Patent Grant
10045894
The present disclosure is generally related to cots, and is specifically directed to self-actuating cots having hydraulic actuators.
There are a variety of emergency cots in use today. Such emergency cots may be designed to transport and load bariatric patients into an ambulance.
For example, the PROFlexX® cot, by Ferno-Washington, Inc. of Wilmington, Ohio U.S.A., is a manually actuated cot that may provide stability and support for loads of about 700 pounds (about 317.5 kg). The PROFlexX® cot includes a patient support portion that is attached to a wheeled undercarriage. The wheeled under carriage includes an X-frame geometry that can be transitioned between nine selectable positions. One recognized advantage of such a cot design is that the X-frame provides minimal flex and a low center of gravity at all of the selectable positions. Another recognized advantage of such a cot design is that the selectable positions may provide better leverage for manually lifting and loading bariatric patients.
Another example of a cot designed for bariatric patients, is the POWERFlexx+ Powered Cot, by Ferno-Washington, Inc. The POWERFlexx+ Powered Cot includes a battery powered actuator that may provide sufficient power to lift loads of about 700 pounds (about 317.5 kg). One recognized advantage of such a cot design is that the cot may lift a bariatric patient up from a low position to a higher position, i.e., an operator may have reduced situations that require lifting the patient.
A further variety is a multipurpose roll-in emergency cot having a patient support stretcher that is removably attached to a wheeled undercarriage or transporter. The patient support stretcher when removed for separate use from the transporter may be shuttled around horizontally upon an included set of wheels. One recognized advantage of such a cot design is that the stretcher may be separately rolled into an emergency vehicle such as station wagons, vans, modular ambulances, aircrafts, or helicopters, where space and reducing weight is a premium.
Another advantage of such a cot design is that the separated stretcher may be more easily carried over uneven terrain and out of locations where it is impractical to use a complete cot to transfer a patient. Example of such cots can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,037,871, 4,921,295, and International Publication No. WO2001/070161.
Although the foregoing multipurpose roll-in emergency cots have been generally adequate for their intended purposes, they have not been satisfactory in all aspects. For example, the foregoing emergency cots are loaded into ambulances according to loading processes that require at least one operator to support the load of the cot for a portion of the respective loading process.
The embodiments described herein are directed to hydraulic actuators for versatile multipurpose roll-in emergency cots which may provide improved management of the cot weight, improved balance, and/or easier loading at any cot height, while being rollable into various types of rescue vehicles, such as ambulances, vans, station wagons, aircrafts and helicopters.
In one embodiment, a self-actuating cot can include a support frame, a pair of legs, and a hydraulic actuator. The support frame can extend from a front end to a back end. The pair of legs can be in movable engagement with the support frame. The hydraulic actuator can be in movable engagement with the pair of legs and the support frame. The hydraulic actuator can and extend and retract the pair of legs with respect to the support frame. The hydraulic actuator can include a cylinder housing, a rod, and a sliding guide member. The cylinder housing can define a hydraulic cylinder aligned with a motive direction of the rod. The sliding guide member can be in sliding engagement with the cylinder housing and can be in rigid engagement with the rod. The sliding guide member can slide along a sliding direction with respect to the cylinder housing as the rod extends and retracts from the cylinder housing along the motive direction.
In another embodiment, a self-actuating cot can include a leg, a support frame, and an actuator. The leg can be in slidable and rotatable engagement with the support frame at a first link location. The actuator can be in fixed and rotatable engagement with the leg at a second link location. The actuator can be in rotatable engagement with the support frame at a third link location. The actuator can be configured to extend and retract. When the actuator extends or retracts, the first link location can travel along a linear path, and the second link location can travel along a curved path.
In another embodiment, a self-actuating cot can include a support frame, a pair of legs, and a hydraulic actuator. The support frame can extend from a front end to a back end. The pair of legs is can be in movable engagement with the support frame. The hydraulic actuator can be in movable engagement with the pair of legs and the support frame, and extends and retracts the pair of legs with respect to the support frame. The hydraulic actuator can include a hydraulic cylinder in fluidic communication with an extending fluid path and a retracting fluid path, a piston confined within the hydraulic cylinder and a regeneration fluid path in fluidic communication with the extending fluid path and the retracting fluid path. The piston can travel in an extending direction when hydraulic fluid is supplied with greater pressure at the extending fluid path than the retracting fluid path. The piston can travel in a retracting direction when the hydraulic fluid is supplied with greater pressure at the retracting fluid path than the extending fluid path. The regeneration fluid path can be configured to selectively allow the hydraulic fluid to flow directly from the retracting fluid path to the extending fluid path.
In another embodiment, a self-actuating cot can include a support frame, a pair of front legs, a pair of back legs, and a cot actuation system. The support frame can include a front end and a back end. The pair of front legs can be slidingly coupled to the support frame. The pair of back legs can be slidingly coupled to the support frame. The cot actuation system can include a front actuator that moves the front legs and a back actuator that moves the back legs. The cot actuation system can be configured to automatically actuate to a seated loading position such that the support frame forms a seated loading angle between the support frame and a substantially level surface. The seated loading angle can be acute.
In another embodiment, a self-actuating cot can include a support frame, a pair of front legs, a pair of back legs, and a cot actuation system. The support frame can include a front end and a back end. The pair of front legs can be slidingly coupled to the support frame. The pair of back legs can be slidingly coupled to the support frame. The cot actuation system can include a front actuator that moves the front legs and a back actuator that moves the back legs and a centralized hydraulic circuit configured to direct hydraulic fluid to the front actuator and the back actuator
In another embodiment, a leg actuation system for a patient transport cot includes a telescoping hydraulic cylinder having a piston and a cylinder housing, the telescoping hydraulic cylinder having an extending fluid path and a retracting fluid path. The leg actuation system also includes a hydraulic pressure source in fluid communication with the cylinder housing and providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the telescoping hydraulic cylinder and a carriage coupled to the telescoping hydraulic cylinder, an amplification rail, and a transmission assembly coupled to the amplification rail, the transmission assembly applying forces to the amplification to translate the amplification rail away from the carriage a distance that is generally proportional to an extension distance of the piston relative to the cylinder housing.
In another embodiment, a leg actuation system for a patient transport cot includes a telescoping hydraulic cylinder having a piston and a cylinder housing, a hydraulic pressure source in fluid communication with the cylinder housing and providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the cylinder housing, and a carriage coupled to the telescoping hydraulic cylinder. The carriage includes a pair of pinions, a continuous force transmission member rotationally coupled to the pair of pinions and coupled to the cylinder housing of the telescoping hydraulic cylinder, and an amplification rail coupled to the continuous force transmission member. The amplification rail translates from the carriage a distance that is generally proportional to an extension distance of the piston relative to the cylinder housing.
In another embodiment, a patient transport cot includes a support frame comprising a front end and a back end, a pair of front legs pivotally coupled to the support frame, where each front leg comprises at least one front wheel, a pair of back legs pivotally coupled to the support frame, where each back leg comprises at least one back wheel, and a leg actuation system. The leg actuation system includes a telescoping hydraulic cylinder having a piston and a cylinder housing, a hydraulic pressure source in fluid communication with the cylinder housing, and a carriage coupled to the telescoping hydraulic cylinder, the carriage comprising an amplification rail and a transmission assembly coupled to the amplification rail, the transmission assembly applying forces to the amplification to translate the amplification rail away from the carriage a distance that is generally proportional to an extension distance of the piston relative to the cylinder housing.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the hydraulic actuator can include a transverse support platen coupled to the rod and the sliding guide member. Alternatively or additionally, any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein can include a second sliding guide member that is in sliding engagement with the cylinder housing and is coupled to the transverse support platen. The rod can be coupled to the transverse support platen between the rod and the second sliding guide member. Alternatively or additionally, the transverse support platen of the hydraulic actuator can be in movable engagement with the pair of legs. Alternatively or additionally, the transverse support platen of the hydraulic actuator can be in movable engagement with the support frame.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the sliding guide member can include a rod side that faces the rod and an outer side that is opposite the rod side. The rod side can be substantially straight and the outer side can include an arcuate portion.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the hydraulic actuator can include a second rod and a second sliding guide member. The second sliding guide member can be in sliding engagement with the cylinder housing, and in rigid engagement with the second rod. Alternatively or additionally, the hydraulic actuator can be configured to operate in a self-balancing manner that allows the rod and the second rod to extend and retract at different rates. Alternatively or additionally, the sliding guide member can travel along an upper course and the second sliding guide member travels along a lower course. Alternatively or additionally, the upper course and the lower course can be offset. Alternatively or additionally, the upper course and the lower course can be substantially parallel. Alternatively or additionally, the rod can be substantially aligned with the lower course and the second rod can be substantially aligned with the upper course.
