A table assembly for a patient transfer device has upper and lower tables surroundedby belts which counter-rotate as the table assembly moves between a patient anda supporting surface such as a bed. The table assembly includes integrated meansfor laterally retracting side plates of the upper table while adjusting incidentangles of the side plates and vertically separating the upper table from the lowertable. Guide slots in end plates fixed to a slide assembly retain positioningposts attached to ends of the side plates. The slots are inclined upwardly towarda centerline of the table assembly at different angles. A crank moves the sideplates using a rotating disk attached to a central frame of the upper table andlinkage arms with one end pivotally attached to a peripheral region of the diskand another end pivotally attached to one of the positioning posts. In an alternativeembodiment the upper table side plates are differentially extended at the ends,and valve control for pneumatic tubing is integrated with retraction of the sideplates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoidcatching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. The slide assemblysupporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate,and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Eachplate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sidesof the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the leftor right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheelswhich counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and furtherto a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerlineof the device.
