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.

A self-propelled emergency stretcher includes an elongate frame having a set of wheels a track drive unit mounted thereto. The set of wheels includes first wheels at a front end of the frame and second wheels at a rear end of the frame, and the track drive unit is mounted between the first wheels and the second wheels. A plurality of actuators is configured to raise and lower the first wheels and the second wheels relative to the frame, so as to selectively switch the emergency stretcher between a self-propelled configuration and a manually-propelled configuration. In the self-propelled configuration the first wheels and the second wheels are out of contact with a ground surface below the emergency stretcher and the track drive unit is in contact with the ground surface. In the manually-propelled configuration the first wheels and the second wheels are in contact with the ground surface and the track drive unit is out of contact with the ground surface.

A trolley system configured to transport a patient within an MRI environment includes a patient support portion, a base portion configured for movement relative to a floor, a lift coupled to the patient support portion and the base portion, an electric motor coupled to the lift, and an electric blower coupled to the patient transfer device. The lift is configured to change the elevation of the patient support portion relative to the base portion. The motor is mounted such that the elevation of the motor is fixed relative to base portion. The trolley system is positionable adjacent an MRI apparatus within the MRI environment and the magnetic field of the MRI does not interfere with the operation of the motor or blower. The trolley system may further include a patient transfer device having an air bearing. The blower is configured to deliver air to the air bearing.

A trolley system configured to transport a patient within an MRI environment includes a patient support portion, a base portion configured for movement relative to a floor, a lift coupled to the patient support portion and the base portion, an electric motor coupled to the lift, and an electric blower coupled to the patient transfer device. The lift is configured to change the elevation of the patient support portion relative to the base portion. The motor is mounted such that the elevation of the motor is fixed relative to base portion. The trolley system is positionable adjacent an MRI apparatus within the MRI environment and the magnetic field of the MRI does not interfere with the operation of the motor or blower. The trolley system may further include a patient transfer device having an air bearing. The blower is configured to deliver air to the air bearing.

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 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.

Roll-in cots having lift assist mechanisms and lift assist mechanisms are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a lift assist mechanism includes a force application member having an actuation element, an actuation mechanism comprising a first grasp handle and a second grasp handle, and a force transmission assembly. The force transmission assembly includes a first keyway plate that is coupled to the first grasp handle, a second keyway plate that is coupled to the second grasp handle, and an actuation pin that extends through both the first keyway plate and the second keyway plate, where the actuation pin selectively applies a force to the actuation element of the force application member.

The invention relates to a wheel assembly for a patient support apparatus comprising a fixed portion, a pivoting portion attached to the fixed portion and a wheel operatively connected to the pivoting portion, the wheel, which can be motorized, being movable between a first deployed position and a second retracted position. The wheel assembly has a spring assembly for urging the wheel in the first deployed position and an actuator to raise the wheel in the second retracted position. The invention also relates to a control handle for a motorized bed comprising a handle member having an actuatable trigger for controlling propelling of the bed, the handle member further comprising a user interface configured for providing bed information to the operator.

A patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure comprising base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. The apparatus also includes at least one caster assembly coupled to the support structure, with each one of the caster assemblies comprising a wheel, a wheel support coupled to the wheel, and a steer lock assembly movable relative to the wheel support. An actuator is operatively coupled to the steer lock assembly to move the steer lock assembly between a non-steer locked and steer locked state to permit or prevent the wheel support and coupled wheel from swiveling about a swivel axis. The caster assemblies can also include a brake assembly coupled to the wheel, with the actuator operatively coupled to the brake assembly to move the brake assembly between a braked and unbraked state.

A patient support system with chest compression system and harness assembly with sensor system. The harness assembly secures shoulders and hips of the patient on a patient support surface during transport. A chest compression system is integrated into the harness assembly in a manner that provides chest compressions to the patient while the patient is secured on the patient support surface. The tension of the harness assembly is selectively adjusted and/or a fluid bladder may be selectively expanded. A controller is in communication with the chest compression system and controls operation of the chest compression system. The sensor system is integrated into the harness assembly and in communication with the controller. The chest compression system may be removable from the harness assembly via an adapter. The chest compression system may be integrated into the patient support apparatus to secure the patient to the patient support surface while providing chest compressions.