Abstract: A slingbar includes a sling attachment member. The sling attachment member includes a frame including a base having a top end and a bottom end, and a hook extending from the bottom end to a hook terminus. The hook terminus and the top end of the base define an opening. The hook, base, and opening bound an interior of the attachment member. A closure element includes an outboard gate hinged to the hook terminus and an inboard gate hinged to the base. The gates have a default state in which each gate extends laterally only part way across the opening.

Abstract: Assistive control devices, provider assistance systems, systems incorporating the same, and methods for operating the same are disclosed. One system includes an assistive control device and audiovisual communications components communicatively coupled to the assistive control device. The audiovisual communications components are controllable to selectively capture image and audio within the care space and transmit audio. The system further includes subject care components communicatively coupled to the assistive control device. The one or more subject care components are operable locally and remotely. Upon initiation of a remote assistance session, the audiovisual communications components are operated via the assistive control device to move and capture images of a particular area of concern, provide two-way communications between the care space and the assistive control device, and provide indicia.

Abstract: A wirelessly controllable hoist system is disclosed. The system includes a hoist assembly that includes a hoist wireless transceiver configured for personal area network communications, and a remote control unit to control the hoist assembly. The remote control unit includes a remote wireless transceiver that communicates with the hoist wireless transceiver via a personal area network. The remote control unit further includes an audio, a haptic, and/or a visual indication component that is affixed to a housing of the remote control unit, and which generate a respective audible or visible alarm. The remote control unit further includes a processor in communication with the remote wireless transceiver and memory storing instructions which are executed to perform at least one connection attempt to establish bi-directional communication with the hoist assembly, and in response to a failed connection attempt, generate the alarm via the audio, the haptic, or the visual indication component.

Abstract: A sling bar assembly allows variable positioning of a sling on the sling bar assembly. Some sling bar assemblies include opposing sling bar members that are movable with respect to one another in a lateral direction. Some opposing sling bar members are repositionable between a locked position, in which movement of the sling members with respect to one another is restricted, and an unlocked position. Some sling bar assemblies include multiple sling hooks positioned on a sling bar member. Some sling bar assemblies include a biasing member that permits movement of a sling hook with respect to the sling bar assembly in the lateral direction.

Abstract: An overhead subject lift system is disclosed herein. The overhead subject lift system includes a track defined on an overhead surface, an overhead lift, and a trolley attachment slidably engaged with the track. The overhead lift includes a housing a strap extending out of the housing at an exit toward a ground surface. The exit is located a first distance from the overhead surface. The trolley attachment system includes a body, wherein the overhead lift is removably coupled to the body and redirecting members to redirect the strap extending out of the housing of the overhead lift at the exit toward a second point, wherein the second point extends a second distance from the overhead surface, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

Abstract: A rail-mounted lift system includes a conductive rail electrically coupled to a power source; and a lift unit supported by the conductive rail, the lift unit comprising a battery and a switch for selectively coupling the battery to the power source via the conductive rail, the lift unit being configured to: determine a state of charge of the battery, determine a selected charge profile, and actuate the switch to supply power from the power source based on the state of charge and the selected charge profile.

Abstract: A sling for supporting a subject is disclosed herein. The sling includes a body, one or more loops extending from the body, a first fastener coupled to a first portion of the body, and a second fastener coupled to a second portion of the body. The first fastener and the second fastener cooperate to enclose the one or more loops by selectively securing the first portion of the body to the second portion of the body in a folded configuration.

Abstract: A person lifting apparatus includes a strap movement system. The person lifting device includes a housing and a lifting strap feeding device located in the housing. The lifting strap feeding device includes a motor connected to a drum and a lifting strap wound on the drum. A sensor provides a signal indicative of force on the lifting strap. A controller receives the signal from the sensor. The controller controls operation of the motor based on the signal. A user input is used to place the strap movement system in a fast mode during which the controller speeds up operation of the motor from a normal operating speed.

Abstract: Lifting devices for positioning a lift actuator in a high range position and a low range position are disclosed. The lifting devices may include a lift mast, a lift arm pivotally coupled to the lift mast, a lift actuator having a first end and a second end, and a linkage member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the lift actuator is pivotally coupled to the lift mast. The first end of the linkage member is pivotally coupled to the lift arm and the second end of the linkage member is pivotally coupled to the second end of the lift actuator such that the lift actuator includes a high range position relative to the lift arm and a low range position relative to the lift arm.

