Abstract: The transfer assistance device includes a front supporting part that supports the torso of the person being assisted; a set of sub supporting parts configured to be adjustable in position with respect to the front supporting part; a driving unit that propels and drives each of the set of sub supporting parts toward the person being assisted being supported by the front supporting part; a force sensor that detects a pressure proportional to propulsion of the sub supporting part by the driving unit and counterforce generated by contact of the sub supporting part with the person being assisted; and a computer that controls the driving unit based on the pressure detected by the force sensor so that tightening force on the person being assisted by the sub supporting part approaches prescribed tightening force.

Abstract: A bedridden patient transfer gurney is provided, which includes a gurney body, and further includes several support feet installed with a swivel caster at the bottom. A top end of each support foot is connected to the gurney body. An elevation device is disposed on the support foot. Two curved panels opposite to each other having a shape of a grab bucket are disposed at a lower portion of the gurney body. When being closed, the two curved panels are capable of accommodating a human body. An opening and closing device is disposed between the gurney body and the two curved panels. The opening and closing device is respectively connected to the gurney body and the two curved panels. The bedridden patient transfer gurney is used for transferring a bedridden patient, has a simple structure and an advantage of convenient use, and ensures good stability when the patient is being transferred, thereby preventing the patient from experiencing more pain.

Abstract: Robotic posture transfer assist devices for assisting a posture transfer of a patient in a bed may include a device body, a stabilizer coupled with the device body and the bed, and at least one robotic arm having a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the robotic arm may be coupled with the device body. Robotic posture transfer assist devices may further include an end-effector removably coupled with the robotic arm, a controller module that provides a control signal to the robotic arm to control a movement of the robotic arm about the plurality of degrees of freedom, and a user input device that provides a command signal to the controller module to command the movement of the robotic arm, wherein the control signal provided by the controller module corresponds with the command signal.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an architectural system and a patient adjustment device. The patient adjustment device is coupled to the architectural system and adapted to pull on a patient receiver to move a patient received by the patient receiver and located on a bed relative to the bed to adjust the position of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patient lift for transferring a person from a hospital bed to another patient support structure. The patient lift includes a mast, a boom, a stabilizer leg, and a coupler leg adapted to couple to the hospital bed. The boom is mounted to the top of the mast, and extends outwardly from a central vertical axis of said mast. In one aspect, the boom may rotate independently of the stabilizer leg about the central vertical axis while above the hospital bed and while within an angular distance of a side of the hospital bed. Once the boom moves past the angular distance, the boom and stabilizer leg may begin to rotate together about the central vertical axis. In another aspect, the boom is capable of being positioned in a stowed position above a footboard of the hospital bed.

Abstract: A lift apparatus has a frame with open sides and a web assembly slidably retained along the sides which extends from one end of the frame to the other. While the web assembly is retracted, the frame moves to pass around a mobility-impaired individual and rest against the surface supporting the individual. The web assembly is then extended to move underneath or behind the individual, providing lifting support. The frame is configurable for orientations ranging continuously between horizontal and upright sitting. The web assembly has an upper web contacting the individual, a lower web contacting the support surface, a strength layer carrying the individual's weight, and a roller nose bar assembly which is pulled to extend the web assembly. A hand-held power tool can drive the web assembly, adjustment of inclinations of the back and leg sections of the frame, and vertical motion of the lift arm.

Abstract: A multi-functional patient transfer device for transferring mobility-impaired patients is disclosed. The multi-functional patient transfer device may include a lift cart and one or more lift components. The lift components may attach to the lift cart and/or other lift components. The lift components may include frontal bars, a tabletop, a central arm, lifting forks, a hoist, a knee blocker, footrests, a transfer chair, detachable handles, and/or safety cushions. The device may include one or more patient interfaces. The patient interfaces may attach to the lift cart and/or one or more lifting components. The patient interfaces may include slings, chairs, straps, harnesses, and/or transfer sheets. The patient interfaces may include foldable panels. The patient interfaces may include a buttock/link support. Methods of the present invention may include frontal transfers, lateral seated transfers, lateral bed transfers, and sit-to-stand transitions.

Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus comprising a base, a support column, at least one positioning arm on the support column capable of being positioned over a bed and having a buckle and strap capable of securing to a patient support with a receiving buckle so that a patient can be partially or totally suspended when an adjustable bed is lowered. The apparatus further comprising a telescoping support column and horizontal support for holding a first and second positioning arm. The positioning arms further comprising locking pivots for extending and retracting. Patient repositioning is effectuated by positioning the arms over a patient, extending straps with buckle inserts into receiving buckles on a fabric gripper secured to bed linens. A patient positioning apparatus can further be mounted to either a ceiling or a wall or can comprise a swiveling support column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient lifting frame for use with an invalid hoist for lifting and supporting an invalid patient. Such a lifting frame can be used in conjunction with a wheeled or overhead mechanical or electrical hoist unit, to assist nursing staff, healthcare staff or carers in lifting and moving disabled patients. This lifting frame may also be used in many different areas to carry able bodied people in safety for operations such as air sea rescue service.

Abstract: The patient lifting device includes a transverse beam that supports a movable lift assembly to move a patient relative to at least one of a bed or chair. The transverse beam spans between a pair of support structures and allows the lift assembly to move horizontally along the transverse beam to move the patient horizontally relative to the bed or chair. At one of the transverse beam ends, the lift assembly contacts a charging station. The charging station charges a battery, that is carried by the lift assembly, to power the lift assembly. The lift assembly is powered to move a patient vertically upward and downward. A power source is electrically coupled to the charging station to provide electrical power to charge the battery of the lift assembly through the charging station.

Abstract: An occupant support (20) comprises a frame (34), a mattress region (58), and a combination perimeter element/boom (80) which comprises a coupling (82) connected or connectable to the frame and to a working element (162). The coupling renders the working element positionable in a perimeter element position where the working element borders the mattress region and functions as a perimeter element and a boom position in which the working element is higher than the mattress and functions as a boom. A combination perimeter element/boom (80) comprises a frame (74), a coupling (82) connected or connectable to the frame and to a working element (162) having length, height and width axes. The coupling renders the working element positionable in a perimeter element position where the length and height axes lie in a vertical plane and in a boom position in which the length and height axes lie in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A rigid sling system is provided to ease the lifting of a disabled person by sliding its constituent sections under the subject as opposed to lifting the disabled person into the sling. This sling system is comprised of two sections, a right section and a left section. A right side main frame and its appropriate straps, a back connector, a right leg support, and a front connector with its appropriate straps are constituent members of the right section of the sling system. A left main frame and its appropriate straps, a left leg support are constituent members of the left section of the sling system. The two sections interlock via the connectors and configure to become engaged to a person lifting the sling system.

Abstract: A lift and stretcher apparatus for a patient includes a base portion at least partially defined by an elongated portion extending generally in a first orthogonal direction and having a first end, a second end, and a central portion interposed there between; a frame having a first lateral portion extending in the first orthogonal direction and defining a first lateral portion distal end and a first lateral portion proximal end, a second lateral portion defining a second lateral portion distal end and a second lateral portion proximal end, a proximal portion, and a distal portion extending generally in a second orthogonal direction; a lifting portion interconnecting the base with the frame for moving the frame relative to the base generally in a third orthogonal direction; a first axle portion having; and a second axle portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movable lift device including an overturn preventing system that uses variation in the center of gravity when rotating a bed unit where a user is laid down to prevent a movable lift device from overturning, which includes a base frame defining a bottom surface; an upper structure comprising a post rotatably upwardly extended from the base frame a predetermined length and a bed unit supported by the post, being horizontal with the bottom surface to enable a user to lie down, wherein the bed unit is rotatably provided with respect to the base frame; and an overturn preventing control unit for controlling the height of the bed unit with respect to the base frame based on the rotation of the bed unit.

Abstract: A patient support may, among other things, support a person in a laying-down or a seated position. A mobile lift may assist a person with the process of moving from a seated or laying-down position to a standing position, or moving from one type of patient support to another (e.g. from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa). A docking apparatus may secure the position of the mobile lift relative to the patient support. The docking apparatus may include an electrical connection between the mobile lift and the patient support. The docking apparatus may permit control of the mobile lift by the patient support, and/or permit control of the patient support by the mobile lift.

Abstract: An occupant assist assembly (38) for an occupant of a bed includes a pair of substantially vertically extending stanchions (44) laterally spaced apart by a prescribed clearance C. A lower portion (44A) of the pair of stanchions is configured to be connected to a person-support apparatus (10). A longitudinally extending support arm (72) is connected to an upper portion (44B) of the assist assembly. The clearance space C between the stanchions provides easy access to a bed occupant for a caregiver positioned at the head end of the bed and also provides an unobstructed line of sight when an attendant moves the bed from place to place.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a mobile cantilever transfer device for transferring mobility-impaired patients. In one embodiment, the mobile cantilever transfer device includes a support surface that is cantilevered from a lift cart so that the support surface may be positioned over the origination or destination location for a transfer, such as a patient's bed. In yet another embodiment, the cantilevered support surface may be laterally extended from the lift cart in order to allow the support surface to be positioned at different points over a transfer location without moving the lift cart. In yet another embodiment, multiple sides of the support surface may be connected to the lift cart so that a transfer can be accomplished from multiple directions, such as on either side of a patient's bed.

