Methods and systems for automatically articulating cots

Abstract

To provide a method of automatically articulating a powered ambulance cot to load a patient into an emergency vehicle having a loading surface.SOLUTION: The invention provides a power ambulance cot 10 having a cot control system operably connected to a cot actuation system to control independent raising and lowering of front legs 20 and back legs 40 of the cot. The power ambulance cot detects the presence of a signal requesting a change in elevation of a support frame 12 thereof and causes the cot control system to raise or lower the front and / or back legs automatically upon detecting a condition while loading / unloading a patient into / from an emergency vehicle or transporting the patient up or down an escalator. Methods thereafter are also disclosed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technology Field]

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to automated systems, and more specifically to automated systems for powered emergency patient transport devices or portable beds. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various types of emergency patient transport devices or portable beds used today. Such emergency portable beds may be designed to transport and load obese patients into ambulances.

[0003] For example, the PROFlexX® portable bed by Ferno-Washington, Inc. of Wilmington, Ohio, USA, is an example of such a patient transport device, embodied as a manually operated portable bed capable of providing stability and support for loads of approximately 700 pounds (approximately 317.5 kg). The PROFlexX® portable bed includes a patient support section mounted on a wheeled chassis. The wheeled chassis includes an X-frame shape that can be changed between nine selectable positions. One recognized advantage of such a portable bed design is that the X-frame minimizes bending and lowers the center of gravity in all selectable positions. Another recognized advantage of such a portable bed design is that the selectable positions can provide a better lever mechanism for manually lifting and transporting obese patients.

[0004] Another example of an emergency patient transport device or portable bed designed for obese patients is the POWERFlexx+ Powered Cot by Ferno-Washington. The POWERFlexx+ Powered Cot includes a battery-powered actuator capable of supplying enough power to lift a load of approximately 700 pounds (approximately 317.5 kg). One recognized advantage of such a portable bed design is that it can lift obese patients from a low position to a higher position; that is, it can reduce the circumstances required for the operator to lift the patient.

[0005] Furthermore, various emergency patient transport devices are multi-purpose emergency roll-in portable beds that have a patient support stretcher detachably mounted on a wheeled chassis or transport device. The patient support stretcher can be reciprocated horizontally on the attached set of wheels when removed from the transport device for another use. One recognized advantage of such portable bed designs is that the stretcher can be rolled separately into emergency vehicles where space and weight reduction are critical, such as station wagons, vans, modular ambulances, aircraft, or helicopters.

[0006] Another advantage of such a portable bed design is that a separate stretcher can be more easily carried out from uneven ground and from locations where it would be impractical to use the entire portable bed to transport the patient. Examples of such portable beds can be found in U.S. Patents 4,037,871, 4,921,295 and International Publication No. WO01701611.

[0007] While the multi-purpose emergency roll-in beds described above are generally suitable for their intended purpose, they were not entirely satisfactory in all respects. For example, the aforementioned beds are loaded into ambulances by an loading process that requires at least one operator to support the load of the bed for part of the loading process. [Overview of the project]

[0008] The embodiments described herein relate to automated systems for multi-functional, versatile emergency roll-in cots that can improve and manage the weight of the cot while being rolled into various types of rescue vehicles, such as ambulances, vans, station wagons, aircraft, and helicopters, providing improved balance and / or easier loading at any cot height.

[0009] One embodiment disclosed herein is a method for automatically connecting a portable bed to a powered ambulance for loading a patient into an emergency vehicle having a loading surface. The method includes supporting a patient on a portable bed of an electric ambulance. The portable bed comprises a support frame for supporting a patient, having a pair of front load wheels; a pair of front legs, each having a front wheel and an intermediate load wheel; a pair of rear legs, each having a rear wheel; a portable bed operating system having a front actuator that moves with the pair of front legs and interconnects the support frame and the pair of front legs; a rear actuator that moves with the pair of rear legs and interconnects the support frame and the pair of rear legs; and a portable bed control system operably connected to the portable bed operating system and controlling the independent raising and lowering of the pair of front legs and the pair of rear legs, wherein the portable bed includes detecting the presence of a signal that causes the portable bed operating system to move either or both of the pair of front wheels and rear wheels relative to the support frame, via raising and lowering the pair of front legs and / or the pair of rear legs, by requesting a change in the raising of the support frame. The method includes raising the support frame of an electric ambulance's portable bed to a height that places the front load wheels above the loading surface of an emergency vehicle, via a portable bed control system that detects the presence of a signal requesting the support frame to be raised and activating a portable bed operating system. The method includes rolling the portable bed of the electric ambulance toward the emergency vehicle until the front load wheels are above the loading surface. The method includes lowering the support frame until the front load wheels contact the loading surface, via a portable bed control system that detects the presence of a signal requesting the support frame to be lowered and activating a portable bed operating system. The method includes automatically raising a pair of front legs relative to the support frame via a portable bed control system until the front wheels of each front leg are on or above the loading surface, the portable bed control system detecting both a signal requesting the front legs to be raised and the front load wheels to contact the loading surface, and a signal activating the portable bed operating system.The method includes further rolling the electric ambulance's portable bed on the loading surface until the intermediate load wheels of each front leg are on the loading surface, requesting the rear legs to be lifted, and detecting the presence of a signal to activate the portable bed operating system, thereby lifting a pair of rear legs relative to the support frame until they are on or above the loading surface, and further rolling the electric ambulance's portable bed on the loading surface until the rear wheels of each rear leg are on the loading surface.

[0010] Another embodiment disclosed herein is a method for automatically connecting a portable bed to a powered ambulance for the removal of a patient from an emergency vehicle having a loading surface. The method involves supporting a patient on a portable bed of an electric ambulance. The portable bed includes a support frame for supporting a patient, which has a pair of front load wheels; a pair of front legs, each having a front wheel and an intermediate load wheel; a pair of rear legs, each having a rear wheel; a portable bed operating system having a front operating device that moves the pair of front legs together and interconnects the support frame and the pair of front legs; and a rear operating device that moves the pair of rear legs together and interconnects the support frame and the pair of rear legs; and a portable bed control system operably connected to the portable bed operating system, which controls the independent raising and lowering of the pair of front legs and the pair of rear legs, and detects the presence of a signal that causes the portable bed operating system to move either or both of the pair of front wheels and the rear wheels relative to the support frame via raising and lowering the pair of front legs and / or the pair of rear legs, which request a change in the raising of the support frame. The method includes rolling the portable bed of an electric ambulance onto a loading surface until only the rear wheels of each rear leg are off the loading surface. The method includes automatically lowering a pair of rear legs against a support frame until the rear wheels support the portable bed below the loading surface, via a portable bed control system that detects the presence of signals that both extend the rear legs, request that the rear wheels of each rear leg be off the loading surface, and activate the portable bed operating system. The method includes further rolling the portable bed of the electric ambulance away from the loading surface until both the front wheels and intermediate load wheels of each front leg are off the loading surface, but the front load wheels are still in contact with the loading surface. The method includes lowering a pair of front legs against a support frame until the front wheels of each front leg support the support frame below the loading surface, via a portable bed control system that detects the presence of signals that both extend the front legs and activate the portable bed operating system.

[0011] Another embodiment disclosed herein is a method for automatically connecting a portable bed to an electric ambulance that transports a patient by moving up and down a mobile escalator. The method includes supporting a patient on a portable bed of an electric ambulance. The portable bed comprises a support frame that supports a patient and has a pair of front load wheels, a pair of front legs each having a front wheel and an intermediate load wheel, a pair of rear legs each having a rear wheel, a portable bed operating system having a front actuator that moves the pair of front legs together and interconnects the support frame and the pair of front legs, a rear actuator that moves the pair of rear legs together and interconnects the support frame and the pair of rear legs, and a portable bed control system that is operably connected to the portable bed operating system and controls the independent raising and lowering of the pair of front legs and the pair of rear legs, wherein the portable bed operating system detects the presence of a signal that causes either or both of the pair of front wheels and rear wheels to move relative to the support frame via raising and lowering the pair of front legs and / or the pair of rear legs, in response to a change in the raising of the support frame. This method involves rolling a simple bed onto a moving escalator, and the control system automatically retracts or extends the front legs to maintain the height of the support frame against gravity as the escalator moves up and down.

[0012] These and additional features provided by embodiments of this disclosure will be better understood in conjunction with the drawings and in the following detailed description.

[0013] The following detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of this disclosure will be best understood in conjunction with the following drawings, and similar structures will be indicated by similar reference numbers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a simple bed according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2] This is a top view showing a simple bed according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing a simple bed according to one or more embodiments described in this specification. [Figure 4] Figures 4A to 4C are side views showing the sequence of lifting and / or lowering of a simple bed according to one or more embodiments described in this specification. [Figure 5] Figures 5A to 5E are side views showing the sequence of loading and / or unloading of a simple bed according to one or more embodiments described in this specification. [Figure 6] The operation system of a simple bed according to one or more embodiments described in this specification is schematically shown. [Figure 7] A simple bed having an electrical system according to one or more embodiments described in this specification is schematically shown. [Figure 8] The front end portion of a simple bed according to one or more embodiments described in this specification is schematically shown. [Figure 9] A wheel assembly according to one or more embodiments described in this specification is schematically shown. [Figure 10] A wheel assembly according to one or more embodiments described in this specification is schematically shown. [Figure 11] An upward escalator function according to one or more embodiments described in this specification is schematically shown. [Figure 12] A downward escalator function according to one or more embodiments described in this specification is schematically shown. [Figure 13] A method for executing an escalator function according to one or more embodiments described in this specification is schematically shown.

