Apparatus and method for patient elevation above a fluidized surface.

摘要

An apparatus and method for patient elevation above a fluidized surface includes a web (72) of filter sheet material disposed beneath the patient and between the patient and the main filter sheet (26) that covers the fluidized surface. The web (72) is loosely mounted about a pair of support rods (66,68) which are connected via a pair of splice bar linkages (48) to a pair of dual acting hydraulic cylinders (76,78). Activation of the cylinders (76,78) causes the two rods (66,68) to separate from one another. The separation takes up the slack in the web (72) and renders it taut about the two support rods (66,68). Further activation of the cylinders (76,78) elevates the two support rods (66,68) above the fluidized surface by pivoting them through the splice bar linkages (48). This raises the web (72) and the patient supported on the web (72). <IMAGE>