Abstract: A patient lift includes a base with one or more casters supporting the base for movement relative to a support surface. A mast is supported by the base and extends generally upwards. An elongated boom is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the mast and extends in a forward direction. The boom is adapted to support a patient. An actuator is operatively connected to the boom, and the actuator is adapted to be driven to move the boom relative to the mast in order to move the supported patient relative to the support surface. The patient lift also includes a handle assembly mounted to the mast. The handle assembly includes a first side handle that extends to a position on the forward side of the mast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient lifting frame for use with an invalid hoist for lifting and supporting an invalid patient. Such a lifting frame can be used in conjunction with a wheeled or overhead mechanical or electrical hoist unit, to assist nursing staff, healthcare staff or carers in lifting and moving disabled patients. This lifting frame may also be used in many different areas to carry able bodied people in safety for operations such as air sea rescue service.

Abstract: A piece of resting furniture such as a bed or chair comprising a least one actuator (4,5) and a control unit (11) and at least one control panel (9,10) to bring about an adjustment of the piece of furniture, and further comprising at least one strain gauge (18,19) connected to an alarm to detect whether a person is occupying the piece of furniture or not wherein the strain gauge (18,19) is located in connection with the actuator (4,5). The function is based on relative changes in the load on the strain gauge (18, 19) from a preset reference thereby allowing use of sensors with low resolution, which thereby are comparatively cheap. Moreover, when placing the strain gauge (18,19) in connection with the actuator (4,5) this simplifies the incorporation thereof in the piece of furniture. Not least the construction also renders it possible in an easy manner to upgrade existing hospital and care beds with an egress function.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for lifting and transporting patients. The apparatus may include a base frame, a central frame, a knee pad, and a boom configured to pivot relative to the central frame. The knee pad may have a guide and a rail configured to travel within the guide to allow positioning and adjustment of the knee pad relative to the central frame. The guide may be configured to selectively secure the rail at any location within an adjustment range of the knee pad. The boom may have at least one hook portion for attachment of a device for holding the patient during lifting. The hook portion may include a hook formed from a curved portion of a central member and a clip attached to the curved portion and movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient lifting frame for use with an invalid hoist for lifting and supporting an invalid patient. Such a lifting frame can be used in conjunction with a wheeled or overhead mechanical or electrical hoist unit, to assist nursing staff, healthcare staff or carers in lifting and moving disabled patients. This lifting frame may also be used in many different areas to carry able bodied people in safety for operations such as air sea rescue service.

Abstract: The present inventions relates to an overhead patient lift system which includes a boom and a lift connectable to a patient support and movable along said boom. The boom has a longitudinal direction and a first end connected and supported at a bearing, said boom intersects with a guide rail adapted to support said boom during movement about said bearing, wherein said guide rail does not interfere with said movement of said lift along said boom.

Abstract: A swivel lift grab bar includes an angled support member and an adjustable bottom leg. The adjustable bottom leg allows angular adjustment of the angled lift member. The adjustable bottom leg includes a top leg, a bottom leg and a clamping knob with plunger. One end of the top leg is pivotally retained by a support device and the clamping knob is retained in the other end. The bottom leg includes a plurality of holes to receive the plunger of the clamping knob. One end of the bottom leg is attached to a bottom of the angled support member. A top attachment bracket is secured to a top of the angled support member for pivotal retention on a pivot post secured to a wall, a floor mounted pole, a double flange pole or a moveable support pole. Rotation of the angled support member may be braked.