[0015] The embodiments shown in the drawings are illustrative in nature and are not intended to limit the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, the individual features of the drawings and embodiments will be more clearly apparent and understood in light of the detailed description. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Referring to Figure 1, a self-operating, electrically operated roll-in type portable bed 10 for transporting and loading a patient into an emergency transport vehicle is shown. The portable bed 10 comprises a support frame 12 having a front end 17 and a rear end 19. In use in this invention, the front end 17 is synonymous with the term “load end,” i.e., the end of the portable bed 10 that is first loaded onto the loading surface. Conversely, in use in this invention, the rear end 19 is the end of the portable bed 10 that is last loaded onto the loading surface and is synonymous with the term “control end,” which is the end that provides several operator controls as described herein. Furthermore, note that when the portable bed 10 is transporting a patient, the patient’s head may be oriented closest to the front end 17 and the patient’s legs may be oriented closest to the rear end 19. Therefore, the term “head end” may be used interchangeably with the term “front end,” and the term “leg end” may be used interchangeably with the term “rear end.” Furthermore, note that the terms “front end” and “rear end” are interchangeable. Therefore, this term is used consistently throughout for clarity, and embodiments described herein may be replaced without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Generally, as used in the present invention, the term “patient” means any living organism or a living organism that was formerly alive, such as a human, animal, corpse, etc.

[0017] Referring together to Figures 2 and 3, the front end 17 and / or rear end 19 may be nested. In one embodiment, the front end 17 can be extended and / or retracted (generally shown in Figure 2 by arrow 217). In another embodiment, the rear end 19 can be extended and / or retracted (generally shown in Figure 2 by arrow 219). Thus, the overall length between the front end 17 and the rear end 19 can be expanded and / or reduced to accommodate patients of various dimensions.

[0018] Referring collectively to Figures 1 to 3, the support frame 12 may comprise a pair of substantially parallel horizontal side members 15 extending between a front end 17 and a rear end 19. Various structures for the side members 15 are possible. In one embodiment, the side members 15 may be a pair of spaced-apart metal tracks. In another embodiment, the side members 15 may comprise an undercut portion 115 that can engage with an attached clamp (not shown). Such an attached clamp may be used to detachably connect patient care accessories, such as an IV pole, to the undercut portion 115. The undercut portion 115 may be provided along the entire length of the side member, allowing accessories to be detachably secured at many different positions on the roll-in type portable bed 10.

[0019] Referring again to Figure 1, the roll-in type portable bed 10 also comprises a pair of retractable and extendable transport end legs or front legs 20 connected to the support frame 12, and a pair of retractable and extendable control end legs or rear legs 40 connected to the support frame 12. The roll-in type portable bed 10 may include any rigid material, such as a metal structure or a composite structure. Specifically, the support frame 12, the front legs The front legs 20, rear legs 40, or a combination thereof may comprise a carbon fiber and resin structure. As will be described in further detail herein, the roll-in type bed 10 can be raised to various heights by extending the front legs 20 and / or rear legs 40, or the roll-in type bed 10 can be lowered to various heights by retracting the front legs 20 and / or rear legs 40. Note that terms such as “raise,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” and “height” are used herein to indicate the relationship of distances between objects, measured along a line parallel to gravity using a reference (e.g., the surface supporting the bed).

[0020] In certain embodiments, the front legs 20 and rear legs 40 may be connected to their respective side members 15. As shown in Figures 4A to 5E, when viewing the simple bed from the side, the front legs 20 and rear legs 40 may intersect each other at their respective positions where they are connected to the support frame 12 (for example, the side members 15 (Figures 1 to 3)). As shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, the rear legs 40 may be positioned inside the front legs 20. That is, the front legs 20 may be spaced further apart from each other than the rear legs 40 are spaced further apart from each other so that the rear legs 40 are positioned between the front legs 20. The front legs 20 and rear legs 40 may also include front wheels 26 and rear wheels 46 that enable the roll-in simple bed 10 to roll.

[0021] In one embodiment, the front wheels 26 and rear wheels 46 may be swivel caster wheels or swivel fixed wheels. As the roll-in type temporary bed 10 is lifted and / or lowered, the front wheels 26 and rear wheels 46 may be moved simultaneously to ensure that the plane of the side member 15 of the roll-in type temporary bed 10 and the planes of the wheels 26 and 46 are substantially parallel.

[0022] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 6, the roll-in type simple bed 10 may also include a simple bed operating system 34, which includes a front operating device 16 configured to move the front legs 20 and a rear operating device 18 configured to move the rear legs 40. The simple bed operating system 34 may include a single device (e.g., a centralized motor and pump) configured to control both the front operating device 16 and the rear operating device 18. For example, the simple bed operating system 34 may include a single housing containing a single motor capable of driving the front operating device 16, the rear operating device 18, or both, and utilizing valves, control logic, etc. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1, the simple bed operating system 34 may include separate devices configured to control the front operating device 16 and the rear operating device 18 individually. In this embodiment, the front operating device 16 and the rear operating device 18 may each include separate housings having separate motors for driving the front operating device 16 and the rear operating device 18, respectively.

[0023] The front actuator 16 is connected to the support frame 12 and is configured to actuate the front legs 20, raising and / or lowering the front end 17 of the roll-in type temporary bed 10. Furthermore, the rear actuator 18 is connected to the support frame 12 and is configured to actuate the rear legs 40, raising and / or lowering the rear end 19 of the roll-in type temporary bed 10. The roll-in type temporary bed 10 can be powered by any suitable power source. For example, the roll-in type temporary bed 10 may be equipped with a battery capable of supplying a voltage such as nominal about 24V or nominal about 32V.

[0024] The front actuator 16 and rear actuator 18 can be operated to actuate the front leg 20 and rear leg 40 simultaneously or independently. As shown in Figures 4A to 5E, simultaneous and / or independent operation allows the roll-in type portable bed 10 to be set to various heights. The actuators described herein may be capable of providing a dynamic force of approximately 350 pounds (approximately 158.8 kg) and a static force of approximately 500 pounds (226.8 kg). Furthermore, the front actuator 16 and rear actuator 18 can be operated by a centralized motor system or a number of independent motor systems.

[0025] In one embodiment, as schematically shown in Figures 1-3 and 6, the front actuator 16 and rear actuator 18 comprise hydraulic actuators for operating a roll-in type simple bed 10. In one embodiment, the front actuator 16 and rear actuator 18 are a double piggyback hydraulic actuator, i.e., each of the front actuator 16 and rear actuator 18 forms a master-slave hydraulic circuit. The master-slave hydraulic circuit comprises four hydraulic cylinders having four extending rods that are piggybacked (i.e., mechanically connected) to each other in pairs. Thus, the double piggyback actuator comprises a first hydraulic cylinder having a first rod, a second hydraulic cylinder having a second rod, a third hydraulic cylinder having a third rod, and a fourth hydraulic cylinder having a fourth rod. While embodiments described herein frequently refer to master-slave systems comprising four hydraulic cylinders, it should be noted that the master-slave hydraulic circuits described herein can include any even number of hydraulic cylinders.

[0026] Referring to Figure 6, each of the pre-actuator 16 and the rear-actuator 18 comprises a rigid support frame 180 that is substantially "H" shaped (i.e., two vertical parts connected by an intersecting portion). The rigid support frame 180 comprises an intersecting member 182 that connects the two vertical members 184 at approximately the center of each of the two vertical members 184. The pump motor 160 and the fluid reservoir 162 are connected to the intersecting member 182 and are in fluid communication. In one embodiment, the pump motor 160 and the fluid reservoir 162 are located on the opposite side of the intersecting member 182 (for example, the fluid reservoir 162 is located above the pump motor 160). Specifically, the pump motor 160 may be a brushed twin-rotor electric motor with a peak output of about 1400 watts. The rigid support frame 180 may include additional intersecting members or backing plates to provide further rigidity and prevent twisting or lateral movement of the vertical members 184 relative to the intersecting member 182 during operation.

[0027] Each vertical member 184 comprises a pair of piggyback hydraulic cylinders (i.e., a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder or a third hydraulic cylinder and a fourth hydraulic cylinder), where the first cylinder extends a rod in a first direction and the second cylinder extends a rod in substantially the opposite direction. When the cylinders are arranged in a single master-slave configuration, one of the vertical members 184 comprises an upper master cylinder 168 and a lower master cylinder 268. The other vertical member 184 comprises an upper slave cylinder 169 and a lower slave cylinder 269. Note that the master cylinders 168, 268 are both piggyback and extend rods 165, 265 in substantially opposite directions, while the master cylinders 168, 268 may be arranged alternately on the vertical members 184 and / or extend rods 165, 265 in substantially the same direction.

[0028] Referring here to Figure 7, the control box 50 is communicatively connected to one or more processors 100 (indicated by arrow lines overall). Each of the one or more processors may be any device capable of executing machine-readable instructions, such as a control device, integrated circuit, or microchip. As used in the present invention, the term “communicatively connected” means that the components are able to exchange data signals with each other, such as electrical signals over a conductive medium, electromagnetic signals over air, or optical signals over an optical waveguide.

[0029] One or more processors 100 can be communicatively connected to one or more memory modules 102, which may be any device capable of storing machine-readable instructions. One or more memory modules 102 may be, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), secondary memory (e.g., hard drive), or It is possible to include any type of memory, such as combinations of these. Suitable examples of ROM include, but are not limited to, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), electrically rewritable read-only memory (EAROM), flash memory, or combinations thereof. Suitable examples of RAM include, but are not limited to, static RAM (SRAM) or dynamic RAM (DRAM).

[0030] Embodiments described herein can be automatically executed by executing machine-readable instructions comprising one or more processors 100. Machine-readable instructions may include, for example, machine code that can be directly executed by a processor, compiled or assembled into machine-readable instructions and stored, or logic or algorithms (one or more) written in any programming language of any generation (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, or fifth generation), such as assembly language, object-oriented programming (OOP), scripting language, microcode, etc. Alternatively, machine-readable instructions may be written in a hardware description language (HDL), such as logic implemented via a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or equivalent thereof. Thus, the methods described herein can be implemented in any conventional computer programming language, such as as pre-programmed hardware elements or combinations of hardware and software components.

