Abstract: A system for transferring an object from a first surface to a second surface that includes a housing dimensioned to span a distance between the first surface and the second surface, a first elongated roller positioned along a first edge of the housing, and a second elongated roller positioned along a second edge of the housing. A continuous belt is positioned in conveying relation with respect to the first roller and the second roller. A portion of the continuous belt conveys an object while another portion of the continuous belt passes through the housing. The continuous belt does not touch the first or second surface. A support structure having at least one portion positioned within the continuous belt is connected to a first end and a second end of the housing.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with retraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with retraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a patient or other body comprises a housing, a support bridge at least partially disposed within the housing, and a continuous belt disposed about the support bridge. The housing is formed with first and second sides coupled to first and second ends, and dimensioned to span between first and second surfaces. The support bridge is coupled to the housing, spaced from and supported between the first and second sides to define a channel through the housing. The continuous belt extends through the channel to transfer a body from the first surface at the first side of the housing to the second surface at the second side, with the body supported on the bridge in conveying relationship upon the continuous belt.

Abstract: A system for transferring an object from a first surface to a second surface that includes a housing dimensioned to span a distance between the first surface and the second surface, a first elongated roller positioned along a first edge of the housing, and a second elongated roller positioned along a second edge of the housing. A continuous belt is positioned in conveying relation with respect to the first roller and the second roller. A portion of the continuous belt conveys an object while another portion of the continuous belt passes through the housing. The continuous belt does not touch the first or second surface. A support structure having at least one portion positioned within the continuous belt is connected to a first end and a second end of the housing.

Abstract: An in-bed patient-positioning and manipulation system for moving patients within their bed. The in-bed patient-positioning and manipulation system comprises: a conveyor sheet; at least one housing unit having, a roller located therein comprising a shaft; at least one gearing cluster; a power source; and a remote. The conveyor sheet is connected to the roller(s) with the roller(s) being housed within inner volume(s) of the housing unit. The two housing units are mounted under each end of a hospital (or other) bed. There is one long sheet, which is rolled and sequentially stored in the housing units and along the upper surface of the bed. The sheet will retract back once the control on the included remote is pressed. Further, the conveyor sheet is able to be rolled and unrolled to manipulate a relative position of a patient residing in the bed.

Abstract: A transfer sheet comprises a substantially impervious structural base layer, an absorbent layer disposed on the base layer, and a permeable layer disposed on the absorbent layer, with the absorbent layer between the base and permeable layers. An adhesive area can be provided on the bottom of the base layer, opposite the absorbent and permeable layers, with a removable tab extending over the adhesive. The adhesive can be configured for attaching the base layer to the continuous belt of a patient transfer device, where the continuous belt is disposed about a bridge spaced between two sides of a housing, for use in conveying a patient or other body from one surface to another.

Abstract: A hospital bed with conveyor mattress that includes a loop mattress disposed overlying and attached to a conveyor belt disposed in operational communication with a plurality of transverse rollers horizontally disposed within a mattress frame, wherein the loop mattress is moveable in each of a first direction and a second direction and a plurality of hydraulic jacks enable inclinations of specific sections of the mattress relative each other to comfortably position a patient disposed upon the bed, as desired, and extant electronics and medical accoutrements are supportable, powerable, and securable proximal a patient disposed in the bed, whereby a patient is moveable upon the mattress at the press of a button and able to control peripheral electronics while in bed.

Abstract: A system for transferring a body from a first surface to a second surface, or supporting a body during such translation with substantially no agitation of the body, is provided. The system can include yaw feedback control to promote and/or insure straightness of travel. The system could additionally or alternatively include a patient rotation sensing and adjustment system. The body can be supported by a pad, but it is not essential in all embodiments.

Abstract: A system for transferring an object from a first surface to a second surface that includes a housing dimensioned to span a distance between the first surface and the second surface, a first elongated roller positioned along a first edge of the housing, and a second elongated roller positioned along a second edge of the housing. A continuous belt is positioned in conveying relation with respect to the first roller and the second roller. A portion of the continuous belt conveys an object while another portion of the continuous belt passes through the housing. The continuous belt does not touch the first or second surface. A support structure having at least one portion positioned within the continuous belt is connected to a first end and a second end of the housing.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with refraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.