Any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein can include a hinge member. The hinge member can be in rotatable engagement with the support frame at a fourth link location. The hinge member can be in rotatable engagement with the leg at a fifth link location. When the actuator extends or retracts, the fifth link location can travel along a second curved path. Alternatively or additionally, the hinge member can maintain a substantially fixed length. Alternatively or additionally, the hinge member can be in fixed and rotatable engagement at the fourth link location and the fifth link location.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the leg can include a cross member and the second link location can be formed at the cross member.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the regeneration fluid path can be configured to prevent the hydraulic fluid from flowing from the retracting fluid path to the extending fluid path.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the regeneration fluid path can selectively allow the hydraulic fluid to flow directly from the retracting fluid path to the extending fluid path, when the piston travels in the extending direction.
Any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein can include a patient support member coupled to the support frame and operable to articulate with respect to the support frame. The patient support member can include a foot supporting portion that can rotate away from the support frame and can define a foot offset angle with respect to the support frame. Alternatively or additionally, the foot offset angle can be limited to a maximum angle that is acute. Alternatively or additionally, the seated loading angle can be about equal to the foot offset angle. Alternatively or additionally, the patient support member can include a head supporting portion that can rotate away from the support frame and can define a head offset angle with respect to the support frame.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the amplification rail can be a substantially cylindrically shaped body and comprises a threaded portion.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the transmission assembly can include a translating support member that can translate with respect to the cylinder housing, static support members that can be static with respect to the cylinder housing, and force transmission members that can be in rotatable engagement with the translating support member and are in threaded engagement with the static support members.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, each of the force transmission members can be a tubular body having an interior and an exterior. The interior can include an internally threaded portion and the exterior can include an externally threaded portion.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the amplification rail can be in threaded engagement with one of the force transmission members.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, rotation of the force transmission members can be synchronized.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the transmission assembly can include a pair of pinions and a force transmission member rotationally coupled to the pair of pinions and coupled to the cylinder housing of the telescoping hydraulic cylinder. Alternatively or additionally, a distance between the pair of pinions can be maintained at a fixed distance throughout operation of the leg actuation system.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the transmission assembly can include a plurality of pinions.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the amplification rail can translate from the cylinder housing a distance that is generally equivalent to the extension distance of the piston relative to the cylinder housing.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the carriage can include a linear bearing that supports the amplification rail thereby allowing the amplification rail to translate away from the carriage.
Any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein can include a force-direction switch that indicates the direction of force applied to the leg actuation system.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the telescoping hydraulic cylinder can include an extending fluid path and a retracting fluid path.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the force transmission member can be a chain.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the force transmission member can be a belt.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the amplification rail can translate from the cylinder housing a distance that is generally equivalent to the extension distance of the piston relative to the cylinder housing.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the carriage can include a linear bearing that supports the amplification rail thereby allowing the amplification rail to translate away from the cylinder housing.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, a distance between the pair of pinions can be maintained at a fixed distance throughout operation of the leg actuation system.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the transmission assembly can include a pair of pinions and a force transmission member rotationally coupled to the pair of pinions and coupled to the cylinder housing of the telescoping hydraulic cylinder. Alternatively or additionally, a distance between the pair of pinions can be maintained at a fixed distance throughout operation of the leg actuation system.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the front actuator and the back actuator can be supplied with the hydraulic fluid from a single fluid reservoir.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the cot actuation system can include a single pump motor configured to actuate both the front actuator and the back actuator with the hydraulic fluid.
According to any of the self-actuating cots, patient transport cots, or leg actuation systems described herein, the cot actuation system can include a flow control valve or an electronic switching valve in fluidic communication with the front actuator and the back actuator.
These and additional features provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.
The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present disclosures can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to be limiting of the embodiments described herein. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and embodiments will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring collectively to
Referring again to
In specific embodiments, the front legs 20 and the back legs 40 may each be coupled to the lateral side members 15. As shown in
In one embodiment, the front wheels 26 and back wheels 46 may be swivel caster wheels or swivel locked wheels. As the self-actuating cot 10 is raised and/or lowered, the front wheels 26 and back wheels 46 may be synchronized to ensure that the plane of the lateral side members 15 of the self-actuating cot 10 and the plane of the wheels 26, 46 are substantially parallel.
Referring again to
Referring to
The front actuator 16 and the back actuator 18 are operable to actuate the front legs 20 and back legs 40, simultaneously or independently. As shown in
In one embodiment, schematically depicted in
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the back hinge member 44 can maintain a substantially fixed length, i.e., the span between link location 90 and link location 92. As is noted above, the back leg 40 can be actuated by extending or retracting the back actuator 18. Specifically, as the back actuator 18 extends, i.e., increases the span between link location 86 and link location 88, the back leg 40 extends away from the support frame 12. Conversely, as the back actuator 18 retracts, i.e., decreases the span between link location 86 and link location 88, the back leg 40 retracts towards the support frame 12. During such extension and retraction, the back actuator 18 is free to rotate around each of the link location 86 and the link location 88. The back hinge member 44 is free to rotate around each of the link location 90 and the link location 92. The back leg 40 is free to rotate around each of the link location 84, the link location 86, and the link location 90.
Accordingly, when constrained by the leg linkage 82, the back actuator 18 causes the link location 86 to travel along a curved path 94 as the back actuator 18 rotates with respect to link location 88. Contemporaneously, the back actuator 18 causes the link location 90 to travel along curved path 96 as the back hinge member 44 rotates around the link location 92. Contemporaneously, with the motion of the back actuator 18, the back actuator 18 causes the link location 84 to travel along linear path 98 as the back leg 40 rotates around the link location 84. Accordingly, because the back leg 40 comprises at least a portion of the link location 84, the link location 86, and the link location 90, the back leg 40 can be retracted and collapsed towards the support frame 12 by retraction of the back actuator 18.
Referring collectively to
The hydraulic actuator 120 can comprise one or more sliding guide members configured to provide transverse support to each rod. Accordingly, the sliding guide members described herein can be formed from rigid material. In the depicted embodiment, the hydraulic actuator 120 comprises an upper sliding guide member 124, an upper sliding guide member 126, a lower sliding guide member 128, and a lower sliding guide member 130. In some embodiments, the hydraulic actuator 120 can comprise one or more covers 148 for protecting the motive portions of the hydraulic actuator 120 from dirt and debris infiltration. It is noted that, while the embodiments depicted in
Referring collectively to
The upper sliding guide member 124 can comprise an interface surface 172 and an outer surface 174 with a thickness of the upper sliding guide member 124 formed there between. In some embodiments, the interface surface 172 can be substantially flat to provide a flat surface for facing an opposing sliding guide member. Alternatively or additionally, the outer surface 174 can have a relief formed therein such that a portion of the thickness of the upper sliding guide member 124 is removed for weight reduction. In further embodiments, a protruding member 170 can be formed in the platen end 154 of the upper sliding guide member 124 to accommodate mating with additional components. Specifically, the protruding member 170 can be a tenon-like object extending from a shoulder portion of the platen end 154. It is noted that while the sliding guide members 124, 126, 128, and 130 are depicted in
Referring again to
Specifically, the rod side 158 of each of the upper sliding guide member 124 and the upper sliding guide member 126 can be coupled to a course defining member 136. The course defining member 136 can be any object configured to cooperate with a bearing to constrain sliding motion such as, for example, a rail or the like. Linear bearings 138 can be coupled to the cylinder housing 122. The linear bearing 138 can interact with the course defining member 136 to constrain the motion of the upper sliding guide member 124 and the upper sliding guide member 126 to the upper course 140 (
Alternatively or additionally, the hydraulic actuator 120 can comprise the lower sliding guide member 128 and the lower sliding guide member 130. Each of the lower sliding guide member 128 and the lower sliding guide member 130 can be in sliding engagement with cylinder housing 122. In some embodiments, the lower sliding guide member 128 and the lower sliding guide member 130 can be configured to move in concert with the lower rod 265. Accordingly, the lower sliding guide member 128 and the lower sliding guide member 130 can be configured to provide transverse support to the lower rod 265 throughout an extending stroke, a returning stroke, or both of the lower rod 265.
