Patent Publication Number: US-7708706-B2

Title: Impact table with rotatable lift disk and shock absorber

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   Generally, the invention relates healthcare facilities such as spas, wellness centers, rehabilitation, and chiropractic centers. More particularly, the invention relates to devices that balance body connective tissue function, and restore body fluid balance and motion. 
   STATEMENT OF A PROBLEM ADDRESSED BY THIS INVENTION 
   Many persons experience soft tissue strains due to minor or severe trauma, such as falls, an auto accident. Many other people experience injuries due to repetitive traumas that are practically unnoticeable from day-to-day, but have a cumulative effect that results in physical pain and discomfort. 
   Injuries can displace, shorten or twist connective tissue, which can decrease range of motion and/or function, decrease blood flow or lymphatic drainage. These areas are then not functioning as optimally as possible. Normal body function (such as the removal of toxins) by the lymph system or the normal blood flow can be inhibited by these restrictions. On a more conscious level, a patient may feel discomfort or restriction, sometimes at the point of displacement, and sometimes in seemingly unrelated locations. For example, a pull in the chest may not only result in chest pain, but also in back pain, neck pain, or headaches. 
   Some devices for relaxing or “unwinding” connective tissue include chiropractic manipulation devices, massage devices, and hand held percussors. However, these and others tend to act locally rather then affect the whole body to “unwind and reset” the whole “body glove” of reciprocating connective tissue. Therefore, what is needed is a device that relaxes and unwinds soft tissue injury and strain patterns, which invites balanced alignment, and balances fluid motion globally (in the entire body) to bring about stabilizing changes in body alignment and soft-tissue position. 
   With more than forty percent of the body&#39;s neurologic innervations being in the head, this has numerous implications for a person whose jaw is out of alignment. Thus, one common malalignment of jaw/bite relationships is TMJ (Tempero Mandibular Joint) dysfunction. Jaw malalignment can be complicated or affected by other jaw-related problems including neckaches, shoulder, or even a high hip position that can sometimes be traced to an out-of-alignment jaw. Accordingly, it would also be advantageous to provide a device that promotes balanced body/jaw alignment before dental stabilization. 
   SELECTED OVERVIEW OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS 
   The invention achieves technical advantages as a synchronous impact table (the impact table). The impact table includes a support system having a control system therein, a power system coupled to the control system, a lift system coupled to the power system and the support system, and a patient support system coupled to the lift system. Various embodiments of the invention may incorporate specific embodiments of the aforementioned systems to more effectively achieve desired results. Thus, the invention provides a means by which a controlled impact (or “shock”) wave can be delivered to a user. By providing a synchronous impact wave to a user continuously over a specific time, strained or twisted soft connective tissue can return to its natural unrestricted position, and body fluids can again flow more naturally. 
   Of course, other features and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. After reading the specification, and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiment, these persons will recognize that similar results can be achieved in not dissimilar ways. Accordingly, the detailed description is provided as an example of the best mode of the invention, and it should be understood that the invention is not limited by the detailed description. Accordingly, the invention should be read as being limited only by the claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various aspects of the invention, as well as an embodiment, are better understood by reference to the following EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE. To better understand the invention, the EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE should be read in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  shows a synchronous impact system; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an impact wave method; 
       FIG. 3  teaches an impact table method; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of one embodiment of an impact table; 
       FIG. 5   a  provides a top view of selected elements of the impact table shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 5   b  illustrates an elevated side-view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5   c  is a top-down view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 5   b;    
       FIG. 5   d  is a bottom-up view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 5   b;    
       FIG. 5   e  is a rear-view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 5   b  (headrest omitted); 
       FIG. 6  shows a detailed view of a possible lift system for translating the lift of a cam to the tabletop by a pushrod and sleeve assembly; 
       FIG. 7  shows a detailed view of a shock-absorbing feature within a telescoping leg support of the lift system; 
       FIG. 8  provides a profile view of a lift disk; 
       FIG. 9  shows a detailed view of a lift system being coupled to a lift disk; 
       FIG. 10  shows one embodiment of an amplitude control system. 