Abstract: The cantilevered stretcher has a transfer belt mechanism which includes two rollers mounted on the side having two flexible non endless belts, where ends of these two flexible non-endless belts attached to one roller and the other ends of these two flexible non-endless belts attached to second roller. Further one belt goes around the stretcher and the other belt goes around the plate below the stretcher. The arrangement of flexible non endless belts moving between the stretcher and plate in same directions, with upper flexible non endless belt going around the stretcher and lower belt going around the plate can be implemented in three and four roller systems. This mechanism can load the patient onto itself in a way that is efficient and easy to operate, thereby making the patient transfer process easier. Further this mechanism is conducive to sterilization, easier to maintain.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with refraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.

Abstract: A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with retraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: An in-bed patient-positioning and manipulation system for moving patients within their bed. The in-bed patient-positioning and manipulation system comprises: a conveyor sheet; at least one housing unit having, a roller located therein comprising a shaft; at least one gearing cluster; a power source; and a remote. The conveyor sheet is connected to the roller(s) with the roller(s) being housed within inner volume(s) of the housing unit. The two housing units are mounted under each end of a hospital (or other) bed. There is one long sheet, which is rolled and sequentially stored in the housing units and along the upper surface of the bed. The sheet will retract back once the control on the included remote is pressed. Further, the conveyor sheet is able to be rolled and unrolled to manipulate a relative position of a patient residing in the bed.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes a table assembly having upper and lower tables with counter-rotating upper and lower belts. Means are provided to move the table assembly toward an extended position with the upper belt moving at a rotational speed which is greater than a translational speed of the table assembly. Faster movement of the upper belt may be in response to a determination that the patient has a characteristic whose value is within a predetermined range. The patient characteristic may be patient weight, e.g., with the predetermined range being less than 250 pounds. In the illustrative implementation a patient transfer device of the present invention includes a control system having a keyboard for receiving user input indicating that the upper belt should be moved faster, and control logic responsive to the user input which controls speeds of motors that independently drive the upper belt and the table assembly.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has upper and lower tables surrounded by belts which counter-rotate as the table assembly moves between a patient and a supporting surface such as a bed. The table assembly includes integrated means for laterally retracting side plates of the upper table while adjusting incident angles of the side plates and vertically separating the upper table from the lower table. Guide slots in end plates fixed to a slide assembly retain positioning posts attached to ends of the side plates. The slots are inclined upwardly toward a centerline of the table assembly at different angles. A crank moves the side plates using a rotating disk attached to a central frame of the upper table and linkage arms with one end pivotally attached to a peripheral region of the disk and another end pivotally attached to one of the positioning posts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transporting device for patients who are to be transported from a first site to a second site using low force. For this purpose is provided a firm board which can also be resilient, wherein this board is encompassed by an endless band. This endless band is adapted to the shape of the board and can slide around the board. The outer ends of the board are provided with caps which, on the one hand, lend the board high rigidity at the ends and, on the other hand, prevent body fluids from penetrating into the interspace between board and endless band.

Abstract: A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.

Abstract: An occupant transfer system comprising a bed including a mattress or other sleep support structure mounted on an endless loop of flexible material, the loop extending over a plurality of rollers or guide members extending longitudinally of the bed; drive means adapted to cause rotation of the endless loop so that the sleep support structure moves laterally across the bed so that an occupant located on the sleep support structure is moved laterally across the bed in use.

Abstract: An occupant transfer system comprising a bed including a mattress or other sleep support structure mounted on an endless belt of flexible material, the belt extending in a loop over a plurality of rotatable drive members extending longitudinally of the bed; drive means adapted to cause rotation of the belt so that the sleep support structure moves laterally across the bed to cause an occupant located on the sleep support structure to be moved laterally across the bed in use; the foot portion being rigidly supported by a foot frame and extending horizontally from the foot frame; the head portion being connected to the foot portion by one or more hinges; the head portion including one or more extensible hinged linkages connected to the head frame; wherein the head frame includes a lifting mechanism movable between lower and upper positions so that the head portion may be reversibly raised to an upwardly inclined position relative to the foot portion.

Abstract: A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.

Abstract: A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.

