Method and apparatus for moving sections of a deck of a patient support apparatus

Abstract

A modular patient support apparatus includes linkages which provide advanced kinematics for moving portions of the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus includes a cantilevered lift system supporting an upper frame, the cantilevered lift system including a linkage configured to raise the upper frame in a substantially vertical direction, a telescopic cylinder engaged with the linkage, the telescopic extension and retraction of the cylinder causing the linkage to move, and a lift assist assembly, the lift assist assembly being loaded as the cantilevered lift system is lowered to impart a force on the linkage to reduce the load on the telescopic cylinder. The lift system includes an actuation system that operates manually or with power.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.