#$%^&*AU2012216304B220150409.pdf#####Abstract A transfer device (130) has a carriage supported on a base (132), movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly (134) includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner. Another embodiment of the patient transfer device has four casters (152) and two counter-rotating steering wheels (154). The steering wheels (154) provide a turning path whose center of curvature lies along a transverse centerline of the device. A foot pedal (180) selectively lifts the steering wheels off the floor or brakes them. Another foot pedal (190) at a back end of the device can lock the casters at the front end in a straight direction. The transfer table of the device may be inclined either longitudinally or transversely, and has an upper table whose edge rollers retract to introduce slack in the upper belt so that an air mattress can be inflated. The upper belt selectively disengages from the lower belt using movable, pneumaticallyactuated pinch rollers. The outer surface of the upper belt is rough while the outer surface of the lower belt is smooth. The belts are constructed of a material which includes an antimicrobial agent. Figure 1010/14 C! CO CN CO LO c , m CJ cco LO CD0 L-CO
