Abstract: A hospital bed that is convertible to a chair for patient egress from the foot end of the bed. A patient support platform has serially hinged, normally horizontal head, seat, thigh and foot panels. To convert the horizontal bed to the chair configuration, the patient support platform in the lowermost vertical position is translated longitudinally toward the foot end of the bed. The head panel is pivoted upwardly and the foot panel pivots downwardly to a generally vertical attitude. The foot panel includes a collapsing portion which telescopes into a pivoting portion to thereby avoid interference with the floor as the foot panel is pivoted to a vertical attitude. When converted to the chair configuration, an area is vacated at the foot end of the bed to provide a space for docking a wheelchair or other ambulatory assisting device.

Abstract: A surgery table utilizing a frame member which is supported on a ground surface, A platform is connected to the frame member and includes a laterally movable portion which supports a patient. The table also includes a torso support which is connected to and moves with the laterally movable portion of the platform. A leg support rotates relative to the platform and connects to a hip support which holds the patient's hip during such rotation.

Abstract: A rotary type bed which moves from a condition that a physically handicapped person or an aged person is lying down to a condition that the person raises the upper half of the body thereof and sits sideward, or from the condition of sitting sideward to the condition of lying down. The bed is divided into a front bed section and a rear bed section, and provided with a pivoting mechanism to pivot naturally and reversely when viewed from above the front bed section with respect to the rear bed section.

Abstract: A manual CPR release for a hospital bed mechanically releases the head section from the head drive motor to quickly lower the head section to a flat position. When the head section reaches its lower limit, a switch is actuated which produces a command signal initiating the operation of both the head and knee drive motors. The knee drive motor lowers the thigh and foot sections to their flat positions and brings them into a coplanar position with the head section. Operating the head drive motor moves the head drive nut back into mechanical engagement with the head section.

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 patient transfer device comprises a cushioned chair with wheels that facilitates patient transfer in and out of a hospital clinical bed. The patient transfer device provides an entirely different method of transferring patients that avoids lifting the total body weight of the patient and that provides the maximum comfort for the patient.

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: A transfer trolley, to lift loads but particularly adapted to pick up a patient from a bet using a plurality of horizontally extending tines. Each tine consists of a tube having one end fixed in a position and a free open end. A sleeve surrounds the tube and is withdrawn into the interior of the tubes. The tines are then located next to a patient and a fluid under pressure is inserted into the sleeve, causing the sleeve to emerge from the end of the tube and to insinuate itself under the patient lifting the patient in the process. As the patient is lifted the trolley is moved to place the tube under the patient and to provide support while the patient is moved. The trolley can be adapted to move patients from beds or chairs.

Abstract: A rotary type bed which moves from a condition that a physically handicapped person or an aged person is laying down to a condition that the person raises the upper half of the body thereof and sits sideward, or from the condition of sitting sideward to the condition of laying down. The bed is divided into a front bed section and a rear bed section, and provided with a pivoting mechanism to pivot naturally and reversely when viewed from above the front bed section with respect to the rear bed section.

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 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 patient support apparatus such a surgical table or a stretcher is provided. The apparatus includes a top assembly for supporting a patient in a variety of selected positions. The top assembly is supported by first and second hydraulic column assemblies which are, in turn, mounted to a base assembly. A stabilizing mechanism is provided for exerting a constant downward force upon the hydraulic column assembly supporting the head end of the top assembly. The stabilizing mechanism counteracts the lifting force at the head end of the apparatus when a patient's weight is located at or beyond the foot end thereof. The stabilizing mechanism includes a gas spring which is mounted to the base assembly and a cable connected between the base assembly and top assembly. The gas spring exerts a constant force upon the cable in all elevational positions of the top assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multipurpose sickbed including a head section which may be pivotally raised at a front end to form an inclination by means of a first control mechanism, a middle section which can be lowered by means of a fifth control mechanism to form a recess for accommodating a bedpan or a urinal, a rear section which may be pivotally raised at a rear end to form an inclination by means of a third control mechanism to more comfortably support the patient's feet; the head and the middle sections both consisting of a plurality of alternately disposed fixed boards and movable boards such that the movable boards may be lowered by a second control mechanism to disengage from the fixed boards to facilitate air ventilation of the sickbed; and all the head, middle, and rear sections being divided into a left and a right halves such that all the left halves can be synchronously inward inclined or all the right halves can be synchronously inward inclined to help the patient to either comfortably lie on his/her left s

Abstract: A bottom structure of a bed having a bottom formed so as to be bendable by a series of parallel strips mutually sequentially connected such that the strips are shorter in width on the side away from the sequentially connected side. In this way the bottom structure of the bed allows a portion of a bed bottom to be bent in a large curvature, thus is provided a bed which is comfortable and highly adaptable for patients of various body sizes.

