Patent ID: 6877572
Filing Date: 2005-04-12
Classification: A61G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A transport apparatus comprising, a moveable support frame; a plurality of casters supporting the support frame; a traction device coupled to the support frame; a traction device mover including an actuator configured to move the traction device between a first position spaced apart from the floor and a second position in contact with the floor; an external power detector, the external power detector being operable to determine if external power is supplied to the transport apparatus and provide a power indication signal in response thereto; a caster mode detector, the caster mode detector being operable to detect a mode of operation of the casters and provide a caster indication signal in response thereto; and a controller coupled to the external power detector to receive the power indication signal therefrom and coupled to the caster mode detector to receive the caster indication signal therefrom, the controller being operable to provide a control signal to the actuator in response to the power indication signal and the caster indication signal.