Abstract: A lift-assisted device having a patient support structure, a base, and an undercarriage. The device can be powered by a pneumatic cylinder and a compressed gas source. The undercarriage can be a scissors linkage having at least one first member being slidably connected to the patient support structure an upper end of the first member and pivotally connected to the base at a lower end of the first member, and at least one second scissors linkage member, the second scissors linkage member being pivotally connected to the first scissors linkage member. An upper end of the second member is pivotally connected to the patient support structure, and a lower end of the second member is pivotally connected to the base. The pneumatic cylinder is arranged for moving the upper end of the first member and the lower end of the second member with respect to the patient support structure.

Abstract: A transportation cart for relocating a medical examination chair or table comprises a chassis having an open end that defines a receiving area for positioning a base of a medical examination table therebetween. A table support member extends upwardly from the chassis to engage structural portions of the examination table, such that the table may be supported thereon when the table is lowered to rest on the table support member. With the weight of the table supported by the cart, the base may be further actuated so that it is raised from the floor. Thereafter, the transportation cart may be maneuvered to relocate the table as desired. To place the table at the new location, the base is lowered to engage the floor and raise the table from the cart.

Abstract: An adjustable bed carriage for supporting a main bed frame above a substantially planar floor. The adjustable bed carriage has one or more first legs, each with an upper end slidably attached to a first end of the main bed frame, and one or more second legs, each with an upper end pivotably attached to a second end of the main bed frame. Each first leg is paired with a second leg, and they are pivotably connected to each other at a central pivot located substantially at a midpoint of each. The carriage also includes a first caster base with one or more first casters for engaging the floor, the first leg being attached to the first caster base. Also, the carriage has a second caster base with one or more second casters for engaging the floor, the second leg being attached to the second caster base.

Abstract: A multiple level elevating cot adapted to be rolled into emergency vehicles, the cot having a wheeled undercarriage supporting a cot frame having a leading end and a trailing end, and adapted to selectively secure the cot frame in a plurality of elevational positions. The cot frame includes a pair of side extension arms provided between the leading end and the trailing end, each of the side extension arms being adapted to slidably extend outwardly from a stowed position adjacent the cot frame to an extended position substantially perpendicular to the cot frame. The cot further includes a drop frame that may be lengthened and sidearm supports positionable in vertically-up, vertically-down, substantially horizontal, and a folded position relative to the cot frame. The cot frame may form a part of an integral stretcher or may serve as a carrier to which a separable top structure mounts.

Abstract: An ambulance cot is provided having a wheeled carriage, a frame for mounting the wheels, a horizontally oriented patient litter supported from the wheeled carriage and variable, pneumatically powered height scissors frame. The pneumatic actuator is designed to give a patient air-ride transportation and an adjustable height litter for lifting a patient from the ground. The patient litter has a pivoting hinge for transporting a patient down stairs. This pivot will allow the stretcher to pivot to a horizontal angle while going down stairs, for patient support and ease of transportation for said operator below. One embodiment has tracks attached over the wheels to provide a more stable and smooth ride as the cot is moved down stairs. Another embodiment comprises a translational trolley configuration. A hand brake is mounted on the patient litter for braking the tank-like motion of the tracks.

Abstract: A refuse disposal system is formed integrally with a wheelchair. A foam pad is positioned on a rigid seat of a wheelchair; the foam pad and rigid seat are each provided with openings in registration with each other. An annular cartridge of compressed disposable tubing is positioned within an annular well formed in the bottom surface of the foam pad. The disposable tubing extends from the annular cartridge upward over the flange of the pad and downward through the opening in the rigid seat.