Specifically, the piston end 152 of each of the lower sliding guide member 128 and the lower sliding guide member 130 can be coupled to a linear bearing 138. Course defining members 136 can be coupled to the cylinder housing 122. The linear bearings 138 of the lower sliding guide member 128 and the lower sliding guide member 130 can interact with the course defining members 136 to constrain the motion of the lower sliding guide member 128 and the lower sliding guide member 130 to the lower course 142 (
According to the embodiments described herein, the upper sliding guide member 124 and the upper sliding guide member 126 can travel along the upper course 140. The lower sliding guide member 128 and the lower sliding guide member 130 can travel along the lower course 142. In some embodiments, the upper course 140 and the lower course 142 can be offset. In further embodiments, the upper course 140 and the lower course 142 can be substantially parallel. In still further embodiments, the upper rod 165 can be substantially aligned with the lower course 142 and the lower rod 265 can be substantially aligned with the upper course 140. Accordingly, the upper rod 165 can be offset or substantially parallel with the upper course 140 and the lower rod 265 can be offset or substantially parallel with the lower course 142.
As is noted above, the upper sliding guide member 124 and the upper sliding guide member 126 can be configured to provide transverse support to the upper rod 165. In some embodiments, the hydraulic actuator 120 can comprise an upper transverse support platen 132 for adding additional rigidity with respect to transverse loading of the upper rod 165. Specifically, the upper transverse support platen 132 can be coupled to the platen end 154 of each of the upper sliding guide member 124 and the upper sliding guide member 126 and span the transverse distance there between. Additionally, the upper transverse support platen 132 can be coupled to the upper rod 165. For example, the upper rod 165 can be coupled to the upper transverse support platen 132 between the upper sliding guide member 124 and the upper sliding guide member 126 with respect to the transverse direction of the hydraulic actuator 120.
Similarly, in some embodiments, the hydraulic actuator 120 can comprise a lower transverse support platen 134 for adding additional rigidity with respect to transverse loading of the lower rod 265. For example, the lower transverse support platen 134 can be coupled to the platen end 154 of each of the lower sliding guide member 128 and the lower sliding guide member 130 and span the transverse distance there between. Additionally, the lower transverse support platen 134 can be coupled to the lower rod 265. As with the example above, the lower rod 265 can be coupled to the lower transverse support platen 134 between the lower sliding guide member 128 and the lower sliding guide member 130 with respect to the transverse direction of the hydraulic actuator 120.
Referring collectively to
Referring collectively to
In some embodiments, each of the transverse support platens 132, 134 can be formed into a shape that complements the protruding member 170 of the respective sliding guide member. In some embodiments, the protruding member 170 can form a joint with the one of the transverse support platens 132, 134 that is configured to resist transverse motion that separates respective sliding guide members from one another. Specifically, the protruding member 170 of each of the upper sliding guide member 124 and the upper sliding guide member 126 can be received within the upper transverse support platen 132 to form the joint. The joint can be resistant to transverse forces tending to separate the respective platen ends 154 of the upper sliding guide member 124 and the upper sliding guide member 126 apart. Such a joint can also be formed between the protruding member 170 of each of the lower sliding guide member 128 and the lower sliding guide member 130 and the lower transverse support platen 134.
The respective connections between the sliding guide members 124, 126, 128, 130 and the transverse support platens 132, 134 can be strengthened with wedge blocks 144. Specifically, each wedge block 144 can be substantially wedge shaped or shaped substantially like a right triangle. The wedge block 144 can have relatively large contact surfaces that are united by a sloping surface. The interface surface 172 of each of the sliding guide members 124, 126, 128, 130 can be coupled to one of the wedge blocks 144. The wedge blocks 144 can also be coupled to the transverse support platens 132, 134. Accordingly, the hydraulic actuator 120 can be substantially rigid and resist twisting or transverse motion during actuation. Additionally, it is noted that the sloping surface of the wedge blocks 144 can provide additional clearance for actuation of the hydraulic actuator 120.
Referring still to
The cylinder housing 122, the hydraulic circuit housing 150, the pump motor 160, and the fluid reservoir 162 can be assembled as a single unit. In some embodiments, the cylinder housing 122 can be coupled to the hydraulic circuit housing 150. The pump motor 160 and the fluid reservoir 162 can be coupled to the hydraulic circuit housing 150. When assembled as a single unit, the components of the hydraulic actuator 120 that move hydraulic fluid can be placed adjacent to one another.
Referring now to
Similarly, a lower piston 264 can be confined within the lower cylinder 268 and can be configured to travel throughout the lower piston 264 when acted upon by hydraulic fluid. The lower rod 265 can be coupled to the lower piston 264 and move with the lower piston 264. The lower cylinder 268 can be in fluidic communication with a rod extending fluid path 314 and a rod retracting fluid path 324 on opposing sides of the lower piston 264. Accordingly, when the hydraulic fluid is supplied with greater pressure via the rod extending fluid path 314 than the rod retracting fluid path 324, the lower piston 264 can extend and can urge fluid out of the lower piston 264 via the rod retracting fluid path 324. When the hydraulic fluid is supplied with greater pressure via the rod retracting fluid path 324 than the rod extending fluid path 314, the lower piston 264 can retract and can urge fluid out of the lower piston 264 via the rod extending fluid path 314.
In some embodiments, the hydraulic actuator 120 actuates the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 in a self-balancing manner to allow the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 to extend and retract at different rates. It has been discovered by the applicants that the hydraulic actuator 120 can extend and retract with greater reliability and speed when the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 self-balance. Without being bound to theory, it is believed that the differential rate of actuation of the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 allows the hydraulic actuator 120 to respond dynamically to a variety of loading conditions. For example, the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314 can be in direct fluid communication with one another without any pressure regulating device disposed there between. Similarly, the rod retracting fluid path 322 and the rod retracting fluid path 324 can be in direct fluid communication with one another without any pressure regulating device disposed there between. Accordingly, when hydraulic fluid is urged through the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314, contemporaneously, the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 can extend differentially depending upon difference in the resistive forces acting upon each of the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 such as, for example, applied load, displaced volume, linkage motion, or the like. Similarly, when hydraulic fluid is urged through the rod retracting fluid path 322 and the rod retracting fluid path 324, contemporaneously, the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 can retract differentially depending upon the difference in resistive forces acting upon each the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265.
Referring still to
Referring to
The pump extend fluid path 326 can comprise a check valve 332 that is configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the extending fluid path 310 to the pump motor 160 and allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the pump motor 160 to the extending fluid path 310. Accordingly, the pump motor 160 can urge hydraulic fluid through the extending path into the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314. Hydraulic fluid can flow along the extending route 360 into the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268. Hydraulic fluid flowing into the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268 can cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the rod retracting fluid path 322 and the rod retracting fluid path 324 as the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 extend. Hydraulic fluid can then flow along the extending route 360 into the retracting fluid path 320.
The hydraulic circuit 300 can further comprise an extending return fluid path 306 in fluidic communication with each of the retracting fluid path 320 and the fluid reservoir 162. In some embodiments, the extending return fluid path 306 can comprise a counterbalance valve 334 configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir 162 to the retracting fluid path 320, and prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the retracting fluid path 320 to the fluid reservoir 162, unless an appropriate pressure is received via a pilot line 328. The pilot line 328 can be in fluidic communication with both the pump extend fluid path 326 and the counterbalance valve 334. Accordingly, when the pump motor 160 pumps hydraulic fluid through pump extend fluid path 326, the pilot line 328 can cause the counterbalance valve 334 to modulate and allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the retracting fluid path 320 to the fluid reservoir 162.
