And Wheels Or Free Traveling (e.g., Gurney Or Convertible Wheelchair Type) Patents (Class 5/86.1)
  • Publication number: 20110138532
    Abstract: A patient lift and transfer device includes a base with casters for moving on a ground surface, a mast extending upwardly from the base, a carriage guided to slide along the mast by a mechanical linear drive assembly and having a forwardly extending beam, and a resting module for a patient to sit or lie thereon. The resting module is detachably connected to the beam to be suspended from the ground surface, and is raised or lowered with the carriage so as to lift and transfer the patient in a safe and comfortable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Tsung-Yi LIN
  • Patent number: 7954828
    Abstract: A transport cart for attaching to a patient care apparatus having a locking system that converts the forward caster of the transport cart from an omni-directional pivotable caster to a fixed directional device by restraining its pivoting about a vertical axis. The forward caster is located at about the center of the footprint of the combined transport cart/patient care apparatus and the fixed directional movement of the forward caster provides stability in moving the combined apparatus. The locking mechanism may be internal to the caster or may have a pair of pivotable lock arms that contact the patient care apparatus as the two are brought together and the pivotable lock arms pivot to a locked position where they sandwich the caster therebetween to restrain its ability to pivot. The locking mechanism automatically or manually releases the forward caster to again freely pivot when the transport cart/patient care apparatus are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven M. Falk, Roopesh Edavana
  • Patent number: 7932690
    Abstract: A system and associated method for preventing damage to an adjacent wall surface of an electrically operated bed that utilizes a normally closed/momentarily open switch assembly attached to the bed frame at a location such that when the bed fame is maneuvered toward an adjacent wall surface, a head of the switch contacts the wall surface before any other part of the bed frame or a proximity sensor switch is activated when the switch head is in the prescribed range from the wall surface. The push button switch is in electrical communication with the bed frame operational circuitry. When the switch activated from its depression from thw all surface contact or its proximity to the wall surface, the electrical circuitry in the system circuitry is interrupted thereby stopping the operation of the bed frame from being maneuvered and preventing damage to the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Dion Jones, Roy John Cracknell
  • Patent number: 7921485
    Abstract: A patient lift has a base extending in a forward direction, and a mast mounted relative to the base. The mast includes a hinge configured to allow the mast to be pivoted relative to the base between an upright operative position and a folded position, wherein when the mast is in the folded position the mast is substantially parallel to the base and extends in the forward direction. A latch mechanism is configured to hold the mast in the folded position when the latch mechanism is locked, and to allow the mast to be returned to the upright operative position when the latch mechanism is released. The latch mechanism is configured to automatically lock when the mast is moved to the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Joerns Healthcare, LLC
    Inventors: Melvin C. Biersteker, Colin C. Bain, David J. Genske, Erik J. Bluemner
  • Patent number: 7921486
    Abstract: A patient lift has a base, a mast assembly mounted on the base at the lower end, a boom pivotally mounted at one end on the mast assembly. An actuator is mounted on the boom and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position to pivot the boom relative to the mast assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. A support member includes a sling attachment pivotally mounted on the outer end of the boom. A locking mechanism is configured to fix the support member relative to the boom when the locking mechanism is engaged and further configured to allow pivotal movement of the support member relative to the boom when the locking mechanism is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Joerns Healthcare, LLC
    Inventors: Melvin C. Biersteker, Colin C. Bain, David J. Genske, Erik J. Bluemner
  • Patent number: 7886377
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a patient support coupled to the frame, a push handle coupled to the frame and having a handle post, and a user interface coupled to the handle post and having at least one user input. The user interface is rotatable about an axis defined by the handle post between a first position presenting the at least one user input to a caregiver standing at an end of the frame and a second position presenting the at least one user input to a caregiver standing alongside the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Hamberg, Robert M. Zerhusen, Christian H. Reinke
  • Publication number: 20110016628
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for moving subjects is claimed in which a base structure has one or more rolling devices attached to facilitate moving of the apparatus. A stem structure rising from the base structure in turn supports a moveable support arm having a having pulley affixed to a distal end. A moveable lifting line capable of supporting a lifted subject ends in a fitting. A pulling mechanism is attached to the apparatus and operably coupled to the lifting line, whereby a subject secured to the fitting can be lifted and moved. In disclosed preferred embodiments, the portable apparatus for moving subjects is configured for lifting a subject without lifting movement of the support arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Russell P. Masterson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110000016