[0031] Referring together to Figures 2 and 7, the front actuator sensors 62 and 64 are configured to detect whether the front actuator 16 and the rear actuator 18, respectively, are positioned in a first position, with each actuator positioned closer to the lower side of one of the pair of crossing members 63, 65 (Figure 2) or to a second position, and each actuator positioned further away from one of the crossing members 63, 65 relative to the first position, and such detections are transmitted to one or more processors 100. In one embodiment, the front actuator sensors 62 and 64 are connected to one of the crossing members 63, 65, respectively, but other positions or configurations on the support frame 12 are considered herein. Sensors 62, 64 may measure the distance at which the preacting device 16 and / or postacting device 18 are located at and / or pass through the first and / or second positions, respectively, and may measure a sensor, string encoder, potentiometer rotation sensor, proximity sensor, reed switch, Hall effect sensor, a combination thereof, or any other suitable sensor operable to detect. In further embodiments, other sensors may be used in conjunction with the preacting device 16 and postacting device 18 and / or crossing members 63, 65 to detect the weight of a patient placed on the simple bed 10 (e.g., via strain gauges). Note that, as used in the present invention, the term “sensor” means a device that measures a physical quantity, physical state, or physical attribute and converts it into a signal that correlates with the measured value of the physical quantity, physical state, or physical attribute. Furthermore, the term “signal” means an electrical, magnetic, or optical waveform such as current, voltage, flux, DC, AC, sine wave, triangular wave, square wave, etc., that can be transmitted from one position to another.

[0032] Referring together to Figures 3 and 7, the roll-in type simple bed 10 may be equipped with a front angular velocity sensor 66 and a rear angular velocity sensor 68, which are communicatively connected to one or more processors 100. The front angular velocity sensor 66 and the rear angular velocity sensor 68 can be any sensor that measures an actual angle or change in angle, such as a potentiometer rotation sensor or a Hall effect rotation sensor. The front angular velocity sensor 66 measures the front angle α of a part of the front leg 20 which is swivelably connected. f It is operable to detect the rear angle α of a portion of the rear leg 40 which is swivelably connected. The rear angle velocity sensor 68 detects the rear angle α of a portion of the rear leg 40 which is swivelably connected. b It is operable to detect the front angle α. In one embodiment, the front angular velocity sensor 66 and the rear angular velocity sensor 68 are operablely connected to the front leg 20 and the rear leg 40, respectively. Thus, one or more processors 100 execute machine-readable instructions to detect the front angle α f and rear angle α b The difference between (angle delta) and can be determined. The loading angle can be set to approximately 20° or any other angle (indicator of loading / unloading) that generally indicates the roll-in type simple bed 10 is in the loading state. Therefore, if angle delta exceeds the loading angle, the roll-in type simple bed 10 can detect that it is in the loading state and perform a specific action depending on whether it is in the loading state. Alternatively, the distance sensor can determine the forward angle α f and rear angle α b Measurements similar to the measurement of angles that determine the position of the components of the roll-in type portable bed 10 can be used to perform measurements. For example, this angle can be determined from the position of the front leg 20 and / or rear leg 40, and with respect to the side member 15. For example, the distance between the front leg 20 and a reference point along the side member 15 can be measured. Similarly, the distance between the rear leg 40 and a reference point along the side member 15 can be measured. Furthermore, the extended distance between the front actuator 16 and the rear actuator 18 can be measured. Thus, either the distance measurement or the angle measurement described herein can be interchangeably used to determine the position of the components of the roll-in type portable bed 10.

[0033] Furthermore, note that the distance sensor can be connected to any part of the roll-in type simple bed 10 so that the distance between the underside and components such as the front end 17, rear end 19, front load wheel 70, front wheel 26, intermediate load wheel 30, rear wheel 46, front actuator 16, or rear actuator 18 can be determined.

[0034] Referring together to Figures 3 and 7, the front end 17 may include a pair of front load wheels 70 configured to assist in loading the roll-in type portable bed 10 onto a loading surface (e.g., the floor of an ambulance). The roll-in type portable bed 10 may include a load end sensor 76 communicably connected to one or more processors 100. The load end sensor 76 is an operable distance sensor that detects the position of the front load wheels 70 relative to the loading surface (e.g., the distance from the detected surface to the front load wheels 70). Preferred distance sensors include, but are not limited to, ultrasonic sensors, touch sensors, proximity sensors, or any other sensor capable of detecting distance to an object. In one embodiment, the load end sensor 76 is operable to detect the distance directly or indirectly from the front load wheels 70 to the surface substantially directly below the front load wheels 70. Specifically, the load end sensor 76 can provide an indicator when the surface is within a definable range of distance from the front load wheels 70 (for example, when the surface is greater than a first distance but less than a second distance), and is also referred to herein as the load end sensor 76 "watching" or "seeing" the loading surface. Thus, the definable range can be set such that a positive indicator is provided by the load end sensor 76 when the front load wheels 70 of the roll-in type portable bed 10 are in contact with the loading surface. In particular, it may be important to ensure that both front load wheels 70 are on the loading surface when the roll-in type portable bed 10 is being loaded into an ambulance on an incline.

[0035] The front leg 20 may include intermediate load wheels 30 attached to the front leg 20. In one embodiment, the intermediate load wheels 30 may be positioned on the front leg 20 adjacent to the front cross beam 22 (Figure 2), on which the front actuator 16 is mounted at the lower end (Figure 6). As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the control end leg 40 does not include any intermediate load wheels adjacent to the rear cross beam 42, on which the rear actuator 18 is mounted at the lower end (Figure 6). The roll-in type simple bed 10 may include an intermediate load sensor 77 communicably connected to one or more processors 100. The intermediate load sensor 77 is an operable distance sensor for detecting the distance between the intermediate load wheels 30 and the loading surface 500. In one embodiment, if the intermediate load wheels 30 are within a set distance from the loading surface, the intermediate load sensor 77 may provide a signal to one or more processors 100. Although the figures show only the intermediate load wheels 30 on the front leg 20, the intermediate load wheels 30 may also It is further conceivable that the intermediate load wheels 30 may be positioned at any other location on the rear legs 40 or the roll-in type simple bed 10 so as to cooperate with the front load wheels 70 to facilitate loading and / or unloading (e.g., the support frame 12). For example, the intermediate load wheels may be positioned at any location that can serve as a fulcrum or center of balance during the loading and / or unloading processes described herein.

[0036] The roll-in type portable bed 10 may include a rear actuator sensor 78 that is communicably connected to one or more processors 100. The rear actuator sensor 78 is an operable distance sensor for detecting the distance between the rear actuator 18 and the loading surface. In one embodiment, the rear actuator sensor 78 is operable to directly or indirectly detect the distance from the rear actuator 18 to the surface substantially directly below the rear actuator 18 when the rear legs 40 are substantially fully retracted (Figures 4, 5D and 5E). Specifically, the rear actuator sensor 78 can provide an indicator when the surface is within a definable range of distances from the rear actuator 18 (for example, when the surface is greater than a first distance but less than a second distance).

[0037] Referring still to Figures 3 and 7, the roll-in type portable bed 10 may include a front drive light 86 communicatively connected to one or more processors 100. The front drive light 86 may be connected to and configured to connect with the front actuator 16. Thus, the front drive light 86 can illuminate the direct area in front of the front end 17 of the roll-in type portable bed 10 so that the roll-in type portable bed 10 is rolled in the extended position, the retracted position, or any position in between of the front actuator 16. The roll-in type portable bed 10 may also include a rear drive light 88 communicatively connected to one or more processors 100. The rear drive light 88 may be connected to and configured to connect with the rear actuator 18. Therefore, the rear-driven light 88 can illuminate the area directly behind the rear end 19 of the roll-in type bed 10 so that the roll-in type bed 10 is rolled in the extended position, the retracted position, or any position in between the rear actuation device 18. One or more processors 100 can receive input from any of the operator controls described herein and actuate the front-driven light 86, the rear-driven light 88, or both.

[0038] Referring together to Figures 1 and 7, the roll-in type temporary bed 10 may include a line indicator 74 that is communicably connected to one or more processors 100. The line indicator 74 may be any light source configured to project a line display onto a surface, such as a laser, light-emitting diode, or projector. In one embodiment, the line indicator 74 may be connected to the roll-in type temporary bed 10 and configured to project a line onto the surface beneath the roll-in type temporary bed 10 so that the line aligns with the intermediate load wheels 30. The line runs from a point beneath or adjacent to the roll-in type temporary bed 10 to the roll-in type temporary bed 10 and to a point offset from the side of the roll-in type temporary bed 10. Therefore, when the line indicator projects the line, the operator at the rear end 19 of the temporary bed can maintain visibility of the line and use the line as a reference for the position of the center of balance of the roll-in type temporary bed 10 (e.g., the intermediate load wheels 30) during loading, unloading, or both.

[0039] The rear end 19 may be equipped with operator control 57 for the roll-in type portable bed 10. When used in the present invention, the operator control 57 comprises an input component for receiving commands from the operator and an output component for providing a display to the operator. Thus, the operator can utilize the operator control 57 in loading and unloading the roll-in type portable bed 10 by controlling the movement of the front legs 20, rear legs 40 and support frame 12. The operator control 57 may be included in a portable bed control system or control box 50 located at the rear end 19 of the roll-in type portable bed 10. For example, the control box 50 may be communicatively connected to one or more processors 100, which are sequentially communicatively connected to the front actuators 16 and rear actuators 18. The control box 50 may include a visual display component or graphical user interface (GUI) 58 configured to notify the operator whether the front actuators 16 and rear actuators 18 are operating or stopped. The visual display component or GUI 58 may include any device capable of sending images, such as a liquid crystal display or a touchscreen.