Abstract: A slingbar includes a sling attachment member. The sling attachment member includes a frame including a base having a top end and a bottom end, and a hook extending from the bottom end to a hook terminus. The hook terminus and the top end of the base define an opening. The hook, base, and opening bound an interior of the attachment member. A closure element includes an outboard gate hinged to the hook terminus and an inboard gate hinged to the base. The gates have a default state in which each gate extends laterally only part way across the opening.

Abstract: A person lifting apparatus includes a strap movement system. The person lifting device includes a housing and a lifting strap feeding device located in the housing. The lifting strap feeding device includes a motor connected to a drum and a lifting strap wound on the drum. A sensor provides a signal indicative of force on the lifting strap. A controller receives the signal from the sensor. The controller controls operation of the motor based on the signal. A user input is used to place the strap movement system in a fast mode during which the controller speeds up operation of the motor from a normal operating speed.

Abstract: A chargeable hoist for a subject transport unit including a rail system having one or more rails includes a body, a contact plate moveable relative to the body and electrically conductive, a control system operable to move the contact plate relative to the body, and an accelerometer configured to measure a movement of the body. The control system moves the contact plate relative to the body and out of engagement with the one or more rails as a function of the measured movement of the body.

Abstract: A sling bar includes a frame defining a central hub, a first hook extending from the central hub, and a second hook extending from the central hub. The central hub includes a wall defining an internal hollow region and an external hub surface, the internal hollow region shaped and sized to receive a ferromagnetic insert therein, and one or more niches formed within the wall and recessed into the wall from the external hub surface, the one or more niches arranged radially around the internal hollow region and sized and shaped to receive a hand control device.

Abstract: An inflatable support strap for positioning and rotating a horizontally laying subject on a support surface, the inflatable support strap includes an elongate body comprising a first end and a second end spaced a distance apart from the first end, the first end and the second end each comprising at least one loop extending therefrom, and the elongate body defining a cavity. The inflatable support strap also includes one or more bladders disposed within the cavity, the one or more bladders configured to be selectively inflated or deflated.

Abstract: An overhead lift apparatus includes a mounting structure and a rotatable assembly configured to attach a lift unit to the mounting structure. The rotatable assembly is rotatable with respect to the mounting structure about an axis of rotation. The apparatus also includes a rotatable electrical interface disposed in the rotatable assembly, the rotatable electrical interface comprises a static portion and a rotatable portion attached to the rotatable assembly such that the rotatable portion rotates in conjunction with the rotatable assembly. The apparatus also includes a first electrical connector extending from the static portion to a power source connector configured to be connected to an external power source for the lift unit. A second electrical connector extends from the rotatable portion such that the rotatable electrical interface is configured to provide power from the power source to an end of the second electrical connector via the first electrical connector.

Abstract: Lifting devices for positioning a lift actuator in a high range position and a low range position are disclosed. The lifting devices may include a lift mast, a lift arm pivotally coupled to the lift mast, a lift actuator having a first end and a second end, and a linkage member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the lift actuator is pivotally coupled to the lift mast. The first end of the linkage member is pivotally coupled to the lift arm and the second end of the linkage member is pivotally coupled to the second end of the lift actuator such that the lift actuator includes a high range position relative to the lift arm and a low range position relative to the lift arm.

Abstract: A sling bar includes a frame defining a central hub, a first hook extending from the central hub, and a second hook extending from the central hub. The central hub includes a wall defining an internal hollow region and an external hub surface, the internal hollow region shaped and sized to receive a ferromagnetic insert therein, and one or more niches formed within the wall and recessed into the wall from the external hub surface, the one or more niches arranged radially around the internal hollow region and sized and shaped to receive a hand control device.

Abstract: An inflatable support strap for positioning and rotating a horizontally laying subject on a support surface, the inflatable support strap includes an elongate body comprising a first end and a second end spaced a distance apart from the first end, the first end and the second end each comprising at least one loop extending therefrom, and the elongate body defining a cavity. The inflatable support strap also includes one or more bladders disposed within the cavity, the one or more bladders configured to be selectively inflated or deflated.