Abstract: A person lift system includes a motor and a sling bar coupled to the motor. The sling bar includes a first attachment hook at a first end region of the sling bar and a second attachment hook at a second end region of the sling bar. A sling includes a main body section and a plurality of loops coupled to the main body section. Each of the plurality of loops is configured to attach to one of the plurality of attachment hooks. A first electronic reader is coupled to the sling bar near the first attachment hook. A second electronic reader is coupled to the sling bar near the second attachment hook. Each of a plurality of short range wireless tags is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of loops.

Abstract: A garment is provided for moving an incapacitated person. The garment includes a wearable body portion; and a support portion comprising a plurality of attachment elements attachable to a lifting device. Further, the plurality of attachment elements comprises a first attachment element located at a first location on a first side of a sagittal plane of the garment and a second attachment element located at a second location on a second side of the sagittal plane and substantially opposed to the first location. A method of moving an incapacitated person and a system comprising a garment and a sling are also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing protein products including alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor, gamma globulin, albumin, and other proteins from plasma includes steps of: (1) adding a salt to the blood product to produce a first intermediate, wherein the salt comprises between 11-13 wt % of the first intermediate; (2) separating the first intermediate to produce a first supernatant and a first paste; (3) adding a salt to the first intermediate to produce a second intermediate, wherein the salt comprises between 21-23 wt % of the second intermediate; (4) separating the second intermediate to produce a second supernatant and a second paste; (5) separating a third intermediate from the second supernatant by affinity chromatography; and (6) separating the third intermediate by ion exchange chromatography to produce an eluate containing the protein product. Advantageously, the inventive methods are simple and produce alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor, gamma globulin, albumin, and other proteins in high yields.

Abstract: There is described a patient lift apparatus comprising a supporting frame a boom portion connected to the supporting frame and a spreader element coupled to the boom portion via a coupling member. The boom portion and coupling member are joined by a pivot joint (PJ2) allowing the coupling member and associated spreader element to pivot with respect to the boom portion about a pivot axis. According to one aspect of the invention, the patient lift apparatus further comprises a damping element coupled between the boom portion and the coupling member to damp rocking movement of the coupling member and spreader element, which damping element is a linear damper having a first end connected to the boom portion and a second end connected to the coupling member According to another aspect of the invention, the patient lift apparatus further comprises a quick release mechanism to release the spreader element from the boom portion.

Abstract: A lifting system for a mobility device has a bracket fixed to the mobility device. A hoist connector is configured to removably connect to the bracket to provide lifting of the mobility device in use. One of the bracket and the hoist connector has a pin and the other of the bracket and the hoist connector comprises a clip, the pin having a head formation and a neck formation. The clip has an aperture configured to pass over the head formation in use and into engagement with the neck formation such that the clip is loosely held on the pin, and where the clip has a close fit with the head formation to prevent unintentional disengagement from the pin in use.

Abstract: A rescue strap is provided with a plurality of strap loops that wraps around the torso of a patient and is fed through one of the strap loops to make a girth hitch around the patient's torso. The rescue strap then wraps around the patient's upper legs and through another strap loop making another girth hitch to lift from the hips.

Abstract: A person lift system includes a lift unit, a sling bar that is coupled to the lift unit, where the sling bar includes a plurality of attachment points each having coupling sensors and an electronic control unit that is communicatively coupled to the coupling sensors. The person lift system also includes a lifting accessory having a plurality of lifting points that are adapted to be selectively coupled to the plurality of attachment points of the sling bar. The electronic control unit comprises a processor and a computer readable and executable instruction set which, when executed by the processor detects with the coupling sensors whether the lifting accessory is installed in a proper manner and projects an indication when the lifting accessory is installed in the proper manner.

Abstract: Described is a transfer belt for assisting transportation of an individual. The transfer belt includes a waist band, a pair of thigh bands, each thigh band configured to be secured around a leg of the individual; and a pair of interconnecting straps, each interconnecting strap connecting a thigh band with the waist band. A bridge strap connects the pair of thigh bands to one another to enhance stability of the individual during transportation. The transfer belt supports the patient's center of gravity, in both a seated or standing position, to allow for a transfer from a seated position to a standing position without adjusting the device.

Abstract: A patient support device includes a sheet configured to be placed beneath the patient in use and a plurality of straps connected to the sheet and configured for use in moving, lifting, turning, and/or positioning the patient. The straps may include one or more retractable straps that each have a stretchable retraction strap connected thereto and configured for retracting the retractable strap. The straps may also include one or more central support straps connected to the sheet in an area positioned between the legs of the patient. The sheet may also include a head support for supporting the patient's head, which head support may also include one or more straps. The straps may be connected to a hoist, which is then used to lift the patient.

