Abstract: A wheelchair and an examination table is provided wherein there is provided a connector or connector assembly for connecting the wheelchair to the examination table. Once connected to the examination table, the wheelchair and patient sitting therein can be elevated, after which side frames of the wheelchair can be removed in order to facilitate examination of the patient. In addition, once elevated and the side frames removed, with the aid of a movable back that forms a part of the examination table, the back of the wheelchair can be reclined or positioned in various positions to facilitate examination and procedures.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a load is provided. The positioning device includes a motor, a measuring device, and an evaluation device. The measuring device is associated with the motor, and is operable to ascertain measurement data that characterizes the motor current consumption by the motor in the positioning of the load. The evaluation device evaluates the measurement data that have been ascertained by the measuring device, so that in that way the loading of the positioning device by the load can be ascertained.

Abstract: A transfer mattress includes an upper mattress having three longitudinally oriented plenums and three separate inlet/outlet valves that are each arranged in airflow communication with their respective plenum. First and second of the plenums are arranged in airflow communication with one another while a central plenum is arranged in airflow isolation from the first plenum and the second plenum so that the first and second plenums may be inflated and deflated independently of the central plenum. A lower inflatable mattress is separated by a common wall from the upper mattress. A lower inlet/outlet valve is arranged in airflow communication with a lower plenum defined by the lower inflatable mattress. A bottom wall defines a plurality of perforations so that when the lower plenum is charged with pressurized air, it escapes under pressure through the perforations to create an air bearing under the mattress. A method for transporting a patient in comfort is also provided by the invention.

Abstract: A trolley for transporting a lying patient comprising a transferable table-top (8) for carrying the lying patient, which table-top (8) can be taken over by a stationary table-base. The trolley has free space below a main portion of the table-top (8), so that the table-top (8) can be located above the stationary table-base by moving the trolley towards the stationary table-base. The trolley comprises two end structures (1,2) each provided with rollers (6) for rolling over the floor, and an intermediate structure (3,4) connecting the two end structures (1,2). A main part of the intermediate structure (3,4) is located at a level near the table-top (8), so that the intermediate structure (3,4) can be moved over said stationary table-base.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable lift device. The lift device includes a flat blanket with a plurality of inflatable bladders, an air supply coupled to each of the inflatable bladders, and a controller coupled to the air supply for controlling the air supply to sequentially inflate the plurality of inflatable bladders thereby raising a patient from a supine or prone position to a seated position. The plurality of inflatable bladders may include inflatable side rails, inflatable armrests, an inflatable back support and an inflatable lift as well as optional inflatable tilt bladders to raise the patient from a seated position to a standing position.

Abstract: A patient support including turn assist, low air loss or integrated lateral transfer. The patient support is adapted to support a bariatric patient and includes a turning bladder for turning or assisting in turning a bariatric patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for repositioning bedridden patients with: a base, vertical and horizontal movements, and lifting portion; telescoping legs extending outward from the base with wheels affixed to each leg; detachable clamps affixed to each leg and capable of removeably attaching to a bed; the horizontal movement containing a roller and belts actuated by a gear and crank assembly coupled to the vertical movement portion; the vertical movement having two lifting units with first and second pistons coupled to the inside of each of the units and a hydraulic pump and controller for the actuation of the hydraulic pump and the upward and downward movement of the pistons; the lifting portion comprising a telescoping lifting arm with a lead screw and a crank for extending or retracting said lifting arm and with a lateral movement portion coupled to the top of the vertical movement and the lifting portion.

Abstract: A device for lifting a person, comprising a pair of cups (1, 2) for gripping a person by applying pressure force on opposite sides of the person's thorax (12) and moving means for moving the cups towards each other. The cups (1, 2) are tiltably mounted on the device, each cup (1, 2) having a tilt axis (A, B) which in use extends in a substantially horizontal direction along one of the opposite sides of the person's thorax (12). Each cup (1, 2) has a contact surface for contacting one of the opposite sides of the person's thorax (12), at least a part of which is located behind the tilt axis (A,B) with respect to the person's thorax.

Abstract: A device to install and remove a structural component in and from a medical large device has a guide system that simplifies the difficult handling of the structural component due to the size or the weight of the structural component. The guide system has a first guide rail that can be positioned on a height-adjustable patient bed of the large device, and a guide groove which is arranged on the structural component. Additionally, another second guide rail can be attached to the medical large device, which forms an extension of the first guide rail when the patient bed is correspondingly positioned. With this device the structural component can be easily raised and lowered with the aid of the height-adjustable patient bed, and can easily be slid into and out of the large device when the first and second rails are at the same height.