Abstract: A medical chair provides a radiolucent backrest pivotally secured to a seat section. A pivoting push bar on the backrest pivots between an operative position, where it can be used to maneuver the chair, and a storage position where it does not compromise the radiolucent property of the backrest. The chair includes a leg support section, and the backrest and leg support section pivot between a chair structure and a stretcher structure. The pivoting of the backrest and legs support section are controlled by actuators that are positioned so as not to interfere with the radiolucent property of the backrest. A foot platform on the leg support section is connected to remain substantially parallel to the seat section as the leg support section is pivoted. A remote control allows for adjusting the configuration of the chair from points distant from the medical chair.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient includes a patient support with head and foot ends and a wheeled base supported by castered wheels. Auxiliary wheels secured to an auxiliary wheel support structure are suspendedly mounted to the wheeled base. A control apparatus includes manipulative members, such as foot pedals at the head and foot ends and at the lateral sides of the wheeled carriage. The side foot pedals are supported by a transverse control shaft. The transverse control shaft extends through apertures in the auxiliary wheel support structure. Wheel bearing devices rotatably attach the auxiliary wheels relative to the transverse control shaft. A linkage arrangement enables the side foot pedals to physically move with the auxiliary wheels during movement between deployed and stowed positions.

Abstract: Hoist device for persons comprising a lifting arm to which a headed stud is attached for attaching a hoist sling to the lifting arm, wherein the head has a larger diameter than the stud, and wherein the hoist sling comprises an attachment device for attaching the hoist sling to the lifting arm, comprising a plate-shaped part comprising: a continuous slot situated in a plane of the plate-shaped part comprising a first portion through which the stud and its head will pass, a second portion through which the stud will but the head of the stud will not pass, and a connection portion between the first and second portion, and a locking device arranged to the plate-shaped part and movable parallel to the plane of the plate-shaped part, which locking device near a first end comprises a closing member and near a second end comprises an operation member that can be operated for bringing the closing member from a first position, in which the closing member closes off the connection portion, to a second position, in w

Abstract: A low profile hospital bed includes a mattress support frame and pivotably mounted wheel frames. Lift actuators connecting between the mattress support frame and the wheel frames move the wheel frames between a folded position and an unfolded position. When the wheel frames are in the folded position, the lift actuators are relatively horizontal and thus unable to provide enough vertical force to move the wheel frames. Accordingly, connecting between the actuators and the wheel frames are leverage members which rotate and urge the wheel frames away from mattress support frame during an initial, first stage of movement as the wheel frames partially unfold. After the first stage of movement, the leverage members function as simple mechanical links between the lift actuators and the wheel frames as the lift actuators continue to power the complete unfolding of the wheel frames.

Abstract: A stand-up bedside hoisting apparatus includes a base; three legs fixedly connected an inner ends to the base to stably support the entire hoisting apparatus; a pivoted-arm mechanism including a lower rotary shaft that is rotatable relative to the base within a safe angular range, and an upper suspension arm that can be turned up and down relative to the rotary shaft; and a hanger pivotally connected to a front end of the suspension arm for holding a hoisting carriage to carry and move a patient. The hoisting apparatus may be easily and conveniently erected to stand up at one side of a sickbed without the need of being fixedly mounted to a wall or floor, and could therefore be moved for use at any place as necessary.

Abstract: A moving device (1) capable of being operated easily and safely to move a person between various types of beds and chairs by supporting the femoral region and backbone of a person to be moved instead of by suspending the person to be moved by a belt or supporting the axillas and knees of the person, comprising a body frame (4) having a pair of right and left front wheels (2) and rear wheels (3) and having an open rear side, a column (14) erected on the body frame, a pair of right and left side seat parts (32) provided on a pair of right and left side arms (31) fixed to the column, a handrail frame body (46) fixed to the column and having an open rear side, a backbone supporting part (48) disposed at the rear of the seat parts, and a lifting mechanism capable of lifting the seat parts vertically, wherein the arms are formed in a crank-shape and connected pivotally to the column through longitudinal shafts positioned at the front of the knees of the person to be moved, and the seat parts are rotated eccentrical

Abstract: A stretcher comprises a patient support area supported by front legs and rear legs. The front legs and rear legs are coupled by a gear mechanism, and an actuation device coupled to the gear mechanism effects retraction or extension of the stretcher in a smooth and continuous motion. The actuation device is operable to lock the gear mechanism to position the stretcher at any desired height between fully extended and fully retracted.