Abstract: Modular chair systems and methods of transporting a subject using a modular chair system are described. A modular chair system includes a seat component, a chair component, and a wheelchair component. The seat component includes a seat having a planar lower surface with one or more recesses and one or more attachment bars disposed in each of the recesses. The chair component includes one or more chair latch mechanisms and the wheelchair component includes one or more wheelchair latch mechanisms. Each attachment bar corresponds to one of the chair latch mechanisms and one of the wheelchair latch mechanisms such that the seat component is configured to be placed upon the chair component or the wheelchair component and releasably held in place by the chair latch mechanisms or the wheelchair latch mechanisms.

Abstract: A rotational leg lift machine for sanitizing a patient comprising a base assembly attached to a rigid frame work that has a vertical lifting and lowering mechanism, a rotationally driven arm that is extendable and a leg support bar that allows for a patients lower legs to be inserted into slings and gently lifting and rotation a patients legs upwards and rearwards to their torso to allow for easy and safe cleaning of patient's private areas.

Abstract: Patient handling devices for transporting patients in health care settings are disclosed herein. The patient handling devices may include a support member and a torso support member. The patient handling device includes at least one articulating joint that is coupled to the support member and the torso support member. The articulating joint is selectable to arrest or allow articulation of the respective torso support member or the lower extremities support member relative to the support member through a variety of orientations.

Abstract: A hoist apparatus for use with a hoist for lifting a load is described. The hoist apparatus includes an elongate load bearing member having a longitudinal axis and at least two support points spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. An intermediate support member includes a hoist connection element for connecting the intermediate support member to a hoist, and at least first and second support point connection elements each connecting the intermediate support member to a respective support point of the elongate load bearing member. The first support point connection element is spaced a first distance from the hoist connection element, and the second support point connection element is spaced a second distance from the hoist connection element. Adjustment means adjusts at least one of the first and second distances so as to adjust the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the elongate load bearing member relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: A transport device includes a flexible base plate which is rolled up when not in use and is spread out flat to receive a load to be transported and is raised at least at the longitudinal sides when in use. The transport device has holes for the attachment of straps or belts at least along two longitudinal edges of the base plate. Reinforcing elements each include two plates fixed to the base plate on both sides by an eyelet and two further fastening elements associated with the holes. The eyelet borders the hole for attachment of the strap or belt. The eyelet and the two further fastening elements are disposed in a triangle.

Abstract: The patient transfer acts as a combined sling and bed cover and includes a substantially rectangular sheet portion of a size to fit over a standard bed mattress and to which are attached a plurality of straps for coupling to a hoist. The patient transfer sheet is preferably made of a single-layered material which is breathable, strong and soft. The patient transfer sheet can act as a sling for transportation/repositioning of a patient as well as a replacement bed covering to replace conventional bed linen. The patient can thus be transported onto a bed without needing to remove the patient from the sling.

Abstract: A person support device comprises a body support, a first support loop, and a second support loop. The body support is configured to support at least a portion of a person. The first support loop is coupled to the body support and extends there from a first distance. The second support loop is coupled to the body support and is overlappingly coupled along a portion of the first support loop. The second support loop extends a second distance from the body support.

Abstract: An emergency drag stretcher is disclosed that combines a base panel formed of a flexible sheet material and a harness. The harness securely restrains an individual and holds the base panel against the individual, allowing the individual to be dragged or vertically lifted using the emergency drag stretcher.

Abstract: An improved patient transfer and toileting sling comprising an additional flap 3 fabric and adjustment strap 4. The additional fabric and adjusting means allows for enhanced security during transfers and can be easily and quickly removed to facilitate access to patient's clothing during toileting. Adjustment buckles 6 allow the sling to be secured and fitted around a patient's bottom for enhanced comfort and security during transfers. They can also be used to secure the additional flap 3 fabric up and out of the way during toileting to allow for improved access to a patient's clothing.

Abstract: Rail-mounted lift systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the lift system includes a rail having at least one conductor positioned on an upper interior surface of the rail. A carriage may be slidably disposed in the rail for relative movement to the rail. The carriage generally includes a carriage body, at least one pair of support wheels rotatably coupled to the carriage body and slidably engaged with the rail, and a conductor truck comprising at least one conductive roller rotatably attached to the conductor truck. The conductor truck may be mounted to the carriage body with a biasing member upwardly biasing the conductive roller into rolling engagement with the at least one conductor. A lift unit may be coupled to the carriage body and includes a motor paying out and taking up a lifting strap. The lift unit is electrically coupled to the at least one conductive roller.