Abstract: An adjustable swivel lift grab bar includes an angled lift member and an adjustable bottom leg. The adjustable bottom leg allows angular adjustment of the angled lift member. The adjustable bottom leg includes a top leg, a bottom leg and a clamping knob with plunger. One end of the top leg is pivotally retained by a pole and the clamping knob is retained in the other end. The bottom leg includes a plurality of holes to receive the plunger of the clamping knob. One end of the bottom leg is attached to a bottom of the angle lift member. A top attachment bracket is secured to a top of the angled lift member for pivotal retention on a pivot post secured to a wall, a floor mounted pole, a double flange pole or a moveable support pole. Rotation of the angled lift member may be braked or motorized.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a base, a sling, a support frame mounted to the base. The support frame extends over the base and is configured to move from a first position spaced above the base at a first height wherein the support frame may be extended over and proximate a support surface for engaging the sling when placed on the support surface to a second position spaced above a second height greater than the first height once engaged with the sling wherein when the support frame and the sling are raised to the second position the sling is raised above the support surface so that a person supported on the sling may be lifted off the support surface with the sling and moved away from the support surface by the base. Further, the sling may be rotatably mounted to the support frame to facilitate reorientation of the person.

Abstract: A patient lift apparatus designed to lift and transfer patients is provided. The patient lift apparatus includes a patient lift base and a modular patient support device removably connected to the patient lift base to support a patient. The patient lift base includes a cantilever element, a portal frame, three wheel assemblies, a hanging mechanism. The cantilever element is pivoted intersectionally with the portal frame. The three wheel assemblies are disposed at the bases of the cantilever element and the portal frame, as three bearing points. The hanging mechanism is pivoted to the top of the cantilever element and connected to the modular patient support device below. When the cantilever element and the portal frame are rotated relatively, the height, the shape and the positions of the bearing points of the patient lift apparatus are changed accordingly.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for handling and moving bedridden or mobility impaired patients. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a vertical arm that is arranged in a vertical cabinet, which vertical arm is connected to an arm that is pivotal in a horizontal plane arranged in a horizontal overhead cabinet, the arms being adjustable from an inactive and secured position arranged in the cabinets to an active position arranged outside the cabinets. The horizontal overhead cabinet is connected to the arm that is pivotal in a horizontal plane, and follows the movement of the arm from an inactive and secured position to an active position. A drive unit is further connected to the arm that is pivotal in a horizontal plane, which drive unit via at least a wire or the like is connected to a removable lifting bar. In an inactive and secured position of the system for handling and moving bedridden patients or mobility impaired persons, the horizontal overhead cabinet will house the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and moving a person comprises a mobile base assembly and a lift assembly moveably mounted on the base assembly permitting the lift assembly to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the base assembly. The lift assembly includes a frame member moveably engaging the base assembly. A first support arm of a butterfly seat is rotatably attached to the frame member for rotation about an upwardly extending axis. A second support arm of the butterfly seat is rotatably attached to the frame member laterally spaced from the first support arm for rotation about an upwardly extending axis. The first and second support arms include weight bearing platforms adjacent the free distal ends of the support arms.

Abstract: A stand assist device includes a base with legs that extend in a forward direction. The stand assist device also includes a mast assembly mounted on the base, the mast assembly including a mast. A boom is pivotally attached to the mast and an actuator is attached to the boom. The actuator is adapted to be driven in order to cause the boom to rotate relative to the mast. A knee pad is also attached relative to the mast assembly. The mast may be moved between a seated position wherein the mast extends upwardly from the base, and a folded position wherein the mast extends substantially in the forward direction. The base, mast assembly, and knee pad are configured so that the knee pad does not interfere with the base when the mast is moved into the folded position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling system for lifting or moving a person from a first position to another, such as from a bed to a chair. The system includes a bottom part being vertically fixed, a lifting arm being guided by the bottom part allowing the lifting arm to at least be vertically adjustable, a support part for fixating and supporting the person during the lifting and moving, and a support connection for the support part. The support connection is connected to drive means, for winding and unwinding the support connection, via the lifting arm, and the drive means being part of the bottom part. The invention also relates to a weighting system and a method for lifting or moving a person.

Abstract: A patient lift includes a base with one or more casters supporting the base for movement relative to a support surface. A mast is supported by the base and extends generally upwards. An elongated boom is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the mast and extends in a forward direction. The boom is adapted to support a patient. An actuator is operatively connected to the boom, and the actuator is adapted to be driven to move the boom relative to the mast in order to move the supported patient relative to the support surface. The patient lift also includes a handle assembly mounted to the mast. The handle assembly includes a first side handle that extends to a position on the forward side of the mast.

Abstract: A powered lift apparatus for lifting and transporting a human body above a ground surface is disclosed, and comprises a base, a mast extending upwardly from the base, and a crane member pivotally mounted on the mast and movable with respect to the base. The apparatus further comprises a hydraulic drive mechanism configured to move the base over the surface and a hydraulic lifting mechanism configured to move the crane member with respect to the base. The apparatus also comprises a single hydraulic power source assembly connected to and powering both the hydraulic drive mechanism and the hydraulic lifting mechanism. The hydraulic power source assembly includes a control assembly configured to direct hydraulic power from the hydraulic power source assembly to the hydraulic drive mechanism and hydraulic lifting mechanism under user control.