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: A patient support apparatus is disclosed including a patient support and a powered transport device to facilitate movement of a patient support.

Abstract: A lift device capable of performing an activating motion having a part suspension device for training an upper limb capable of easily and surely performing an upper limb activating motion and easy to handle and use such that it is free to pass over a sill height difference, comprising leg parts (3a, 3b) with a caster (2) having a sliding run-over plate (1), an equipment storage part (4), wheels (5), a lifting guide (6) installed erectedly on the equipment storage part by fixing one end thereof to the storage part, a lifting part (7) provided inside the lifting guide, a lifting drive part (9) drivingly lifting the lifting part, a lifting drive control part (10) controlling the lifting drive part, an operation towing arm (8) installed on the lifting part, part suspension device mounting devices (11) and (12) for training an upper limb, installed on the equipment storage part, a mounting hole (13) for the pan suspension device for training an upper limb provided in the lifting guide, and a part suspension device

Abstract: An ambulatory device comprising a frame having support rails, two large rear wheels containing hand grips, two small front wheels for steering, a foldable seat allowing the user to sit when desirable, and a height-adjustable support frame having a vertical and horizontal section rising from the frame. A body halter holding the user is rotatably supported by a swivel support which is connected by connector ropes or cables to a support bar. The support bar is connected by connector ropes or cables to a winch which lifts and lowers the user. An optional scale may be present so that the amount of weight of the user supported by the device may be measured and controlled.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage having a patient support deck elevatable by a pair of hydraulic jacks controlled by a foot pedal arrangement. Brakes are provided for the wheels on the wheeled carriage activatable by additional foot pedals.

Abstract: An ambulance cot is provided having a wheeled carriage, a frame for mounting the wheels, a horizontally oriented patient litter supported from the wheeled carriage and variable, pneumatically powered height scissors frame. The pneumatic actuator is designed to give a patient air-ride transportation and an adjustable height litter for lifting a patient from the ground. The patient litter has a pivoting hinge for transporting a patient down stairs. This pivot will allow the stretcher to pivot to a horizontal angle while going down stairs, for patient support and ease of transportation for the operator below. One embodiment has tracks attached over the wheels to provide a more stable and smooth ride as the cot is moved down stairs. Another embodiment comprises a translational trolley configuration. A hand brake is mounted on the patient litter for braking the tank-like motion of the tracks.

Abstract: 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: An adjustable bed carriage for supporting a main bed frame above a substantially planar floor. The adjustable bed carriage has a first leg with an upper end slidably attached to a first end of the main bed frame and a second leg with an upper end pivotably attached to a second end of the main bed frame. Each of the first leg and the second leg are pivotably connected to each other at a central pivot located substantially at a midpoint of each, to permit pivoting movement of each of the first leg and the second leg about the central pivot in opposite directions. The pivoting movement of the legs moves the adjustable bed carriage between a fully extended condition and a fully collapsed condition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a patient transfer device comprising lifting arrangement positionable adjacent a patient and movable between a first position and a second position, and support arrangement for supporting the patient. The support arrangement is attachable to the lifting arrangement along a number of anchor locations thereon, the anchor locations including a pair of central anchor locations, a first pair of outer anchor locations on one side of the pair of central anchor locations and a second pair of outer anchor locations on an opposite side of the central pair of anchor locations; the support arrangement including a pair of central contact locations near a central location on the body of the patient, a first pair of outer contact locations on one side of the pair of central contact locations and a second pair of outer contact locations on an opposite side of the central pair of contact locations.