Abstract: A patient transfer mechanism includes a horizontal frame positionable along the side of a bed; a support plate substantially coextensive with and fixedly mounted to the frame; and a movable transfer plate nominally resting on the support plate and being capable of being extended and retracted therealong while resting also partly on the bed; the transfer plate being covered throughout its movement by an adjustable length of fabric extending therearound, the length of fabric being adjusted proportional to and in synchronism with movement of the transfer plate in such manner that a variable upper planar extent of the length of fabric is fixedly positioned relative to an upper planar surface of the transfer plate, the transfer plate and the fabric being configured to transfer a patient from or to the bed. A gurney mounting such a patient transfer mechanism also is described.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has upper and lower tables surrounded by belts which counter-rotate as the table assembly moves between a patient and a supporting surface such as a bed. The table assembly includes integrated means for laterally retracting side plates of the upper table while adjusting incident angles of the side plates and vertically separating the upper table from the lower table. Guide slots in end plates fixed to a slide assembly retain positioning posts attached to ends of the side plates. The slots are inclined upwardly toward a centerline of the table assembly at different angles. A crank moves the side plates using a rotating disk attached to a central frame of the upper table and linkage arms with one end pivotally attached to a peripheral region of the disk and another end pivotally attached to one of the positioning posts.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has upper and lower tables surrounded by belts which counter-rotate as the table assembly moves between a patient and a supporting surface such as a bed. The table assembly includes integrated means for laterally retracting side plates of the upper table while adjusting incident angles of the side plates and vertically separating the upper table from the lower table. Guide slots in end plates fixed to a slide assembly retain positioning posts attached to ends of the side plates. The slots are inclined upwardly toward a centerline of the table assembly at different angles. A crank moves the side plates using a rotating disk attached to a central frame of the upper table and linkage arms with one end pivotally attached to a peripheral region of the disk and another end pivotally attached to one of the positioning posts.

Abstract: An examination bed horizontal movement device including an examination bed, an examination bed connector fixed at the bottom of the examination bed, a support board and a fixed board is provided. Two tension wheels are installed at the front and back ends of the support board separately, and the two tension wheels are connected by an examination bed conveyor belt. A tension wheel and a driving wheel are fixed at both ends of the fixed board, and the tension wheel and the driving wheel are connected by a support board conveyor belt. A driving wheel is installed coaxially on the fixed board tension wheel, and the examination bed conveyor belt winds around the driving wheel. The movement device achieves a compact design of the horizontal structure for the examination bed in a strong magnetic field MRI system and provides long travel and highly repeatable positioning accuracy of the horizontal movement.

Abstract: A patient transfer device has four casters and two counter-rotating steering wheels. The steering wheels provide a turning path whose center of curvature lies along a transverse centerline of the device. A foot pedal selectively lifts the steering wheels off the floor or brakes them. Another foot pedal at a back end of the device can lock the casters at the front end in a straight direction. The transfer table of the device may be inclined either longitudinally or transversely, and has an upper table whose edge rollers retract to introduce slack in the upper belt so that an air mattress can be inflated. The upper belt selectively disengages from the lower belt using movable, pneumatically-actuated pinch rollers. The outer surface of the upper belt is rough while the outer surface of the lower belt is smooth. The belts are constructed of a material which includes an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A body transfer system, includes a housing having a substantially planar top portion configured to support a body and having a substantially planar bottom portion; a bottom translation mechanism disposed at the bottom portion and configured to translate the system across a first surface upon which a body rests; and a top translation mechanism disposed at the top portion and configured to burrow the system between the first surface and the body as the bottom translation mechanism translates the first surface. A method of transferring a body is also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transporting device for patients who are to be transported from a first site to a second site using low force. For this purpose is provided a firm board which can also be resilient, wherein this board is encompassed by an endless band. This endless band is adapted to the shape of the board and can slide around the board. The outer ends of the board are provided with caps which, on the one hand, lend the board high rigidity at the ends and, on the other hand, prevent body fluids from penetrating into the interspace between board and endless band.

Abstract: A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.

Abstract: This patent document discusses assemblies and methods for transferring a subject from a first surface to a second surface. In varying examples, an assembly includes a first roller and a second roller. An assembly frame rotatably supports the rollers and, in some examples, longitudinally extends from a frame first end to a frame second end. A belt is coupled to the first and second rollers in such a matter that the assembly frame is positioned, at least in part, between the rollers and surrounded by the belt. A motor, powered by a power source, is coupled to the belt via the first or second roller. In one such example, the motor is coupled with a portion of a first roller inner surface. In another example, an outer surface of one or both of the rollers include belt driving projections matable with projection receiving portions disposed on a belt underside surface.