    Abstract: A lift and stretcher apparatus for a patient includes a base portion at least partially defined by an elongated portion extending generally in a first orthogonal direction and having a first end, a second end, and a central portion interposed there between; a frame having a first lateral portion extending in the first orthogonal direction and defining a first lateral portion distal end and a first lateral portion proximal end, a second lateral portion defining a second lateral portion distal end and a second lateral portion proximal end, a proximal portion, and a distal portion extending generally in a second orthogonal direction; a lifting portion interconnecting the base with the frame for moving the frame relative to the base generally in a third orthogonal direction; a first axle portion having; and a second axle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Fredrick Shriver
  • Patent number: 7856685
    Abstract: A stretcher (100) has casters on front legs (15) and rear legs (17), an upper frame (11) on the upper part of which a stretcher body is placed, constant load springs (28,29) in a slide mechanism for vertically varying the position of the upper frame (11), and mechanical locking devices (32,33) for stopping the upper frame at desired positions. The stretcher (100) further has a lock mechanism (31) for locking front leg-assisting frames (16), for supporting the front legs, so as not to slide, and has rear leg-assisting frames (18) for supporting the front legs (15), the front leg-assisting frames (16), and the rear legs (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Matunaga Manufactory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sigeyuki Matunaga, Noriyuki Matunaga, Kazuyuki Goto
  • Publication number: 20100293712
    Abstract: The invention finds application in the field of ambulance transport, emergency transport and other transport equipment. It relates to a stretcher (1) of the type comprising an upper frame (2) with a articulated platform (3) mounted thereto; a from loading carriage (4). The stretcher (1) has at least one additional rear leg (9) and a corresponding support (10) for holding said rear leg (9) against the upper frame (2), in such a manner as to be suspended between the front loading carriage (4) and the additional rear leg (9) during loading and unloading. The provision of a motor-driven coupling system/device allows automatic loading and unloading of said stretcher (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SPENCER ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luigi Cesare Pizzi Spadoni
  • Publication number: 20100293713
    Abstract: A system for turning a person from a supine position to a prone position and vice versa includes opposing patient support platens each coupled to a corresponding end of a first and a second COG assembly, the first and second COG assemblies each coupled to a corresponding one of a pair of spindles, each one of the spindles disposed on a corresponding lift column. Embodiments described herein provide for an axis of rotation that is adjustable with respect to the plane of either an upper or lower support platen. Embodiments provide for adjusting the separation distance between the axis of rotation and the center of gravity defined by the combination of the person and the supporting platens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Lewis Sharps, Alan Dean Romig
  • Publication number: 20100287698
    Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a movable base, a sling, and a support frame mounted to the base. The frame extends over the base and is configured to move from a position spaced above the base at a first height wherein the frame may be extended over and proximate a support surface for engaging the sling when placed on the surface to another position spaced at a height greater than the first height after engagement with the sling. The sling is adapted to be engaged by the frame, which provides lateral support to the sling, wherein when the frame and sling are raised to the greater height the sling is raised above the surface so that a person supported on the sling may be lifted off the surface with the sling and the frame and supported in a stabilized sitting position so that the person can moved away from the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Martin W. Stryker
  • Patent number: 7827630
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a novel Home Lift Position and Rehabilitation (HLPR) apparatus designed to provide stable movement along several critical axes of motion including lift capability. The HLPR apparatus is capable of moving along a desired floor path (“x-axis”), moving on a vertical axis to lift a patient (“z-axis”), rotating the HLPR apparatus itself (along an “outer rotational axis”), and rotating a patient within the HLPR apparatus while the HLPR apparatus itself remains stationary (along an “inner rotational axis”). The telescoping, double-nested C-frame structure of the HLPR apparatus and pivot assembly allow any patient support structure known in the art to be suspended securely and to move in a stable, torque-resistant manner to assist patients in rehabilitation and in independently performing activities of daily living.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: Roger Bostelman, James Albus
  • Patent number: 7827634