Abstract: A patient transfer mattress includes a plurality of inflatable segments each including holes in a bottom sheet to create a cushion of escaping air beneath the segment to facilitate sliding of the segment along an underlying surface. The segments include attachment members, such as snaps, belts or hook and loop fasteners, adjacent peripheral edges of the segments, for connecting the inflatable segments to each other. The segments may also include fasteners for attachment of an accessory across an upper surface of the segment. Preferably, the mattress segments also include corner straps for engagement with a mattress support member to limit relative movement between the transfer mattress and the mattress support member.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device for use by EMTs, or paramedics in the process of moving patients, particularly obese patients, onto another support structure, such as a cot, bed, stretcher, gurney or the like. The device is may be formed of rigid PVC or plastic and has a plurality of hand holds. The method and device include dimensions and features which prevent injury to the EMTs, and which provide comfort and support to the patient during the moving process. The device is adapted to be placed under a patient after turning the patient on their side from an initial position, sliding the patient over the device, placing the patient onto the other support structure, and removing the device from under the patient after moving is completed.

Abstract: A retractor assembly for engaging a sheet on which a patient is disposed includes a transverse member and a pair of tethers coupled to the transverse member and extending from the transverse member for coupling to a winding assembly. A pair of sheet clamps are mounted to the transverse member, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the transverse member in a fixed spaced relationship for engaging a sheet at two points spaced along the longitudinal axis. The transverse member maintains the sheet clamps in their fixed spaced relationship whereby the sheet clamps resist inward migration toward each other when being used to handle a patient on a sheet.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes an inflatable mattress and a liner releasably attached to the inflatable mattress. The inflatable mattress includes a top sheet having opposite side edges and a bottom sheet defining a plurality of holes to create a cushion of escaping air beneath the mattress. The cushion of air facilitates sliding of the mattress with respect to an underlying support surface. The liner includes an intermediate portion adapted to cover the top sheet of the mattress and opposite side portions extending beyond the side edges of the top sheet.

Abstract: A patient transfer method and apparatus designed to efficiently move a patient from one surface to another. A set of straps connected at one end to a winch are passed beneath the patient and attached to a padded support rod on the other side of the patient. The winch is used to pull the straps, and hence the padded support rod, thereby pulling the patient from the first surface to the second.

Abstract: A mobility assistance device to assist a caregiver to lift and move the legs of a patient with limited mobility while maintaining the relative position of each leg with respect to the other. The mobility assistance device wraps around and stabilizes the patient's legs and provides a single hand grip that may be used to lift and rotate the patient's legs in unison.

Abstract: An arresting device used in a cot fastening system for an emergency vehicle is disclosed. The arresting device includes an extension beam providing a bolt pattern, and a pair of antler brackets each having first and second hook portions. The present invention may be used with a plurality of prior art cots, without requiring modifications or installation changes to the emergency vehicle or the cot fastening system to which the arresting device is a part thereof.

Abstract: The invention described is a device and method for repositioning a patient in a bed. Bedding material positioned underneath the patient is wound by a ratchet system and a crossbeam that allows for the patient to be repositioned when the bedding material is drawn around the crossbeam. The patient is moved without physical contact or being lifted by patient caregivers. In one embodiment, the device allows for the patient to be repositioned by a single operator caregiver. In another embodiment, the device can be quickly removed from the patient's bed.

Abstract: Adapter for attaching a patient positioning plate of a patient transport cart or gurney to a diagnosis and/or treatment table, in particular of a medical examination modality, has attachment elements for detachable attachment to the diagnosis and/or treatment table, and the shape of the top side of the adapter in the attachment region for the patient positioning plate is substantially adapted to the underside of the patient positioning plate.