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: The invention relates to a patient positioning and transport system comprising a transportable stretcher (1) and a cart (2) for transporting the stretcher (1) with the patient. The stretcher (1) can be removed from the cart (2) to be placed on a diagnosis or treatment station (4). A patient positioning and transport system of the aforementioned type should be designed as to avoid, to the greatest possible extent, repositionings of the patient between separate diagnosis or treatment stations (4). Towards this end, at least one adapter plate (3) that can be assigned to the stretcher (1) is provided, whereby the stretcher (1), the adapter plate (3) and the cart (2) can be joined to another and are configured in such a manner that the stretcher (1) with the patient can be transferred from the cart (2) to various, differently designed diagnosis or treatment stations (4) and back.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable bed includes a bed frame attached to movable legs powered by a motor. Operation of the motor causes the legs to move longitudinally along a guide rod, collapsing the legs beneath the bed and moving the bed frame vertically. Collapsing the bed to its substantially lowermost position compresses a spring. The energy stored by the compression of the spring is used to raise the bed from its substantially lowermost position. Pivotally attached to the legs is a caster and foot arrangement. During normal operation, the foot engages the floor. When the bed frame moves to its substantially uppermost position, a pin extending from the leg engages one end of a slot, causing the caster to pivot and engage the floor, rendering the bed horizontally mobile.

Abstract: A wheelchair convertible into a gurney that includes a main frame, a rear frame and a supplemental rear frame pivotally secured to the rear frame. The main frame includes a back portion pivotally secured to a seat portion which is pivotally secured to a leg portion. The rear frame is pivotally secured to the back portion. A guide arrangement is provided that coacts with the supplemental rear frame and the main frame whereby the main frame is in a first position. The back portion, seat portion and leg portion are arranged so that they are in different planes and when the main frame is in a second position, the back portion, seat portion and leg portion are arranged so that they are in a gurney position.

Abstract: A directional lock for a caster. The caster has a wheel assembly including a wheel rotatable about a wheel axis and a housing for supporting the wheel. The housing defines a cavity for receiving a portion of the wheel. Also, the caster includes a stem supported by the housing and positionable in a chassis element, the wheel assembly being pivotally attached to the stem. The directional lock has an engagement portion and a base portion coupled to the engagement portion such that the engagement portion is movable relative to the base portion. The engagement portion is for engaging the wheel assembly to locate the wheel assembly in a predetermined position relative to the chassis element. The base portion is adapted to cooperate with the chassis element to maintain the engagement portion in a predetermined relation to the chassis element.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a person's upper torso in particular, the forearms to a generally parallel position to a floor surface in relation to a work product. A lifting apparatus includes a base support for moving the lifting apparatus horizontally on a floor surface. The base support may include a plurality of wheels being lockable. A platform having a multilayer construction for supporting at least a user thereon. The multilayer construction having a non-slip layer outer layer, a compressible inner layer, and a base layer. A vertical lifting system coupled to a platform and coupled to a base support. The vertical lifting system is configured to vertically move the platform through a plurality of heights above a floor surface. The vertical lifting system may have a pair of laterally mounted hollow stanchions in which each stanchion includes a axially rotatable threaded rod for matingly receiving a gear which is mounted to a drive shaft that provides rotary movement to the gear.

Abstract: A patient support including a linkage assembly providing communication between at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel.

Abstract: A height adjustable bed includes a sliding hinge mechanism for attaching each of two articulated supports to wheeled bases. A linear actuator is connected between an actuating frame that is attached to each of the articulated supports and a horizontal linkage member that is attached to each of the articulated supports. Extension of the linear actuator raises the bed from a low position with assistance of a mechanical advantage provided by a fulcrum between the articulated support and the actuating frame that results from displacement of downward forces from the sliding hinge to the actuating frame.

Abstract: A lift and transfer apparatus for patient has a wheeled support base, and a main support post; the base has an upwards projecting securing portion, which has a locating room defined by front and rear short plates, and left and right inverted L shaped long plates, which each has an inverted L shaped guiding slot; the post is inserted into the locating room at lower end, and secured to the securing portion with bolts, a second one of which bolts is passed through the slots, and the post; thus, the slots allows the post to be displaced towards rear side of the apparatus until the second bolt abuts slot upper rear ends after the other bolts have been removed, and the second bolt loosened, and after the post is pivoted downwards for folding the apparatus, and length of the apparatus, in folded position, can be reduced.