Optionally, the extending return fluid path 306 can comprise a check valve 346 that is configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the fluid reservoir 162 to the retracting fluid path 320 and allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the extending return fluid path 306 to the fluid reservoir 162. Accordingly, the pump motor 160 can urge hydraulic fluid through the retracting fluid path 320 to the fluid reservoir 162. In some embodiments, a relatively large amount of pressure can be required to open the check valve 332 compared to the relatively low amount of pressure required to open the check valve 346. In further embodiments, the relatively large amount of pressure required to open the check valve 332 can be more than about double the relatively low amount of pressure required to open the check valve 346 such as, for example, about 3 times the pressure or more in another embodiment, or about 5 times the pressure or more in yet another embodiment.
In some embodiments, the hydraulic circuit 300 can further comprise a regeneration fluid path 350 that is configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow directly from the retracting fluid path 320 to the extending fluid path 310. Accordingly, the regeneration fluid path 350 can allow hydraulic fluid supplied from the rod retracting fluid path 322 and the rod retracting fluid path 324 to flow along a regeneration route 362 towards the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314. In further embodiments, the regeneration fluid path 350 can comprise a logical valve 352 that is configured to selectively allow hydraulic fluid to travel along the regeneration route 362. The logical valve 352 can be communicatively coupled to a processor or sensor and configured to open when the self-actuating cot is in a predetermined state. For example, when the hydraulic actuator 120 is associated with a leg that is detected as being in a second position, which, as described herein, can indicate an unloaded state, the logical valve 352 can be opened. It can be desirable to open the logical valve 352 during the extension of the hydraulic actuator 120 to increase the speed of extension. The regeneration fluid path 350 can further comprise a check valve 354 that is configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the retracting fluid path 320 to the extending fluid path 310. In some embodiments, the amount of pressure required to open the check valve 332 is about the same as the amount of pressure required to open the check valve 354.
Referring to
Hydraulic fluid can flow along the retracting route 364 into the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268. Hydraulic fluid flowing into the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268 can cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314 as the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 retract. Hydraulic fluid can then flow along the retracting route 364 into the extending fluid path 310.
The hydraulic circuit 300 can further comprise a retracting return fluid path 308 in fluidic communication with each of the extending fluid path 310 and the fluid reservoir 162. In some embodiments, the retracting return fluid path 308 can comprise a counterbalance valve 336 configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir 162 to the extending fluid path 310, and prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the extending fluid path 310 to the fluid reservoir 162, unless an appropriate pressure is received via a pilot line 318. The pilot line 318 can be in fluidic communication with both the pump retract fluid path 316 and the counterbalance valve 336. Accordingly, when the pump motor 160 pumps hydraulic fluid through the pump retract fluid path 316, the pilot line 318 can cause the counterbalance valve 336 to modulate and allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the extending fluid path 310 to the fluid reservoir 162.
Referring collectively to
The manual retract return fluid path 372 can be configured to return hydraulic fluid from the upper cylinder and the lower cylinder 268 to the fluid reservoir 162, back to the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268, or both. In some embodiments, the manual retract return fluid path 372 can be in fluidic communication with the extending fluid path 310 and the extending return fluid path 306. The manual retract return fluid path 372 can comprise a manual valve 342 that can be actuated from a normally closed position to an open position and a flow regulator 344 configured to limit the amount of hydraulic fluid that can flow through the manual retract return fluid path 372, i.e., volume per unit time. Accordingly, the flow regulator 344 can be utilized to provide a controlled descent of the self-actuating cot 10. It is noted that, while the flow regulator 344 is depicted in
The manual extend return fluid path 374 can be configured to return hydraulic fluid from the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268 to the fluid reservoir 162, back to the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268, or both. In some embodiments, the manual extend return fluid path 374 can be in fluidic communication with the retracting fluid path 320, the manual retract return fluid path 372 and the extending return fluid path 306. The manual extend return fluid path 374 can comprise a manual valve 343 that can be actuated from a normally closed position to an open position.
In some embodiments, the hydraulic circuit 300 can also comprise a manual release component (e.g., a button, tension member, switch, linkage or lever) that actuates the manual valve 342 and manual valve 343 to allow the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 to extend and retract without the use of the pump motor 160. Referring to the embodiments of
Hydraulic fluid can also travel through the manual extend return fluid path 374 towards the extending return fluid path 306 and the manual retract return fluid path 372. Depending upon the rate of extension of the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265, or applied force, hydraulic fluid can flow through the extending return fluid path 306, beyond the check valve 346 and into the fluid reservoir 162. Hydraulic fluid can also flow through the manual retract return fluid path 372 towards the extending fluid path 310. Hydraulic fluid can also be supplied from the fluid reservoir 162 via the manual supply fluid path 370 to the extending fluid path 310, i.e., when the manual operation generates sufficient pressure for the hydraulic fluid to flow beyond check valve 348. Hydraulic fluid at the extending fluid path 310 can flow to the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314. The manual extension of the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 can cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268 from the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314.
Referring again to
Hydraulic fluid can also travel through the manual retract return fluid path 372 towards the flow regulator 344, which operates to limit the rate at which the hydraulic fluid can flow and the rate at which the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 can retract. Hydraulic fluid can then flow towards the manual extend return fluid path 374. The hydraulic fluid can then flow through the manual extend return fluid path 374 and into the retracting fluid path 320. Depending upon the rate of retraction of the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 and the permissible flow rate of the flow regulator 344, some hydraulic fluid may leak beyond the check valve 346 and into the fluid reservoir 162. In some embodiments, the rate of permissible flow rate of the flow regulator 344 and the opening pressure of the check valve 346 can be configured to substantially prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing beyond the check valve 346 during manual retraction. It has been discovered by the applicants that prohibiting flow beyond the check valve 346 can ensure that the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268 remain primed with reduced air infiltration during manual retraction.
Hydraulic fluid at the retracting fluid path 320 can flow to the rod retracting fluid path 322 and the rod retracting fluid path 324. The manual retraction of the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 can cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268 from the rod retracting fluid path 322 and the rod retracting fluid path 324. It is noted that, while the manual embodiments described with respect to
Referring collectively to
The leg actuation system 420 includes a carriage 430 that is coupled to one of the back leg 40 at link location 86 or is in fixed and rotatable engagement with the support frame 12, as schematically depicted in
The carriage 430 includes components that extend and retract upon translation of the piston 465 in the cylinder housing 122. Components of the carriage 430 increase the extension of the leg actuation system 420 beyond the stroke of the piston 465 in the cylinder housing 122. The carriage 430 includes a transmission assembly 440 that is coupled to the telescoping hydraulic cylinder 424 and amplification rails 436. The amplification rails 436 translate from the carriage 430 housing a distance that is proportional to the distance the piston 465 translates along the cylinder housing 122. As depicted in detail in
Each of the pinions 448A, 448B in the pair are supported by support structure that maintains the relative positioning between the pairs of pinions 448A, 448B, translates with respect to the cylinder housing 122, and induces translation of the amplification rails 436. In the embodiment depicted in
In the embodiment depicted in
The force transmission member 442 of the embodiment depicted in
In some embodiments, the carriage 430 may also include a force-direction switch 449 that provides an electrical signal indicative of the direction of force applied to the force transmission member 442. In one embodiment, one of the intermediate link 445 or the force application link 447 may be coupled to the surrounding structure (i.e., the cylinder housing 122 or the sidewall enclosures 452, respectively) in a shuffle configuration that allows the intermediate link 445 or the force application link 447 to translate within a limited range of motion. The intermediate link 445 or the force application link 447 moves in a pre-determined direction based on the direction of force applied to the legs 20, 40 of the cot 10, and therefore to the force transmission member 442. Translating through the range of motion, the intermediate link 445 or the force application link 447 may actuate a switch, which is electrically coupled to a control box 50, as discussed in greater detail below. The force-direction switch 449 may be used to determine the operating scheme in which the leg actuation system 420 operates.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring to
The components of the leg actuation system 420 may be commanded to extend or retract, thereby extending or retracting the legs 20, 40 of the cot 10 to which the leg actuation system 420 is coupled. Referring again to
Additionally, the force transmission member 442 is coupled to the cylinder housing 122 through attachment of the intermediate link 445. As the lower yoke 432 is translated away from the cylinder housing 122, the force transmission member 442 is unfurled around the pinions 448A, 448B. Because the force transmission member 442 is coupled to the cylinder housing 122, unfurling the force transmission member 442 around the pinions 448A, 448B tends translate the force application link 447 relative to the pinions 448A, 448B. Because the force application link 447 is coupled to one of the amplification rails 436, unfurling the force transmission member 442 around the pinions 448A, 448B tends to apply a force to the amplification rail 436. The force transmission member 442, therefore, simultaneously applies a force to the amplification rail 436 to extend the amplification rail 436 through the lower yoke 432 as the lower yoke 432 is extending from the cylinder housing 122. Because the amplification rails 436 extend through the lower yoke 432 simultaneously with the lower yoke 432 extending from the cylinder housing 122, the rate of extension of the leg actuation system 420, evaluated from the upper attachment mount 421B to the lower attachment mount 421A, is greater than and proportional to the rate of extension of the piston 465 from the cylinder housing 122.