Abstract: A pull member for a patient transfer mattress preferably includes a first portion attached to the inflatable mattress and a second portion attached to the first portion such that a pulling force applied to the second portion is transmitted to the first portion at a location that is substantially equidistant from the top and bottom sheets. The pull member may be T-shaped having a first portion extending along a side panel between the top and bottom sheets or may include a first portion having opposite end attached to the mattress to define a loop. The pull member may include a hand grip to facilitate grasping engagement. The pull member may include a pair of elongated straps and an attachment mechanism for releasable attachment between the strap pair. The pull member may include a connector lug and a clip member for releasable attachment between first and second portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for using a bedstead board attached to a bed to support a roller of a patient transport system. A recess extends into the bedstead board and is spaced a distance from the side of the board. The recess retains a roller sufficiently to withstand forces acting upon the roller.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient removal system are provided for evacuating a patient during an emergency. The patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient while the patient is on a mattress, or the patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient without the mattress. The patient removal systems permit caregivers to transport patients out of danger or harm without requiring patient support devices to be transported along with the patients.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes a top sheet inclined in a head end portion such that a patient's torso is elevated with respect to the feet. The mattress may include relatively narrow chambers in an intermediate portion for increased strength and stability. The mattress may also include a leg separator in a foot end portion, preferably tapered and including one or more inflatable chambers. The mattress may also include a pump mounted directly to the mattress. The transfer device may include a torso and head support accessory having independently inflatable torso and head chambers and inlet and exhaust tubes connected to each chamber. A distribution manifold includes valves connected to each of the inlet and exhaust tubes for controlled inflation and deflation of the chambers. The device may include a control unit connected to the manifold and mountable to an intubation tube for actuation by a user's thumb.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a lower mechanism and an upper mechanism stacked on the lower mechanism. The lower mechanism includes a first endless belt, and the upper mechanism includes a second endless belt. The first and the second endless belts are operable independently of each other for forward and backward circulation. The first endless belt is driven by a first driving unit disposed at one end of the lower mechanism as viewed in the traveling direction of the first endless belt. The second endless belt is driven by a second driving unit disposed at one end of the upper mechanism as viewed in the traveling direction of the second endless belt. A plurality of transfer devices connected in their widthwise direction constitute a transfer device assembly.

Abstract: A patient transfer system for transferring a patient to an operating table in a prone position from a supine position, and vice versa. The patient transfer system includes a chassis, a platen, and restraint/support system. The chassis has wheels secured thereto for movement of the chassis across a floor. The platen is coupled to the chassis and is rotatable about an axis. The platen is adapted to receive a patient in a supine position and rotate the patient to a prone position, and vice versa. The restraint/support system is adapted to hold the patient stationary on the platen while the patient is rotated from the supine position to the prone position, and vice versa. The restraint/support system also provides support to the head, torso, and legs of the patient when the patient is deposited on the operating table in a prone position.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient includes a pad having a first side, a second side, and a fluid chamber configured to receive fluid under pressure. The apparatus also has a pressure source operable to deliver pressurized fluid to the fluid chamber and a pouch coupled to the pad. The pouch has a storage space in which at least a portion of the pressure source is received. The pouch is movable to selectively position the pressure source adjacent to the first side of the pad and adjacent to the second side of the pad.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus including an inflatable mattress, alternatively with a rigid top board with a patient restraint system on which a patient can be placed, when patient immobilization is required. A portable cart is included with a chamber for storage of a plurality of mattresses. The cart also has a gas/air blower and power supply system for empowering the blower. The power system includes provision for drawing power from line AC/DC, and has a rechargeable battery and charger for maintaining the battery by connecting the supply to the line AC/DC. The mattress has a perforated bottom surface for exit of air to provide an air cushion, and is constructed with a white top surface and a dark bottom surface for optimum recognition of contamination, and identification of the bottom surface which must be placed downward. The cart is coated with an antimicrobial substance to minimize the risk of contaminants.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient removal system are provided for evacuating a patient during an emergency. The patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient while the patient is on a mattress, or the patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient without the mattress. The patient removal systems permit caregivers to transport patients out of danger or harm without requiring patient support devices to be transported along with the patients.

Abstract: A apparatus such as a stretcher or guerney, and method, for engaging acquiring and transporting an injured person or some other person or object. The apparatus comprises a base, housing or frame having a low clearance portion; a first conveyance assembly movably connected to the housing for moving the housing with respect to the ground or another base surface; a second conveyance assembly movably connected to the housing for moving the person or object with respect to the housing; and a power member for moving the first and second conveyance assemblies. The apparatus is liftable by other persons to transport the person or object to another location. The method comprises the steps of moving a housing having a low clearance portion so that the low clearance portion moves toward and under the person or object; and moving the person or object relative to the housing. The device and method are mechanized and substantially automated. The device moves so that the person or object remains stationary during loading.

Abstract: An inflatable lifting cushion for an articulated chair including a five-sided polygon capable that is longitudinally aligned on the seat and back of the chair. The cushion includes triangular side walls and at least one interior plenum having an air inlet port enabling air to enter and exit the plenum. A system for transferring a patient is provided including an articulated chair having a back and seat that are arranged to cooperate with one another for movement between an upright position and a reclining position. An inflatable lifting cushion is longitudinally positioned upon the back and the seat of the articulated chair. The inflatable lifting cushion comprises a five-sided polygon including triangular side walls and at least one interior plenum having an air inlet port enabling air to enter and exit the plenum.

