Patent ID: 6427258
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
A device for use with a fixture having an exterior surface, comprising:(a) an extendable compartment having a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the fixture, said compartment having a surface plate, and said compartment being accessible in said extended position, said surface plate being flush with the fixture exterior surface when said compartment is in said retracted position; and (b) a motive power system for moving said compartment between said retracted position and said extended position, said motive power system including (i) a cylinder with a piston movably disposed in said cylinder and being communicatively connected to said compartment, said cylinder and said piston defining a first volume on a first side of said piston and a second volume on a second side of said piston, (ii) a fluid power source communicatively connectable to said cylinder for extending and retracting said piston; and (iii) a selectively actuatable valve mechanism for regulating extension and retraction of said piston by governing fluid communication between said fluid power source and said first and second volumes of said cylinder, whereby said compartment is extended by actuating said valve mechanism to provide fluid communication between said fluid power source and said first cylinder volume, and whereby said compartment is retracted by actuating said valve mechanism to provide fluid communication between said fluid power source and said second cylinder volume.