    Abstract: A system and method for a bed transport. The system may include a drive system configured to couple to a bed frame and to provide powered movement of the bed frame. The system may also include a substantially vertical control arm and a control handle coupled to the control arm. The system may also comprise a switch on the control handle, and the switch may be configured to control a function of the drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Stroth, Chris Niederkrom, Malcolm Thomson, Joe A. Alvarez, Kenneth Knowles, Robert Sepulveda, Martin Rodriguez, Bruce Allen, Jose Sablan, Kevin Bendele
  • Patent number: 7814591
    Abstract: A patient positioning device is provided. The patient positioning device includes a patient positioning top and a u-shaped undercarriage that includes first and second parts that can be displaced relative to each other. An undercarriage length is adjustable with the first and second parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Herbert Weiler
  • Publication number: 20100251481
    Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a person from a wheelchair to a fixed seat is disclosed, including a wheeled gantry that includes opposed front and rear legs and an upper portion connecting the legs, the gantry spanning a transfer station with a side entry for the wheelchair, and being capable of spanning the fixed seat; and a holding apparatus including a transfer seat and support frame, the transfer seat being sized to fit within the fixed seat; a lift for raising and lowering the transfer seat; and a support arm for rotating the support frame within the transfer station. The wheelchair can be wheeled into the transfer station, the person can be raised out of the wheelchair and rotated to face the front leg, the wheeled gantry can be moved to span the fixed seat, the person can be lowered into the fixed seat, and the wheeled gantry can be withdrawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: HAYCOMP PTY LTD
    Inventor: William Hay
  • Publication number: 20100235986
    Abstract: A system for moving a patient in a hospital or other care facility from a first flat surface to a second flat surface using a pulling apparatus and a modified reusable bed pad. The bed pad includes horizontal and vertical flexible reinforcing members sewn their entire length into the pad so as to form a grid of reinforcing members. At the end of each reinforcing member is a loop. The pulling apparatus comprises an electric motor and transmission developing adequate torque to pull the patient the required distance. The pulling apparatus uses two hook and strap combinations wound onto pulleys. The hooks engage the loops of the modified bed pad for pulling. A single operator may then move a patient from one surface to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Alan Klyne, James Maden
  • Publication number: 20100186163
    Abstract: Raising wheelchair convertible to a stretcher, incorporating a seat, a backrest, foot-rests, arm-rests, a set of fixed back wheels, and another set of front directionally rotating wheels, and comprising a rolling base incorporating back wheels and front wheels; a raising upper frame, which in turn includes, at least, the seat, the backrest, and the foot-rests; as well as raising means for the upper frame; while the arm-rests are hinged to the upper frame so as to allow lateral folding thereof in order to create a stretcher in continuation with the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Torrá Sorribes
  • Patent number: 7757316
    Abstract: In a patient bed system, comprising a patient bed, a support column for supporting the bed and a trolley for transporting the bed, the bed having arranged on it first coupling elements (22) which are intended for selective connection to second or third coupling elements (24, 26) on the support column and on the trolley respectively, at least one of the coupling elements (24) located on the support-column side has provided on it at least one sensor (102) for sensing the position of a first coupling element (22) connected to the bed (18) in relation to the column-side coupling element (24), the sensor (102) taking effect when the bed is located on the trolley and the latter assumes in relation to the support column a specific position for transferring the bed onto the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Maquet GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Guido Koch
  • Publication number: 20100154115
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an aid apparatus for enabling the assisted mobility of a disable person e.g. to be raised from a sitting position to a standing position, transferring and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: SHL MEDICAL AB
    Inventors: Göran Wernqvist, Peter Svensson, Susanne Wedbjer, Björn Wernqvist
  • Publication number: 20100154116
    Abstract: A wheelchair transfer device comprises a base frame, an elevation unit and a transfer unit, whereby a caregiver can easily and fast move the disabled person from the wheelchair to the bed or from the bed to the wheelchair. The elevation unit has a moving component that can ascend or descend. On the top of the moving component is a seat pad having an upper seat body and a lower seat body. A transfer unit with a positioning unit is arranged at the bottom of the upper seat body. Track levers are arranged on two sides of the positioning unit. The track levers can extend and retract and allows the upper seat body to slide thereon. Thereby, the caregiver can easily and fast move the disabled person to or from the wheelchair without lifting the disabled person manually and laboriously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Yu-Yen Fan
  • Patent number: 7735165
