A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a base, a patient support surface, and a reference sensor arranged to sense inclination of the support structure. A drive system is coupled to the support structure and operable to propel the patient transport apparatus. A handle assembly is operable by a user to control operation of the drive system. The handle assembly comprises a handle movable relative to the base and a position sensor arranged to sense positioning of the handle. A controller is coupled to the reference sensor and the position sensor, and is adapted to control the drive system in response to signals received from the reference sensor and the position sensor.

Powered patient support apparatuses—such as beds, cots, stretchers, or the like—include a plurality of user controls that allow a caregiver to control the steering and/or driving of one or more powered wheels from multiple different locations around the patient support apparatus (e.g. head end, foot end, and/or the sides). The control is carried out by force sensors that detect both an orientation of the applied forces and a magnitude of the applied forces. Translational and/or rotational movement is effectuated, depending upon the magnitude and direction of the forces, as well as the physical location of the applied force relative to a reference point on the support apparatus, such as the center. One or more object sensors may also be included in the support apparatus to assist in steering and/or navigating.

Powered patient support apparatuses—such as beds, cots, stretchers, or the like—include a plurality of user controls that allow a caregiver to control the steering and/or driving of one or more powered wheels from multiple different locations around the patient support apparatus (e.g. head end, foot end, and/or the sides). The control is carried out by force sensors that detect both an orientation of the applied forces and a magnitude of the applied forces. Translational and/or rotational movement is effectuated, depending upon the magnitude and direction of the forces, as well as the physical location of the applied force relative to a reference point on the support apparatus, such as the center. One or more object sensors may also be included in the support apparatus to assist in steering and/or navigating.

The present invention relates to a removable electric propulsion system (1) for a rolling object. Propulsion system (1) comprises a frame (2) with a driven wheel (3) and at least one non-driven wheel (4). Among these non-driven wheels (4), one at least is an orientable off-centered wheel. System (1) also comprises means for coupling at least one wheel of the rolling object. System (1) also comprises an automatic directional locking device for locking the rotation about a vertical axis of at least one of the orientable off-centered wheels in a predetermined direction.

The invention also relates to a coupled assembly comprising a propulsion system (1) and a rolling object.

The invention further relates to a method for directional and automatic locking of at least one orientable off-centered wheel of a propulsion system.

The present invention relates to a removable electric propulsion system (1) for a rolling object. Propulsion system (1) comprises a frame (2) with a driven wheel (3) and at least one non-driven wheel (4). Among these non-driven wheels (4), one at least is an orientable off-centered wheel. System (1) also comprises means for coupling at least one wheel of the rolling object. System (1) also comprises an automatic directional locking device for locking the rotation about a vertical axis of at least one of the orientable off-centered wheels in a predetermined direction.

The invention also relates to a coupled assembly comprising a propulsion system (1) and a rolling object.

The invention further relates to a method for directional and automatic locking of at least one orientable off-centered wheel of a propulsion system.

The present invention relates to a removable electric propulsion system intended to be coupled to a rolling object. The propulsion system comprises a chassis provided with at least one wheel driven by an electric machine, and at least one non-driven wheel. Furthermore, the system, preferably the chassis, comprises means (5) for coupling the propulsion system to the rolling object. Besides, the coupling means comprises at least one means (100) providing combined and simultaneous gripping and lifting of at least one wheel (14) of the rolling object, preferably of two wheels (14) of the rolling object.

The invention also relates to a method for coupling a rolling object to such a propulsion system, this method enabling, simultaneously and through a combined action, gripping and lifting of at least one wheel (14) of the rolling object.

The present invention relates to a removable electric propulsion system intended to be coupled to a rolling object. The propulsion system comprises a chassis provided with at least one wheel driven by an electric machine, and at least one non-driven wheel. Furthermore, the system, preferably the chassis, comprises means (5) for coupling the propulsion system to the rolling object. Besides, the coupling means comprises at least one means (100) providing combined and simultaneous gripping and lifting of at least one wheel (14) of the rolling object, preferably of two wheels (14) of the rolling object.

The invention also relates to a method for coupling a rolling object to such a propulsion system, this method enabling, simultaneously and through a combined action, gripping and lifting of at least one wheel (14) of the rolling object.

A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a base and support wheels coupled to the base. An auxiliary wheel assembly is coupled to the base and comprises one or more auxiliary wheels that influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the surface to assist caregivers. An actuator system is operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheels to move the auxiliary wheels relative to the base from a stowed position to a first deployed position, and further to a second deployed position.

A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a base and support wheels coupled to the base. An auxiliary wheel assembly is coupled to the base and comprises one or more auxiliary wheels that influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the surface to assist caregivers. An actuator system is operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheels to move the auxiliary wheels relative to the base from a stowed position to a first deployed position, and further to a second deployed position.

A mechanical two-way controlled band brake has components, such as a lever, a yoke having arms and a guiding bar, a brake band, anchoring points, pivots and brake drums, which are preferably made of metal or metal alloys. The components of the mechanical two-way controlled band brake may be also made of other materials, such as plastics, combination of metal alloys and plastics or any other materials, which are firm with sufficient bearing capacity.