[0040] Referring collectively to Figures 2, 7, and 8, the operator control 57 may be operable to receive user input indicating a desire to perform a simplified bed function. The operator control 57 may be communicably connected to one or more processors 100 such that inputs received by the operator control 57 can be converted into control signals received by one or more processors 100. Thus, the operator control 57 may have any type of tactile input that can convert physical input into control signals, such as buttons, switches, microphones, knobs, etc. While the embodiments described herein refer to the automated operation of the preacting device 16 and postacting device 18, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein may also include the operator control 57 configured to directly control the preacting device 16 and postacting device 18. That is, the automated process described herein may be preferred by the user, and the preacting device 16 and postacting device 18 may be operated independently of input from the control. In other words, for example, a simple bed control system or control box 50 is operably connected to the simple bed operating system 34 and independently controls the raising and lowering of a pair of front legs 20 via a front actuator 16 and a pair of rear legs 40, and detects the presence of a signal such as a control signal from operator control 57, for example, and requests a change in the raising of the support frame 12, causing the simple bed operating system 34 to move one or both of the pair of front wheels 26 and the pair of rear wheels 46 relative to the support frame 12 via the raising and lowering of the pair of front legs 20 and / or the pair of rear legs 40.

[0041] In some embodiments, the operator control 57 can be located at the rear end 19 of the roll-in type simple bed 10. For example, the operator control 57 may include a button array 52 located adjacent to and directly below a visual display component or GUI 58. The button array 52 may include a plurality of buttons arranged in a straight line. Each button in the button array 52 may include an optical element (i.e., an LED) capable of emitting visible wavelengths of light energy when the button is activated. Alternatively, the operator control 57 may include a button array 52 located adjacent to and above the visual display component or GUI 58. Note that although each button array 52 is shown as consisting of four buttons, the button array 52 may include any number of buttons. Furthermore, the operator control 57 may include a concentric button array 54, which includes a plurality of arc-shaped buttons arranged concentrically around a central button. In some embodiments, the concentric button array 54 may be located above the visual display component or GUI 58. In further embodiments, one or more buttons 53 may provide similar and / or additional functions to any button in the button array 52 and / or button array 54, which may be located on either side or both sides of the control box 50. Although the operator control 57 is shown to be located at the rear end 19 of the roll-in type bed 10, it should be noted that the operator control 57 may be located at an alternative location on the support frame 12, for example, on the front end 17 or on the side of the support frame 12. In further embodiments, the operator control 57 may be located in a detachably mounted wireless remote control that can control the roll-in type bed 10 without physical attachment to the roll-in type bed 10.

[0042] The operator control 57 may further include a lower button 56(-) operable to receive an input indicating a desire to lower (-) the roll-in type simple bed 10, and an upper button 60(+) operable to receive an input indicating a desire to raise (+) the roll-in type simple bed 10. In other embodiments, it will be understood that the raise and / or lower command functions may be assigned to other buttons, such as those in button arrays 52 and / or button arrays 54, in addition to buttons 56 and 60. As described in more detail herein, each of the lower button 56(-) and the upper button 60(+) can generate a signal via the actuation system 34 to actuate the front legs 20, the rear legs 40, or both, to perform the functions of the simple bed. The functions of the simple bed may require the front legs 20, the rear legs 40, or both, to be raised, lowered, retracted, or released depending on the position and orientation of the roll-in type simple bed 10. In some embodiments, the down button 56(-) and the up button 60(+) may be similar (i.e., the pressure and / or displacement of the buttons may be proportional to the parameters of the control signal). Thus, the operating speed of the front leg 20, the rear leg 40, or both may be proportional to the parameters of the control signal. Alternatively, the down button 56(-) and the up button 60(+) may each be backlit.

[0043] Referring here to an embodiment of the roll-in type portable bed 10 that operates simultaneously, the roll-in type portable bed 10 of Figure 2 is shown in an extended form, where the front actuator sensor 62 and the rear actuator sensor 64 detect that the front actuator 16 and the rear actuator 18 are in a first position. That is, the front actuator 16 and the rear actuator 18 are in contact with and / or close to the crossing member 63 and the crossing member 65, respectively, as the mounting front leg portion 20 and the rear leg portion 40 contact the underside and are being loaded. When the front actuator sensor 62 and the rear actuator sensor 64 detect that both the front actuator 16 and the rear actuator 18 are in a first position, both the front actuator 16 and the rear actuator 18 are operating and can be raised and lowered by the operator using the down button 56(-) and the up button 60(+).

[0044] Referring together to Figures 4A to 4C, an embodiment of a roll-in type portable bed 10 that is raised (from Figures 4A to 4C) or lowered (from Figures 4C to 4A) by simultaneous operation is schematically shown (note that the front actuator 16 and rear actuator 18 are not shown in Figures 4A to 4C for clarity). In the illustrated embodiment, the roll-in type portable bed 10 comprises a support frame 12 to which a pair of front legs 20 and rear legs 40 are slidably engaged. Each of the front legs 20 is rotatably connected to a front hinge member 24 which is rotatably connected to the support frame 12. Each of the rear legs 40 is rotatably connected to a rear hinge member 44 which is rotatably connected to the support frame 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the front hinge member 24 is rotatably connected toward the front end 17 of the support frame 12, and the rear hinge member 44 is rotatably connected to the support frame 12 toward the rear end 19.

[0045] Figure 4A shows the roll-in type simple bed 10 in its lowest transport position. Specifically, the rear wheels 46 and front wheels 26 are in contact with the surface, the front legs 20 are slidably engaged with the support frame 12 such that the front legs 20 contact a portion of the support frame 12 toward the rear end 19, and the rear legs 40 are slidably engaged with the support frame 12 such that the rear legs 40 contact a portion of the support frame 12 toward the front end 17. Figure 4B shows the roll-in type simple bed 10 in an intermediate transport position, that is, the front legs 20 and rear legs 40 are in an intermediate transport position along the support frame 12. Figure 4C shows the roll-in type simple bed 10 in its highest transport position, that is, the front legs 20 and rear legs 40 are positioned along the support frame 12 such that the front load wheels 70 can be set to the maximum desired height that is sufficient to load the simple bed.

[0046] Embodiments described herein may be used to lift a patient from a position beneath a vehicle (e.g., from the ground onto the loading surface of an ambulance) in preparation for loading the patient into the vehicle. Specifically, the roll-in portable bed 10 can be lifted from the lowest transport position (Figure 4A) to an intermediate transport position (Figure 4B) or the highest transport position (Figure 4C) by simultaneously acting the front legs 20 and rear legs 40 and sliding them along the support frame 12. When lifting, acting the front legs slide toward the front end 17 and rotate around the front hinge member 24, and the rear legs 40 slide toward the rear end 19 and rotate around the rear hinge member 44. Specifically, the user may interact with the operator control 57 (Figure 8) and provide input indicating that they wish to lift the roll-in portable bed 10 (e.g., by pressing the lift button 60(+)). The roll-in type portable bed 10 is lifted from its current position (e.g., the lowest or intermediate transport position) to the highest transport position. Once it reaches the highest transport position, the operation automatically stops, meaning that additional input is required to lift the roll-in type portable bed 10 any higher. The input can be provided to the roll-in type portable bed 10 and / or operator control 57 by any means, such as electric, voice, or manual.

[0047] The roll-in type portable bed 10 can be lowered from an intermediate loading position (Figure 4B) or the highest loading position (Figure 4C) to the lowest loading position (Figure 4A) by simultaneously operating the front legs 20 and rear legs 40 and sliding them along the support frame 12. Specifically, when lowering, the front legs are slid toward the rear end 19 and rotated around the front hinge member 24, and the rear legs 40 are slid toward the front end 17 and rotated around the rear hinge member 44. For example, a user may provide an input indicating that they wish to lower the roll-in type portable bed 10 (for example, by pressing the lower button 56(-)). Upon receiving the input, the roll-in type portable bed 10 will lower from its current position (e.g., the highest loading position or an intermediate loading position) until it reaches the lowest loading position. Once the roll-in type portable bed 10 reaches the lowest height (e.g., the lowest loading position), the operation may automatically stop. In some embodiments, the control box 50 provides a visual indication that it is operating while the front leg 20 and rear leg 40 are moving.

[0048] In one embodiment, when the roll-in type portable bed 10 is in the highest transport position (Figure 4C), the front legs 20 contact the support frame 12 at the front loading indicator 221, and the rear legs 40 contact the support frame 12 at the rear loading indicator 241. The front loading indicator 221 and front loading indicator 241 are shown in Figure 4C positioned near the center of the support frame 12, but in further embodiments, the front loading indicator 221 and rear loading indicator 241 may be positioned at any position along the support frame 12. Some embodiments may have loading positions higher than the highest transport position. For example, the highest loading position may be set by operating the roll-in type portable bed 10 to a desired height and providing an input indicating that the highest transport position is desired.

[0049] When the roll-in type simple bed 10 is in its lowest transport position (Figure 4A), the front legs 20 may contact the support frame 12 at a front flat index 220 located near the rear end 19 of the support frame 12, and the rear legs 40 may contact the support frame 12 at a rear flat index 240 located near the front end 17 of the support frame 12. Furthermore, when the term “index” is used herein, it means a position along the support frame 12, and it should be noted that this position corresponds to a mechanical or electrical stopper, such as an obstacle in a channel formed in the side member 15, or a stopper controlled by a fixing mechanism or servo mechanism.

[0050] The front actuation device 16 can be operated independently of the rear actuation device 18 to raise and lower the front end 17 of the support frame 12. The rear actuation device 18 can be operated independently of the front actuation device 16 to raise and lower the rear end 19 of the support frame 12. By independently lifting the front end 17 or the rear end 19, the roll-in type portable bed 10 can maintain the height of the support frame 12, or substantially the height of the support frame 12, when the roll-in type portable bed 10 is moved over a non-horizontal surface, such as stairs or a ramp. Specifically, when one of the front actuation device 16 or the rear actuation device 18 is in a second position related to a first position, a set of legs that do not contact the surface (i.e., a set of legs that are pulled, as when the portable bed is lifted at one or both ends) is actuated by the roll-in type portable bed 10 (for example, when moving the roll-in type portable bed 10 over a curb).