As discussed above, as the piston 465 of the hydraulic cylinder 424 extends from the cylinder housing 122, the lower yoke 432 is drawn away from the cylinder housing 122. Because the upper yoke 434 and the lower yoke 432 are coupled to one another through the sidewall enclosures 452, the upper yoke 434 and the lower yoke 432 will tend to extend from the cylinder housing 122 at the same rate as the piston 465. Because the intermediate link 445 is coupled to the cylinder housing 122, the force transmission member 442 will tend to translate and unfurl around the pinion 448A that is coupled to the lower yoke 432. The translation and unfurling of the force transmission member 442 will also tend to simultaneously draw the force transmission member 442 around the pinion 448B that is coupled to the upper yoke 434.
Unfurling the force transmission member 442 around the pinions 448A, 448B of the lower yoke 432 and the upper yoke 434 while the force transmission member 442 is coupled to the cylinder housing 122 will tend to shift the relative positioning of the intermediate link 445 and the force application link 447. Because the force transmission member 442 is coupled to the cylinder housing 122 with the intermediate link 445 and to the amplification rail 436 with the force application link 447, unfurling the force transmission member 442 around the pinions 448A, 448B will tend to draw the force application link 447 in a direction from the pinion 448B coupled to the upper yoke 434 towards the pinion 448A coupled to the lower yoke 432. Drawing the force application link 447 in this direction will tend to apply a force to the amplification rail 436 in a direction that corresponds to extending the amplification rail 436 from the lower yoke 432. Because the amplification rail 436 is permitted to translate with respect to the lower yoke 432, unfurling the force transmission member 442 around the pinions 448A, 448B will therefore tend to translate the amplification rail 436 through the lower yoke 432.
In the embodiment depicted in
While specific mention has been made herein to the application of force that tends to extend the leg actuation system 420, it should be noted that the direction of forces applied to the components of the carriage 430 may be reversed, reversing the direction of translation of the leg actuation system 420. Additionally, while specific mention has been made herein to “upper” and “lower” components, it should be understood that the particular positional arrangement of the components may be modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The force transmission member 442 includes two portions having differing load capabilities. The compression portion 446 of the force transmission member 442 has an increased load-bearing capacity as compared to the tension portion 444 of the force transmission member 442. In the embodiment depicted in
Referring still to
The cylinder housing 122, the hydraulic circuit housing 150, the pump motor 160, and the fluid reservoir 162 may be assembled as a single unit. In some embodiments, the cylinder housing 122 may be coupled to the hydraulic circuit housing 150. The pump motor 160 and the fluid reservoir 162 may be coupled to the hydraulic circuit housing 150. When assembled as a single unit, the components of the leg actuation system 420 that move hydraulic fluid may be placed adjacent to one another so that the components may be placed in fluid communication with one another.
In some embodiments, the leg actuation system 420 may include a positioning encoder that evaluates the relative extension distance of the leg actuation system 420. Examples of such positioning encoders include string encoders, LVDTs, and the like. The positioning encoder may provide a signal to the control box 50 that is indicative of the extension position of the leg actuation system 420. Such a signal may be used to evaluate the position of the legs 20, 40 of the cot 10, and to verify that the leg actuation system 420 has performed the requested extension and/or retraction movement.
Referring collectively to
The carriage 530 includes components that extend and retract upon translation of the piston 465 in the cylinder housing 122. The carriage 530 can comprise a transmission assembly 540 that is coupled to the telescoping hydraulic cylinder 424, and amplification rails 536 that are configured to translate a distance that is proportional to the distance the piston 465 translates along the cylinder housing 122. The transmission assembly 540 can be configured to transform motion of the piston 465 into motion of the amplification rails 536.
In some embodiments, the transmission assembly 540 can receive substantially linear motion from the 465 and generate rotational motion, which can cause the amplification rails 536 to translate. The transmission assembly 540 can comprise force transmission members 544 that are configured to rotate contemporaneous to translation of the piston 465. In the embodiments depicted in
The transmission assembly 540 of the carriage 530 can comprise one or more components that are configured to cause rotation of the force transmission members 544. In some embodiments, the transmission assembly 540 can comprise a translating support member 542 configured to translate with respect to the cylinder housing 122 and static support members 550 that are configured to be static with respect to the cylinder housing 122. In operation, the translating support member 542 and the static support members 550 can cooperate to cause rotation of the force transmission members 544. In some embodiments, each of the static support members 550 can comprise a threaded portion 552 configured to form a threaded engagement with one of the force transmission members 544. For example, the threaded portion 552 of the static support member 550 can be formed internally and configured to engage with the externally threaded portion of the force transmission member 544.
Furthermore, the force transmission members 544 can be configured to rotate with respect to the translating support member 542. Specifically, the force transmission members 544 can be in rotatable engagement with the translating support member 542. Additionally, the translating support member 542 can be configured to move in concert with the piston 465 as the piston 465 extends and retracts relative to the cylinder housing 122. Specifically, the translating support member 542 can be coupled to the piston 465. Thus, according to the embodiments described herein, the force transmission member 544 can be disposed between the translating support member 542 and the static support member 550. When the force transmission member 544 is in rotatable engagement with the translating support member 542 and in threaded engagement with the static support member 550, translation of the translating support member 542 can cause rotation of the force transmission member 544. Moreover, the threaded engagement formed by the force transmission member 544 and the static support member 550 can be configured such that the force transmission member 544 extends (
Referring again to
The amplification rails 536 can be configured to resist rotation and move laterally in response to rotation of the force transmission members 544. In some embodiments, the amplification rails 536 can be coupled to the lower attachment mount 421A. Specifically, the lower attachment mount 421A can be a substantially rigid member that spans between the amplification rails 536. Thus, when the amplification rails 536 are held substantially fixed with respect to the lower attachment mount 421A, rotation of the force transmission member 544 can act upon the amplification rails 536 via the threaded engagement to generate lateral motion. In some embodiments, a thread pitch at the threaded engagement formed by the force transmission member 544 and the amplification rails 536 can be configured such that the movement of the amplification rails 526, the lower attachment mount 421A, or both can be proportional to extension and retraction of the piston 465. For example, the thread pitch can be set such that the extension or retraction of the piston 465 is about doubled by the amplification rails 536, i.e., movement of the piston 465 with respect to the cylinder housing 122 can be substantially equal to movement of the amplification rails 536 with respect to the translating support member 542. It is noted, that the thread pitch can be adjusted to generate any desired ratio of motion of the piston 465 and the amplification rails 536. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the range of motion of the leg actuation system 520, or sections thereof, can be determined by measuring one of the piston 465 or the amplification rails 536. Thus, the complexity and quantity of sensors can be reduced.
The transmission assembly 540 can comprise a timing mechanism 554 for synchronizing rotation of the force transmission members 544. The timing mechanism 554 can be any device suitable to maintain a substantially constant rate of rotation of the force transmission members 544 with respect to one another. Accordingly, the timing mechanism 554 can comprise gears (e.g., worm gears), belts, or the like. In some embodiments, the timing mechanism 554 can be coupled to or disposed within the translating support member 542. Accordingly, the timing mechanism 554 can improve the rigidity of the carriage 530. Specifically, when the rate of rotation of the force transmission members 544 are substantially equivalent, lateral movement of the piston 465, each force transmission member 544, and each amplification rail 536 can be substantially synchronized. Accordingly, during extension and retraction, the carriage 530 can distribute the load away from the being solely transferred along the telescoping hydraulic cylinder 424 such that the load applied to the leg actuation system 520 is distributed at positions across the width of the cot 10. Thus any tendency of the carriage 530 to twist when an uneven load is applied can be reduced, particularly when the support frame 12 is in an elevated position. The reduction in twisting can reduce the amount of drag or friction experienced by the carriage 530, which can result in greater durability, reduced current draw, and improved durability.