Abstract: A caregiver assist device for use with a patient support apparatus is disclosed. The caregiver assist device including a support structure, a boom, a helper belt, and a constant force spring assembly. The boom extends from the support structure over the patient support apparatus. The helper belt is supported along the boom and has a first end and a second end. The constant force spring assembly includes a constant force spring coupled between the support structure and the first end of the helper belt so that a constant counterbalancing force is applied to the helper belt in response to a patient force being applied to the second end of the helper belt.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for lifting and transferring a physically incapacitated person into and out of a vehicle, bed, bathtub, and the like. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket, a vehicle mounting adaptor, a universal mounting adaptor, which are configured to removably couple to the hinges of a vehicle, a bathroom wall, or a bed frame, a lifting member removably and pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket, configured to pivot vertically and horizontally, pivotally and removably coupled at a proximal end to an extension arm and configured to lift, move and support a disabled person by means of a sling receiving member which is removably and pivotally disposed at a distal end of the lifting member, a jack actuating the lifting member, and a controller whereby the jack is controlled. The provided mounting adaptors expand and facilitate the broad use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A support device for a patient handling hoist includes two opposed support arms for supporting a harness, each support arm having a harness engagement element. Each support arm is movable between a first working position in which the harness engagement element is a first distance from a central portion of the support device and a plurality of further working positions in which the harness engagement elements of the support arms are a respective plurality of distances from the central portion of the support device.

Abstract: A swivel lift grab bar includes an angled support member, a bottom leg and a top leg. Top and bottom pivot brackets are attached to a vertical surface. An end of the bottom leg is pivotally engaged with the bottom pivot bracket and an end of the top leg is pivotally engaged with the top pivot bracket. A double knee support is preferably attached to the bottom leg. The vertical surface may be replaced with a moveable support pole, a rigid support pole, a support post or a wall mounted support post. A second embodiment of the swivel lift grab bar includes an angled lift member and a bottom leg. The angled lift member includes a lift channel, a lift bar, a lead screw and a drive motor. A set of controls are located on the lift bar to operate at least one motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient lifting frame for use with an invalid hoist for lifting and supporting an invalid patient. Such a lifting frame can be used in conjunction with a wheeled or overhead mechanical or electrical hoist unit, to assist nursing staff, healthcare staff or carers in lifting and moving disabled patients. This lifting frame may also be used in many different areas to carry able bodied people in safety for operations such as air sea rescue service.

Abstract: An assistive transfer mechanism is provided allowing for effective and comfortable transfers from one sitting position to another sitting position. The assistive transfer mechanism includes a horizontal base with a vertical (height adjustable) column disposed on the horizontal base. At least one articulating arm extends from the vertical column which holds a torso engaging element. The torso engaging element includes a weight support mechanism to support at least part of a subject's body weight. The torso engagement element is capable of transferring and applying only a fraction of the supported body weight into a lateral to medial directed force onto the subject's torso.

Abstract: A patient lift has a base, a mast assembly mounted on the base at the lower end, a boom pivotally mounted at one end on the mast assembly. An actuator is mounted on the boom and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position to pivot the boom relative to the mast assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. A support member includes a sling attachment pivotally mounted on the outer end of the boom. A locking mechanism is configured to fix the support member relative to the boom when the locking mechanism is engaged and further configured to allow pivotal movement of the support member relative to the boom when the locking mechanism is released.

Abstract: A patient lift has a base extending in a forward direction, and a mast mounted relative to the base. The mast includes a hinge configured to allow the mast to be pivoted relative to the base between an upright operative position and a folded position, wherein when the mast is in the folded position the mast is substantially parallel to the base and extends in the forward direction. A latch mechanism is configured to hold the mast in the folded position when the latch mechanism is locked, and to allow the mast to be returned to the upright operative position when the latch mechanism is released. The latch mechanism is configured to automatically lock when the mast is moved to the folded position.

