Abstract: A transfer assembly for a hoist unit for a patient includes a motor base, a first frame secured to the motor base for rotation about a pitch axis. The first frame includes one or more first suspension wheels rotatably affixed thereto for rotation about a laterally extending axis. The transfer assembly also includes a second frame secured to the first frame for rotation about a yaw axis. The second frame includes one or more second suspension wheels each of which is rotatably affixed thereto for rotation about a laterally extending axis. The transfer assembly also includes a drive wheel assembly rotatably mounted on the motor base for rotation about a laterally extending drive wheel axis. The transfer assembly also includes a motor assembly secured to the motor base and operatively connected to the drive wheel assembly such that operation of the motor rotates the drive wheel assembly.

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: An overhead lift includes a lift strap, a motor, an electromagnetic brake, and a release assembly. The motor includes a rotatable shaft coupled to the lift strap. The electromagnetic brake is coupled to the rotatable shaft and has an engaged state and a disengaged state. The release assembly is engaged with the electromagnetic brake. The release assembly incudes a release lever engaged with the electromagnetic brake and a release strap. The release lever is moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the release lever switches the electromagnetic brake to the disengaged state when in the second position. The release strap is coupled to the release lever. Tensioning of the release strap moves the release lever from the first position to the second position thereby switching the electromagnetic brake to the disengaged state.

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 patient-lift sling includes a sling body and a plurality of attachment straps coupled to the sling body. Each of the plurality of attachment straps is configured to attach to one of the plurality of attachment hooks.

Abstract: An overhead lift system includes a rail having at least one wall that defines an inner channel shaped and sized to guide movement of a carriage within the inner channel. The at least one wall further defines a longitudinal opening into the inner channel. The longitudinal opening extends along a length of the rail and having a width. The overhead lift system further includes a carriage end stop having a body shaped and sized to correspond to the inner channel such that the body is insertable within the inner channel, and a securement device securably tensioning the carriage end stop against the at least one wall of the rail to prevent movement of the carriage end stop within the inner channel.

Abstract: A subject support lift includes a mast portion, a base portion, and a lockable wheel assembly coupled to the base portion. The lockable wheel assembly includes an axle member, a lockable wheel coupled to the axle member, and a pivot member pivotally coupled to the lockable wheel and defining an axis extending in a vertical direction, where the lockable wheel is rotatable about the axis defined by the pivot member. A locking member is coupled to one of the pivot member or the lockable wheel, the locking member being repositionable between a locked position, in which the locking member engages the other of the pivot member or the lockable wheel, and an unlocked position, in which the locking member is spaced apart from the other of the pivot member or the lockable wheel.

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: A sheet assembly includes a sheet having an edge and a pocket extending longitudinally along the edge. A plurality of loops are arranged along the edge and extend from openings formed in the pocket of the sheet. An adjustment webbing is slidably positioned within the pocket. At least a portion of each loop of the plurality of loops is anchored to the adjustment webbing such that sliding the adjustment webbing along the pocket pulls the plurality of loops into the pocket and reduces an exposed length of the plurality of loops.

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 slingbar includes a sling attachment member and an actuating mechanism. The sling attachment member includes a frame, a portion of which defines an opening, the frame and opening defining an interior of the sling attachment member and a closure element. The actuating mechanism includes a cam and a linkage arranged to be driven by the cam and to operate the closure element in response to motion of the cam thereby causing the closure element to block or expose the opening.

Abstract: A lift unit docking system includes a docking rail, a docking rail adapter, and a locking mechanism. The docking rail is configured to provide ingress and egress of a lift unit to and from an overhead rail, and includes a body defining a channel and an adapter receiving opening within the body. The docking rail adapter is repositionable relative to the adapter receiving opening of the docking rail and is configured to transport the lift unit into and out of the channel of the docking rail. The locking mechanism is repositionable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking mechanism extends into the channel to block movement of a mounted lift unit toward the adapter receiving opening of the docking rail when in the locked position.

