System, apparatus and method for supporting and/or positioning a patient before, during, or after a medical procedure

A system for supporting or positioning a patient before, during, or after a medical procedure, the system comprising:

• a platform configured to support at least a portion of a patient;
• a support column positioned beneath the platform, at least a portion of the support column surrounding a support and lift mechanism configured to support, raise and lower the platform, the support and lift mechanism including a first linkage system and a second linkage system, the first linkage system including at least one upper 4-bar linkage and at least one lower 4-bar linkage, the second linkage system including at least two link bars connected in series and being configured to act in a plane perpendicular to the first linkage system;
• and
• a base positioned beneath the support column and configured to support the support column, the base including or surrounding at least one drive wheel configured to contact a ground surface and assist a user in moving the platform with respect to the ground surface.

A system for supporting or positioning a patient before, during, or after a medical procedure, the system comprising:

• a platform configured to support at least a portion of a patient;
• a support column positioned beneath the platform;
• and
• a base positioned beneath the support column and configured to support the support column, the base including:
• at least three casters, each caster being configured to contact a ground surface and allow for movement of the platform with respect to the ground surface;
• at least one drive wheel configured to contact the ground surface and allow for movement of the platform with respect to the ground surface;
• and
• at least three load sensing/floor lift mechanisms configured to contact the ground surface and prevent the platform from being inadvertently moved with respect to the ground surface, each of the at least three load sensing/floor lift mechanisms including a support foot and a motor, the motor being configured to raise the support foot to permit the caster wheel to contact the ground surface, the motor being configured to lower the support foot to at least slightly raise the platform and prevent one or more of the caster wheels from contacting the ground surface.