Abstract: A somatic support system for the total support of a bed-dependent person includes a multi-section mattress support frame assembly which is carried by a vertically movable body lift frame assembly. A quickly detachable modular power unit is carried by a unit frame assembly and operates the body lift frame which is also carried by the unit frame and within a surrounding panel assembly. The mattress support frame assembly itself is infinitely adjustable by operation of the power unit and allows the bed-dependent person to be placed in any of a number of positions. Various adjuncts for use in the care of the bed-dependent person are useable with the somatic support system.

Abstract: The patient lifting device comprises a frame structure including tube members supported at a given level above a patient's bed running generally parallel to each other and to the patient. Flexible straps are arranged to be passed under longitudinally spaced portions of the patient. The end portions of these straps are pulled up opposite sides of the patient and over the parallel tube members. The extreme ends are then inserted in a slot defined between two closely spaced parallel rods. These parallel rods are mounted for rotation about a fixed axis intermediate the axis of each rod so that the extending end portions of the straps are coiled up on the closely spaced rods thereby exerting equal lifting forces to raise the patient from the bed without rolling the patient.