Abstract: A subject support apparatus includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a vest having a first end and a second end, a closure mechanism configured to couple the first end of the vest to the second end of the vest from a bottom end of the vest to a top end of the vest to form a closed loop, and a pair of shoulder straps extending from the vest. The lower portion includes a seat piece having a first end and a second end, and a pair of loop straps extending from the first end and the second end of the seat piece. Subject support systems including the subject support apparatus and methods of lifting a subject using the subject support apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A subject support apparatus includes an upper portion including a torso panel having a first end and a second end, a loop strap having a first free end extending from the first end of the torso panel and a second free end extending from the second end of the torso panel and configured to couple the first end of the torso panel to the second end of the torso panel to form a closed loop, and a pair of shoulder straps coupled to the torso panel and extending from a top edge of the torso panel. The subject support apparatus also includes a lower portion coupled to the pair of shoulder straps and extending from a bottom edge of the torso panel. The lower portion has a seat piece having a front end and a rear end.

Abstract: Overhead lifts with control systems are disclosed. The overhead lifts may include a lift actuator communicatively coupled to a control system. The control system may include a control unit comprising a processor and a memory having computer readable and executable instructions and at least one port for communicatively coupling the control unit to at least one of a computer, a network, and a data storage device. The processor executes the computer readable and executable instructions to: determine at least one operating characteristic of the overhead lift and an operating time of the overhead lift as the overhead lift is actuated; determine an accumulated load-time parameter for the overhead lift based on the at least one operating characteristic and the operating time; and provide an indication that a component of the overhead lift requires service based on the comparison of the accumulated load-time parameter to a service constant.

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: A linkage assembly that connects a sling bar to a person lift apparatus includes a link body that connects to the person lift apparatus. The link body has a keyed slot extending therethrough. The keyed slot has a region of reduced dimension. An interlocking member connects to the sling bar. The interlocking member has an interlocking portion that is sized to be slidably received in the keyed slot. The interlocking portion has a region of reduced dimension such that, in an interlocked orientation, the region of reduced dimension of the interlocking portion is offset from the region of reduced dimension of the keyed slot thereby inhibiting removal of the interlocking member from the keyed slot and, in a release orientation, the region of reduced dimension of the interlocking portion is aligned with the region of reduced dimension of the keyed slot thereby allowing removal of the interlocking member from the keyed slot to disconnect the sling bar from the person lift apparatus.

Abstract: An adaptive lift includes a base portion including a plurality of rollers, a lift portion coupled to the base portion, the lift portion including a mast extending upward from the base portion in a vertical direction and a lift arm coupled to the mast, a lift bar coupled to the lift arm, a lift system coupled to the base portion and the lift arm, where the lift system raises and lowers the lift bar with respect to the base portion, a support arm pivotally coupled to the mast and positioned above the base portion in the vertical direction, and a braking system coupled to the support arm, the braking system including a release handle that selectively repositions the braking system between an engaged position, in which the braking system prevents rotation of the plurality of rollers, and a disengaged position, in which the plurality of rollers may rotate.

Abstract: A patient lift system includes a lift housing, a base lift strap having a first end coupled to a lift housing and a second end coupled to a sling bar. The base lift strap is infection controlled. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve covers the base lift strap, wherein the protective sleeve has a first end and a second end. In another embodiment, the base lift strap is chemically treated to provide infection control.

Abstract: A movement system for use with an overhead patient lift system includes a motor. A drum is operatively coupled to the motor. The drum is configured to be selectively driven by the motor to rotate in one of a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction. A lifting strap is coupled to the drum. The lifting strap is extendable and retractable with respect to a carriage of the overhead patient lifting system as the drum rotates. A manual release operatively coupled to the drum is actuatable to selectively disengage the drum from the motor to allow the lifting strap to be manually extended. Also disclosed is an overhead patient lift system including the movement system and a method for manually extending a lifting strap of an overhead patient lift system.

Abstract: Lift communications systems, wall-mounted controls, and methods of using and configuring the same are disclosed. A lift communications system includes one or more lifts, each one of the one or more lifts is movable within a space. The lift communications system further includes a wall-mounted control coupled to a wall of the space. The wall-mounted control is configured to communicatively couple to the one or more lifts via a wireless connection. When the wall-mounted control is communicatively coupled to a lift of the one or more lifts, the wall-mounted control is configured to direct operation of the lift and receive data from the lift.