    Abstract: A wheelchair transfer device is configured for moving an invalid patient from a flat surface to a seated position for transport in the seated position on the transfer device. The transfer device includes a rolling base supported by casters and convertible low profile rollers that are configured to fit under the base of a hospital bed and convert to a larger diameter wheel without altering the height of the transfer device. The transfer device includes a leg portion, a torso portion and a seat portion configured to be coplanar for adaptation to a hospital bed, so that an invalid patient can, with assistance, roll onto the device. The seat portion can then be raised against the patient's buttocks, generally perpendicular to the leg and torso portions, and the whole assembly can then be rotated to a vertical position, with the seat portion supporting the weight of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Martin W. Stryker, Jeffrey L. Lewandowski, James T. Thwaites, Cory P. Herbst
  • Publication number: 20100138997
    Abstract: A transport unit with a support system for transporting a patient from a first room in at least one second room is provided. The transport unit includes a positioning device which interacts with the support system such that the transportation of the patient from the first into the second room is able to be undertaken in a tilted and/or rolled position. Accordingly, internal organs of the patient remain in their previously assumed position during transportation of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Claus-Peter Höppner, Tim Use
  • Publication number: 20100138990
    Abstract: An inclined lift for patient transfer is designed to allow a patient to be pulled on an inclined ramp which is subsequently movable to a raised generally horizontal position. IN the raised generally horizontal position a patient may be transferred to a chair or to a further horizontal structure such as a bed. In a preferred embodiment the inclined lift includes a patient slide mat that is movable onto the ramp by a retraction mechanism. The patient sits or lies on the mat and a winch type mechanism pulls the mat onto the inclined ramp. There is no requirement for a patient harness to directly pull the patient onto the inclined ramp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Frank Van Oirschot
  • Patent number: 7725968
    Abstract: An ambulance cot is disclosed and the ambulance cot having a base frame configured for support on a surface, a litter frame configured for supporting thereon a patient and an elevating mechanism interconnecting the base frame and the litter frame and configured to interconnect the litter frame and the base frame in order to facilitate movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward and away from each other. A control mechanism is provided on the cot which is configured to facilitate the movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward each other and at differing speeds predicated on at least one of whether the base frame is supported on the surface and the litter frame is supported by an external support separate from the elevating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Clifford E. Lambarth
  • Patent number: 7716759
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus. The patient transport apparatus of the present invention is articulated and sized to fit between the body and the open door of virtually all vehicles. Further, the patient transport apparatus uses a height-adjustable seat that is aligned with the vehicle seat to allow for simplified extraction of the patient from the vehicle. The height-adjustable seat lowers to just above ground height making the recovery of a fallen patient easier. A set of casters allows omni-directional travel of the patient transport apparatus for precise placement and a pair of primary motion wheels makes linear travel easier while providing a turning radius substantially approaching zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: William A. Wilder
  • Patent number: 7703157
    Abstract: A bed, in particular a sickbed or nursing bed, comprises a height-adjustable bedstead to be supported on a floor, a fixing brake having an actuator adapted to be moved between a braking position and a release position and to be operated by hand or by foot, and at least one brake element which is pressed to the floor in the braking position of the actuator, and is spaced apart from the floor in the release position of the actuator. The actuator is adapted to be automatically placed into the brake position by a bedstead element when the lowermost position of the bedstead has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Völker AG
    Inventor: Günther Dorenbeck
  • Patent number: 7698760
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base having a first side, a second side, a head end, and a foot end, a head end caster and a foot end caster coupled to the base on the first side near the respective head and foot ends, and a head end link and a foot end link located on the first side and operably associated with the respective head and foot end casters on the first side. The head and foot end links on the first side move longitudinally in opposite directions to brake the respective head and foot end casters on the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome E. Reckelhoff, Christian H. Reinke
  • Patent number: 7694360
    Abstract: A patient lift and extraction apparatus includes adjustable, generally parallel legs connected by a cross member having a support member with a projecting boom. The support member may be adjustably located between the legs. A patient lift strap in the boom supports a patient in combination with a patient sling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: EZ Way, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Tally
  • Patent number: 7694368
