Patent ID: 6568008
Filing Date: 2003-05-27
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
An articulating backrest for a medical examination table, said table having a seat, the articulating backrest comprising:a support structure, adjacent to said seat; a linear actuator, the linear actuator having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being attached to the table and the distal end attached to said support structure; and actuating means to selectively actuate the linear actuator, said actuating means comprising: a pressure release valve located at the distal end of the linear actuator; a rod, said rod rotatably mounted to the backrest; an actuator tab, said tab rigidly mounted to the rod, whereby the actuator tab engages the pressure release valve when selectably engaged with said valve, said valve adapted to receive said actuator tab; and at least one lever, said lever affixed to the rod, whereby selected actuation of the lever causes the actuator tab to engage and disengage the pressure release valve.