Abstract: The present invention is a transfer and transport device and method for moving a patient from a bed to another location within a medical facility. The transport device includes an integral transfer mechanism for transferring a patient from a hospital bed to the device and back.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for supporting an individual during repositioning. A handle permits a user facing a first direction to traverse the perimeter of the handle to face a second direction. Thus, the user moves from a first position to a second position while maintaining contact with the handle with at least one hand. The handle has an arcuate portion that permits a user to slide one or two hands such that the user pivots about the arcuate portion to face another direction while retaining a grip. The apparatus may further include a base coupled to the handle that supports the user during movement around the arcuate portion. A hinge connects the handle to the base and permits the handle to rotate between a storage position and a support position. A bar mounted to the base enables lateral slidable adjustment of the handle along the bar.

Abstract: An invalid person transfer system that has a rectangular frame suspended from a dolly moving on a track on the ceiling. There are left and right support columns that have gear boxes attached to their lower ends. The gear boxes each have at their ends attached thereto pivotal frame members that are connected to each other by a multiple of connecting rods. From the gear boxes conveyor belts are driven to front rollers that form a forward edge between the pivotal frame members in a return manner. The conveyor belts can be driven by either belt drives or gear drives from the gear boxes. In operation, a patient sits on a support and the fronts of each of the frame members move under the patients assisted by the conveyor belts from each side. When the fronts of the frame members are in a close proximity, the patient is sitting on the conveyor belts and then be transported or transfer to a different location without any assistance from an attendant.

Abstract: A system for transporting and positioning a patient onto an operating room table from a movable transportation device, e.g., a stretcher, to be located immediately laterally of the operating room table and transporting back onto the movable transportation device after the surgery. The system basically comprises a first and second inflatable assemblies to effect the pivoting of the patient about a longitudinal axis extending between the table and stretcher from a supine position on the stretcher to a horizontal prone position on the table. A third inflatable assembly causes the patient's spine to be in an arcuate orientation suitable for spinal surgery.

Abstract: A patient lifting apparatus is provided that attaches to a bed frame having a plurality of legs and a headboard. The apparatus includes an upright member, a boom mechanically associated with the upright member, an upper support bar that extends across the bed frame and secures the upright member to each side of the headboard, and a lower support bar that extends across the bed frame and secures the upright member to the legs. The upright member is supported for rotation about a vertical axis by upper and lower bearings on the upper and lower support bars, respectively. A telescoping foot member extends from the lower support bar and is movable between a stored position and an extended position for stabilizing the lifting apparatus. A support arm extends from a lower end of the upright member and rotates along with the upright member to transfer vertical forces into the floor.

Abstract: A personal lift aid for lifting and lowering ambulatory patients and other individuals by unassisted and assisted means. The invention device comprises of a stanchion assembly having a palm grip to an upper end thereof; three adjustable hand grips located below said palm grip; and a (step-on) anchor pad located at the lower end of the device to anchor the personal lift aid to the floor or ground during lifting and lowering of individuals. Methods of moving a person with the aid of the personal lift aid include methods of a caregiver assisting the person; methods of unaided moving by the person, and methods of traversing stairs.

Abstract: A system to facilitate the transfer of a patient between a chair and a bed or other device. The system includes a chair and a transfer bridge interchangeably securable to either side of the chair. The top surface of the transfer bridge is positioned at substantially the same height as the seat to allow a patient to slide across the transfer bridge between the chair and bed. The system may also include an overhead canopy to provide patient support and to provide a surface to which various medical apparatus can be attached. The seat of the chair may also provide access to a bedpan positioned therein.

Abstract: A transfer mattress is provided including a top sheet having a width, a length, and longitudinally oriented peripheral edges and a bottom sheet having the same width, the same length, longitudinally oriented peripheral edges and a plurality of perforations. The longitudinally oriented peripheral edges of the top and bottom sheets are sealingly fastened to one another often by heat sealing. A plurality of baffles, each having a width and a length, are attached to an inner surface of the top sheet and an inner surface of the bottom sheet so as to be transversely oriented between the top sheet and the bottom. The baffles along with the widths of the top and bottom sheets define a radially-outwardly curved perimeter wall that is disposed between an edge of the baffles and the sealed peripheral edges of the top and bottom sheets.