    Abstract: A positive lock for an ambulance cot and method thereof which requires lifting an upper frame of the ambulance cot, in order to permit a spring actuator to clear an interference fit of the positive lock, are provided. If the upper frame is not lifted, then the spring force used to pull on the positive lock is insufficient to overcome the interference fit. Clearing the interference fit permits the cot to be height adjusted. Optionally, a light indicator may be provided which illuminates if the cot has not been positively locked in a height adjusted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7690057
    Abstract: A prone cart for carrying a patient has a frame, a pair of independently powered and suspended drive wheels located centrally off the frame and an articuable body support having relatively moveable tray, chest support, abdominal support and leg support sections connected end to end for carrying a patient prone between a lowered position where the patient lies in a horizontal orientation to a raised position where the patient's head and chest are elevated with respect to the patient's abdomen and legs. Linkage mechanisms move the sections between the raised and lowered positions. A pair of independently suspended drive wheels mounted centrally of the frame is controllable so that each may each rotate independently in clockwise or counterclockwise sense so that the cart may be maneuvered in confined spaces with a zero turning radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Medical College of Wisconsin, University of South Florida
    Inventors: Pascal Malassigne, Jeffrey Harrow, Robert Jensen, John Erdman
  • Patent number: 7686319
    Abstract: A double amputee conveyance includes a main frame with two rear wheels, for propulsion, and two swiveled castor wheels, for directional control, attached to the main frame. A seat assembly is attached to the main frame to provide relative movement between a rearward and a forward position and is constructed so that a forward edge extends beyond the main frame in the forward position. A stabilizing mechanism includes a stabilizing bar pivotally attached to the main frame so as to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the main frame and for movement between a raised and a lowered position. An activating lever is linked to the stabilizing bar to move the bar into the raised or the lowered position. The stabilizing bar engages the floor in the lowered position to stabilize the conveyance with the seat assembly in the forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: William M. Fink
  • Patent number: 7669255
    Abstract: A storable dual action hydraulic device has a base unit from which floor supports extend, and a series of arms that articulate relative to the base unit to lift and re-orient a lifting device. The base unit houses an on-board power supply and control systems for hydraulic cylinders. A first arm and associated hydraulic cylinder extend from the base, and a second arm and associated hydraulic cylinder extend from the extreme end of the first arm opposite the base unit. At the extreme end of the second arm opposite the first arm, a mechanism is disposed for connecting to a lifting device capable of lifting subjects such as immobile persons. The device is equipped with weight measuring equipment, a retractable handle for maneuvering the device, a hinge member from which the lifting device motorized control for the lifting device and a controller for articulating the arms of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Terry Raney
  • Patent number: 7669258
    Abstract: In a patient bed system, comprising a patient bed, a support column for supporting the bed and a trolley for transporting the bed, the bed having arranged on it first coupling elements (22) which are intended for selective connection to second or third coupling elements (24, 26) on the support column and on the trolley respectively, locking means (60, 62) being provided on at least one of the coupling elements, in order to lock the first coupling elements (22) alternatively to the second or third coupling elements (24, 26) when the bed is coupled to the support column or to the trolley (16), the locking means have at least one locking element (60, 62) which is arranged adjustably on one of the coupling elements (22, 24, 26) and which, in the engagement position of two coupling elements (22, 24, 26), engages into a clearance (76, 82) of the coupling element adjacent in each case, the coupling elements having formed on them control cams (88), by means of which, during the operation of transferring the bed from
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Maquet GbmH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Guido Koch
  • Patent number: 7665166
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Martin Manufacturing Company, LLC
    Inventors: Willis E. Martin, Alexander Bradford Earle, Stanley A. Brantley, Jr., Junius Warren White, Shawn Lane, Deepak Devasagayam
  • Patent number: 7657951
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus includes a sling for movement of a person from or into a vehicle seat supported by a dual legged horizontal frame mounted on rollers or wheels with a generally vertical, telescoping post having a cantilever arm extending therefrom. A cable or strap supported by the cantilever arm is attached to the adjustable body sling which designed to securely hold a patient during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: EZ Way, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Tally
  • Patent number: 7647655