Referring collectively to
Referring now to
Referring still to
Referring to
The pump extend fluid path 326 may include a check valve 332 that is configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the extending fluid path 310 to the pump motor 160 and allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the pump motor 160 to the extending fluid path 310. Accordingly, the pump motor 160 may urge hydraulic fluid through the extending path into the piston extending fluid path 312. Hydraulic fluid may flow along the extending route 360 into the cylinder 168. Hydraulic fluid flowing into the cylinder 168 may cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the piston retracting fluid path 322 as the piston 465. Hydraulic fluid may then flow along the extending route 360 into the retracting fluid path 320.
The hydraulic circuit 300 may further include an extending return fluid path 306 in fluidic communication with each of the retracting fluid path 320 and the fluid reservoir 162. In some embodiments, the extending return fluid path 306 may include a counterbalance valve 334 configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir 162 to the retracting fluid path 320, and prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the retracting fluid path 320 to the fluid reservoir 162, unless an appropriate pressure is received via a pilot line 328. The pilot line 328 may be in fluidic communication with both the pump extend fluid path 326 and the counterbalance valve 334. Accordingly, when the pump motor 160 pumps hydraulic fluid through pump extend fluid path 326, the pilot line 328 may cause the counterbalance valve 334 to modulate and allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the retracting fluid path 320 to the fluid reservoir 162.
Optionally, the extending return fluid path 306 may include a check valve 346 that is configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the fluid reservoir 162 to the retracting fluid path 320 and allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the extending return fluid path 306 to the fluid reservoir 162. Accordingly, the pump motor 160 may urge hydraulic fluid through the retracting fluid path 320 to the fluid reservoir 162. In some embodiments, a relatively large amount of pressure may be required to open the check valve 332 compared to the relatively low amount of pressure required to open the check valve 346. In further embodiments, the relatively large amount of pressure required to open the check valve 332 may be more than about double the relatively low amount of pressure required to open the check valve 346 such as, for example, about 3 times the pressure or more in another embodiment, or about 5 times the pressure or more in yet another embodiment.
In some embodiments, the hydraulic circuit 300 may further include a regeneration fluid path 350 that is configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow directly from the retracting fluid path 320 to the extending fluid path 310. Accordingly, the regeneration fluid path 350 may allow hydraulic fluid supplied from the piston retracting fluid path 322 to flow along a regeneration route 362 towards the piston extending fluid path 312. In further embodiments, the regeneration fluid path 350 may include a logical valve 352 that is configured to selectively allow hydraulic fluid to travel along the regeneration route 362. The logical valve 352 may be communicatively coupled to a processor or sensor and configured to open when the cot is in a predetermined state. For example, when the leg actuation system 420 is associated with a leg that is in tension, which, as described herein, may indicate an unloaded state, the logical valve 352 may be opened. It may be desirable to open the logical valve 352 during the extension of the leg actuation system 420 to increase the speed of extension. The regeneration fluid path 350 may further include a check valve 354 that is configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the retracting fluid path 320 to the extending fluid path 310. In some embodiments, the amount of pressure required to open the check valve 332 is about the same as the amount of pressure required to open the check valve 354.
Referring to
Hydraulic fluid may flow along the retracting route 364 into the cylinder 168. Hydraulic fluid flowing into the cylinder 168 may cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the piston extending fluid path 312 as the piston 465 retracts. Hydraulic fluid may then flow along the retracting route 364 into the extending fluid path 310.
The hydraulic circuit 300 may further include a retracting return fluid path 308 in fluidic communication with each of the extending fluid path 310 and the fluid reservoir 162. In some embodiments, the retracting return fluid path 308 may include a counterbalance valve 336 configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir 162 to the extending fluid path 310, and prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the extending fluid path 310 to the fluid reservoir 162, unless an appropriate pressure is received via a pilot line 318. The pilot line 318 may be in fluidic communication with both the pump retract fluid path 316 and the counterbalance valve 336. Accordingly, when the pump motor 160 pumps hydraulic fluid through the pump retract fluid path 316, the pilot line 318 may cause the counterbalance valve 336 to modulate and allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the extending fluid path 310 to the fluid reservoir 162.
Referring collectively to
The manual retract return fluid path 372 may be configured to return hydraulic fluid from the cylinder 168, to the fluid reservoir 162, and back to the cylinder 168. In some embodiments, the manual retract return fluid path 372 may be in fluidic communication with the extending fluid path 310 and the extending return fluid path 306. The manual retract return fluid path 372 may include a manual valve 342 that may be actuated from a normally closed position to an open position and a flow regulator 344 configured to limit the amount of hydraulic fluid that may flow through the manual retract return fluid path 372, i.e., volume per unit time. Accordingly, the flow regulator 344 may be utilized to provide a controlled descent of the cot 10. It is noted that, while the flow regulator 344 is depicted in
The manual extend return fluid path 374 may be configured to return hydraulic fluid from the cylinder 168 to the fluid reservoir 162, and back to the cylinder 168 along the opposite side of the working diameter 464 of the piston 465. In some embodiments, the manual extend return fluid path 374 may be in fluidic communication with the retracting fluid path 320, the manual retract return fluid path 372 and the extending return fluid path 306. The manual extend return fluid path 374 may include a manual valve 343 that may be actuated from a normally closed position to an open position.
In some embodiments, the hydraulic circuit 300 may also include a manual release component (e.g., a button, tension member, switch, linkage or lever) that actuates the manual valve 342 and manual valve 343 to allow the piston 465 to extend and retract without the use of the pump motor 160. Referring to the embodiments of
Hydraulic fluid may also travel through the manual extend return fluid path 374 towards the extending return fluid path 306 and the manual retract return fluid path 372. Depending upon the rate of extension of the piston 465, or applied force, hydraulic fluid may flow through the extending return fluid path 306, beyond the check valve 346 and into the fluid reservoir 162. Hydraulic fluid may also flow through the manual retract return fluid path 372 towards the extending fluid path 310. Hydraulic fluid may also be supplied from the fluid reservoir 162 via the manual supply fluid path 370 to the extending fluid path 310, i.e., when the manual operation generates sufficient pressure for the hydraulic fluid to flow beyond check valve 348. Hydraulic fluid at the extending fluid path 310 may flow to the piston extending fluid path 312. The manual extension of the piston 465 may cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the cylinder 168 from the piston extending fluid path 312.
Referring again to
Hydraulic fluid may also travel through the manual retract return fluid path 372 towards the flow regulator 344, which operates to limit the rate at which the hydraulic fluid may flow and the rate at which the piston 465 may retract. Hydraulic fluid may then flow towards the manual extend return fluid path 374. The hydraulic fluid may then flow through the manual extend return fluid path 374 and into the retracting fluid path 320. Depending upon the rate of retraction of the piston 465 and the permissible flow rate of the flow regulator 344, some hydraulic fluid may leak beyond the check valve 346 and into the fluid reservoir 162. In some embodiments, the rate of permissible flow rate of the flow regulator 344 and the opening pressure of the check valve 346 may be configured to substantially prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing beyond the check valve 346 during manual retraction. It has been discovered by the applicants that prohibiting flow beyond the check valve 346 may ensure that the cylinder 168 remain primed with reduced air infiltration during manual retraction.
Hydraulic fluid at the retracting fluid path 320 may flow to the piston retracting fluid path 322. The manual retraction of the piston 465 may cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the cylinder 168 from the piston retracting fluid path 322. It is noted that, while the manual embodiments described with respect to
Referring collectively to
The electronic switching valve 190 can be configured to direct hydraulic fluid to any of the outputs 198. For example, the electronic switching valve 190 can comprise a plurality of electrically actuated valves that can selectively direct hydraulic fluid received from any of the inputs 196 to any of the outputs 198. In some embodiments, the electronic switching valve 190 can be communicatively coupled to the control box 50, which can comprise or be communicatively coupled to one or more processors. Accordingly, the control box 50 can provide control signals to the electrically actuated valves of the electronic switching valve 190 and selectively place any of the inputs 196 in fluidic communication with any of the outputs 198.