[0051] Referring collectively to Figures 4C to 5E, independent operation can be utilized by the embodiments described herein for loading a patient into a vehicle (note that the front actuator 16 and rear actuator 18 are not shown in Figures 4C to 5E for clarity). Specifically, the roll-in temporary bed 10 can be loaded onto the loading surface 500 by the following steps. Firstly, the roll-in temporary bed 10 can be positioned at the highest loading position or at any position where the front load wheels 70 are positioned higher than the loading surface 500. When the roll-in temporary bed 10 is loaded onto the loading surface 500, the roll-in temporary bed 10 is lifted via the front actuator 16 and rear actuator 18 to ensure that the front load wheels 70 are positioned on the loading surface 500. In some embodiments, the front actuator 16 and rear actuator 18 can be operated simultaneously to hold the height of the roll-in temporary bed until the height of the roll-in temporary bed is at a predetermined position. Once it reaches a predetermined height, the front actuator 16 can lift the front end 17 so that the roll-in type temporary bed 10 is tilted at its highest transport position. Therefore, the roll-in type temporary bed 10 can be loaded with its rear end 19, which is lower than the front end 17. Thus, the roll-in type temporary bed 10 can be lowered until the front load wheels 70 contact the loading surface 500 (Figure 5A).

[0052] As shown in Figure 5A, the front load wheels 70 are above the loading surface 500. In one embodiment, after the load wheels have made contact with the loading surface 500, the pair of front legs 20 can be actuated by the front actuator 16, as their front ends 17 are above the loading surface 500. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the central part of the roll-in cot 10 is away from the loading surface 500 (i.e., a sufficiently large portion of the roll-in cot 10 is not extended beyond the loading end 502 so that most of the weight of the roll-in cot 10 can be cantilevered and supported by the wheels 70, 26 and / or 30). When the front load wheels 70 are fully extended, the roll-in cot 10 can maintain its height with less force. Furthermore, in such a position, the front actuator 16 is in a second position related to the first position, and the rear actuator 18 is in a first position related to the second position. Therefore, for example, when the lowering button 56(-) is activated, the front leg section 20 is lifted (Figure 5B).

[0053] In one embodiment, after the front legs 20 are lifted sufficiently to raise the loading position, the operation of the front actuator 16 and rear actuator 18 depends on the position of the roll-in type simple bed 10. In some embodiments, when the front legs 20 are lifted, a visual indicator is provided on a visual display component of the control box 50 or GUI 58 (Figure 2). The visual indicator may be color-coded (for example, green for the actuated leg and red for the unactuated leg). Front actuator The front actuator 16 may automatically stop operation when the front leg 20 is fully retracted. Furthermore, while the front leg 20 is retracted, the front actuator sensor 62 may detect a second position relative to the first position, at which point the front actuator 16 may lift the front leg 20 at a faster speed. Note that it may be fully retracted within approximately 2 seconds, for example.

[0054] Referring collectively to FIGS. 3, 5B, and 7, after the front load wheels 70 are carried onto the loading surface 500, the post-actuation device 18 can be automatically actuated by one or more processors 100 to assist in the loading of the roll-in type simple bed 10 on the loading surface 500. Specifically, the front angle sensor 66 senses that the front angle α f is less than a pre-determined angle, one or more processors 100 can automatically actuate the post-actuation device 18 to extend the rear legs 40 and lift the rear end 19 of the roll-in type simple bed 10 higher than the original loading height. The predetermined angle can be any angle indicating the loading state. Or for example, in one embodiment, it can be an extension ratio such as less than about 10% of the front legs 20, or in another embodiment, less than about 5% of the front legs 20. In some embodiments, one or more processors 100 can determine whether the load end sensor 76 indicates that the front load wheels 70 are in contact with the loading surface 500 before automatically actuating the post-actuation device 18 to extend the rear legs 40.

[0055] In a further embodiment, one or more processors 100 monitor the rear angular velocity sensor 68 to confirm that the rear angle α b is changing due to the actuation of the post-actuation device 18. To protect the post-actuation device 18, one or more processors 100 can automatically stop the actuation of the post-actuation device 18 if the rear angle α b indicates improper operation. For example, if the rear angle α b fails to change for a predetermined time (e.g., about 200 milliseconds), one or more processors 100 can automatically stop the actuation of the post-actuation device 18.

[0056] Referring collectively to Figures 5A to 5E, after the front legs 20 are retracted, the roll-in type temporary bed 10 can be propelled forward until the intermediate load wheels 30 are brought onto the loading surface 500 (Figure 5C). As shown in Figure 5C, the front end 17 and the intermediate part of the roll-in type temporary bed 10 are above the loading surface 500. As a result, the pair of rear legs 40 can be retracted by the rear actuator 18. Specifically, the intermediate load sensor 77 can detect when the intermediate part is above the loading surface 500. When the central part is above the loading surface 500 while in the loading state (for example, when the front legs 20 and rear legs 40 have an angle delta greater than the angle in the loading state), the rear actuator can be activated. In one embodiment, when the intermediate loading wheels 30 have completely passed the loading end 502 and the rear legs 40 are operational (for example, an audible buzzer may be provided), an indication may be provided by the control box 50 (Figure 2).

[0057] Note that when any part of the roll-in type portable bed 10 that can act as a fulcrum completely exceeds the loading end 502, the central part of the roll-in type portable bed 10 is above the loading surface 500, so that the rear legs 40 can be pulled in with a small amount of force required to lift the rear end 19 (for example, less than half the weight of the roll-in type portable bed 10 to be loaded is required to be supported by the rear end 19). Furthermore, note that the position of the roll-in type portable bed 10 can be detected by sensors placed on the roll-in type portable bed 10 and / or by sensors on or adjacent to the loading surface 500. For example, an ambulance may have sensors that detect the position of the roll-in type portable bed 10 relative to the loading surface 500 and / or the loading end 502, and communication means for transmitting information to the roll-in type portable bed 10.

[0058] Referring to Figure 5D, after the rear legs 40 are retracted, the roll-in type simple bed 10 can be propelled forward. In one embodiment, while the rear legs are retracting, the rear actuator sensor 64 detects that the rear legs 40 have been ejected, and at that point, the rear actuator 18 moves the rear legs at a faster speed. The rear legs 40 can be lifted. When the rear legs 40 are fully retracted, the rear actuator 18 can automatically stop operating. In one embodiment, when the roll-in type simple bed 10 is sufficiently beyond the loading end 502 (for example, when the rear actuator is fully loaded or loaded so that it is beyond the loading end 502), an indicator may be provided by the control box 50 (Figure 2).

[0059] Once the roll-in bed is loaded onto the loading surface (Figure 5E), the front actuator 16 and rear actuator 18 can be deactivated by being permanently connected to the ambulance. The ambulance and the roll-in bed 10 may be attached, for example, with components suitable for connecting male and female connectors. Furthermore, the roll-in bed 10 may include sensors that transmit signals that are recorded when the bed is fully positioned inside the ambulance, resulting in the actuators 16 and 18 being locked in place. In yet another embodiment, the roll-in bed 10 may be connected to a bed fastener that locks the actuators 16 and 18 in place and is further connected to the ambulance's power system to charge the roll-in bed 10. A commercial embodiment of such an ambulance charging system is the Integrated Charging System (ICS) from Farno-Washington Corporation.

[0060] Referring collectively to Figures 5A to 5E, as previously mentioned, independent operation can be utilized by embodiments described herein to unload the roll-in type temporary bed 10 from the loading surface 500. Specifically, the roll-in type temporary bed 10 can be released from the fasteners and propelled toward the loading surface 502 (Figures 5E to 5D). When the rear wheels 46 are released from the loading surface 500 (Figure 5D), the rear operating device sensor 64 detects that the rear legs 40 are being unloaded and allows the rear legs 40 to be lowered. In some embodiments, the rear legs 40 may be prevented from lowering if, for example, the sensor detects that the temporary bed is not in the correct position (e.g., the rear wheels 46 are above the loading surface 500 or the intermediate load wheels 30 are away from the loading end 502). In one embodiment, when the rear actuator 18 is activated, an indication may be provided by the control box 50 (Figure 2) (for example, the intermediate load wheel 30 is near the rear actuator sensor 64 that detects the load end 502 and / or the second position relative to the first position).

[0061] Referring together to Figures 5D and 7, the line indicator 74 can be automatically operated by one or more processors to project a line onto the loading surface 500, which indicates the center of balance of the roll-in type simple bed 10. In one embodiment, one or more processors 100 can receive input from a central load sensor 77 indicating a central load wheel 30 in contact with the loading surface. One or more processors 100 can also receive input from a rear actuation sensor 64 indicating a rear actuation device 18 in a second position relative to a first position. When the central load wheel 30 is in contact with the loading surface and the rear actuation device 18 is in the second position relative to the first position, one or more processors can automatically project a line onto the line indicator 74. Thus, when the line is projected, the operator can be provided with a visual indication on the loading surface, which can be used as a reference for loading, unloading, or both. Specifically, the operator can delay the removal of the roll-in type temporary bed 10 from the loading surface 500 as the line approaches the load end 502, thereby reducing the additional time required for the rear legs 40. Such operation minimizes the time required for the operator to support the weight of the roll-in type temporary bed 10.

[0062] Referring collectively to Figures 5A to 5E, the rear legs 40 of the roll-in type temporary bed 10 can be extended when it is properly positioned relative to the load end 502 (Figure 5C). For example, the rear legs 40 can be extended by pressing the lift button 60(+). In one embodiment, when the rear legs 40 are lowered, a visual indicator is provided to the visual display component of the control box 50 or the GUI 58 (Figure 2). For example, a visual indicator may be provided when the roll-in type temporary bed 10 is in the retracted state and the rear legs 40 and / or front legs 20 are activated. Such a visual indicator can signal that the roll-in type temporary bed should not be moved (e.g., pulled, pushed or rolled) while it is being operated. When the rear legs 40 make contact with the floor (Figure 5C), the rear legs 40 are retracted and the rear actuation device sensor 64 stops the operation of the rear actuation device 18.