    Abstract: A support frame assembly for attachment to a support mast of a transport apparatus may include a support frame with a pair of downwardly directed mounting posts. Support arms may be pivotally attached to an end of each mounting post. The support arms may each comprise a back support and an open position and a closed position. When the support arms are in the closed positioned the back supports may be substantially horizontally oriented defining a support area between the support arms, the back supports and the support frame. When the support arms are in the open position the back supports may be substantially vertically oriented and the support area is open opposite the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: LIKO Research & Development AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Liljedahl
  • Patent number: 7644454
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a mechanical lifting system with seat which enable the disabled people with paralysis or paresis of lower limps to stand up from the wheelchair and without excessive energy expenditure take upright position in standing frame and came back to the wheelchair. This mechanical lifting system can be used in a kind of walking frame, static standing frame or mobile standing frame and is very useful in rehabilitation of disabled people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Alreh Medical SP. Z.O.
    Inventor: Zbignlew Lukasiak
  • Patent number: 7644458
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a patient support and a powered transport device to facilitate movement of a patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Dale Foster, Ryan Anthony Reeder
  • Patent number: 7636961
    Abstract: An end portion of a patient transport cot having a collapsible undercarriage is elevated by a lift device including a collapsible frame on caster wheels and supporting a power operated lift member. A head member is mounted on the lift member and supports adjustable hook members which releasably engage an end portion of the frame of the transport cot. In one embodiment, the lift member includes a fluid cylinder operated from a fluid supply tank through a control valve. In other embodiments, the lift member is operated by an electric motor driven mechanical actuator controlled by a switch. A support bracket provides for conveniently mounting the lift device on a door of a transport vehicle for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: David L. Starkey
  • Patent number: 7636966
    Abstract: A docking station includes a column and a docking port coupled to the column. The docking port is coupleable to a hospital bed. A service is deliverable to the hospital bed through a service outlet coupled to the docking port. A communication and control unit is coupled to the column. A patient table is coupled to the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Dennis M. Lanci, John P. Biondo
  • Patent number: 7634826
    Abstract: In a patient bed system, comprising a patient bed, a support column for supporting the bed and a trolley for transporting the bed, the bed having arranged on it first coupling elements (22) which are intended for selective connection to second or third coupling elements (24, 26) on the support column and on the trolley respectively, the first coupling elements (22) have in each case an outer contour (38) and a clearance (40) with an inner contour (42), the second or the third coupling elements (24, 26) being designed in each case as guide tenons which have an outer contour (58) adapted to the inner contour (42) of the clearance (40) of the first coupling elements (22) and which are intended for engagement into the clearance (40), and the third or the second coupling elements (26, 24) having in each case a clearance intended for receiving a first coupling element (22) and having an inner contour (50) adapted to the outer contour (38) of the first coupling elements (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Maquet GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Guido Koch
  • Patent number: 7634824
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handling system for lifting and/or moving a person from a first position to another. The system includes a frame having a base frame and a lifting frame being part of a lifting device for the person. The system also includes at least three wheels positioned in different parts of the base frame and allowing the handling system to be moved over a surface from said first position to another, and at least one user interface allowing the person or another person to control the handling system. Further, the system includes at least one of the wheels being directional controllable from the at least one user interface and each of the wheels being mounted pivotally around a vertical axle of the wheels. The invention also relates to a user interface and a method of handling a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: HeCare Systems ApS
    Inventors: Asger Gramkow, Thomas Færgemann, Thomas Morthorst Jensen
  • Publication number: 20090307841
    Abstract: Apparatus for turning a patient including a mobile support (11) having an overhanging portion defining a pair of spaced locations, a roller (32, 34) mounted at each location such that the rollers (32, 34) extend generally parallel to each other, the rollers (32, 34) together being for supporting a dependent sling (48) therebetween, and means for rotating the rollers (32, 34) whereby the sling (48) can be moved laterally relative to the patient to turn the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Allan Richard James, Joyce Irene James
  • Patent number: 7631379
    Abstract: A bed comprises a main frame, a leg comprising at least one leg member and at least one link, and a stabilizer connecting the leg member to the main frame. At least portions of the main frame, the leg, the link, and the stabilizer form a four bar system for raising and lowering the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Joerns Healthcare Inc.