In some embodiments, the centralized hydraulic circuit 380 can be configured for simultaneous actuation of the front actuator 16 and the back actuator 18. For example, during simultaneous actuation, the pump motor 160 of the front actuator side 192 can actuate the front actuator 16 with hydraulic fluid and the pump motor 160 of the back actuator side 194 can actuate the back actuator 18. Accordingly, the electronic switching valve 190 can place the first input fluid path 216 and the pump retract fluid path 316 of the front actuator side 192 in fluidic communication. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic switching valve 190 can place the second input fluid path 226 and the pump extend fluid path 326 of the front actuator side 192 in fluidic communication. Thus, during simultaneous actuation, the front actuator 16 can be actuated by the pump motor 160 in a similar manner to the hydraulic circuits 300 described hereinabove with respect to
In some embodiments, the centralized hydraulic circuit 380 can be configured for independent actuation of the front actuator 16 or the back actuator 18. For example, during independent actuation, the pump motor 160 of the front actuator side 192 and the pump motor 160 of the back actuator side 194 can actuate the front actuator 16 with hydraulic fluid. Accordingly, the electronic switching valve 190 can place the first input fluid path 216 of the front actuator side 192 and the first input fluid path 216 of the back actuator side 194 in fluidic communication with the pump retract fluid path 316 of the front actuator side 192. Alternatively or additionally, the second input fluid path 226 of the front actuator side 192 and the second input fluid path 226 of the back actuator side 194 can be placed in fluidic communication with the pump extend fluid path 326 of the front actuator side 192.
Alternatively, during independent actuation, the pump motor 160 of the front actuator side 192 and the pump motor 160 of the back actuator side 194 can actuate the back actuator 18 with hydraulic fluid. Accordingly, the electronic switching valve 190 can place the first input fluid path 216 of the front actuator side 192 and the first input fluid path 216 of the back actuator side 194 in fluidic communication with the pump retract fluid path 316 of the back actuator side 194. Alternatively or additionally, the second input fluid path 226 of the front actuator side 192 and the second input fluid path 226 of the back actuator side 194 can be placed in fluidic communication with the pump extend fluid path 326 of the back actuator side 194. Accordingly, during independent actuation, both the pump motor 160 of the front actuator side 192 and the pump motor 160 of the back actuator side 194 can be utilized to drive the front actuator 16 or the back actuator 18 with greater pressure compared to simultaneous actuation.
Referring collectively to
The flow control valve 200 can be configured to direct hydraulic fluid to any of the outputs 208. For example, the flow control valve 200 can comprise a spool that can be manipulated by a solenoid into a plurality of positions that can selectively direct hydraulic fluid received from any of the inputs 206 to any of the outputs 208. In some embodiments, the flow control valve 200 can be communicatively coupled to the control box 50. Accordingly, the control box 50 can provide control signals to the solenoid of the flow control valve 200 and selectively place any of the inputs 206 in fluidic communication with any of the outputs 208. For the purpose of defining and describing the embodiments provided herein it is noted that the term “solenoid” can mean any electrically activated servo-mechanism.
In some embodiments, the centralized hydraulic circuit 382 can be configured for simultaneous actuation of the front actuator 16 and the back actuator 18. For example, during simultaneous actuation, the pump motor 160 can actuate the front actuator 16 and the back actuator 18 with hydraulic fluid. Accordingly, the flow control valve 200 can place the first input fluid path 216 in fluidic communication with both of the pump retract fluid path 316 of the front actuator side 202 and the pump retract fluid path 316 of the back actuator side 204. Alternatively or additionally, the flow control valve 200 can place the second input fluid path 226 in fluidic communication with both of the pump extend fluid path 326 of the front actuator side 202 and the pump extend fluid path 326 of the back actuator side 204. Accordingly, during simultaneous actuation, the flow control valve 200 can divide the hydraulic fluid supplied by the pump motor 160 between the front actuator side 202 and the back actuator side 204 of the centralized hydraulic circuit 382.
In some embodiments, the centralized hydraulic circuit 382 can be configured for independent actuation of the front actuator 16 or the back actuator 18. For example, during independent actuation, the pump motor 160 can actuate the front actuator 16 with hydraulic fluid. Accordingly, the flow control valve 200 can place the first input fluid path 216 in fluidic communication with the pump retract fluid path 316 of the front actuator side 192. Alternatively or additionally, the second input fluid path 226 can be placed in fluidic communication with the pump extend fluid path 326 of the front actuator side 192.
Alternatively, during independent actuation, the pump motor 160 can actuate the back actuator 18 with hydraulic fluid. Accordingly, the flow control valve 200 can place the first input fluid path 216 in fluidic communication with the pump retract fluid path 316 of the back actuator side 194. Alternatively or additionally, the second input fluid path 226 can be placed in fluidic communication with the pump extend fluid path 326 of the back actuator side 194. Accordingly, during independent actuation, the flow control valve 200 can direct the hydraulic fluid supplied by the pump motor 160 to the front actuator side 202 or the back actuator side 204 of the centralized hydraulic circuit 382.
Referring again to
In the embodiments described herein, the control box 50 comprises or is operably coupled to one or more processors and memory. For the purpose of defining and describing the embodiments provided herein it is noted that the term “processor” can mean any device capable of executing machine readable instructions. Accordingly, each processor may be a controller, an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, or any other computing device. The memory can be any device capable of storing machine readable instructions. The memory can include any type of storage device such as, for example, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), secondary memory (e.g., hard drive), or combinations thereof. 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 alterable 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).
The embodiments described herein can perform methods automatically by executing machine readable instructions with one or more processors. The machine readable instructions can comprise logic or algorithm(s) written in any programming language of any generation (e.g., 1GL, 2GL, 3GL, 4GL, or 5GL) such as, for example, machine language that may be directly executed by the processor, or assembly language, object-oriented programming (OOP), scripting languages, microcode, etc., that may be compiled or assembled into machine readable instructions and stored. Alternatively, the machine readable instructions may be written in a hardware description language (HDL), such as logic implemented via either a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or their equivalents. Accordingly, the methods described herein may be implemented in any conventional computer programming language, as pre-programmed hardware elements, or as a combination of hardware and software components.
Additionally, it is noted that distance sensors may be coupled to any portion of the self-actuating cot 10 such that the distance between a lower surface and components such as, for example, the front end 17, the back end 19, the front load wheels 70, the front wheels 26, the intermediate load wheels 30, the back wheels 46, the front actuator 16 or the back actuator 18 may be determined. It is furthermore noted that the term “sensor,” as used herein, means a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which is correlated to the measured value of the physical quantity. Furthermore, the term “signal” means an electrical, magnetic or optical waveform, such as current, voltage, flux, DC, AC, sinusoidal-wave, triangular-wave, square-wave, and the like, capable of being transmitted from one location to another.
Referring collectively to
In a further embodiment, multiple front load wheel sensors may be in series, such that the front load wheel sensors are activated only when both front load wheels 70 are within a definable range of the loading surface 500 (i.e., distance may be set to indicate that the front load wheels 70 are in contact with a surface). As used in this context, “activated” means that the front load wheel sensors send a signal to the control box 50 that the front load wheels 70 are both above the loading surface 500. Ensuring that both front load wheels 70 are on the loading surface 500 may be important, especially in circumstances when the self-actuating cot 10 is loaded into an ambulance at an incline.
The front legs 20 may comprise intermediate load wheels 30 attached to the front legs 20. In one embodiment, the intermediate load wheels 30 may be disposed on the front legs 20 adjacent the front cross beam 22. Like the front load wheels 70, the intermediate load wheels 30 may comprise a sensor (not shown) which are operable to measure the distance the intermediate load wheels 30 are from a loading surface 500. The sensor may be a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, or any other suitable sensor operable to detect when the intermediate load wheels 30 are above a loading surface 500. As is explained in greater detail herein, the load wheel sensor may detect that the wheels are over the floor of the vehicle, thereby allowing the back legs 40 to safely retract. In some additional embodiments, the intermediate load wheel sensors may be in series, like the front load wheel sensors, such that both intermediate load wheels 30 must be above the loading surface 500 before the sensors indicate that the load wheels are above the loading surface 500 i.e., send a signal to the control box 50. In one embodiment, when the intermediate load wheels 30 are within a set distance of the loading surface the intermediate load wheel sensor may provide a signal which causes the control box 50 to activate the back actuator 18. Although the figures depict the intermediate load wheels 30 only on the front legs 20, it is further contemplated that intermediate load wheels 30 may also be disposed on the back legs 40 or any other position on the self-actuating cot 10 such that the intermediate load wheels 30 cooperate with the front load wheels 70 to facilitate loading and/or unloading (e.g., the support frame 12).
