Patient Transport Apparatus For Transporting A Patient Over Disturbances In Floor Surfaces

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A patient transport apparatus for transporting a patient over disturbances in floor surfaces, said transport apparatus comprising:
a support structure comprising a patient support surface to support the patient; wheels coupled to said support structure; an operator interface coupled to said support structure to enable an operator to transport the patient over the floor surfaces; a suspension system operable in a first mode and a second mode, said suspension system being configured in at least one of said modes to absorb energy as said wheels move over the disturbances in the floor surfaces during transport to limit energy transfer to said patient support surface thereby limiting discomfort to the patient; and a control system to place said suspension system in one of said modes.