    Inventor: Perry Lindner
  • Patent number: 7631373
    Abstract: A roll-in cot having a patient support attached to a wheeled transporter wherein the wheeled transporter comprises leading and trailing collapsible legs having respective proximal ends pivotally connected to a frame and distal ends including wheels wherein at least the leading or the trailing collapsible legs are operable from a locked condition by a release assembly wherein the release assembly comprises a safety and a leg release wherein one of said safety and said leg release comprises a linkage, wherein in an activated condition the linkage prevents the collapse of the collapsible legs, said linkage is connected to a touch bar disposed in front of said collapsible legs whereby engagement of the touch bar against a platform deactivates the linkage and enables the collapsible legs to be collapsed on release of the other of said safety and said leg release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Lee Broadley, Alan Raymond Cambridge
  • Patent number: 7624953
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an infusion stand for supporting an articles such as an IV bag. In one embodiment, the infusion stand comprises a gas spring engaged with a moveable base assembly. The infusion stand further comprises a foot pedal assembly mounted to the base assembly that is adapted to actuate the gas spring. The infusion stand further comprises an extension arm having one end engaged with the gas spring and the other end to an IV bag support adapted to support one or more IV bags. The infusion stand may further comprise a handle assembly connected to the upper portion of the extension arm. In operation, depression of the foot pedal assembly causes activation of the gas spring which raises the IV bag support to a selected height. An operator may grasp the handle assembly to control upward or downward movement of the IV bag support to a desired height and fix the desired height by release of the foot pedal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Silverman, Bradley S. Silverman
  • Patent number: 7621003
    Abstract: A roll-in cot (1) having a patient support attached to a wheeled transporter wherein the wheeled transporter comprises leading (3) and trailing (4) collapsible legs having respective proximal ends pivotally connected to a frame (2) and distal ends including swivel castor wheels (18A, 18B) wherein at least the swivel castors (18A) of the leading collapsible legs (3) are operable in either a swivel or lock mode, and wherein the swivel mode is only operable by a castor release mechanism (22) while the cot (1) is in a fully upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean E. Myers, Eugene Van Dyne, William H. Benedict, Gavin Broadley, Alan Cambridge
  • Patent number: 7617549
    Abstract: An ambulance cot comprising generally a variable height support frame which is positionable and maneuverable above a surface by adjustable legs having support wheels and a method of use are disclosed. The support frame has a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion having loading wheels. With the cot in a lowest position, the loading wheel are configured to rotate about a single axis when engaging the surface and to be positioned above the surface when the second portion is placed in a raised position relative to the first portion. The cot further includes a swivel castor mounted to the first portion between the loading wheels and the support wheels. When the cot is in the lowest position, the swivel castor engages the surface and will rotate about two axes when the second portion is in the raised position and about the same axis as the loading wheels when the second portion is not in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventor: Irvin D. Pollock
  • Publication number: 20090276955
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a patient transfer system with associated patient support frames, lift carts, lifts, carts, and other accessories for use therewith. The support frames of the present invention as depicted in the exemplary embodiments are designed to: (a) provide rigidity (exoskeleton) to the human body for positioning to provide stability for purposes of transferring, lifting and/or transporting the subject via a mobile device, such as a powered lift device; (b) a male/female coupling for coupling to a tine or other carriage mechanism of a lifting device thereto for the purpose of moving or lifting the subject; and/or (c) be used as a support or frame that will interact with the body as an exoskeleton to aid with the activities of daily living.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Ergo-Asyst Technology LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Palay, William E. Burak, JR.