Abstract: A patient assisting system includes a frame having a sling assembly attachment point and a lifting arm which is movable relative to the frame and which includes a receptacle. When the sling assembly is attached to the attachment point and extends through the receptacle, a portion of the sling travels through the receptacle as the lifting arm moves relative to the frame. Another embodiment includes exactly one four bar linkage comprised of a frame having an attachment point for a sling assembly, a lifting arm having a receptacle, a lower cross arm and an upper cross arm. The lifting arm is adapted to be movable between a person-seated position and a person-standing position. The receptacle is located along the lifting arm so that motion of the lifting arm causes the receptacle to move along a curved path having a concave side which is person-facing.

Abstract: A gate system that includes a first gate that couples to a first rail, the first rail partially defining a travel path for a lifting carriage and the first gate including a first ramp having a slope that is angled relative to the first rail when coupled thereto. The system includes a second gate that couples to a second rail, the second rail partially defining the travel path for the lifting carriage and the second gate including a second ramp having a slope that is angled relative to the second rail when coupled thereto. The first ramp and the second ramp provide a switch location when coupled to the first rail and the second rail where the lifting carriage translates between the first rail and the second rail.

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: Sling bars, lift systems, and methods of attaching a subject sling to a sling bar are disclosed. A sling bar includes a bar extending in a longitudinal direction, a protrusion extending from an upper part of the bar, a sling attachment portion extending to define a receiving aperture, a terminus of the sling attachment portion facing the protrusion, defining an opening into the receiving aperture, the protrusion defining an undercut portion of the receiving aperture, a retention latch pivotally coupled to the protrusion and defining an engagement face that selectively interfaces with a stop surface at the terminus in a closed position to cover the opening, the retention latch being constrained to pivot to an open position whereby the retention latch ceases to interface with the stop surface at the terminus, and a biasing mechanism coupled to the retention latch to force the retention latch toward the closed position.

Abstract: Overhead lift units are disclosed. In one embodiment, an overhead lift unit includes a carriage having wheels engageable with a rail, a lift frame coupled to the carriage such that the lift frame is suspended from the carriage, and a pair of load beams. The lift frame includes a lift strap extending from the lift frame and a pair of connection points extending from the lift frame. Each load beam of the pair of load beams is attached to one connection point of the pair of connection points of the lift frame at an inferior end of the load beam. Each load beam of the pair of load beams is attached to the carriage at a superior end of the load beam. And each load beam of the pair of load beams comprises a strain gauge operable to register a weight supported on the lift strap.

Abstract: A sling bar includes a first bar portion, a first receiving aperture, a first strap guide slot, and a first retention spring. The first bar portion has a first upper surface. The first receiving aperture is disposed within the first bar portion. The first strap guide slot is disposed within the first bar portion and extends from the first upper surface to the first receiving aperture. The first strap guide slot is defined by a first lower slot surface and a first upper slot surface. The first retention spring is disposed within the first strap guide slot and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The first retention spring is extended toward the first upper slot surface when in the closed position and is retracted toward the first lower slot surface when in the open position. The first retention spring is biased to the closed position.

Abstract: A lift system includes a hoist module, a support assembly which is movable relative to the hoist module, and a control system. The control system is adapted to enable a user to a) issue an operational command which causes the support assembly to move to an operational destination, and b) issue a stowage command which causes the support assembly to move to a stowage destination. The control system is also adapted to A) disregard the stowage command provided at least one condition is satisfied and/or B) encumber issuance of the stowage command Equivalently, the control system adaptation is to A1) disregard the stowage command provided at least one stowage contraindication condition is satisfied or A2) not disregard the stowage command provided at least one stowage noncontraindication condition is satisfied and/or B) encumber issuance of the stowage command.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a lift unit includes a switch, an emergency stop device, and a reset actuator. The switch is arranged to move between a closed position, wherein the switch electrically couples a lift motor of the lift unit to an energy source, and an open position, wherein the switch electrically decouples the lift motor from the energy source. The emergency stop device is coupled to the switch and arranged to move the switch from the closed position to the open position. The reset actuator is coupled to the switch and arranged to move the switch from the open position to the closed position, wherein the reset actuator is controllable to move the switch from the open position to the closed position.