Referring again to
Referring again to the embodiment of
As an alternative to the hand control embodiment, the control box 50 may also include a component which may be used to raise and lower the self-actuating cot 10. In one embodiment, the component is a toggle switch 52, which is able to raise (+) or lower (−) the cot. Other buttons, switches, or knobs are also suitable. Due to the integration of the sensors in the self-actuating cot 10, as is explained in greater detail herein, the toggle switch 52 may be used to control the front legs 20 or back legs 40 which are operable to be raised, lowered, retracted or released depending on the position of the self-actuating cot 10. In one embodiment the toggle switch is analog (i.e., the pressure and/or displacement of the analog switch is proportional to the speed of actuation). The operator controls may comprise a visual display component 58 configured to inform an operator whether the front and back actuators 16, 18 are activated or deactivated, and thereby may be raised, lowered, retracted or released. While the operator controls are disposed at the back end 19 of the self-actuating cot 10 in the present embodiments, it is further contemplated that the operator controls be positioned at alternative positions on the support frame 12, for example, on the front end 17 or the sides of the support frame 12. In still further embodiments, the operator controls may be located in a removably attachable wireless remote control that may control the self-actuating cot 10 without physical attachment to the self-actuating cot 10.
Turning now to embodiments of the self-actuating cot 10 being simultaneously actuated, the self-actuating cot 10 of
Referring collectively to
The embodiments described herein may be utilized to lift a patient from a position below a vehicle in preparation for loading a patient into the vehicle (e.g., from the ground to above a loading surface of an ambulance). Specifically, the self-actuating cot 10 may be raised from the lowest transport position (
The self-actuating cot 10 may be lowered from an intermediate transport position (
In one embodiment, when the self-actuating cot 10 is in the highest transport position (
In another embodiment, any time the self-actuating cot 10 is raised over the highest transport position for a set period of time (e.g., 30 seconds), the control box 50 provides an indication that the self-actuating cot 10 has exceeded the highest transport position and the self-actuating cot 10 needs to be lowered. The indication may be visual, audible, electronic or combinations thereof.
When the self-actuating cot 10 is in the lowest transport position (
The front actuator 16 is operable to raise or lower a front end 17 of the support frame 12 independently of the back actuator 18. The back actuator 18 is operable to raise or lower a back end 19 of the support frame 12 independently of the front actuator 16. By raising the front end 17 or back end 19 independently, the self-actuating cot 10 is able to maintain the support frame 12 level or substantially level when the self-actuating cot 10 is moved over uneven surfaces, for example, a staircase or hill. Specifically, if one of the front legs 20 or the back legs 40 is in the second position such as when the set of legs are not in contact with a surface (i.e., the set of legs that are unloaded) is activated by the self-actuating cot 10 (e.g., moving the self-actuating cot 10 off of a curb). Further embodiments of the self-actuating cot 10 are operable to be automatically leveled. For example, if back end 19 is lower than the front end 17, pressing the “+” on toggle switch 52 raises the back end 19 to level prior to raising the self-actuating cot 10, and pressing the “−” on toggle switch 52 lowers the front end 17 to level prior to lowering the self-actuating cot 10.
In one embodiment, depicted in
Referring collectively to
As is depicted in
After the front legs 20 have been retracted, the self-actuating cot 10 may be urged forward until the intermediate load wheels 30 have been loaded onto the loading surface 500 (
It is noted that, the middle portion of the self-actuating cot 10 is above the loading surface 500 when any portion of the self-actuating cot 10 that may act as a fulcrum is sufficiently beyond the loading edge 502 such that the back legs 40 may be retracted a reduced amount of force is required to lift the back end 19 (e.g., less than half of the weight of the self-actuating cot 10, which may be loaded, needs to be supported at the back end 19). Furthermore, it is noted that the detection of the location of the self-actuating cot 10 may be accomplished by sensors located on the self-actuating cot 10 and/or sensors on or adjacent to the loading surface 500. For example, an ambulance may have sensors that detect the positioning of the self-actuating cot 10 with respect to the loading surface 500 and/or loading edge 502 and communications means to transmit the information to the self-actuating cot 10.
Referring to
Once the cot is loaded onto the loading surface (
Referring collectively to
When the self-actuating cot 10 is properly positioned with respect to the loading edge 502, the back legs 40 can be extended (
When a sensor detects that the front legs 20 are clear of the loading surface 500 (
Referring again to
The front-side bail 72 limits translation of the cot 10 along the floor of the emergency vehicle, thereby selectively preventing the cot 10 from being unloaded from the emergency vehicle. The front-side bail 72, therefore, may prevent undesired removal of the cot 10 from the emergency vehicle. The front-side bail 72 may also be deflected upwardly by a release arm 74 that is positioned adjacent to both sides of the cot 10. The release arm 74 permits the attendant to release the front-side bail 72 from engagement with the floor fitting of the emergency vehicle when the attendant desires to unload the cot from the emergency vehicle.
Still referring to
The intermediate bail 76 limits translation of the cot 10 along the floor of the emergency vehicle, thereby selectively preventing the cot 10 from being further deployed from the emergency vehicle. Because of the position of the intermediate bail 76 at a location between the front wheels 26 and the rear wheels 46, the intermediate bail 76 may limit translation of the cot 10. In some embodiments, the intermediate bail 76 may limit translation of the cot 10 such that the center of gravity of the cot 10, with and/or without a patient positioned on the cot 10, remains positioned inside the emergency vehicle. The cot 10, therefore, may remain in stable engagement with the floor of the emergency vehicle without further application of force by the attendant. Accordingly, the intermediate bail 76 may prevent undesired instability of the cot 10 while the cot 10 is being loaded and unloaded from the emergency vehicle.
The intermediate bail 76 may also be deflected upwardly by a release arm 78 that is positioned adjacent to both sides of the cot 10. The release arm 78 permits the attendant to release the intermediate bail 76 from engagement with the floor fitting of the emergency vehicle when the attendant desires to translate the cot in a direction corresponding to unloading the cot 10 from the emergency vehicle.
Referring collectively to
Referring now to
Referring collectively to
Referring again to
Once the control box 50 receives the command, the self-actuating cot 10 can be set into a seated loading position mode. In some embodiments, the self-actuating cot 10 can automatically actuate to the seated loading position upon entering the seated loading position mode without additional input. Alternatively, the self-actuating cot 10 can require additional input prior to transitioning to the seated loading position. For example, the back end 19 of the self-articulating cot 10 can be lowered by pressing the “−” on toggle switch 52 (
It should now be understood that the embodiments described herein may be utilized to transport patients of various sizes by coupling a support surface such as a patient support surface to the support frame. For example, a lift-off stretcher or an incubator may be removably coupled to the support frame. Therefore, the embodiments described herein may be utilized to load and transport patients ranging from infants to bariatric patients. Furthermore the embodiments described herein, may be loaded onto and/or unloaded from an ambulance by an operator holding a single button to actuate the independently articulating legs (e.g., pressing the “−” on the toggle switch to load the cot onto an ambulance or pressing the “+” on the toggle switch to unload the cot from an ambulance). Specifically, the self-actuating cot 10 may receive an input signal such as from the operator controls. The input signal may be indicative a first direction or a second direction (lower or raise). The pair of front legs and the pair of back legs may be lowered independently when the signal is indicative of the first direction or may be raised independently when the signal is indicative of the second direction.
It is further noted that terms like “preferably,” “generally,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed embodiments or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed embodiments. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure.
For the purposes of describing and defining the present disclosure it is additionally noted that the term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term “substantially” is also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.
Having provided reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present disclosure are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of any specific embodiment.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/904,694, filed Nov. 15, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/904,805, filed Nov. 15, 2013.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 61904805 | Nov 2013 | US |
