Motor-assist gurney unit and method
US6729421B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61G7/08
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Motor-assisted unit for moving hospital gurneys. The unit includes a gurney, a detachable power unit for propelling the gurney, and a docking unit. The motor-assisted unit is usable with a plurality of gurneys. The unit further includes a power unit, having a plurality of sockets, which are adapted to engage one of a plurality of engagement pins or a plurality of recharging pins. Additionally, the power unit is steerable and includes a power supply, at least one drive wheel, a drive system, a steering column with handle bars attached substantially perpendicular thereto, and a plurality of idler wheels. Alternatively, the motor-assisted unit employs a drive-shaft mechanism to drive a retro-fitted hospital gurney center caster wheel. A method of propelling a gurney. The method includes docking the detachable power unit with a hospital gurney and propelling the gurney. The method further includes recharging the power unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.