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: Rail-mounted lift systems, systems comprising the same, and kits of parts for retrofitting rail-mounted lift systems are disclosed. A lift system includes a rail having a carriage support channel formed therein, a carriage slidably disposed in the carriage support channel for relative movement to the rail, a lift unit coupled to the carriage, the lift unit having a motor that extends and retracts a lifting strap, and a locating system having a first component and a second component separate from the first component. One of the first and second components is a transmitter providing a code that corresponds to a predetermined location and the other is a receiver detecting the code when the first and second components are moved in proximity to one another due to movement of the carriage along the rail.

Abstract: Person support apparatuses with selectively coupled foot sections are disclosed. In one embodiment, the person support apparatus includes a base frame, a primary support frame supported on the base frame, and a foot section coupled to the primary support frame. The person support apparatus also includes a carriage that is freely translatable between a head end of the primary support frame and a foot end of the primary support frame, the carriage comprising a torso portion and a seat portion having a thigh segment and a gluteal segment. The person support apparatus further includes a selectable trunnion that selectively and severally couples the foot section to the primary support frame and the thigh segment of the seat portion.

Abstract: A patient lift system includes a lift housing, a base lift strap having a first end coupled to a lift housing and a second end coupled to a sling bar. The base lift strap is infection controlled. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve covers the base lift strap, wherein the protective sleeve has a first end and a second end. In another embodiment, the base lift strap is chemically treated to provide infection control.

Abstract: A patient lift system includes a lift unit operable to raise and lower a lifting strap, the lift unit having a working load rating. A sling bar is attached with the lifting strap and a lifting accessory is coupled to the sling bar. The lifting accessory may comprises: a lifting sling; a lifting harness; a lifting vest; a lifting strap; or a repositioning sheet. The sling bar includes an opening sized to receive one or more attachment handles of the lifting accessory if the working load rating of the lift unit is larger than the working load rating of the lifting accessory. The opening of the sling bar is not capable of receiving one or more attachment handles of the lifting accessory if the working load rating of the lift unit is smaller than the working load rating of the lifting accessory.

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 movement system for use with an overhead patient lift system includes a motor. A drum is operatively coupled to the motor. The drum is configured to be selectively driven by the motor to rotate in one of a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction. A lifting strap is coupled to the drum. The lifting strap is extendable and retractable with respect to a carriage of the overhead patient lifting system as the drum rotates. A manual release operatively coupled to the drum is actuatable to selectively disengage the drum from the motor to allow the lifting strap to be manually extended. Also disclosed is an overhead patient lift system including the movement system and a method for manually extending a lifting strap of an overhead patient lift system.

Abstract: In the embodiments described herein, the person lifting device automatically determines if an accessory, such as a sling, is properly connected to a sling bar of the person lifting device and, if the accessory is not properly connected, the person lifting device provides a user with a visual and/or audible warning and, in some embodiments, may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device to prevent the person lifting device from being used.

Abstract: A patient lift system includes a motor and a drum. The drum is operably coupled to the motor. The drum can be selectively driven to rotate by the motor. A housing surrounds at least the motor and the drum. A load-bearing member is provided that includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the load-bearing member can be operably coupled to at least one of the housing and the drum. The second end of the load-bearing member can be operably coupled to a patient support assembly. An electrically conductive member can be positioned within the load-bearing member. A user interface is configured to actuate the patient support assembly in vertical and horizontal directions.

Abstract: A method of determining a lifting event of a person lifting apparatus is provided. The method includes receiving one or more of (i) current load information from a current measuring device that is indicative of current drawn by an actuator operatively connected to a lifting strap of the person lifting apparatus; (ii) strap position information from a position sensor that is indicative of a paid out length of the lifting strap of the person lifting apparatus; and (iii) weight information from a weight sensor that is indicative of a load supported by the lifting strap of the person lifting apparatus. A computing device comprising a processor using logic is used to identify at least one of a raising event, a repositioning event and a lowering event based on the one or more of the current load information, strap position information and weight information.

Abstract: A lift unit for supporting a subject includes a lift body configured to travel along an overhead rail and a lift strap having a payout length extending from the lift body. The payout length retracts and extends relative to the lift body. The lift strap includes a woven fiber construction having a pattern integrated into the woven fiber construction. The pattern includes a plurality of markings indicative of the payout length.