   

   AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE 
   The invention is a synchronous impact table (the impact table). The impact table includes a support system having a control system therein, a power system coupled to the control system, a lift system coupled to the power system and the support system, and a patient support system coupled to the lift system. By providing a synchronous percussion wave (impact wave) to a user continuously over a period of time, body alignment can be facilitated as strained or displaced soft connective tissue can return to its natural position, allowing body fluids to again flow more naturally free of soft tissue restrictions. Preferably, the impact table creates an impact wave that acts globally on a body with a wave that is adjustable in both frequency and amplitude. 
   Interpretation Considerations 
   When reading this section (An Exemplary Embodiment of a Best Mode, which describes an exemplary embodiment of the best mode of the invention, hereinafter “exemplary embodiment”), one should keep in mind several points. First, the following exemplary embodiment is what the inventor believes to be the best mode for practicing the invention at the time this patent was filed. Thus, since one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize from the following exemplary embodiment that substantially equivalent structures or substantially equivalent acts may be used to achieve the same results in exactly the same way, or to achieve the same results in a not dissimilar way, the following exemplary embodiment should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to one embodiment. 
   Likewise, individual aspects (sometimes called species) of the invention are provided as examples, and, accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize from a following exemplary structure (or a following exemplary act) that a substantially equivalent structure or substantially equivalent act may be used to either achieve the same results in substantially the same way, or to achieve the same results in a not dissimilar way. 
   Accordingly, the discussion of a species (or a specific item) invokes the genus (the class of items) to which that species belongs as well as related species in that genus. Likewise, the recitation of a genus invokes the species known in the art. Furthermore, it is recognized that as technology develops, a number of additional alternatives to achieve an aspect of the invention may arise. Such advances are hereby incorporated within their respective genus, and should be recognized as being functionally equivalent or structurally equivalent to the aspect shown or described. 
   Second, the only essential aspects of the invention are identified by the claims. Thus, aspects of the invention, including elements, acts, functions, and relationships (shown or described) should not be interpreted as being essential unless they are explicitly described and identified as being essential. Third, a function or an act should be interpreted as incorporating all modes of doing that function or act, unless otherwise explicitly stated (for example, one recognizes that “tacking” may be done by nailing, stapling, gluing, hot gunning, riveting, etc., and so a use of the word tacking invokes stapling, gluing, etc., and all other modes of that word and similar words, such as “attaching”). Fourth, unless explicitly stated otherwise, conjunctive words (such as “or”, “and”, “including”, or “comprising” for example) should be interpreted in the inclusive, not the exclusive, sense. Fifth, the words “means” and “step” are provided to facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of the invention and do not mean “means” or “step” as defined in §112, paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C., unless used as “means for—functioning—” or “step for—functioning—” in the Claims section. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
   Better understanding of the invention can be gained by examining a system as taught by the invention.  FIG. 1  shows a synchronous impact system (the percussion system  100 ). The impact system  100  includes systems needed to control the creation and delivery of an impact wave. Thus, the impact system  100  typically includes a control system  110  that controls the other systems of the impact system  100 . In addition, a power system  120  coupled to the control system  110 . The power system  120  receives electrical power (typically from an external power source) and then converts the electrical power into mechanical power that is delivered to a lift system  130 . Accordingly, the power system  120  may comprise or be coupled to a power source receptacle  124 , such that the power source receptacle  124  may receive power from an external power source. The lift system  130  includes the mechanical elements needed to lift and then drop a patient support system  150 . Accordingly, the impact wave is generated and delivered to a user via the lift system  130 . 
   The control system  110  includes units that are selected for controlling the specific functions of various embodiments of the invention, and, in one embodiment the control system  110  includes a graphical user interface (GUI)  118 . For example, the control system  110  typically includes an amplitude control  114 , and a frequency control  116 . In a preferred embodiment, the control system also includes an audio control  112 . 
   The frequency control  116  is preferably coupled to the power system  120 . Then, by controlling voltage, current, or frequency of a power source to the power system, or by regulating a element in the power system  120 , the frequency and amplitude controls control the frequency and/or strength of a impact wave. The amplitude control  114  is typically coupled to the lift system  130  so that by controlling the spacing of the lift system relative to the patient support system  150 , the amplitude of the impact wave can be controlled. Thus, it should be recognized that the amplitude control  114  can alternatively be connected to the patient support system  150  as well as the lift system  130 . 