Abstract: A patient transfer device has four casters and two counter-rotating steering wheels. The steering wheels provide a turning path whose center of curvature lies along a transverse centerline of the device. A foot pedal selectively lifts the steering wheels off the floor or brakes them. Another foot pedal at a back end of the device can lock the casters at the front end in a straight direction. The transfer table of the device may be inclined either longitudinally or transversely, and has an upper table whose edge rollers retract to introduce slack in the upper belt so that an air mattress can be inflated. The upper belt selectively disengages from the lower belt using movable, pneumatically-actuated pinch rollers. The outer surface of the upper belt is rough while the outer surface of the lower belt is smooth. The belts are constructed of a material which includes an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: An automatic patient transfer system includes a transporting cart, a supporting frame mounted on the transporting cart in vertically movable manner to adjust a height of the supporting frame, and an endless conveyer platform. The supporting frame includes two spaced apart transverse arms and a supporting bed, having a two-side-accessing ability, slidably mounted between the two transverse arms in a horizontal movable manner, such that the supporting bed is selectively and sidewardly slid with respect to the transporting cart to allow the supporting bed selectively sliding at two opposing sideward directions. The endless conveyer platform is slidably mounted at the supporting bed in loop manner, wherein the conveyer platform is adapted for supporting the patient thereon to selectively load and unload the patient on the supporting bed when the conveyer platform is endlessly rotated at clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with retraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: A system for mechanically assisted repositioning of a bed-ridden patient within a hospital-type bed equipped with a moving mattress pad driven by an electric motor. The mattress pad is formed into a continuous loop disposed over a plurality of support and drive rollers. The system is adaptable to existing hospital beds.

Abstract: A system for transferring a body from a first surface to a second surface, with substantially no agitation of the body, is provided. The system comprises a housing having a substantially planar top portion configured to support the body and a substantially planar bottom portion configured to engage either of the first or the second surface. A first translation means is operatively disposed at the top portion a second translation means is operatively disposed at the bottom portion. The second translation means is configured to transfer the system between the surfaces, with or without the body. The first translation means is configured burrow between the first surface and the body.

Abstract: A patient transfer assembly for moving a sheet on a structure having a transfer surface. The patient transfer assembly includes a gripper adapted for attachment to the sheet, a drive shaft, a cable connected to the gripper and connected to the drive shaft, and a handle connected to the drive shaft for rotating the drive shaft. The handle is adapted to be positioned at a level that is ergonomically comfortable for the user during operation of the assembly. The patient transfer assembly may also include an adjustably positionable idler shaft for guiding the cable between the drive shaft and the transfer surface. Further embodiments of the patient transfer assembly may include an adjustably positionable extension arm for rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A patient transfer assembly using the movement of a structure as a source of power for moving a sheet across a structure having a transfer surface, a stationary base and a movable platform. The patient transfer assembly includes a gripper adapted for attached to the sheet on the transfer surface and a cable coupled to the gripper and entrained around a guide pulley fixed relative to the movable platform. When the movable platform moves from one position to a second position, the cable pulls the gripper thereby pulling the sheet and moving the patient. The patient transfer assembly may also include a second cable and drive shaft to assist in moving the patient as well as a trapeze to assist in rotating or lifting the patient.

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: An examination table system for facilitating movement of a patient lying on a tabletop of the table system. The examination table system includes a table assembly for supporting the patient above a floor surface. The table assembly includes a generally planar tabletop and a plurality of leg members. A conveyor system is provided for moving the patient lying on the tabletop in a direction parallel to the tabletop. The conveyor system comprises a conveyor belt mounted about the table for movement. A pair of end rollers mounted to one of a pair of ends of the tabletop is provided for moving the conveyor belt about a pair of opposite ends of the tabletop. A drive assembly is provided for moving the conveyor belt about the tabletop. The drive assembly comprises a conveyor belt motor mounted to the table and a control for controlling operation of the conveyor belt motor.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus comprises a rolling transfer tube having an outer surface and an inner surface. The rolling transfer tube is flattened when placed under a patient to form an upper run and a lower run. A fluid chamber that receives fluid under pressure is defined between the outer surface and the inner surface. The inner surface has a plurality of perforations through which fluid is expelled to create a fluid bearing between the upper run and the lower run.