When inserting a patient into a bore of a patient imaging device (e.g., CT, SPECT, PET, MRI, fMRI, etc.), a cantilevered pallet supported by an adjustable table deflects under the patient's weight. A pair of springs couples the table to first and second support arms, which are coupled to each other at a pivot point. A lever is coupled to the front end of the table and pivots on a fulcrum. A pair of wires are coupled to a rearward end of the lever and passed over respective pulleys before being coupled to a rearward portion of the table. A component of the patient's weight applied to the front edge of the table causes the lever to pivot on its fulcrum, raising the forward ends of the wires, which pass over the pulleys and pull the rearward end of the table downward to maintain the patient at a desired altitude and/or angle.