[0063] When the sensor detects that the front leg 20 is away from the loading surface 500 (Figure 5B), the front actuator 16 is activated. In one embodiment, when the central load wheel 30 is at the load end 502, an indication may be provided by the control box 50 (Figure 2). The front leg 20 is extended until it contacts the floor (Figure 5A). For example, the front leg 20 may be extended by pressing the lift button 60(+). In one embodiment, when the front leg 20 is lowered, a visual indication is provided on the visual display component of the control box 50 or the GUI 58 (Figure 2).

[0064] Referring together to Figures 7 and 8, the operation of any of the operator controls 57 can generate a control signal that is received by one or more processors 100. The control signal can be encoded to indicate that one or more operator controls are activated. The encoded control signal can be associated with a pre-programmed cot function. Upon receiving the encoded control signal, one or more processors 100 can automatically execute the cot function. In some embodiments, the cot function may include a door release function that sends a signal to a vehicle to open the door. Specifically, the roll-in cot 10 may include a communication circuit 82 that is communicatively connected to one or more processors 100. The communication circuit 82 may be configured to exchange communication signals with a vehicle, such as an ambulance. The communication circuit 82 may include, but is not limited to, wireless communication devices such as a personal area network transceiver, local area network transceiver, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared transmitter, cellular transceiver, etc.

[0065] Control signals from one or more operator controls 57 can be associated with a door release function. Upon receiving a control signal associated with the door release function, one or more processors 100 can cause the communication circuit 82 to transmit a door release signal to vehicles within range of the door release signal. Upon receiving the door release signal, the vehicle can open its doors to accommodate the roll-in type simple bed 10. Furthermore, the door release signal can be encoded to identify the roll-in type simple bed 10, for example, through a classification, a unique identifier, etc. In a further embodiment, control signals from one or more operator controls 57 can be associated with a door closing function that operates similarly to the door release function to close the vehicle's doors.

[0066] Referring collectively to Figures 3, 7, and 8, the simple bed function can be equipped with an automatic leveling function that automatically levels the front end 17 and rear end 19 of the roll-in type simple bed 10 against gravity. Therefore, the front angle α f , back angle α b Or both can be automatically adjusted to compensate for uneven terrain. For example, if the rear end 19 is lower than the front end 17 relative to gravity, the rear end 19 can be automatically raised to level the roll-in type temporary bed 10 relative to gravity, and the front end 17 can be automatically lowered to level the roll-in type temporary bed 10 relative to gravity, or both. Conversely, if the rear end 19 is higher than the front end 17 relative to gravity, the rear end 19 can be automatically lowered to level the roll-in type temporary bed 10 relative to gravity, and the front end 17 can be automatically raised to level the roll-in type temporary bed 10 relative to gravity, or both.

[0067] Referring together to Figures 2 and 7, the roll-in type simple bed 10 may be equipped with a gravity reference sensor 80 configured to provide a gravity reference signal indicating a reference earth frame. The gravity reference sensor 80 may include an accelerometer, gyroscope, inclinometer, etc. Yes, it is possible. The gravity reference sensor 80 can be communicatively connected to one or more processors 100 and can be connected to the roll-in type simple bed 10 in a position suitable for detecting the level of the roll-in type simple bed 10 relative to gravity, for example, on the support frame 12.

[0068] Control signals from one or more operator controls 57 may be associated with an automatic leveling function. Specifically, any of the operator controls 57 may transmit a control signal related to enabling or disabling the automatic leveling function. Alternatively, other simple bed functions may selectively enable or disable the simple bed leveling function. When the automatic leveling function is enabled, a gravity reference signal may be received by one or more processors 100. One or more processors 100 can automatically compare the gravity reference signal with an earth reference frame indicating the earth level. Based on the comparison, one or more processors 100 can automatically quantify the difference between the earth reference frame and the current height of the roll-in simple bed 10, as indicated by the gravity reference signal. This difference can be converted into a desired adjustment amount to level the front end 17 and rear end 19 of the roll-in simple bed 10 relative to gravity. For example, this difference is the front angle α f , back angle α b They can be converted to adjust the angle to either or both. In this way, one or more processors 100 can automatically operate actuators 16 and 18 until the desired amount of adjustment is achieved. That is, the front angular velocity sensor 66, the rear angular velocity sensor 68 and the gravity reference sensor 80 can be used for feedback.

[0069] Referring collectively to Figures 1, 9, and 10, one or more front wheels 26 and rear wheels 46 may be equipped with a wheel assembly 110 for automatic operation. Thus, although the wheel assembly 110 is shown in Figure 9 as being connected to a coupling 27, the wheel assembly may be connected to the coupling 47. The wheel assembly 110 may include a wheel steering module 112 for orienting the wheels 114 relative to the roll-in type simple bed 10. The wheel steering module 112 may include a control shaft 116 defining a rotation axis 118 for steering, a rotating mechanism 90 for actinguating the control shaft 116, and a fork 120 defining a rotation axis 122 for the wheels 114. In some embodiments, the control shaft 116 may be rotatably connected to the coupling 27 so that the control shaft 116 rotates around the rotation axis 118. The rotational motion may be facilitated by a bearing 124 positioned between the control shaft 116 and the coupling 27.

[0070] The rotating mechanism 90 can be operably connected to the control shaft 116 and may be configured to advance the control shaft 116 around the rotation axis 118. The rotating mechanism 90 may include a servo motor and an encoder. Thus, the rotating mechanism 90 can directly actuate the control shaft 116. In some embodiments, the rotating mechanism 90 may be configured to rotate freely so that the control shaft 116 can pivot around the rotation axis 118 when the roll-in type simple bed 10 is prompted to move. Optionally, the rotating mechanism 90 may be fixed in place and configured to resist the movement of the control shaft 116 around the rotation axis 118.

[0071] Referring collectively to Figures 7 and 9 through 10, the wheel assembly 110 may include a swivel locking module 130 for locking the fork 120 in a substantially fixed direction. The swivel locking module 130 may include a bolt member 132 for engaging with a catch member 134, a biasing member 136 for biasing the bolt member 132 away from the catch member 134, and a cable 138 for transmitting mechanical energy between the locking actuator 92 and the bolt member 132. The locking actuator 92 includes a servo motor and an encoder. You can prepare for it.

[0072] The bolt member 132 can be received in a channel formed through the connecting portion 27. The bolt member 132 can move in the channel to an interference position in the catch member 134 without the catch member 134 present. The biasing member 136 can bias the bolt member 132 toward the interference position. The cable 138 can be connected to the bolt member 132 and can be operably engaged with the locking actuator 92 so that the locking actuator 92 can transmit a force sufficient to overcome the biasing member 136, moving the bolt member 132 away from the interference position and releasing the bolt member 132 from the catch member 134.

[0073] In some embodiments, the catch member 134 can be formed on or connected to the fork 120. The catch member 134 may comprise a rigid body that forms a complementary orifice to the bolt member 132. Thus, the bolt member 132 can move the catch member inward and outward through the orifice. The rigid body may be configured to interfere with the movement of the catch member 134 caused by the movement of the control shaft 116 around the rotation axis 118. Specifically, when in an interference position, the bolt member 132 can be restrained by the rigid body of the catch member 134 such that the movement of the control shaft 116 around the rotation axis 118 is substantially reduced.

[0074] Referring collectively to Figures 7 and 9 through 10, the wheel assembly 110 may include a braking module 140 to counteract the rotation of the wheel 114 around the rotation axis 122. The braking module 140 includes a braking piston 142 and transmits braking force to a brake pad 144, a biasing member 146 that biases the braking piston 142 away from the wheel 114, and a braking mechanism 94 that provides braking force to the braking piston 142. In some embodiments, the braking mechanism 94 may include a servo motor and an encoder. The braking mechanism 94 may be operably coupled to a brake cam 148 so that the braking mechanism 94 acts and rotates the brake cam 148 around the rotation axis 150. The braking piston 142 is operable as a cam drive. Therefore, the rotational motion of the brake cam 148 can be converted into linear motion of the brake piston 142, which moves the brake piston 142 in the direction of the wheel 114 and away from the wheel 114, depending on the direction of rotation of the brake cam 148.

[0075] The brake pad 144 can be connected to the brake piston 142 such that the movement of the brake piston 142 toward and away from the wheel 114 causes the brake pad 144 to engage with and disengage from the wheel 114. In some embodiments, the brake pad 144 can be molded to conform to the shape of a portion of the wheel 114 that the brake pad 144 contacts during braking. If necessary, the contact surface of the brake pad 144 may be provided with projections and grooves.

[0076] Referring again to Figure 7, each of the rotating mechanism 90, the fixed actuator 92, and the braking mechanism 94 can be communicatively coupled to one or more processors 100. Thus, any of the operator controls 57 can be coded and provide controllable signals to automatically perform any operation of the rotating mechanism 90, the fixed actuator 92, the braking mechanism 94, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, any simple bed function can be automatically performed by any operation of the rotating mechanism 90, the fixed actuator 92, the braking mechanism 94, or any combination thereof.

[0077] Referring collectively to Figures 3 and 7 through 10, one of the operator controls 57 can be encoded to provide a control signal that can operate the rotating mechanism 90 to actuate the fork 120 to the outward position (shown by a dashed line in Figure 10). Alternatively, another method is to simplify The easy-bed function (e.g., chair function) can be configured so that the swivel mechanism 90 selectively operates the forks 120 to an outward position. When positioned outward, the forks 120 and wheels 114 can be oriented perpendicular to the length of the roll-in type easy bed 10 (from the front end 17 to the rear end 19). Thus, the front wheels 26, the rear wheels 46, or both can be positioned outward so that the front wheels 26, the rear wheels 46, or both are oriented toward the support frame 12.