Abstract: A transport carriage for a patient bed has a first arm for placement of the patient bed thereon and a second arm for coupling the patient bed thereto. A medical treatment of examination system employing such a transport carriage has a number of medical devices for treatment of examination of a subject, each of these medical devices having a patient support mechanism associated therewith, with a differently configured patient bed. The patient beds are removable from the respective support mechanisms, and the transport carriage is configured to receive and transport any of these differently configured patient beds.

Abstract: A lift assist apparatus for a wheeled stretcher having an end and a height adjustable undercarriage, the lift assist apparatus including an extendable support apparatus detachably rotatably connectable to the end of the wheeled stretcher.

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: An ambulation aid which has a support structure for the patient that both supports the patient's weight, and is movable laterally with respect to the frame to accommodate sideways hip movement of the patient's gait. The inventors have observed that a patient's hip will shift laterally as the patient steps forward and places weight on the forward stepping leg. This causes prior art ambulation aids to jerk sideways. The present invention overcomes this by providing a support structure which can move sideways without requiring the entire frame to move sideways. In one embodiment, the support structure slides in a track behind the patient, allowing lateral movement. In another embodiment, the support structure includes a belt which either slides through rollers behind the patient, or is attached but is flexible to allow hip movement, or is attached to a slider behind the patient.

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: A wheelchair convertible into a gurney that includes a main frame, a rear frame and a supplemental rear frame pivotally secured to the rear frame. The main frame includes a back portion pivotally secured to a seat portion which is pivotally secured to a leg portion. The rear frame is pivotally secured to the back portion. A guide arrangement is provided that coacts with the supplemental rear frame and the main frame whereby the main frame is in a first position. The back portion, seat portion and leg portion are arranged so that they are in different planes and when the main frame is in a second position, the back portion, seat portion and leg portion are arranged so that they are in a gurney position.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing a person having an inner mast attached to a base and an outer mast slidably disposed over the inner mast. A platform is attached to the outer mast wherein the platform accepts the feet of the person. The apparatus includes a load cell attached to the inner and outer mast proximate the top end of the outer mast such that when the person stands on the platform the platform transfers the weight of the person from the outer mast to the load cell such that the person's weight can be determined.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is disclosed including a patient support and a powered transport device to facilitate movement of a patient support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheelchair that provides for efficient, safe transfer of a patient from the wheelchair to a bed or from a bed to the wheelchair. The wheelchair may be locked to a bed using small wheels attached to the wheelchair, that engages a track mounted onto the bed.

Abstract: A stretcher capable of transforming into a stretcher configuration and a wheelchair configuration, which increases the rigidity of its frame structure to facilitate retention of a posture of a patient, enhancing safety and is superior in the operability such that transformation is enabled by one operation. A frame of the stretcher is divided into at least four portions, i.e., an above knee portion (4) constituting a seat portion supporting a femoral region of a patient, a lumbar portion (3) included in a backrest supporting an upper portion of a body of the patient, an armrest portion (6) constituting an armrest, and a below knee portion (5) capable of supporting a lower limb region.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient includes a patient support with head and foot ends and a wheeled base supported by castered wheels. An auxiliary wheel assembly is secured to the wheeled base and includes a rotatable support shaft with an axis and a drive pin locked in a keyed surface of the support shaft. A wheel stowing spring is located at an end of the rotatable support shaft to continually urge an auxiliary wheel mounted at one end of an auxiliary wheel support bracket to a stowed position. The auxiliary wheel support bracket is rotatably connected to the support shaft at an opposing end and has a stop mounted thereon. An auxiliary wheel support spring continually urges the auxiliary wheel support bracket in a first direction about the axis of the support shaft so that the stop on the auxiliary wheel support bracket engages a stop element integral with the drive pin. This arrangement maintains the support spring in a pretensioned state.

Abstract: A hoist for hoisting or transferring mobility impaired persons comprises a collapsible support structure (10) and a hoisting device (11-14) mounted thereon and extending upwardly therefrom. The support structure comprises a pair of mutually spaced, elongated foot members (15) arranged on either side of the hoisting device and connecting members, which define at least one parallelogram or nearly parallelogram linkage (18). The parallelogram linkage comprises a pair of parallel or nearly parallel connecting links (19) allowing mutual transverse movement of the foot members (15) between a fully spaced position and a collapsed position, in which the foot members are arranged adjacent to each other. The collapsible hoist may be transported easily from one place of use to another. Thus, it can be transported in the boot of a normal car and can be carried in parts, which do not weigh more than what is generally considered safe for a woman to carry.