Abstract: A transfer sling comprises (a) a sling body portion including: (i) a plurality of positioning straps to promote patient position adjustment, and (ii) a commode opening for toileting activities; and (b) a pair of protection straps generally disposed on opposite sides of the commode opening, the protection straps extending laterally across the width of the commode opening and adapted to receive opposite ends of an absorbent incontinence sheet positionable between the protection straps to fully cover the commode opening.

Abstract: An improved patient transfer and toileting sling comprising an additional flap 3 fabric and adjustment strap 4. The additional fabric and adjusting means allows for enhanced security during transfers and can be easily and quickly removed to facilitate access to patient's clothing during toileting. Adjustment buckles 6 allow the sling to be secured and fitted around a patient's bottom for enhanced comfort and security during transfers. They can also be used to secure the additional flap 3 fabric up and out of the way during toileting to allow for improved access to a patient's clothing.

Abstract: A disposable transporter that is absorbent, portable, and lightweight, and having sufficient strength to carry an injured soldier or medical patient is provided. The transporter has a backing substrate, an absorbent body, and a gripping device in an edge formed by the backing substrate. The absorbent body absorbs a large amount of body fluids, and can have an active agent that reduces contamination, infection, and odor. A transporter kit that encloses the transporter in a case for ease of storage and transport is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting a patient is disclosed to include a base with wheels on the back side and casters on the front side; a pair of extendable legs extended or withdrawn from the frontal side of the base to maintain balance when lifting a patient; vertical masts connected to a three-prong hanger; three durable cables used with a sling assembly to lift the patient; a foldable chair provides temporary rest for the patient on the patient lift; and a control panel having a micro-controller for remotely controlling the patient lift.

Abstract: A patient lift including a boom a spreader bar, and a friction coupling for securing the boom and the spreader bar. The friction coupling may include two friction washers disposed against respective inner faces of the boom. Two compression springs are disposed abutting the friction washers with a spreader bar support member in between. The compression springs urge the friction washers against the inner faces of the boom end. The spreader bar does not swing when the lift is moved without load. Also, the friction coupling reduces the swing of the patient, when transferred in the lift. This makes the lift easier to maneuver for the caregiver.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a lift system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a) a motor adapted for providing a lifting force, b) at least one connector operatively connected to the motor, the connector adapted for connecting a load-bearing component to the motor, c) an information receiver for receiving a load limit information about the load-bearing component, d) a motor controller electrically coupled to the motor and the information receiver, wherein the motor controller is adapted to limit the lifting force of the motor based on the load limit information received by the information receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a limb of a bedridden person having a pulley secured above said bedridden person, a cable supported and arranged for movement about the pulley, and a substantially “T” shaped member consisting of a first longitudinally arranged member having a first end and a second end, where the first end is removably secured to the cable, and a second laterally arranged member secured transversely to the second end of the first member, where the first longitudinally arranged member is arranged perpendicularly to the second laterally arranged member.

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: A stability controlled assistive lifting harness apparatus is provided which includes a frame, an actuator attached to said frame, a lifting harness configured to support a user and to be raised and lowered by said actuator, said lifting harness being provided with at least one surface pressure sensor located within the lifting harness which measures a force applied to a user by the lifting harness, a harness tension sensor which measures a force applied to the lifting harness by said motor, and a controller which receives outputs from said surface pressure sensor and said harness tension sensor and controls operation of said actuator based on the outputs of the surface pressure sensor and the harness tension sensor. The controller controls operation of the actuator from moving a user between said positions.

Abstract: A transporting and lifting device for handicapped person includes a seat attached to a carrier for supporting a user, a front sling coupled to the front portion of the carrier and a rear sling coupled to the rear portion of the carrier for hanging and lifting and elevating the carrier and the user. The carrier includes an anchoring device attached to front portion of the carrier for connecting to the front sling with a hanging strap, and another anchoring device attached to rear portion of the carrier for connecting to the rear sling with a back board. A retaining strap is coupled to the rear sling for engaging with the user and for stably retaining the user to the rear sling.

Abstract: A transfer belt for assisting in moving patients includes a transfer belt, a mechanism to retract the belt into a compact unit and a mechanism to fix the belt in a fixed loop around a patient at the size desired.

Abstract: A patient lifting and transfer device is shown which includes a pair of vertical columns having a horizontal bar connected between the two columns. There is provided a mobile support that is rotatively mounted to the lower portion of each vertical column. Each mobile support is elongated and rotatable from a first position where the elongated mobile support extends generally perpendicular to the horizontal bar to a second position where the mobile supports extend generally parallel to the horizontal bar. In the second position, the patient lifting and transport device is relatively narrow and can be moved through close quarters and also stored in relatively small areas.