[0078] Referring collectively to Figures 8 and 11 through 12, the portable bed function may include an escalator function configured to hold a patient supported by the height of the patient support 14 while the roll-in portable bed 10 is supported by the escalator. Thus, any of the operator controls 57 can be encoded to provide control signals that can be operated to cause the elevator function to activate, stop, or both. In some embodiments, the escalator function may be configured to orient the roll-in portable bed 10 so that the patient faces the same direction as the incline of the escalator while riding the ascending escalator 504 or the descending escalator 506. Specifically, the escalator function can ensure that the rear end 19 of the roll-in portable bed 10 faces the descending incline of the ascending escalator 504 and the descending escalator 506. In other words, the roll-in portable bed 10 may be configured so that the rear end 19 of the roll-in portable bed is the last to be brought in on the ascending escalator 504 or the descending escalator 506.

[0079] Referring here to Figure 13, the escalator function can be implemented by Method 300. Although Method 300 is illustrated in Figure 13 as comprising several enumerated steps, note that any step of Method 300 can be performed in any order or omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In step 302, the support frame 12 of the roll-in type bed 10 can be retracted. In some embodiments, the roll-in type bed 10 can be configured to automatically detect that the support frame 12 has been retracted before continuing the elevator function. Alternatively, the roll-in type bed 10 can be configured to automatically retract the support frame 12.

[0080] Referring collectively to Figures 7, 8, 11, and 13, the roll-in type temporary bed can be loaded onto the upward escalator 504. The upward escalator 504 can form an elevator gradient Θ with respect to the landing of the preceding upward escalator 504. In step 304, the front wheels 26 can be loaded onto the upward escalator 504. Once the front wheels 26 are loaded onto the upward escalator 504, the up button 60(+) can be activated. While the escalator function is in operation, the control signals transmitted from the up button 60(+) can be received by one or more processors 100. In response to the control signals transmitted from the up button 60(+), one or more processors can execute machine-readable commands to automatically activate the braking mechanism 94. Thus, the front wheels 26 can be fixed to prevent the front wheels from rolling. Since the lift button 60(+) remains activated, one or more processors can automatically cause the visual display components to provide an image showing the activated front leg 20.

[0081] In step 306, the lift button 60(+) can remain activated. In response to the control signal transmitted from the lift button 60(+), one or more processors can execute machine-readable instructions to automatically perform the simple bed leveling function. Thus, the simple bed leveling function dynamically operates the front leg 20 to a forward angle α f It is possible to adjust the forward angle α. Therefore, as the roll-in type simple bed 10 is gradually guided onto the upward escalator 504, the forward angle α f This can be modified to hold the support frame 12 at an effective height.

[0082] In step 308, the up button 60(+) can be deactivated when the rear wheels 46 are brought onto the upward escalator 504. In response to the control signal transmitted from the up button 60(+), one or more processors can execute machine-readable commands to automatically activate the braking mechanism 94. Thus, the rear wheels 46 can be fixed to prevent them from rolling. When the front wheels 26 and rear wheels 46 are brought onto the upward escalator 504, the leveling function of the simple bed adjusts the front angle α to match the escalator angle Θ. f It can be adjusted.

[0083] In step 310, the up button 60(+) can be activated on the front wheel 26 as it approaches the end of the up escalator 504. In response to the control signal transmitted from the up button 60(+), one or more processors can execute a machine-readable command to automatically activate the braking mechanism 94. Thus, the front wheel 26 can be released to allow the front wheel 26 to roll. Once the front wheel 26 leaves the up escalator 504, the simple bed leveling function causes the front angle α f By dynamically adjusting the height, it is possible to hold the support frame 12 at the height of the roll-in type simple bed 10.

[0084] In step 312, the position of the front leg 20 can be automatically determined by one or more processors 100. Thus, when the front end 17 of the roll-in type simple bed 10 exits the upward escalator 504, the front angle α f The front legs 20 can reach, but are not limited to, predetermined angles, such as the angle corresponding to the full extension of the front legs 20. Once a predetermined height is reached, one or more processors 100 can execute machine-readable instructions to automatically activate the braking mechanism 94. Thus, the rear wheels 46 can be released to allow the rear wheels 46 to roll. Thus, when the rear end 19 of the roll-in type bunny bed 10 reaches the end of the upward escalator 504, the roll-in type bunny bed 10 can roll away from the upward escalator 504. In some embodiments, the escalator mode can be stopped by activating one of the operator controls 57. Alternatively, the escalator mode can be stopped for a predetermined time (e.g., about 15 seconds) after the rear wheels 46 have been released.

[0085] Referring collectively to Figures 7, 8, 12, and 13, the roll-in type simple bed 10 can be moved onto the down escalator 506 in a similar manner to how it is moved onto the up escalator 504. In step 304, the rear wheels 46 can be moved onto the down escalator 506. Once the rear wheels 46 are moved onto the down escalator 506, the down button 56(-) can be activated. While the escalator function is in operation, the control signals transmitted from the down button 56(-) can be received by one or more processors 100. In response to the control signals transmitted from the down button 56(-), one or more processors can execute machine-readable instructions to automatically activate the braking mechanism 94. Thus, the rear wheels 46 can be fixed to prevent them from rolling. Since the down button 56(-) remains activated, one or more processors can automatically cause the visual display components to provide an image showing the activated front leg 20.

[0086] In step 306, the lowering button 56(-) remains activated. In response to the control signal transmitted from the lowering button 56(-), one or more processors can execute a machine-readable instruction to automatically activate the simple bed leveling function. Thus, the simple bed leveling function dynamically operates the front leg 20 to a forward angle α f It is possible to adjust the forward angle α. Therefore, as the roll-in type simple bed 10 is gradually guided down the escalator 506, the forward angle α f This can be modified to hold the support frame 12 at an effective height.

[0087] In step 308, the down button 56(-) can be deactivated when the front wheels 26 are brought onto the down escalator 506. In response to the control signal transmitted from the down button 56(-), one or more processors 100 can execute machine-readable commands to automatically activate the braking mechanism 94. Thus, the front wheels 26 can be fixed to prevent them from rolling. When the front wheels 26 and rear wheels 46 are brought onto the down escalator 506, the leveling function of the temporary bed adjusts the front angle α to match the escalator angle Θ. f It can be adjusted.

[0088] In step 310, the down button 56(-) can be activated on the rear wheel 46 as it approaches the end of the down escalator 506. In response to the control signal transmitted from the down button 56(-), one or more processors can execute a machine-readable command to automatically activate the braking mechanism 94. Thus, the rear wheel 46 can be released to allow the rear wheel 46 to roll. Once the rear wheel 46 leaves the down escalator 506, the simple bed leveling function causes the front angle α f It is possible to dynamically adjust the position to hold the support frame 12 at the effective height of the roll-in type simple bed 10.

[0089] In step 312, the position of the front leg 20 can be automatically determined by one or more processors 100. Thus, when the rear end 19 of the roll-in type simple bed 10 exits the downward escalator 506, the front angle α f The front wheels 26 can reach predetermined angles, such as the angle corresponding to the fully extended front legs 20, but are not limited to these. Once a predetermined height is reached, one or more processors 100 can execute machine-readable instructions to automatically activate the braking mechanism 94. Thus, the front wheels 26 can be released to allow the front wheels 26 to roll. Thus, when the front end 17 of the roll-in type bungalow 10 reaches the end of the down escalator 506, the roll-in type bungalow 10 can roll away from the down escalator 506. In some embodiments, the elevator mode can be deactivated for a predetermined time (e.g., about 15 seconds) after the front wheels 26 have been released.

[0090] Referring collectively to Figures 4B, 7, and 8, the portable bed function may include a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) function that can be operated to automatically adjust the roll-in portable bed 10 to an ergonomic position for medical personnel, enabling effective CPR in the event of cardiac arrest. Any of the operator controls 57 can be encoded to provide control signals that can be operated to activate, deactivate, or both of the CPR function. In some embodiments, the CPR function may be automatically deactivated if the roll-in portable bed is inside an ambulance, connected to a portable bed fastener, or both.

[0091] When the CPR function is activated, a control signal can be transmitted and received by one or more processors 100. In response to the control signal, one or more processors can execute machine-readable instructions to automatically activate the braking mechanism 94. Thus, the front wheels 26, the rear wheels 46, or both can be fixed to prevent the roll-in bed 10 from rolling. The roll-in bed 10 can be configured to provide an audible indication that the CPR function has been activated. Furthermore, the height of the support frame 12 of the roll-in bed 10 can be slowly adjusted to an intermediate transport position (Figure 4B) corresponding to a substantial level height for performing CPR. For example, chair height, bed height, between approximately 12 inches (approximately 30.5 cm) and approximately 36 inches (approximately 91.4 cm), or any other predetermined height suitable for performing CPR. In one embodiment, one or more operator controls 57 can be configured to lock or release the front wheels 26, the rear wheels 46, or both. By activating the operator controls 57 to lock or release the front wheels 26, the rear wheels 46, or both, the CPR function can be automatically deactivated. Thus, the roll-in type portable bed 10 can be returned to normal operation via the lowering button 56(-) and the raising button 60(+).

[0092] Referring collectively to Figures 3, 7, and 8, the function of the portable bed may include an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) function that can be operated to automatically hold the front end 17 at a higher position than the rear end 19 of the roll-in portable bed 10 during operation. When the ECMO function is activated, control signals can be transmitted and received by one or more processors 100. In response to the control signals, one or more processors 100 can execute machine-readable commands to automatically activate the fixed actuators 92. Thus, the front wheels 26, the rear wheels 46, or both can be prevented from swiveling or rotating. Furthermore, the front angle α f , back angle α bOr both can be adjusted so that the support frame 12 is at a predetermined downward inclination angle from the front end 17 to the rear end 19. This adjustment can be achieved in a manner substantially similar to the leveling function of a portable bed, except that instead of height relative to gravity, the support frame 12 is adjusted to a downward inclination angle relative to gravity. Furthermore, while the downward inclination angle is automatically maintained while the ECMO function is operating, the lower button 56(-) and the raise button 60(+) can be used to adjust the support frame 12 to an average height. When the ECMO function is stopped, the normal operation of the roll-in portable bed 10 can be restored.

