A shock and vibration system for an infant care transport system with an enclosed infant care device. The shock and vibration system utilizes multiple damping systems that create a floating patient support system that allows the infant care device to move in the various axes of motion instead of being rigidly mounted to the frame or sub-frame, or any substructure.

A castor suspension system for suspending a first castor at a patient support device is provided. The castor suspension system comprises a pivoting suspension link pivotably attachable to the patient support device, and a springy element comprising a leaf spring made of a band deformed such that the band makes at least one U-turn so that the band has a first leg and at least one second leg. One of the first leg and the at least one second leg is provided with a first support portion supported on the pivoting suspension link, and the other of the first leg and the at least one second leg is provided with a second support portion for supporting the springy element with respect to the patient support device such that the springy element is configured to provide a pre-stress force to the pivoting suspension link.

A spring supported tray for mitigating a dominant frequency imparted thereto is provided. The spring supported tray includes a tray including a topside and underside, and configured to support an object on the topside, and N springs supporting the tray, N being a positive integer. A first end of each of the N springs is disposed at the underside of the tray. A second end of each of the N springs is disposed so as to receive vibrational motion imparted to the second end of each of the N springs from a source of the vibrational motion, the vibrational motion having a dominate undesired frequency Each of the N springs has a spring constant k defined by the equation:

[00001]$k=\frac{f_n^2.Math.4.Math..Math.{}^2.Math.w}{\mathrm{Ng}}$

where w denotes the collective weight of the tray and the object, g denotes the force of gravity, and f.sub.n denotes a natural frequency of the spring supported tray supporting the object, wherein f.sub.n is a lower frequency than the dominate undesired frequency f.sub.dom.

A transport incubator comprising an incubator, frame, and supporting components. The incubator is self-leveling, vibrationally isolated, and features active noise canceling or reduction. The frame is composed of lightweight composites and features composite air tanks.

A patient transport apparatus for moving a patient from one location to another. The patient transport apparatus comprises a suspension system to limit discomfort to the patient when the patient transport apparatus moves over disturbances in floor surfaces. The suspension system comprises suspension devices such as a spring and/or a damper. The suspension system is operable in an energy-absorbing mode in which the suspension system absorbs energy as wheels move over the disturbances during transport or a lockout mode in which the suspension system is relatively more rigid as compared to the energy-absorbing mode. A control system operates to place the suspension system in one of the modes.

A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a base and support wheels coupled to the base. An auxiliary wheel is coupled to the base to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the floor surface to assist users. A wheel drive system is operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheel to rotate the auxiliary wheel relative to the base at a rotational speed. A throttle assembly having a throttle operably coupled to the actuator. The throttle is movable in a first position, a second position, and intermediate positions between the first and second positions. The rotational speed of the auxiliary wheel changes in a non-linear manner with respect to movement of the throttle.

A patient transport apparatus for moving a patient from one location to another. The patient transport apparatus comprises a suspension system to limit discomfort to the patient when the patient transport apparatus moves over disturbances in floor surfaces. The suspension system comprises suspension devices such as a spring and/or a damper. The suspension system is operable in an energy-absorbing mode in which the suspension system absorbs energy as wheels move over the disturbances during transport or a lockout mode in which the suspension system is relatively more rigid as compared to the energy-absorbing mode. A control system operates to place the suspension system in one of the modes.

Various implementations include neonatal transport apparatuses and systems employing such apparatuses. In one particular implementation, an apparatus includes: an isolation stage; a first mount on a first portion of the isolation stage, the first mount configured to engage a mounting frame of a neonatal transport unit; a second mount on a second portion of the isolation stage, the second mount configured to engage a stretcher; and a stabilizing coupler extending from the second portion of the isolation stage, the stabilizing coupler positioned to directly couple the isolation stage with a floor underlying the stretcher.

Patient handling devices for transporting patients in health care settings are disclosed herein. The patient handling devices may include a support member and a torso support member. The patient handling device includes at least one articulating joint that is coupled to the support member and the torso support member. The articulating joint is selectable to arrest or allow articulation of the respective torso support member or the lower extremities support member relative to the support member through a variety of orientations.

A backboard includes a body that has length that is sufficient for extending under a person. The body further has an upper side for supporting a person thereon and a lower side for resting on a generally flat surface, with the body forming multiple pivot points between the upper side and the lower side. The body supports a movable contact surface to provide lateral support to and increase the contact area between the backboard and the person supported thereon.