Abstract: A bed has movable upper body and knee support sections, and first and second coupling arrangements which each couple a respective drive arrangement to one of the upper body and knee support sections to effect movement thereof between inclined and horizontal positions. Each coupling arrangement includes two telescoping tubes and a locking mechanism for releasably holding the tubes against relative movement, the locking mechanisms of both coupling arrangements being released in response to manual operation of a release handle. Each locking mechanism includes a transverse cylindrical locking element rotatably supported on a first of the tubes for movement between a locking position in which a portion thereof engages a semicylindrical recess in the second tube, and a release position in which the tubes are free to move relative to each other with a portion of the second tube which extends lengthwise thereof sliding within a transverse recess in the locking element.

Abstract: A device for supporting a human body is provided having parts which are movable relative to each other including a frame; a rotatable end connected thereto; a base element which is connected to the rotatable end; an adjusting element which cooperates with a frame section; and drive means for adjusting the adjusting element relative to the base element, the base element being an elongated section running parallel to at least one of the parts of the frame and the rotatable end and the adjusting element including first and second arms which are movable by means of the drive means between a position in which it extends along or is accommodated in the section and a position in which it projects relative to the section, which arm can be swivelled about a fixed hinge point of the frame and which forms part of a link mechanism with two arms, of which the second arm is coupled with play in a pivoting manner to a sliding member which can be moved relative to the frame, and which second arm has a part which can cooperat

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 continuous passive motion cervical spine therapy device (10) for passively exercising the muscles surrounding the spine for postoperative and other rehabilitative therapy. The continuous passive motion cervical spine therapy device (10) includes a frame (12) for engaging a support surface (32). A body support (14) is provided for supporting the body a patient and includes at least a first stationary support (64) for supporting at least a portion of the back of a patient and a pivoting support (78) for supporting the head of a patient. A headrest (198) is carried by the pivoting support (78). A motor (92) is provided for driving a pivoting support oscillator (18), the oscillator (18) being provided to displace the pivoting support (78) a selected angle with respect to the horizontal. A displacement adjuster (20) is connected to each oscillator (18) for altering the amplitude of displacement.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for therapeutically treating an injured spine by lifting and rotating the pelvic area to straighten the lumbar spine and by applying a force to the spine to separate vertebral bodies and to stretch the connective tissue along the spinal cord by relative movement of the body of the patient with reference to a fixed point.

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: An improved patient chair includes a seat section, a pivotally attached back support and a removably attached leg support. A manually actuated camming mechanism permits adjustment of the back support between a prone position and a seated position. The leg support is detachable from the seat section to facilitate use of the patient chair construction as a chair.

Abstract: A method for patient elevation above a fluidized surface utilizes a web of filter sheet material disposed beneath the patient and between the patient and the main filter sheet that covers the fluidized surface. The web is loosely mounted about a pair of support rods which are connected via a pair of splice bar linkages to a pair of dual acting hydraulic cylinders. The support surface is defluidized before the patient is elevated. Activation of the cylinders causes the two rods to separate from one another. The separation takes up the slack in the web and renders it taut about the two support rods. Further activation of the cylinders elevates the two support rods above the fluidized surface by pivoting them through the splice bar linkages. This raises the web and the patient supported on the web.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a patient operated linear positioner, a rail assembly and a leg lift mechanism. The patient operated linear positioner includes a subassembly with a bellcrank which pivots by a patient operated soft strap. When the strap is pulled, the bellcrank pushes a cable inward which, in turn, releases a positioner rod so that the bed may be adjusted. The side rail assembly includes a J-shaped attachment bar and an idler link which acts to move the side rail both upward and forward when the head section of the adjustable bed is raised. A bed side rail may be attached to a bed frame through the use of a unique attachment mechanism which requires no tools. A further aspect of the invention utilizes a scissors-type leg lifting mechanism for holding and controlling the rate of collapsing movement of the foot section of a bed mattress frame. The leg lifting mechanism includes a mechanical lock and gas piston subassembly.

Abstract: An adjustable bed including a multi-section mattress frame mounted on a base frame. The mattress frame includes a head section and a lower section. The lower section may include an intermediate or seat section and a leg section. A mattress support is joined to the mattress frame. The mattress support includes a plurality of wire grids joined to the sections. Each grid includes a plurality of tandemly arranged, transversely extending, generally rectangular closed loops. End portions of the loops are axially aligned and joined to lateral or side portions of the mattress frame. A plurality of parallel, longitudinally or axially extending support wires are positioned on the loops. The support wires extend generally parallel to the lateral portions or sides of the mattress frame. Ends of the support wires may be downturned and joined to an end wire.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a base and a patient support mounted on the base, the patient support including a head panel that pivots between a horizontal position and an upwardly-inclined position to raise the patient to a sitting attitude. The head panel is connected to a ball nut mounted on a screw driven by a motor to raise and lower the head panel. The ball nut has a ratcheting latch that enables the head panel to be lifted manually and prevents the head panel from being driven positively downwardly in such a way as to injure some thing or person in its path.

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.