US Patent 12115117 Patient transport apparatus with throttle assembly damping

A patient transport apparatus with a throttle assembly arranged for rotation by a user between a maximum forward position and a maximum backward position to modulate propulsion via a wheel drive system. The throttle assembly includes a handle configured to be gripped by the user and a throttle arranged for user-selected rotation relative to the handle about a central axis between a maximum forward throttle position and a maximum backward throttle position. A damper assembly is interposed between the throttle and the handle to provide torque resisting rotation of the throttle as the throttle rotates relative to the handle.