Patient transport apparatus with controllable auxiliary wheel assembly
US10045893B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61G2203/44
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
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 to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the surface to assist caregivers. The auxiliary wheel assembly comprises auxiliary wheels and an actuator operably coupled to the auxiliary wheels. A controller adjusts the actuator based on input from a sensing system so that frictional forces acting between the auxiliary wheels and the surface are sufficient for steering and maneuvering of the patient transport apparatus, without sacrificing stability of the patient transport apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.