[0093] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein can be used to transport patients of various dimensions by connecting a support surface, such as a patient support surface, to a support frame. For example, a lift-off stretcher or incubator can be detachably connected to a support frame. Thus, the embodiments described herein can be used to load and transport patients ranging from infants to obese patients. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein can be loaded into and / or unloaded from an ambulance by an operator operating simple controls to independently actuate the articulated legs (for example, pressing a lower button (-) to load the bed into the ambulance or pressing an upper button (+) to unload the bed from the ambulance). Specifically, a roll-in bed can receive input signals, such as from operator controls. The input signals may indicate a first direction or a second direction (lowering or raising). When the signal indicates the first direction, a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs can be lowered independently, or when the signal indicates the second direction, they can be raised independently.

[0094] It should be noted further that terms such as “preferably,” “generally,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not used herein to limit the scope of the claimed embodiments or to imply that certain features are important or essential, or that the structure or function of the claimed embodiments is more important. Rather, these terms are simply intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be available in the particular embodiments of this disclosure.

[0095] For the purposes of the descriptions and definitions in this disclosure, the term “substantially” is used in the present invention to represent the degree of inherent uncertainty that may arise from any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other expression. The term “substantially” is also used herein to represent the degree to which quantitative expressions may vary from the references described without causing a change in the fundamental function of the subject matter in dispute.

[0096] Referring to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the Disclosure as defined in the appended claims. More specifically, while some aspects of the Disclosure are considered preferred or particularly advantageous in the present invention, the Disclosure is not necessarily limited to preferred aspects of any particular embodiment.

Claims

Claim 1 A method of operating a powered ambulance stretcher for loading a patient onto an emergency vehicle having a loading surface, the method comprising: supporting the patient on a powered ambulance stretcher, the stretcher comprising: a support frame for supporting the patient, and a pair of front load wheels; a pair of front legs, each having a front wheel and an intermediate load wheel; a pair of rear legs, each having a rear wheel; a stretcher actuation system having a front actuator for moving the pair of front legs together and interconnecting the support frame and the pair of front legs, and a rear actuator for moving the pair of rear legs together and interconnecting the support frame and the pair of rear legs; and a stretcher control system operably connected to the stretcher actuation system for controlling independent raising and lowering of the pair of front legs and the pair of rear legs, the stretcher control system detecting the presence of a signal requesting a change in height of the support frame and causing, via the stretcher actuation system, movement of the support frame relative to either or both of the pair of front wheels and rear wheels by raising and lowering the pair of front legs and / or the pair of rear legs, the stretcher control system having operator control; the method comprising: detecting the presence of a signal requesting that the support frame be raised, and raising, via the stretcher control system operating the stretcher actuation system, the support frame of the powered ambulance stretcher to a height at which the front load wheels are disposed above the loading surface of the emergency vehicle; rolling the powered ambulance stretcher toward the emergency vehicle until the front load wheels are above the loading surface; detecting the presence of a signal requesting that the support frame be lowered, and lowering, via the stretcher control system operating the stretcher actuation system, the support frame until the front load wheels contact the loading surface; detecting the presence of a signal requesting that the front legs be raised and that the front load wheels are in contact with the loading surface, and raising, via the stretcher control system operating the stretcher actuation system, the pair of front legs relative to the support frame until the front wheels of each of the front legs are at or above the loading surface; Roll the simple bed of the electric ambulance further on the loading surface until the intermediate load wheels of each of the front legs rest on the loading surface. Detect the presence of a signal requesting that the rear legs be lifted, and via the simple bed control system that operates the simple bed operating system, lift the pair of rear legs with respect to the support frame until the rear wheels are on or above the loading surface. Include rolling the simple bed of the electric ambulance further on the loading surface until the rear wheels of each of the rear legs rest on the loading surface. When the simple bed control system receives at least one user input for operations of (a) lifting the support frame, (b) lowering the support frame, (c) lifting the pair of front legs with respect to the support frame, and (d) lifting the pair of rear legs with respect to the support frame via the operator control, the simple bed control system transmits a control signal from the operator control to one or more processors to operate one or more of the front operating device and the rear operating device, thereby prioritizing at least one of these operations over other operations. When detecting the presence of a signal requesting that the support frame be lifted, and via the simple bed control system that operates the simple bed operating system, lifting the support frame of the simple bed of the electric ambulance to a height at which the front load wheels are disposed above the loading surface of the emergency vehicle, the front operating device and the rear operating device are simultaneously operated to maintain the horizontal of the simple bed against gravity. The height is predetermined, and once the predetermined height is reached, the front operating device is further operated by the simple bed control system to lift the front end portion of the simple bed. The method includes that the simple bed control system is operably connected to a braking mechanism associated with each of the front and rear wheels, and when operated, the braking mechanism prevents each wheel from rolling, and is operably connected to an operator control that provides a signal during operation, and in response to the signal, adjusts the height of the support frame of the simple bed to a height corresponding to a substantial level for performing CPR to an intermediate transport position, and operates the braking mechanism associated with each of the front and rear wheels. **Claim 2** The method according to claim 1, wherein in addition to detecting the presence of the signal requesting that the front legs be lifted, when the front load wheels contacting the loading surface are detected, the simple bed operating system is actuated to lift the pair of front legs with respect to the support frame.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein in addition to detecting the presence of the signal requesting that the rear legs be lifted, when the intermediate load wheels contacting the loading surface are detected, the simple bed operating system is actuated to lift the pair of rear legs with respect to the support frame.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein in addition to detecting the presence of the signal requesting that the front legs be lifted, when the front load wheels contacting the loading surface are detected, the simple bed operating system is actuated to extend the pair of rear legs with respect to the support frame.

5. A method of operating a simple bed of an ambulance powered by electricity to carry a patient out of an emergency vehicle having a loading surface, supporting the patient on the simple bed of the electric ambulance, the simple bed comprising a pair of front load wheels, a support frame for supporting the patient, a pair of front legs each having a front wheel and an intermediate load wheel, a pair of rear legs each having a rear wheel, a simple bed operating system that moves the pair of front legs together, a front actuator that interconnects the support frame and the pair of front legs, and moves the pair of rear legs together, and a rear actuator that interconnects the support frame and the pair of rear legs, a simple bed control system operably connected to the simple bed operating system to control the independent lifting of the pair of front legs and the pair of rear legs, the simple bed control system detecting the presence of a signal requesting a change in the height of the support frame, and moving the support frame with respect to the pair of front wheels and rear wheels, either or both, through the lifting of the pair of front legs and / or the pair of rear legs by the simple bed operating system, and a simple bed control system having operator control, The method comprises rolling the simple bed of the electric ambulance on the loading surface until only the rear wheels of the respective rear legs are separated from the loading surface, Detecting that there is a signal requesting that the hind legs be extended, and that the rear wheels of each of the hind legs are separated from the loading surface, and lowering the pair of hind legs with respect to the support frame via the simple bed control system that operates the simple bed operating system until the rear wheels support the simple bed below the loading surface, Rolling the simple bed of the electric ambulance further away from the loading surface until both the front wheels and the intermediate load wheels of each of the front legs are separated from the loading surface, but the front load wheels still remain in contact with the loading surface, Detecting the presence of a signal requesting that the front legs be extended, and lowering the pair of front legs with respect to the support frame via the simple bed control system that operates the simple bed operating system until the front wheels of each of the front legs support the support frame below the loading surface, Including rolling and lowering the simple bed of the electric ambulance from the emergency vehicle, When the simple bed control system receives at least one user input of the operations of (a) lifting the support frame, (b) lowering the support frame, (c) lifting the pair of front legs with respect to the support frame, and (d) lifting the pair of hind legs with respect to the support frame through the operator control, the simple bed control system transmits a control signal from the operator control to one or more processors to operate one or more of the front operating device and the rear operating device, so as to prioritize at least one of these operations over other operations, The simple bed control system, when activated, is operably connected to a membrane oxygenator (ECMO) operator control that provides a signal indicating the operation of the ECMO function, which holds the front end of the simple bed at a position higher than the rear end of the simple bed during the operation of the simple bed. The method includes activating the ECMO operator control to retract or extend the hind legs and retract or extend the front legs of the control system to hold the front end of the simple bed at a position higher than the rear end of the simple bed. Claim 6 The simple bed control system is operably connected to a line indicator, and the method includes the simple bed control system projecting a line via the line indicator when it detects that the intermediate load wheels of each of the front legs are in contact with the loading surface and the rear wheels are off the loading surface. The method according to claim 5.

7. The simple bed control system is operably connected to a braking mechanism associated with each of the front and rear wheels, and when actuated, the braking mechanism prevents each wheel from rolling and is operably connected to an operator control that provides a signal when actuated. In response to the signal, the height of the support frame of the simple bed is adjusted to an intermediate transport position corresponding to a substantially level height for performing CPR, and the braking mechanism associated with each of the front and rear wheels is actuated. The method according to claim 5 or claim 6.

8. The simple bed control system is operably connected to a membrane oxygenator (ECMO) operator control that provides a signal indicating the operation of the ECMO function, which holds the front end of the simple bed at a position higher than the rear end of the simple bed during operation of the simple bed when actuated. The method includes actuating the ECMO operator control to retract or extend the rear legs and retract or extend the front legs of the control system to hold the front end of the simple bed at a position higher than the rear end of the simple bed. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The simple bed control system is operably connected to a display, and the method includes visually displaying the current positions of the front and rear legs and color-coding to indicate actuated legs in a first color and unactuated legs in a second color. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images