Abstract: A patient transport system for transporting a patient from a magnetic resonance imaging system to a second imaging system includes an elongated member and first and second coupling mechanisms. The elongated member has an upper surface configured to support a patient. The first coupling mechanism is coupled to the elongated member and is configured to removably couple the elongated member to the magnetic resonance imaging system. The second coupling mechanism is coupled to the elongated member and is configured to removably couple the elongated member to a second imaging system.

Abstract: A boom extension for a patient lift device is attached to the boom arm of the patient lift device and functions to extend the cantilever support of a patient in a harness or sling which is attached to the boom extension of the patient lift device.

Abstract: A cantilevered mobile bed/chair apparatus for safely transferring a patient from and to a hospital type bed comprises three hinged together segments forming back, seat and foot platforms operating in conjunction with a four wheeled, rectangular base. The hinged together platforms convert from a fully adjustable chair mode to a bed mode by a first jack located beneath the seat platform. The platforms are raised and lowered by a second jack associated with a telescoping tower attached to an E frame. The telescoping tower is mounted vertically from one side of the rectangular base, and when extended, has a height greater than a hospital bed. The E frame, which supports the platforms, is cantilevered horizontally from the top portion of the telescoping tower, and the height thereof is controlled by the second jack mounted together with the bottom portion of the telescoping tower, to the wheeled base. The side edges of the platforms are beveled or angled downward.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus comprises a lower frame having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. The patient-support apparatus also has an upper frame supported above the lower frame and movable relative to the lower frame. A plurality of casters are coupled to the lower frame. A mattress is carried by the upper frame. Elevation adjustment pedals are adjacent both of the first and second sides of the lower frame and are adjacent only one of the first and second ends of the lower frame. The elevation adjustment pedals are movable to change the elevation of the upper frame relative to the lower frame.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a patient transfer device comprising lifting arrangement positionable adjacent a patient and movable between a first position and a second position, and support arrangement for supporting the patient. The support arrangement is attachable to the lifting arrangement along a number of anchor locations thereon, the anchor locations including a pair of central anchor locations, a first pair of outer anchor locations on one side of the pair of central anchor locations and a second pair of outer anchor locations on an opposite side of the central pair of anchor locations; the support arrangement including a pair of central contact locations near a central location on the body of the patient, a first pair of outer contact locations on one side of the pair of central contact locations and a second pair of outer contact locations on an opposite side of the central pair of contact locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient positioning and transport system comprising a transportable stretcher (1) and a cart (2) for transporting the stretcher (1) with the patient. The stretcher (1) can be removed from the cart (2) to be placed on a diagnosis or treatment station (4). A patient positioning and transport system of the aforementioned type should be designed as to avoid, to the greatest possible extent, repositionings of the patient between separate diagnosis or treatment stations (4). Towards this end, at least one adapter plate (3) that can be assigned to the stretcher (1) is provided, whereby the stretcher (1), the adapter plate (3) and the cart (2) can be joined to another and are configured in such a manner that the stretcher (1) with the patient can be transferred from the cart (2) to various, differently designed diagnosis or treatment stations (4) and back.

Abstract: The invalid lifting device comprises a first mast upstanding from a first elongate chassis member and a second mast upstanding from a second elongate chassis member which is parallel or substantially parallel to the first chassis member. The lifting device also comprises a lifting arm supported by and extending between the first and second masts, the lifting arm comprising two parts pivotable relative to one another so that the distance between the masts can be varied. One part is supported by the first mast and the other part is supported by the second mast. Power operated means are provided for moving the two chassis members towards and away from one another. Each part of the lifting arm comprises a parallelogram linkage to maintain the chassis members in parallel or substantially parallel relationship as the two chassis members are moved towards and away from one another.