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 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: 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: A vacuum cleaner nozzle having a flexible bellow arrangement for connecting a nozzle inlet to a nozzle outlet. The bellow arrangement has a flat inside surface.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (1) comprises a main body (2) having arranged therein a suction chamber (3), a fan unit (4), a first suction duct (5), a second suction duct (6) and a valve arrangement (7) operable to establish communication between each of the first and second suction ducts and the suction chamber. A floor nozzle arrangement (8) is provided at a first end (9) of the main body and in communication with said first suction duct. An auxiliary nozzle (10) for above-floor cleaning is provided, and an extensible and/or collapsible suction hose (12) connects the auxiliary nozzle to said second suction duct. The cleaner (1) has handle means (11) comprising an elongated recess (13) adapted to contain the greater part of the suction hose. The recess (13) may be open at one end or may be shaped as an open groove.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new sling bar for use with an overhead lift system to lift a load suspended in a lift sling there below. The sling bar comprises a cross bar having first and second ends, a pair of lift loop retention ears extending from each of the first and second ends of the cross bar. Each pair of ears includes a first ear in the pair being disposed adjacent a first face of the cross bar and a second ear in the pair disposed adjacent a second opposite face of said cross bar, the pair of retention ears defining a space there between. A lift hook is disposed at each of the first and second ends of the cross bar in the space defined between the pair of retention ears, the pair of ears extending at least up to an inner surface of a bend portion of the lift hook.

Abstract: A person lift system comprises a lift assembly, and a sling support assembly configured to be moved by the lift assembly. The sling support assembly includes a frame and a plurality of sling coupling mechanisms configured to removably couple a sling to the sling support. At least a portion of the frame is movable to selectively change the spatial relationship of the plurality of sling coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new sling bar for use with an overhead lift system to lift a load suspended in a lift sling there below. The sling bar comprises a cross bar having first and second ends, a pair of lift loop retention ears extending from each of the first and second ends of the cross bar. Each pair of ears includes a first ear in the pair being disposed adjacent a first face of the cross bar and a second ear in the pair disposed adjacent a second opposite face of said cross bar, the pair of retention ears defining a space there between. A lift hook is disposed at each of the first and second ends of the cross bar in the space defined between the pair of retention ears, the pair of ears extending at least up to an inner surface of a bend portion of the lift hook.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle having a flexible bellow arrangement for connecting a nozzle inlet to a nozzle outlet. The bellow arrangement has a flat inside surface.

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: Disclosed is a new sling bar for use with an overhead lift system to lift a load suspended in a lift sling there below. The sling bar comprises a cross bar having first and second ends, a pair of lift loop retention ears extending from each of the first and second ends of the cross bar. Each pair of ears includes a first ear in the pair being disposed adjacent a first face of the cross bar and a second ear in the pair disposed adjacent a second opposite face of said cross bar, the pair of retention ears defining a space there between. A lift hook is disposed at each of the first and second ends of the cross bar in the space defined between the pair of retention ears, the pair of ears extending at least up to an inner surface of a bend portion of the lift hook.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter unit (1) for use in a water filtering device (30). The filter unit comprises a housing (3) having an inlet (13a-d) for receiving water to be filtered and an outlet (25) for dispensing filtered water. A water filtering medium (5) is contained in between the inlet and outlet. The water filtering medium (5) comprises an ion exchange resin layer (5b) and an activated carbon loaded material layer (5c), which layers are provided as two distinct layers arranged in the housing. The invention further relates to a water filtering device, such as a water filter jug, comprising a filter unit.

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: An upright vacuum cleaner (1) comprises a main body (2) having arranged therein a suction chamber (3), a fan unit (4), a first suction duct (5), a second suction duct (6) and a valve arrangement (7) operable to establish communication between each of the first and second suction ducts and the suction chamber. A floor nozzle arrangement (8) is provided at a first end (9) of the main body and in communication with said first suction duct. An auxiliary nozzle (10) for above-floor cleaning is provided, and an extensible and/or collapsible suction hose (12) connects the auxiliary nozzle to said second suction duct. The cleaner (1) has handle means (11) comprising an elongated recess (13) adapted to contain the greater part of the suction hose. The recess (13) may be open at one end or may be shaped as an open groove.

Abstract: A lift system comprises a lift assembly and a control system. The lift assembly is configured to assist a person in moving between a first position and a second position. The control system is configured to change the amount of assistance provided by the lift assembly as a function of a change in a characteristic of the person.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device comprising a conductive substrate surface (19), at least one layer of a conductive polymer (14) deposited on the surface (19), a first electrolyte (13) arranged in contact with the conductive polymer layer, and a counter electrode (11), arranged in contact with the first electrolyte (13), such that a potential difference can be applied between the conductive substrate (15) and the counter electrode (11). The conductive polymer (14), in a first state, before applying the potential difference, exhibits a first adhesive capacity, wherein the conductive polymer layer (14) is substantially attached to the conductive substrate surface (19). In a second state, subsequent to application of the potential difference, the conductive polymer (14), exhibits a second adhesive capacity, such that at least a portion of the conductive polymer layer (14) is substantially released from the conductive substrate surface (19).

Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner housing with a frame element forming at least a portion of a handle and extending in a main handle direction. A through hole passes through and is encircled by the frame element, and is configured to receive one or more fingers of an operator. A top casing element is connected to the frame element and covers at least some of a top side of the frame element. A bottom casing element is connected to the frame element and covers at least some of the bottom side of the frame element. The frame element, top casing element and bottom casing element are arranged to form at least part of a vacuum source housing for accommodating at least a part of a vacuum source. A vacuum cleaner having a similar housing, as well as a detachable second housing having a debris compartment and nozzle, is also provided.

Abstract: The instant invention provides plasma membrane vesicles, methods of making the same, and method of using the plasma membrane vesicles.

Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner having a housing with an electric motor, a fan driven by the motor, a debris emptying hole for removal of debris from a debris collecting compartment inside the vacuum cleaner, a lid pivotally hinged about a pivot axis and adapted to allow closing and opening of the debris emptying hole, a nozzle defining a nozzle opening in a forward end of the vacuum cleaner through which an air stream may be drawn for collecting debris, and at least two wheels, which are positioned adjacent the nozzle opening and are rotatable about a common rotation axis. The pivot axis for the lid and the rotation axis for the wheels are located on a common axis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device comprising at least one supporting solid surface comprising at least one membraneophilic region; a covering layer that is at least partially immobilized to the membraneophilic region, said covering layer consisting of (i) a surfactant membrane, (ii) a lipid mimicking polymer, (iii) a surfactant or emulsion system or (iv) a liquid crystal; and a substance included in or bound to, connected to or associated with the covering layer. Also disclosed are methods wherein the device is used and use of the device.