Abstract: A therapeutic table for manipulation of the spine and pelvis of a patient supported thereon. The table includes a tiltable frame mounted to a base, and a torso support member carried by the frame. A drive shaft carried by the frame is connected by a hinge to a driven shaft extending rearwardly of the torso support member. The driven shaft in turn carries a pelvic/lumbar spine support member on which a patient may kneel. When the hinge connecting the two shaft portions is adjusted to a non-zero angle, rotation of the shaft induces a circumductive motion in the pelvic/lumbar spine support member, the degree of such motion being dependent on the angle of the hinge.

Abstract: A chain which is convertible to a table comprising: a base frame; a seat which is associatable with the base frame such that the seat is supported by the base frame and the seat can be raised and lowered with respect to the base frame; an electric motor assembly for raising and lowering the seat with respect to the base frame; a chair back which is pivotably associated with the seat; and a chair back support assembly, associated with the base frame, for supporting the chair back, wherein when the seat is raised with respect to the base frame, the chair back is positionable over the chair back support assembly in a substantially horizontal position and wherein the support assembly is operable for supporting the chair back in this substantially horizontal position.

Abstract: A spinal diagnostics/therapy device that is computer controlled such that all motions thereof can be automated if desired. Individual and joint motions of body support portions are generated by computer controlled actuators which derive operating signals from a CPU. Memory units within the CPU and/or inserted for a particular patient control the program of the diagnostics or therapy of a patient. As a result, no physical adjustment of support elements need to be made by a person supervising the diagnostic or therapy session. During an initial session, a patient can help by inputting information as to the limits of motion that can be tolerated. For repeat sessions, the machine can be pre-programmed to give specific exercises to the spine of the patient. The actuators are provided with position sensors to produce feedback signals related to axial movement to the CPU. The actuator units are selected from electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic devices.

Abstract: A convertible furniture assembly for use on a support surface by one or two humans with backs and buttocks. The assembly includes a framework adapted to rest upon the support surface and first and second sections with proximal and distal end portions disposed on the framework. Hinge assemblies forming a pivot interconnect the proximal end portions so that the first and second sections form buttocks and back supports respectively for the humans. Arm assemblies are mounted on the framework for raising and lowering the distal end portions of the sections independent of each other about the pivot of the hinge assemblies. The sections can be moved from a coplanar and substantially horizontal position resting upon the framework, where they can form at least a part of a bed, to positions at which they are disposed at an angle with respect to each other, where they form at least a part of a lounge.

Abstract: An automatic, therapeutic device is provided for treating spinal problems, including problems with intervertebral disks and spinal curvatures. The device is patient interactive, providing circumductive motion including oscillatory lateral flexion, rotation and longitudinal extension and compression of the spine. Patient supports and an adjustable, motor-driven articulated interconnection between the supports are provided, whereby rotation of the interconnection imparts circumducting motion to the patient's spine. The interconnection is a shaft formed by coaxial axles, including a hollow axle and a core axle received therein, which can be adjusted longitudinally relative to each other to adjust the degree of circumduction motion; the speed of rotation is also adjustable. Adjustments may be accomplished while the device is in use.

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: An operating table with a support column (12) and a patient support surface means (14) removably mounted on the column, which patient support means includes a base section (16) releasably connectable with the support column (12) and at least one further support surface providing section (18, 20) pivotally connected with the base section (16), which further section is pivotally movable by means of a drive mechanism relative to the base section (16), the operating table being so designed that the drive mechanism has at least one pressure medium actuatable positioning cylinder (26) and that a pressure medium pump (30) for actuating the positioning cylinder (26) is arranged on the patient support surface means (14).

Abstract: In a casket, a rigid bed frame is adjustably mounted at its end so that the casket bed frame can be raised, lowered and tilted. Mounted on the rigid bed frame is an adjustable body support positioned at about the thoracic area for raising the chest and lifting the chin off the chest. It is contemplated that the adjustable device has a pair of hinged frames with a power transmission mechanism for sliding one edge of the frame to pivot the hinged edges of the frame of the bed. Alternatively, an inflatable bladder underlies the body and is used to raise it, or is positioned between a pair of hinged members and causes the upper hinged member to raise the body. Two pairs of hinged members may be positioned across the width of the bed frame underlying the body, and the upper hinged member of each pair may be raised to different heights thereby allowing the thoracic area of the body to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the bed frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus 100 of a type on which a person 190 receives back therapy. The apparatus 100 includes a frame 101 designed to rest upon a floor surface 109. A support member 102 is pivotally mounted to the frame 101 above the floor surface 109, and a pelvic belt 103 is secured relative to the support member 102. In operation, the pelvic belt 103 stabilizes the person's pelvis relative to the support member 102, and the support member supports some portion of the person's torso including the pelvis. The support member 102 pivots among several positions, including a mounting position suitable for mounting by a person, and a locking mechanism 104 secures the support member 102 in any of a plurality of back therapy positions.

