A patient transport apparatus for use with a vehicle, comprising a lift mechanism between a base and a support frame to move between an extended configuration defining a first distance and a retracted configuration defining a second distance. An interface generates a user signal. A sensor generates a sensor signal corresponding to force acting on the base relative to the support frame. A controller determines if the user signal corresponds to an extend or retract command; determines if the force acting on the base has exceeded a predetermined threshold value based on the sensor signal; drives the lift mechanism toward the extended configuration where the user signal corresponds to the extend command and toward the retracted configuration where the user signal corresponds to the retract command; and interrupts driving the lift mechanism to stop motion of the lift mechanism in response to the sensor signal exceeding the predetermined threshold value.

A patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure. The support structure comprises a base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. The patient transport apparatus also includes a first and a second caster assembly respectively coupled to the support structure to facilitate movement of the support structure along a floor surface, with the first caster assembly comprising a first brake assembly and the second caster assembly comprising a second brake assembly. The patient transport apparatus also includes an actuator assembly operatively coupling the first and second brake assemblies, with the actuator assembly comprising a first and second actuator respectively operatively coupled to the first and second brake assemblies. The actuator assembly further comprises a cable assembly interconnecting the first and second actuator that places the operatively coupled first and second brake assemblies in the braked state or the unbraked state.

Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, or the like, include control systems with one or more image, radar, and/or laser sensors to detect objects and determine if a likelihood of collision exists. If so, the control system controls the speed and steering of the patient support apparatus in order to reduce the likelihood of collision. The control system may be adapted to autonomously drive the patient support apparatus, to transmit a message to a remote device indicating whether it is occupied by a patient or not, and/or to transmit its route to the remote device. The remote device may determine an estimate of a time of arrival of the patient support apparatus at a particular destination and/or determine a distance of the patient support apparatus from the particular destination.

Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, or the like, include control systems with one or more image, radar, and/or laser sensors to detect objects and determine if a likelihood of collision exists. If so, the control system controls the speed and steering of the patient support apparatus in order to reduce the likelihood of collision. The control system may be adapted to autonomously drive the patient support apparatus, to transmit a message to a remote device indicating whether it is occupied by a patient or not, and/or to transmit its route to the remote device. The remote device may determine an estimate of a time of arrival of the patient support apparatus at a particular destination and/or determine a distance of the patient support apparatus from the particular destination.

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.

In a mobile stretcher, in order to change the height position of a patient support mounted on a chassis, the chassis geometry is modifiable by a hydraulic drive system. The drive system includes a linear actuator, a pressure supply unit, and a receiving space for hydraulic fluid. A manually actuatable unlocking valve unit directly connects a lifting working chamber of the linear actuator to the receiving space. The valve unit has a control space delimited by a piston element movably guided relative to the housing of the valve unit and which communicates with a lifting attachment, which communicates with the working chamber. The piston element is operatively connected to a valve body interacting with a valve seat of a relief valve between the lifting attachment and a tank attachment communicating with the receiving space. A mechanical actuation input acts on the valve body, with a spring element interposed.

In a mobile stretcher, in order to change the height position of a patient support mounted on a chassis, the chassis geometry is modifiable by a hydraulic drive system. The drive system includes a linear actuator, a pressure supply unit, and a receiving space for hydraulic fluid. A manually actuatable unlocking valve unit directly connects a lifting working chamber of the linear actuator to the receiving space. The valve unit has a control space delimited by a piston element movably guided relative to the housing of the valve unit and which communicates with a lifting attachment, which communicates with the working chamber. The piston element is operatively connected to a valve body interacting with a valve seat of a relief valve between the lifting attachment and a tank attachment communicating with the receiving space. A mechanical actuation input acts on the valve body, with a spring element interposed.

A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure and support wheels coupled to the support structure. An auxiliary wheel is coupled to the support structure to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the floor surface to assist users. An actuator is operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheel and operable to move the auxiliary wheel relative to the support structure from a retracted position to a deployed position. A user interface sensor is operatively connected to the actuator and configured to generate signals responsive to the user touching the user interface. A controller is operatively coupled to the user interface sensor and the actuator to operate the actuator in response to detection of signals.

A cot includes a patient platform that supports a frame, a patient support assembly, and a pad. The cot further includes a lift system that is coupled to a transport system that includes a cot retainer. The patient support assembly includes a headrest, backrest, seat, and leg rest. In some forms, a child restraint assembly is incorporated into the various parts of the patient support assembly to allow safe transport of children in an ambulance. The child restraint assembly is adjustable to accommodate the size of the child being transported. In other forms, the child restraint assembly is incorporated into the pad. The various embodiments envision a child restraint assembly that is easily accessible to emergency medical professionals.

A first transport apparatus includes a deck for supporting a patient thereon and a lift mechanism supporting the deck. The deck is removable from the lift mechanism for use as a second transport apparatus or part of a second transport apparatus. The first transport apparatus further includes an electrically powered device at the first transport apparatus, and a user input device for wireless control of the electrically powered device, which is operable at or near the first transport apparatus and the second transport apparatus.