center panel, a leg panel, and a foot panel. A base supports the platform, and the base includes a pair of upwardly inclined guide surfaces which are in the form of an inverted V. A U-shaped lift arm is pivotally connected to the head panel and slides along one of the guide surfaces to raise and lower the head panel, and a second U-shaped lift arm is pivotally connected to the leg panel and slides along the other of the guide surfaces to raise and lower the leg panel. A pair of electrical drive motors are provided for separately controlling the sliding movement of each of the lift arms in both directions.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a frame having a backrest arranged to be lifted by an actuator via a crank, and a thighrest similarly arranged to be lifted by an actuator. A legrest is freely pivoted to the thighrest. The angles of the parts are sensed and maintained in proportion by control means, so that as, for example, the backrest angle is steepened, the thighrest is also raised proportionately, but to less extent, taking the legrest with it.

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: A transfer system including a specially-equipped bed for transferring a patient from a reclining position on the bed to a seated position on a wheelchair or to a standing position on the floor.

Abstract: A conventional adjustable hospital bed of the type on which a person can selectively change his position by pivotally raising a back panel and/or raising pivotally interconnected leg panels. Additionally, the bed includes a rotatable carriage beneath the mattress to rotate the mattress, out of parallel coalignment with the bed, while the person is supported on the mattress, to a position at about 90.degree. thereto, the occupant can then be lifted to a standing position with the aid of a tiltable panel to, in effect, provide assistance in getting out of the bed. The mattress is supported on a rotatable carriage assembly at one end of which is the back support panel and at the other end of which are the leg support panels with the ejector panel being centrally located between the back and leg panels. The panels are moved by energizing motors, selectively by the patient.

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.