   In one alternative embodiment, the impact system  100  employs audio waves to supplement or harmonize the effects of an impact wave. When this is done, the audio control  112  is coupled to an audio system  140 . Thus, in practice, an audio wave of a desired frequency and amplitude can be provided to a user of the impact system  100 . Similarly other frequencies, preferably harmonics) may be utilized to augment or broaden the desired affects. 
   The lift system  130  comprises the elements needed to control the spacing between a lifter, such as a lift disk, and an impact table maintained in the patient support system  150 . In one embodiment, the lift system comprises a plurality of lift disks (or cams) that are driven by a motor  122  in the power system  120 . Each lift disks raises and lowers a lift-receiver (or push rod) that is affixed to the impact table, and thus each lift disk is set (or positioned) to simultaneously raise and  lower the patient support system  150 . Accordingly, the shape of a lift disk can influence the frequency and amplitude of the percussion wave, and, in an alternative embodiment, the frequency and amplitude can be controlled by replacing lift disks. Thus, in this embodiment, the lift disks comprise a control system. 
   Exemplary Methods 
   The invention, in one embodiment, applies an impact wave to a user to effect changes in body alignment to reduce soft-tissue strain patterns, and to balance body fluids. The impact wave offers many advantages over traditional equipment since the impact wave is actually a plurality of waves that are transposed upon each other, and that are practically simultaneously created when an impact shock is applied throughout a surface. In practice, a recipient of an impact wave will experience healing and body adjustment since their body naturally acts as a wave receiver, receiving needed frequencies from the plurality of frequencies comprising the impact wave, while passing unneeded frequencies. 
   Accordingly,  FIG. 2  illustrates an impact wave method  200 . The impact wave method begins with a induce wave act  210 . In the induce wave act  210  an impact wave is created, and is preferably created by a synchronous impact system. 
   Next, the impact wave method  200  proceeds to a treatment act  220 . In the treatment act  220  the impact wave is used to relax soft tissue strain patters to promote a user&#39;s improved alignment, soft tissue, or body fluid issues. Of course, the invention may be practiced in more detail. For example, one may explore the use of an impact table to deliver an impact wave. 
   Accordingly,  FIG. 3  teaches an impact table method  300  for providing a shock wave (impact wave) to a user. In the impact table method  300  a single impact wave is induced on an impact table. Preferably, the impact wave is induced across an area approximately the size of a person via a synchronous impact delivery system. 
   The impact table method  300  begins with a start act  310 . In the start act  310  the table is powered-up, and any systems that require initialization are initialized. Next, in an impact preparation act  320  a trained person sets a chosen frequency, amplitude, and acoustic frequency and amplitude, thus providing a pre-selected frequency and amplitude for a user/client/patient. It should be Unto understood that while a constant frequency and amplitude are implied by the present discussion, it is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to adjust lift disks for amplitude or frequency, or to set a program that adjusts the frequency or amplitude of either or both of the impact wave as well as the audio. Furthermore, it is also considered obvious to provide more than one audio wave (or, sound wave) at a time if utilized, as audio frequencies and amplitudes can be superimposed upon each other. In a preferred embodiment, the percussion wave has a frequency of between 1 Hz and 100 Hz, and preferably 4 Hz to 15 Hz. Similarly, there are preferred amplitudes of ⅛ inch in height to micrometers that may barely be perceived by a user as a “hum” of a vibration. 
   Following the preparation of the impact system (and particularly the control system) in the impact preparation act  320 , the impact table method  300  proceeds to receive patient act  330 . In the receive patient act  330  the impact table receives a user who lies on the impact table. The user may lie on the back, on the belly, or lie in another manner that directly involves an affected (injured or traumatized) area for treatment. Of course, the user may assume other positions as are needed to most effectively treat the user as a whole or for a specific injury. Then, in an engage system act  340 , the impact table begins providing an impact wave to the user. 
   Impact waves are then provided to a user for a pre-selected period of time in a provide percussion act  350 . For example, when “testing” a user&#39;s tolerance for the impact waves, the impact table may operate for only a few seconds, such as 20 seconds. However, for treatment, more extended periods of exposure to the impact waves are preferred, such as between five minutes and thirty minutes of impact wave exposure. Preferably, a user is exposed to the impact waves for twenty to twenty five minutes. It is also preferable to set the time a user is exposed to the impact waves based on the user&#39;s injury/trauma, and the user&#39;s tolerance for the impact waves. The impact waves are then ended by disengaging the synchronous impact system in a disengage system act  360 , at which time the audio waves, if utilized, may also be discontinued. 