Abstract: A hoist for moving persons, provided with a base structure, provided with one lifting column having a straight longitudinal axis and a lower end and which is provided with a first actuator for realizing a lifting movement, provided with a clamping device which is connected to the lifting column so as to be movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis and has at least one set of cooperating clamping elements which are designed for clamping a person to be moved, provided with a horizontal shaft by which the lifting column is pivotally connected to the base structure, and provided with a second actuator connected to the lifting column and to the base structure, and configured for varying the pivotal position of the lifting column with respect to the base structure.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for moving subjects is claimed in which a base structure has one or more rolling devices attached to facilitate moving of the apparatus. A stem structure rising from the base structure in turn supports a moveable support arm having a having pulley affixed to a distal end. A moveable lifting line capable of supporting a lifted subject ends in a fitting. A pulling mechanism is attached to the apparatus and operably coupled to the lifting line, whereby a subject secured to the fitting can be lifted and moved. In disclosed preferred embodiments, the portable apparatus for moving subjects is configured for lifting a subject without lifting movement of the support arm.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a movable base, a sling, and a support frame mounted to the base. The frame extends over the base and is configured to move from a position spaced above the base at a first height wherein the frame may be extended over and proximate a support surface for engaging the sling when placed on the surface to another position spaced at a height greater than the first height after engagement with the sling. The sling is adapted to be engaged by the frame, which provides lateral support to the sling, wherein when the frame and sling are raised to the greater height the sling is raised above the surface so that a person supported on the sling may be lifted off the surface with the sling and the frame and supported in a stabilized sitting position so that the person can moved away from the surface.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a novel Home Lift Position and Rehabilitation (HLPR) apparatus designed to provide stable movement along several critical axes of motion including lift capability. The HLPR apparatus is capable of moving along a desired floor path (“x-axis”), moving on a vertical axis to lift a patient (“z-axis”), rotating the HLPR apparatus itself (along an “outer rotational axis”), and rotating a patient within the HLPR apparatus while the HLPR apparatus itself remains stationary (along an “inner rotational axis”). The telescoping, double-nested C-frame structure of the HLPR apparatus and pivot assembly allow any patient support structure known in the art to be suspended securely and to move in a stable, torque-resistant manner to assist patients in rehabilitation and in independently performing activities of daily living.

Abstract: A hoist device for lifting persons, said hoist device comprising holding means (27); and a hoist sling comprising attachment means (37), said attachment means (37) being connectable to the holding means (27). Any of the attachment means (37) and the holding means (27) comprises a reference object (8), and any of the attachment means (37) and the holding means (27) comprises sensing means (7) configured to detect the reference object (8), for determining if the attachment means (37) are properly connected to the holding means (27).

Abstract: A handling system for lifting or moving a person from a first position to another, including a bottom part having a substantially vertical guiding part, and a guided part being guided by the vertical guiding part allowing a lifting arm to be at least vertically adjustable, the system further including a support part for fixating and supporting the person during the lifting or moving, and a support connection connected to drive means, for winding or unwinding the support connection, and the support part during the lifting or moving, where the at least vertically adjustable lifting arm is actuated by actuator means during the at least vertical adjusting of the lifting arm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transferring patients are provided. A patient transfer device may have a wheeled base and a lateral transfer structure. A patient may lie supine on a patient support structure on top of a transfer sheet. Airbags may be adjusted beneath the transfer sheet to form channels. To transfer the patient from the patient support structure to the wheeled base, the lateral transfer structure is extended into the channels beneath the patient. A stretcher frame is formed from the extended lateral transfer structure. A stretcher that supports the patient is formed by attaching the transfer sheet to the stretcher frame. After the stretcher has been formed, the extended portions of the lateral transfer structure may be retracted to move the stretcher and patient on top of the wheeled base. The patient transfer device may be adjusted to allow the patient to assume a sitting position during transit.

Abstract: A stand assist device includes a base with legs that extend in a forward direction. The stand assist device also includes a mast assembly mounted on the base, the mast assembly including a mast. A boom is pivotally attached to the mast and an actuator is attached to the boom. The actuator is adapted to be driven in order to cause the boom to rotate relative to the mast. A knee pad is also attached relative to the mast assembly. The mast may be moved between a seated position wherein the mast extends upwardly from the base, and a folded position wherein the mast extends substantially in the forward direction. The base, mast assembly, and knee pad are configured so that the knee pad does not interfere with the base when the mast is moved into the folded position.

Abstract: A transfer assist apparatus includes: an arm portion that has a first joint and a second joint; a holder portion linked to the arm portion; a manipulation handle for manipulating the position and the posture of the holder potion; a first drive mechanism that drives the first joint; a second drive mechanism that drives the second joint; and a control portion that controls the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism so that the posture of the holder portion is maintained in a predetermined acceptable range, based on information that is input from the manipulation handle, and angle information regarding the first joint and the second joint.