Abstract: An arrangement in a bed (1) intended for a disabled person and comprising a horizontally rotatable multi-sectional bed base part (3a, 3b) supporting a mattress, the base part being convertible into a seat part (3b) and a backrest part (3a), together with a fixed bed base part (3c). The arrangement furthermore comprises a lifting mechanism 82a) connected to the rotatable bed base parts (3a, 3b) supporting the mattress, the mechanism 82a) being operatively connected to a safety hook (A), that can be connected to a lifting sling, for example, which is worn by the person.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus is provided. The patient transport apparatus includes a patient support mover configured to move a patient support relative to the floor and a patient transfer apparatus configured to move a patient from a first position on the patient support to a second position on the patient support.

Abstract: A portable support apparatus designed to support and transfer people with disabilities in a variety of environments. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is realized as having two legs on a horizontal plane, containing four pivoting casters, pivoting along a vertical axis from a main cross member on a horizontal plane, a vertical support and handle pivoting about a horizontal axis, a locking pin to secure the vertical support when in the vertical position, attachment pins for supporting a portable patient lift or other device, and a motion-limiting device and interlock to constrain the movement of the lifting and transferring apparatus.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a patient transfer device includes an elongated foam pad having a fluid impervious enclosure. The foam pad is configured to be placed under the patient on a first support surface, and extends along at least a portion of the patient's body. The foam pad defines a fluid chamber to receive fluid under pressure. The fluid chamber has a bottom wall facing the first support surface, and including perforations for expelling fluid against the first support surface to provide a fluid bearing to facilitate moving the foam pad and the patient supported thereon from the first support surface to an adjacent second support surface.

Abstract: A patient moving bed assembly for transferring a patient from a primary bed to a secondary support such as a gurney includes a frame, a mattress, a mattress support panel having tracks, rollers engaged to the tracks, and a motor to move the rollers in a desired direction to move the mattress laterally.

Abstract: This invention relates to portable devices and their methods of use, which assist in moving patients positioned on beds, gurneys, or other such patient supports. More particularly, the invention relates to portable devices and their methods of use, which enable a single health care worker to perform a patient pullup, roll the patient to a desired position, reposition the patient, or laterally transfer the patient to another patient support.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for facilitating, in handicapped patients, undressing, dressing and access to body parts between the waist and knees of the patient. The apparatus includes a seat (20) and a back support (10) which between them form an open region (11) in which a person located in the apparatus is not supported. The seat and the back support are disposed to be displaced between positions in which the person is placed in positions where the major proportion of the patient's weight is carried by the seat or in which the major proportion of the patient's weight is carried by the back support.

Abstract: A device for transferring medical patients from one table, bed, or gurney to another is disclosed. The device includes a slide board which is slid beneath the patient while the patient is on the gurney. The slide board is then connected to a winch which rests on a cart and can be activated in a controlled manner. The action of the winch pulling the slide board in a horizontal fashion makes the transfer of the patient simple and easy. The cart is designed to be mobile, but includes hooks for fixing the cart to the floor so that it may withstand the stress induced by the retraction of the winch cable.

Abstract: A hospital bed is provided for support of a patient. The hospital bed may include a base, a movable patient support platform, and a foot rail.

Abstract: A patient support mechanism has a patient gurney for the delivery and removal of a patient, the patient gurney having a removable bed board, and having a stationary patient bed provided for the acceptance of the bed board or having a stationary supporting part provided therefor at an imaging medical system such as, for example, a CT installation, an angiography device or a NMR installation. The patient gurney has carriages that are transversely displaceable toward both sides for accepting the bed board and for shifting the bed board from the patient gurney onto the patient bed or onto the supporting part and vice versa. A patient gurney having two double T-shaped supports that are centrally connected to one another by a longitudinal support.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an invalid patient transport system from point A to point B. The system is suspended from a ceiling and can move relative thereto in a first movement The system has a second movement to be able to turn relative to the ceiling in different directions. The transport system further has a third movement and that is an up and down movement relative to the ceiling. The system further has a fourth movement and that is to move a seating assembly under a patient and between the location the patient is sitting or reclining on.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a patient transfer device includes an elongated foam pad having a fluid impervious enclosure. The foam pad is configured to be placed under the patient on a first support surface, and extends along at least a portion of the patient's body. The foam pad defines a fluid chamber to receive fluid under pressure. The fluid chamber has a bottom wall facing the first support surface, and including perforations for expelling fluid against the first support surface to provide a fluid bearing to facilitate moving the foam pad and the patient supported thereon from the first support surface to an adjacent second support surface.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for moving a patient from a first support to a second support includes an upper platform, a lower conveyor and an actuator configured to be coupled to the lower conveyor to drive the lower conveyor. The lower conveyor is movable such that movement of the lower conveyor to move the apparatus from the second support to the first support moves the patient from the first support onto the upper platform.