   Following the disengagement of the synchronous impact system, the impact table method  300  proceeds to a repeat query  370 . If in the repeat query it is determined or preselected that the impact table method is to repeat, the impact table method returns to the start act  310  as shown by the “y” decision loop. However, if in the repeat query  370  it is determined or preselected that the user no longer presently needs exposure to further impact waves, then the impact table method  300  proceeds to an end act  380  as illustrated by the “n” decision. In the end act  380 , the user disembarks the impact table, and, if the impact table is not to receive further users presently, then the impact table powers-down. 
   Preferred Impact Embodiments 
   To implement the invention, one may wish to use a selected preferred embodiment.  FIG. 4  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a synchronous impact table (the impact table  400 ).  FIG. 5   b  provides a top view of selected elements of the alternative embodiment of the impact table  400 , and when appropriate, is also referenced herein. In the Figures, the first digit of a number corresponds to the figure in which it resides. Accordingly, items numbered  400 - 499  reside in  FIG. 4 , while items numbered  500 - 599  reside in  FIG. 5 . 
   The impact table  400  provides a support system embodied as a frame  410  and an active frame  415 , a control system comprising a motor dial (motor speed adjustment mechanism)  531  and a height adjustor  556 , a power system that includes a motor  430 ,  530  coupled to the control system, a lift system coupled to the power system and the support system, and a patient support system embodied as a patient support system table  420  coupled to the lift system. 
   The frame  410  provides a platform for the invention, and, although preferable, is not necessary for implementing an impact wave. The impact table may sit upon four wheels  412  coupled to the frame  410  via wheel mounts  414  that are rigidly fixed to the frame  410 . The frame  410  also provides support for the active frame  415 ,  515  which supports the majority of the impact table&#39;s functional items. 
   For example, an optional headrest  417 ,  418  is coupled to the active frame  415 ,  515  via a headrest height adjustor  416  such as the pin-and-notch height adjustor shown in  FIG. 4 , which is in turn adjustably fixed to the active frame  415 ,  515 . Accordingly, some patients will benefit from having their head remain still while an impact wave is induced through their body. Similarly, an overhead light  419 ,  519  is adjustably coupled to the active frame  415 ,  515  via a swivel arm  418 ,  518 . This allows a practitioner to cast light upon a treated area of the user. 
   The active frame  415 ,  515  preferably has an internal frame  411 ,  511 ,  512 ,  513  (hereinafter  411 ). The internal frame  411  provides the direct support and connections for the systems of the impact table. For example, a screw  450  is threaded through a threaded screw-hole  413  (which together comprises a mechanically adjustable screw mechanism). Similarly, a power system support  434 ,  534  is mounted to the internal frame  411  via screws, welding, or other rigid coupling means. In addition, the internal frame  411  provides rigid support for axles (not shown) having rigidly mounted cogs (or cams) (also not shown) that are coupled to the motor  430 ,  530  by a chain  432 ,  532 . Thus, the rotation of the motor causes the rotation of the axles. Alternative drive mechanisms may be employed to achieve the same action (motion) of the top supporting the patient/client. 
   In this embodiment more specifically, the motor  430 ,  530  is mechanically coupled to the lift system via the chain  432 ,  532  that runs from the motor  430 ,  530  to a first cog (cogs not shown) on a first axle (axles not shown) and a second cog on a second axle, such that the rotation of the first cog turns the first axle and the rotation of the second cog turns the second axle. Furthermore, the lift system is mechanically coupled to the first axle via a first lift disk  440 ,  540  and a second lift disk  541  such that the rotation of the first axle causes the rotation of the first lift disk  440 ,  540  and the second lift disk  541  (the lift disks are rotatably coupled to the internal frame axle support  513  by a lift disk mount  442 . 
   Additionally, the lift system is mechanically coupled to the second axle via a third lift disk  542  and a fourth lift disk  543  such that the rotation of the second axle causes the rotation of the third lift disk  542  and the fourth lift disk  543 . Thus, since the axles are also rigidly coupled to the lift disks  430 ,  530 ,  541 ,  542 ,  543  the rotation of the axles causes the articulation of the patient support system table  420  (thus, coupling the lift system to the power system). 