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 hoist apparatus for use with a hoist for lifting a load is described. The hoist apparatus includes an elongate load bearing member having a longitudinal axis and at least two support points spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. An intermediate support member includes a hoist connection element for connecting the intermediate support member to a hoist, and at least first and second support point connection elements each connecting the intermediate support member to a respective support point of the elongate load bearing member. The first support point connection element is spaced a first distance from the hoist connection element, and the second support point connection element is spaced a second distance from the hoist connection element. Adjustment means adjusts at least one of the first and second distances so as to adjust the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the elongate load bearing member relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an example patient movement apparatus and methods for its use enable an EMS crew to load a patient disposed in an ambulance chair and/or in an ambulance stretcher into an ambulance, unload the patient from the ambulance, and otherwise move the patent within the ambulance, for example, from the ambulance chair to the ambulance stretcher. The patient movement apparatus may comprise a patient cradle in which a patient is wrapped, a loading ramp that spans between ground level and the level of the floor of the rear of the ambulance, a winch secured within the rear of the ambulance and having a retractable winch cable, an articulating arm secured within the rear of the ambulance and having a pulley to accommodate the winch cable, and/or one or more cable guides secured within the rear of the ambulance and that accommodate the winch cable.

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 for moving a limb of a bedridden person, including a substantially “T” shaped member including a first member having a first end and a second end and a second member secured transversely to the second end of the first member, a pulley secured above the bedridden person, and, a cable secured to the first end of the first member, the cable supported and arranged for movement about the pulley.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress-sling having an inflatable torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflatable torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflatable torso support pad. The legs include straps attached to their inner and outer seams so as to facilitate lifting of a patient.

Abstract: A personal lifting device includes a housing that carries first, second, third and fourth lifting mechanisms. First, second, third and fourth lift lines are connected to the respective lifting mechanisms. Further, the device includes a controller for selectively operating the first, second, third and fourth lifting mechanisms whereby the first, second, third and fourth lifting lines are independently extended and retracted as desired to lower and lift a person.

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: Described are surgical drapes and system with universal application to heavy equipment useful in operating room environments. Surgical drape systems of the invention are particularly capable of covering patient support machinery such as hoists, lifts, and slings, whether the equipment is mobile or stationary, or configured as a floor-based or as an over head support/lifting system. The drapes of the current invention provide for protecting the equipment from exposure to surgical biohazard waste e.g.; blood or body fluids, as well as providing the ability to use equipment that is otherwise not presently allowed to enter into an operating room because of the impossibility to render such equipment sterile. The drapes further allow for the holding, lifting and positioning of the patient whole body or limbs while maintaining sterility during prepping and surgical procedures. Also included are support slings for use with the drapes.

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 person support device comprises a body support, a first support loop, and a second support loop. The body support is configured to support at least a portion of a person. The first support loop is coupled to the body support and extends there from a first distance. The second support loop is coupled to the body support and is overlappingly coupled along a portion of the first support loop. The second support loop extends a second distance from the body support.

Abstract: A patient lift includes a base and a mast extending from the base. The patient lift also includes a first elongated leg having a first longitudinal axis extending from the base. A first caster assembly is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the first elongated leg about a first carriage axis. The first caster assembly includes a first caster truck and a plurality of first assembly casters mounted to the first caster truck. The patient lift also includes a second elongated leg having a second longitudinal axis extending from the base. A second caster assembly is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the second elongated leg about a second carriage axis. The second caster assembly includes a second caster truck and a plurality of second assembly casters mounted to the second caster truck.

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: 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: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a multi-functional patient transfer device for transferring mobility-impaired patients. In one embodiment, the multi-functional patient transfer device includes 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. Embodiments of the present invention 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. In one embodiment, the patient interfaces may include foldable panels. In one embodiment, the patient interfaces may include a buttock/link support.

Abstract: A lifting belt comprising a waist belt and a detachable right and left leg strap is described. The lifting belt allows for quick and easy lifting of a person that has fallen, or is otherwise incapacitated. The lifting belt is configured with a plurality of lifting handles on the waist belt. The plurality of lifting handles allows a after to choose a handle that is in a suitable location for them to reach. The lifting handles are made of a woven fabric attached to the waist belt and a daisy chain configuration on the leg straps, so they are not uncomfortable to the fallen person. The lifting belt is adjustable in size, whereby an attachment device can connect a leg strap or waist belt by an end loop, daisy chain loop, or lifting handle. In one embodiment, the left and right leg straps are a different design, such as different colors, to allow for quick identification and coordination between lifters.

Abstract: An extraction and transfer sling facilitating lifting of an injured, incapacitated, or person of interest for any reason that may be warranted by emergency services or assistance. The sling has several embodiments each capable of supporting a thigh, buttocks, and back region of a person being lifted. Additionally the sling can include shoulder, head, and leg including foot support for transporting a lifted person from one location to another location.