Abstract: A delivery bed includes two spaced foot support assemblies which project outwardly from one end thereof. Each foot support assembly includes a first horizontally extending member having a top surface with transversely extending grooves and having a bottom surface, and a second member having two spaced, transversely extending rods which respectively slidably engage the top surface and bottom surface of the first member, the second member having therein a foot-shaped recess. A pad can be removably supported on the two foot support assemblies without any need for additional support structure for the pad intermediate the foot support assemblies. The pad is held in place by two fastening straps which extend downwardly between the foot support assemblies and are each releasably coupled to a respective one of the foot support assemblies. Alternatively, the pad can be held in place by brackets on the pad which releasably engage brackets provided on the foot support assemblies near the outer ends thereof.

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: A hospital bed has a movably supported part, a selectively actuable drive arrangement for moving the part, a manually actuable control switch, and a control circuit coupled to the switch and drive arrangement. The control circuit includes a microprocessor having an input coupled to the control switch and having an output, and the program executed by the microprocessor selectively actuates the output of the microprocessor based on a function which takes into account the current state of a signal being applied to the microprocessor input. The control circuit also includes a further arrangement which actuates the drive arrangement when the signals from the control switch and microprocessor are both actuated, and which deactuates the drive arrangement when either of these two signals is deactuated.

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 bed has a foundation for supporting an air mattress. The foundation has a plurality of pivotally connected transverse plates that are moved to bend the mattress to a desired contour and shape. Open top recesses in the foundation located below the plates accommodate bags have flexible walls. The bags are separately expandable and contractible to move the plates to selected elevated positions. The recesses hold the bags in lifting positions relative to the plates when the bags are inflated. The bags fit into the recesses when deflated to allow the plates to move to a horizontal position. The bed is equipped with a vibrator that is operable to vibrate the air mattress.

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: An infant support and restraint system (10) includes a base platform (14) adapted to be mounted on a base surface (16). A first planar member (28) is rotatably adjustable with respect to the base platform (14) through an adjustable support mechanism (26). A second planar member (30) and a third planar member (32) are similarly angularly adjustable with respect to the base platform (14) to allow an infant (12) to be positioned in a physiological position on the infant support and restraint system (10). A first and second pad member (78 and 82) is releasably secured to the first planar member (28) and the second and third planar members (30 and 32). Pad members (78 and 82) may be removed subsequent to a surgical procedure for cleaning or storage purposes. A head support member (88) is releasably secured to the combination of the first planar member (28) and the first pad member (78).

Abstract: A lumbar spine therapy device (10) for passively exercising the muscles surrounding the lumbar spine for postoperative and other rehabilitative therapy such as to allow normal collagen formation to occur, thus minimizing scarring and quickening a return to normal function and development of strength in both the muscles of function as well as the secondary support system. The lumbar spine therapy device (10) includes a frame (12) for engaging a support surface (32). A body support (14) is provided for supporting the body of a patient and includes a stationary support (64) for supporting the buttocks region of a patient and pivoting supports (78) for supporting the torso and legs of a patient. A motor (92) is provided for driving at least one pivoting support oscillator (18), the oscillators (18) being provided to oscillate each pivoting support (78) independently. An amplitude adjuster (20) is provided for varying the amplitude of displacement.

Abstract: A bed comprises a base framework, an intermediate framework and a mattress framework which comprises a central frame, a head frame and a foot frame. Main rams connect the intermediate framework to the base framework for raising and lowering and tilting the intermediate framework relative to the base framework. The rams pivotally engage the intermediate framework by shafts. The ram is rigidly mounted to the main framework. A pivot frame pivotally mounts the ram about a pair of pivot axes relative to the base framework to accommodate tilting of the intermediate framework.

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: The present invention is directed to an improved sheeting system for covering an operating table which includes a main body section with a head section and a foot section pivotally coupled about horizontal axes to the main body section, and with sidearms pivotally coupled about vertical axes to the main body section, the sheeting system including a single large sheet positionable over the main body section, head section and foot section formed of a non-woven fabric having an enlarged planar portion, downwardly turned edges and an inwardly turned periphery with elastomeric material coupled to at least portions of the periphery whereby the edges and periphery accommodate the bending of the sheet along its side edges with the bending of the operating table; and a pair of small sheets positionable over the side arms.

Abstract: A tiltable bed mechanism for facilitating user turning and raising comprises a frame assembly which contains twelve frames, a supporting and actuating mechanism, and a base. The supporting and driving mechanism comprises two elevator frames, a push rod, worm gear, three support rods, two crank linkages, two struts and three driving rods. The three driving rods are supported by three support rods respectively. The base is disposed under the support rods. The supporting and actuating mechanism is disposed under the frame assembly.

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 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: A transportable and foldable articulated bed with a non-positively driven articulated mattress platform that reduces the risk of injury and permits the bed to be folded for transport without disconnecting platform drive systems. The mattress platform is articulated on a foldable frame consisting of a head section hinged to a foot section. A pair of retractable caster assemblies can be swiveled 270 degrees from a storage position mounted on the head frame section and connected to the foot frame section with both sections aligned to a position where it can also be connected to both sections when the bed is folded so it can be rolled about.