   The lift system, in the present embodiment of the impact table  400 , includes a first lift receiver  422  disposed against the first lift disk  440 , a second lift receiver (not shown) disposed against the second lift disk  541 , a third lift receiver  423  disposed against the third lift disk  542 , and a fourth lift receiver (not shown) disposed against the fourth lift disk  543 . In the present embodiment, the first lift receiver  422 , the second lift receiver, the third lift receiver  423  and the fourth lift receiver are rigidly coupled to the patient support system table  420 . In an alternative preferred embodiment, a shock absorber is disposed between the patient support system table  420  and the support system lift receivers. 
   The control system includes a mechanically adjustable screw mechanism which, in the present embodiment of the impact table  400  includes a screw-support  450  and a threaded screw hole  413 . The screw mechanism is coupled to the patient support system, and the mechanically adjustable screw mechanism is enabled to raise and lower the patient support system relative to the support system. This is achieved by turning the height adjustor  556 , which protrudes through an access hole  554  in the power system support  534 . 
   The mechanically adjustable screw mechanism evenly adjusts a plurality of screw-supports simultaneously because as the height adjustor  556  rotates, is pulls a chain  452 ,  552  that is coupled to a cog (not shown) on each of the screws  450 ,  451 . The rotation of a screw causes the screw to travel up or down relative to the active frame  415 ,  515 . 
   Accordingly, the up or down travel of the screw raises and lowers the patient support system table  420  relative to the active frame, and raises and lowers the patient support system table  420  relative to the lift disks  440 ,  540 ,  541 ,  542 ,  543 , thus controlling the height or amplitude of an impact wave. Accordingly, the mechanically adjustable screw mechanism is coupled to a plurality of screw-supports, the screws being mechanically coupled to the support system and supportively coupled to the patient support system (as the support system preferably rests on the screws. 
     FIG. 5   b  illustrates an elevated side-view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. Notice that in this embodiment a frame  510  sits directly on a surface (not shown) via a plurality of feet  560 , rather than being mounted to wheels, such as the wheel  412 . Additionally, a lift control system  570  is manually operable to raise and lower the active frame  515 . A lift receiver  522  mounted inside an impact table  520  is discussed in more detail in  FIG. 10 . Note that the impact table  520  is enabled to rest upon the active frame  515 . 
     FIG. 5   c  is a top-down view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 5   b . From this view, one can see that the lift disks  540 - 543  are mounted upon axles  545 ,  546 , as is more clearly shown and discussed in  FIG. 9 . In addition, the axles  545 ,  546  are shown being rotatably mounted into the inner frame  511 . It is also clear from  FIG. 5   c  that the chain  532  couples the motor  530  to the axles  545 ,  546 . 
     FIG. 5   d  is a bottom-up view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 5   b . This view shows a lift system  580  (which may be defined as a portion of the control system). The lift, system  580  includes a manual hand-crank  582  for turning a cog (not shown) attached to the manual hand crank  582 . The chain  552  is coupled to the cog of the manual hand-crank  582 , and is also attached to each of a plurality of cogs  584  that are each attached to a mechanically adjustable screw (not shown). Thus, in operation, a user can turn the manual hand-crank  582  to raise and lower the impact table  520 . 
     FIG. 5   e  is a rear-view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 5   b  (headrest and impact table are omitted). This view illustrates that the screws  588  of the lift system  580  may be located outside the frame  510 . In addition,  FIG. 5   e  shows one optional relationship between lift disks  540 ,  541 , and axle  545 , whereby one may see a cog  595  that couples the axle  454  to the motor  530 . 
     FIG. 6  shows a detailed view of a lift system with an impact table-based shock absorber (the shock absorber)  630 . The lift system includes a lift receiver. The lift receiver is generally defined by at least a pipe portion  622  that is mounted in a push-pipe  624  that is in turn rigidly coupled to the patient support system table  620 , and a roller  623  coupled to the pipe portion  622  by a coupling portion  625  that is adapted to receive the roller  623 . In operation, the roller  623  is disposed upon a lift disk  640 . The table-based shock absorber  630  is disposed between the patient support system  620  and an active frame  613 . However, it should be understood that the shock absorber (or any other shock absorbing device) may be located anywhere that a cushion effect is desired between the patient support system  620  and any other portion of the impact table. Alternatively, a single impact point could be utilized as in a horizontal lift/drop system. In a preferred embodiment, the shock absorber  630  includes a spring  632 . 
     FIG. 7  shows a detailed view of a lift system with a lift system based shock absorber  730 . A lift receiver  722  includes a push-pipe  724  rigidly coupled to, and integrated with, the patient support system table  720 . In the preferred embodiment, the push-pipe is embodied as a vertical pipe integrated with the patient support system table  720 . The push-pipe  724  is for accepting the pipe portion of the lift-receiver  722 . Preferably, the shock absorber  730  is rigidly coupled between the patient support system  720  and the lift receiver  722 , and is mounted in an internal portion of the lift receiver  722 , and in an internal portion of the patient support system  720 . In one embodiment, the shock absorber  730  is coupled to the patient support system table  720  by an attachment lip  729  that is internally fixed to the patient support system. Similarly, the shock absorber  730  is internally mounted into the lift receiver  722  by a shock absorber coupling  721 . The lift receiver  722  also includes a roller  723  coupled to the lift receiver  722  via a coupling portion  725  of the lift receiver  722 . Furthermore, to reduce friction, a lubricating means  727 , such as oil, padding, or Teflon™, for example, is disposed between the lift receiver  722  and the push-pipe  724 . 
     FIG. 8  provides a profile view of a lift disk  800 . The lift disk  800  includes a hole  810  through which an axle may be disposed and rigidly attached, a generally circular portion  820 , and a shaped outer parameter  830 . The outer parameter  830  is generally shaped to influence a predetermined amplitude and frequency (by providing a baseline for control system adjustments) in the impact table when the impact table is operating. 
   Accordingly, the outer parameter  830  includes at least one lift  840 , where a lift comprises an inclined portion  850  and a radial portion  860 . As one may suspect, the amplitude is influenced by a height of the radial portion  860 , and the frequency is influenced by the number of lifts that are maintained on the radial portion of the lift disk  800 . The amplitude and frequency may, of course, also be adjusted by a control system. 
     FIG. 9  shows a detailed view of a lift system being coupled to a lift disk  940 . The lift system includes a lift receiver. The lift receiver is generally defined by a roller  930  that is rotatably fixed in a mounting  950 . The mounting  950  is in turn rigidly coupled to the patient support system table  920 . The roller  930  is adapted to receive the lift disk  940 . 
   An axle mount  960  is rigidly mounted to a frame (not shown), and the axle mount  960  rotatably supports a first axle  970 . The first axle  970  has a rigidly mounted cog (or cam—not shown) that is coupled to a motor by a chain or other drive means. Thus, since a lift disk  940  is rigidly coupled to the first axle  970 , the rotation of the motor causes the rotation of the axle  970 , which in turn causes rotation of the lift disk  940 . 
   The amplitude of a shock wave can be influenced by adjusting the height of the patient support system table  420  relative to the height of the lift disk.  FIG. 10  shows one embodiment of an amplitude control system  1000 , which is usable with the impact table  400  of  FIG. 4 . The amplitude control system  1000  generally comprises a mechanically adjustable screw mechanism that is defined by a screw-support  450  and a threaded screw hole  413  in the interior frame  411 . 
   The mechanically adjustable screw mechanism is enabled to raise and lower the patient support system relative to the lift disks. The mechanically adjustable screw mechanism evenly adjusts a plurality of screw-supports simultaneously to uniformly lift the patient support system. The simultaneous lift is achieved by rotating the height adjustor  556  that pulls a chain  452  that is coupled to each cog, such as a cog  1010  that is rigidly coupled to a screw—support, such as the screw-support  450 . Preferably, a spacer  1020  separates the screw-support  450  from the cog  1010 . 
   Thus, in operation, rotation of a screw  413  causes the screw-support  413  to travel up or down relative to the active frame  415 . Accordingly, the up or down travel of the screw-support  450  raises and lowers the patient support system table  420 , or, in other words, raises and lowers the patient support system table  420  relative to lift disks. 
   After adjusting the lift-support  450  to a desired height, then the lift-support  450  may be “locked” into place. To lock the lift-support  450  into place, a hand-twistable lift washer  1030  is rotated to fit snugly underneath the cog  1010 , and a mechanical washer lock  1040  is locked into place underneath the lift washer  1030 . 
   Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present application. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications.