Abstract: A medical linen is disclosed. The medical linen may include a base sheet with a slide surface attached to the base sheet.

Abstract: A system for transferring a body from a first surface to a second surface, or supporting a body during such translation with substantially no agitation of the body, is provided. The system can include yaw feedback control to promote and/or insure straightness of travel. The system could additionally or alternatively include a patient rotation sensing and adjustment system. The body can be supported by a pad, but it is not essential in all embodiments.

Abstract: The device is for moving a person of reduced mobility, in particular to move a person between two horizontal supporting structures disposed close to one another. The device has at least one movement element formed by a horizontally planar base and a supporting element. It is possible to move the base in relation to the supporting element by combining a guiding device with a pulling and gripping device so that the base is moved rectilinearly between end positions defined by the front and rear edges of the supporting element (3) when the element is being held stationary under a vertical force. The supporting element is formed by a plate that has a lower surface that has at least one rectilinear longitudinal rail that is engageable with at least one corresponding groove provided on the upper wall of the base.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transferring patients are provided. A patient transfer device may have a wheeled base and a lateral transfer structure. A patient may lie supine on a patient support structure on top of a transfer sheet. Airbags may be adjusted beneath the transfer sheet to form channels. To transfer the patient from the patient support structure to the wheeled base, the lateral transfer structure is extended into the channels beneath the patient. A stretcher frame is formed from the extended lateral transfer structure. A stretcher that supports the patient is formed by attaching the transfer sheet to the stretcher frame. After the stretcher has been formed, the extended portions of the lateral transfer structure may be retracted to move the stretcher and patient on top of the wheeled base. The patient transfer device may be adjusted to allow the patient to assume a sitting position during transit.

Abstract: A disposable patient transfer mattress includes a rectangular top sheet, a rectangular bottom sheet, internal baffles, and a receptacle configured to receive a connector for supplying air to inflate the mattress. The bottom sheet corresponds to the top sheet, and the periphery of the bottom sheet is joined to the periphery of the top sheet. The internal baffles extend between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. Each baffle is a rectangular sheet with first and second parallel edges, and each baffle is joined to the top sheet along the first edge and to the bottom sheet along the second edge. The bottom sheet has a plurality of holes configured to provide a continuous cushion of air under the mattress when the mattress is inflated. The top sheet, bottom sheet, and internal baffles are made of fabric backed with a thermally weldable material, where the thermally weldable material faces the interior of the mattress for facilitating thermal welding of the baffles to the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular lateral transfer assembly (MLTA) adaptable to a wheelchair for easily transferring a wheelchair bound person, and a modular wheel assembly (MWA) adaptable to a wheelchair for easily transferring a wheelchair bound person laterally. The present invention also provides a wheelchair integrating the MLTA and MWA either individually or in combination.

Abstract: The invention provides a convenient, compact and lightweight transfer device for transferring or transporting humans, animals or other objects or substances. One person can lift or maneuver the device under an object with a minimum of effort, with ergonomic safety, and little chance of injury or strain. The device has a generally flat and semi-rigid support member, a plurality of omnidirectional ball rollers for translating the support member across a generally horizontally disposed surface. The ball rollers are positioned in cylindrical extensions extending downwardly from the lower surface of the support member and are distributed in an anterior to posterior direction in parallel rows along the lower surface of the support member. The device has at least one vertical side extending upwardly from the support member. The device can also have a handle positioned on at least one of the vertical sides.

Abstract: A patient transfer sled having a support structure including at least one air cushion partially disposed within at least one pocket, and a fluid passageway extending through the support structure into the air cushion. Systems for patient transfer that may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a first sheet portion having an outer side and an inner side and a second sheet portion having an outer side and an inner side, with the inner sides arranged so that they are facing each other. The outer sides each have a high coefficient of friction surface. The first sheet portion and the second sheet portion are releasably coupled together to thereby limit relative movement of the first sheet portion to the second sheet portion. When the coupling is released, the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion can move relative to each other.

Abstract: A patient transfer system including a patient support panel, a first base member mounted on a first support structure, e.g., a gurney, and a second base member mounted on a second support structure, e.g., a patient treatment table. The patient support panel has a pair of longitudinally extending side rails. Each base member has at least one clamp arranged to engage a rail of the patient support panel to hold it in place thereon. The clamps are releasable to enable the patient support panel to be slid off of one base member and onto the other base member. If the support structures are spaced apart at least one bridging member is provided to bridge the gap therebetween and allow the patient support member to be slid thereacross.

Abstract: A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.

Abstract: A patient repositioning system includes a drive unit, which is adapted for mounting to a head end of a patient support, and a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly is mounted to a headboard, which releasably mounts to the drive unit. The clamp assembly is mounted in the headboard in a stowed position and is configured for deployment from the headboard for coupling to a panel on the patient support. The drive unit includes a housing and a winding assembly supported in and enclosed by the housing. The winding assembly includes at least one tether, which is adapted to couple to the clamp assembly when the headboard is mounted to the drive unit and when the clamp assembly is deployed from the headboard. The tether is further optionally adapted to decouple from the clamp assembly when the clamp assembly is moved to its stowed position in the headboard.

Abstract: A transfer device transfers an individual from a bed to an adjacent support surface or vice versa and includes a mobile unit defined by a base and an upstanding structure having lower and upper end portions respectively adjacent to and remote from the base. A lower drive pulley and an upper idler pulley are located respectively adjacent to and remote from the base. A motor rotates the lower drive pulleys to wind thereupon a cable at least partially entrained upon the upper idler pulley. Clamps releasably connect the cable to a slide interposed between an individual and a bed or an adjacent support surface upon which an individual is reposed whereby upon operation of the motor, the slide with an individual thereon is pulled from a bed to an associated adjacent support surface or vice versa.

Abstract: A transfer device transfers an individual from a bed to an adjacent support surface or vice versa and includes a mobile unit defined by a base and an upstanding structure having lower and upper end portions respectively adjacent to and remote from the base. A lower drive pulley and an upper idler pulley are located respectively adjacent to and remote from the base. A motor rotates the lower drive pulleys to wind thereupon a cable at least partially entrained upon the upper idler pulley. Clamps releasably connect the cable to a slide interposed between an individual and a bed or an adjacent support surface upon which an individual is reposed whereby upon operation of the motor, the slide with an individual thereon is pulled from a bed to an associated adjacent support surface or vice versa.

Abstract: There is provided a patient care and treatment platform that is connectable to a plurality of modules capable of providing medical functionality. The platform includes a housing and a patient support surface. The platform also includes a power receiver for receiving power. The platform further includes a module interface including power, data, and pneumatic spines having power data and pneumatic ports, respectively. The spines are operative to transfer data, power, and fluid within the platform. The ports are connectable to the modules to integrate the modules into the platform. The platform also includes a head fairing having a patient interface panel. The head fairing includes an inner surface that is substantially concave in shape and slopes away from the patient support surface to allow access to the head of a patient. The patient interface panel includes a plurality of ports connectable to electrical and pneumatic apparatus.

Abstract: A patient incline device includes a base member, an inflatable incline ramp located on an upper surface of the base member, an incline ramp adapted to support a patient such that the patient's upper torso is elevated with respect to the base member, an inflatable head support pillow and a wedge-shaped inflatable spinal support air chamber located on the incline ramp and angling upward in a direction away from the incline ramp, and aligned with a centerline of the incline ramp, wherein the peak end of the wedge extends to about the region of the patient's lumbar curve so that the buttocks are not raised upon inflation. The wedge-shaped spinal support chamber may also include a pop-up air chamber having internal air vents to the spinal support chamber such that when the spinal support chamber inflates, the pop-up chamber rises as pressure accumulates and lifts a thoracic curve portion of the patient's spine.

Abstract: A body transfer system, includes a housing having a substantially planar top portion configured to support a body and having a substantially planar bottom portion; a bottom translation mechanism disposed at the bottom portion and configured to translate the system across a first surface upon which a body rests; and a top translation mechanism disposed at the top portion and configured to burrow the system between the first surface and the body as the bottom translation mechanism translates the first surface. A method of transferring a body is also included.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards a patient single surface system, PS3, which is a next generation system solution for patient accommodation, diagnosis, treatment, transfer and transport. PS3 provides a single surface for the patient to remain on from the trauma site through diagnosis, treatment and convalescence. Needs addressed by the PS3 system include improved patient treatment through reduction in time to treatment, reduced or eliminated unnecessary patient movement and injury, as well as improved comfort throughout treatment and convalescence. In addition, the PS3 system solves significant economic considerations.

Abstract: A patient transfer mechanism includes a horizontal frame positionable along the side of a bed; a support plate substantially coextensive with and fixedly mounted to the frame; and a movable transfer plate nominally resting on the support plate and being capable of being extended and retracted therealong while resting also partly on the bed; the transfer plate being covered throughout its movement by an adjustable length of fabric extending therearound, the length of fabric being adjusted proportional to and in synchronism with movement of the transfer plate in such manner that a variable upper planar extent of the length of fabric is fixedly positioned relative to an upper planar surface of the transfer plate, the transfer plate and the fabric being configured to transfer a patient from or to the bed. A gurney mounting such a patient transfer mechanism also is described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transferring patients are provided. A patient transfer device may have a wheeled base and a lateral transfer structure. A patient may lie supine on a patient support structure on top of a transfer sheet. Airbags may be adjusted beneath the transfer sheet to form channels. To transfer the patient from the patient support structure to the wheeled base, the lateral transfer structure is extended into the channels beneath the patient. A stretcher frame is formed from the extended lateral transfer structure. A stretcher that supports the patient is formed by attaching the transfer sheet to the stretcher frame. After the stretcher has been formed, the extended portions of the lateral transfer structure may be retracted to move the stretcher and patient on top of the wheeled base. The patient transfer device may be adjusted to allow the patient to assume a sitting position during transit.

Abstract: The invention provides a convenient, compact and lightweight patient transfer device for transferring patients between two horizontal surfaces such as from bed to bed, bed to stretcher, stretcher to gurney, etc. One person can lift or maneuver the device under a patient with a minimum of effort, with ergonomic safety, and little chance of injury or strain. The device comprises a generally flat and semi-rigid support member adapted to be orientated in a generally horizontal disposition, apertures or other non-protruding handles along the sides of the support member spaced shoulder-width apart, fasteners for securing the patient on the support member, and omnidirectional rollers positioned on the lower surface of the support member for translating the support member across the generally horizontally disposed surface and transferring the patient to or from one horizontal surface to another.

Abstract: A guiding device, comprises a plurality of straight rails, a plurality of curved rails, and at least one elevator rail assembly, connecting straight rails or curved rails, each of the rails having a groove and two opposite sides which form protective plates, wherein the grooves of the straight rails, the curved rails and the at least one elevator rail assembly are combined to form a single groove, providing a track for moving a patient.

Abstract: A winch for moving a patient laying on a pad is disclosed. The winch includes an enclosure that has a winching mechanism fixed within the enclosure, a power means, a motor, a gearing means, a power switching means, and a spool means. Preferably the winch further includes a bedrail hook attached to the front wall, the hook comprising at least one rigid U-shaped member. As such, the enclosure may be fixed to a bedrail of a bed to move the patient laying on the pad on the bed. A winching strap is connected at one end thereof to the spool means. The winching strap traverses an aperture in the at least one side wall of the enclosure, and a distal end of the winching strap terminates in a pad clamping means. The pad clamping means is preferably a clamping bar having at least two clamps, such that when the winching mechanism pulls the clamps towards the enclosure the clamps are further tightened upon the pad.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with retraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a first sheet portion having an outer side and an inner side and a second sheet portion having an outer side and an inner side, with the inner sides arranged so that they are facing each other. The outer sides each have a high coefficient of friction surface. The first sheet portion and the second sheet portion are releasably coupled together to thereby limit relative movement of the first sheet portion to the second sheet portion. When the coupling is released, the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion can move relative to each other.

Abstract: A transfer device transfer device for facilitating transfer of a person from one seating position to another, the device comprising an arcuate board at least a main part of which is curved through an angle of at least substantially 70°.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress having an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflated torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg define a gap between them to allow the legs to be spread apart for toileting or cleaning of the patient, or deflated and rolled upon themselves so as to provide easy access to the patient during clinical procedures. A method is provided for positioning a patient with the inflatable mattress.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transfer mattress, comprising a mattress which is a rectangular body encompassed with a movable tubular fabric sleeve and dimensioned for a person to lie down; and at least a pull strap having a first joint secured on the tubular fabric sleeve and encircled around the tubular fabric sleeve with some extra length and a second joint secured on the tubular fabric sleeve at a different or the same point with the first joint.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes a base assembly movable in forward and lateral directions. A power train is mounted within the base assembly, and is connected to a clamping and strap assembly. A power and switching system is in electrical communication with the power train. A retractor bar carries one or more clamping devices that are releasably attachable to a sheet. The clamping devices include a clamp handle pivotally connected to a clamp base and a clamp arm eccentrically pivotally connected to the clamp handle. The clamping and strap assembly is supported on the base assembly by a vertical adjustment assembly that includes a positioning mechanism for releasably locking the clamping and strap assembly at one of a plurality of vertical positions. An attendant can stand on the base assembly to act as a counterbalance to a patient's weight.

Abstract: An accessory device for use by an occupant in a wheelchair includes a platform and a reorientation mechanism that enables the rotation, pivoting, and sliding motion of the platform with respect to the wheelchair. The device is reconfigurable from a first, stowed position in which the platform extends along one side of a first seating surface to a second, deployed position in which the device bridges the first seating surface and a second seating surface. In the stowed position, the device functions as an armrest, while in the deployed position, the device functions as a transfer board. The platform may be slid in and out with respect to the wheelchair.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus with a substantially horizontal crossbeam having a first end pivotally connected to a first side of a bed frame and a second end pivotally connected to a second side of the bed frame. A rod has a free first end and a second end fixedly connected to the cross beam. A clamp secures the crossbeam from pivoting. Tension members are securedly attached on one end to a flat bar and on the other end to a point disposed between the first and second ends of the rod.

Abstract: A patient pull-up system is provided which enables a single operator to reposition a patient situated on a patient support, such as a bed, cart, gurney, or table, from a slumped position to a more upright position nearer the head of the patient support. The repositioning event is accomplished with minimal risk of injury or discomfort to the operator and patient. The patient pull-up system includes a translating device, a frame member, and a clamp adapted to grasp a portion of a sheet situated between a patient and a patient support.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress having an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflated torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg define a gap between them to allow the legs to be spread apart for toileting or cleaning of the patient, or deflated and rolled upon themselves so as to provide easy access to the patient during clinical procedures. A method is provided for positioning a patient with the inflatable mattress. The bottom panel of the mattress has a plurality of perforations that permits the use of the mattress as a patient transfer device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transfer mattress, comprising a mattress which is a rectangular body encompassed with a movable tubular fabric sleeve and dimensioned for a person to lie down; and at least a pull strap having a first joint secured on the tubular fabric sleeve and encircled around the tubular fabric sleeve with some extra length and a second joint secured on the tubular fabric sleeve at a different or the same point with the first joint.

Abstract: A device for use with a base of a patient support system. The device has a patient supporting member attached to the base and a sheet engaged by a roller so that the sheet may be located under a patient and moved, thereby moving the patient from one location to another. The roller is supported by a bearing member and, in accordance with the subject invention, the bearing member does not need to be removed from the base, but may be pivoted to an engaged position for engaging and supporting the roller and may be pivoted to a stowed position for storage within the base when not in use.

Abstract: A system for transferring a body from a first surface to a second surface, or supporting a body during such translation with substantially no agitation of the body, is provided. A pad configured for use on a plurality of patient support surfaces, e.g., with the transfer system, can comprise a main portion dimensioned to substantially cover a first support surface, a supplemental portion configured to combine with the main portion to substantially cover a second support surface dimensioned larger than the first support surface, and at least one living hinge coupling the main portion to the supplemental portion and configured to adapt the pad for use between the first support surface and second support surface.

Abstract: A bed pad is described comprising a padding layer and at least one sheet layer adjacent to the padding layer. The sheet layer is formed from a web of very fine polyethylene fibers. The padding layer provides support for the patient. The sheet layer comprises a fabric material that is comfortable for the patient to use. The bed pad provides a means for either adjusting a patient within a bed or for transferring a patient from one bed to another bed or medical table. The bed pad may also be used as part of a stretcher or separately as a bedroll. The bed pad may optionally contain gripping components and drapes.

Abstract: A patient transfer device allows diagnostic testing such as X-rays, MRI, CAT scans, etc. to be performed upon a patient while the patient remains on the transfer device. Such a device allows a patient, and especially an injured patient, to remain on the same transfer device during transport to a hospital or care center, to and from a room or a waiting area, to and from a testing area, and to and from a treatment area, eliminating the need to repeated move the patient onto and off of conventional transport devices or beds. Allowing the patient to remain on the same transport device relatively undisturbed minimizes any further injury to the patient caused by repeated movement of an injured body part.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus with a substantially horizontal crossbeam having a first end pivotally connected to a first side of a bed frame and a second end pivotally connected to a second side of the bed frame. A rod has a free first end and a second end fixedly connected to the cross beam. A clamp secures the crossbeam from pivoting. Tension members are securedly attached on one end to a flat bar and on the other end to a point disposed between the first and second ends of the rod.

Abstract: A lateral transfer accessory (LTA) expands the capabilities of overhead ceiling lifts(OCLs). The accessory includes passive mechanical components requiring no electrical power supply or batteries. The accessory is powered by the OCL. In a particular embodiment, the LTA is a mobile unit positioned adjacent to the side of a patient's bed or gurney. A pair of releasable patient draw straps are secured to and coiled around patient draw pulleys. The free ends of the draw straps are attached to the draw sheet beneath the patient. A drive pulley carries a drive strap. The drive strap is secured to the pull strap of the overhead ceiling lift (OCL) positioned over the accessory. The OCL is controlled to draw out the drive strap from the accessory to thereby operate the main drive. The main drive, in turn, actuates the patient draw pulley to retract the patient draw straps attached to the draw sheet and thereby laterally transfer the patient.

Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus (30, 330) is provided for use with a patient-support device (20, 320). The patient positioning apparatus (30, 330) is used to pull a sheet (32, 332) on the patient-support device (20, 320) while a patient is lying on the sheet (32, 332) to position the patient in a desired location on the patient-support device (20, 320).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a patient transfer system. The patient transfer system is positioned on a support area of a first underlying surface's top surface. The support area (a) receives a patient and (b) is defined by a head end, a foot end, a first side and a second side. The patient transfer system has a base sheet, a transfer sheet a support sheet, a first attachment mechanism, and a second attachment mechanism. The base sheet covers the support area and has (a) a pivot line positioned near or at the first side and (b) a transition line positioned near or at the second side. The transfer sheet has (a) a proximal end that connects to the base sheet at pivot line and (b) a distal end that extends to the transition line. The support sheet has (a) a proximal end that connects to the transfer sheet above the transition line and (b) a distal end that extends at least to the pivot line.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for transferring a patient from a first support surface to an adjacent second support surface. The device includes a plurality of elongated side-by-side first bladders arranged to be placed under the patient on the first support surface and a rolling sheet to be disposed between the patient and the bladders. The bladders being separately and sequentially inflatable to tilt and move the patient transversely.

Abstract: A disposable transport mat includes inner and outer panels which are joined to one another forming a tubular or loop shaped structure. Both panels are made of materials such as Tyvek®. The panels may be assembled to one another as by sewing or gluing. Padding may be provided as a layer between the inner and outer panels. A thin film may be applied to the outer panel to increase frictional engagement with a patient thereby assisting in uniform rolling motion of the transport mat during use. A cover may be used in conjunction with the transport mat to provide additional options in transporting or lifting a patient. The cover may incorporate a plurality of webbing strips with integral grasping loops. A thin film may also be applied to the cover to enhance frictional engagement for uniform rolling motion.

Abstract: This invention is a device for translatably positioning a patient along a bed. The device has a motor connected to a series of pulleys. A corresponding series of straps are attached at one end to a respective pulley and at the other end to a bed sheet. As the pulleys are rotated by operation of the motor, each strap is wound around its respective pulley thereby causing the associated sheet to be drawn in the general direction of the pulleys. The device may be operated by the patient or a caregiver and the device contains a safety mechanism that prevents the pulleys from pulling the associated bed sheet completely into the device. In one embodiment of the invention, the components of the device are received onto a portable, adjustable frame that permits the device to be transported to a number of different beds and used with beds of differing sizes.

Abstract: A system for visually identifying a patient transfer device, and distinguishing the patient transfer device from other patient transfer devices in a set of transfer devices is provided. The transfer device includes an inflatable mattress. The system comprises a plurality of identifier elements arranged about the mattress and adapted to present a unified appearance. The appearance of the identifier elements substantially distinct from that of the mattress such that the eye of a viewer is automatically drawn to the identifier elements. The identifier elements may include a plurality of side pull straps adapted for sliding the mattress along an underlying surface. According to one embodiment, the identifier elements include tabs to which fasteners are mounted for releasably attaching an accessory to the mattress.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes an inflatable mattress and a liner releasably attached to the inflatable mattress. The inflatable mattress includes a top sheet having opposite side edges and a bottom sheet defining a plurality of holes to create a cushion of escaping air beneath the mattress. The cushion of air facilitates sliding of the mattress with respect to an underlying support surface. The liner includes an intermediate portion adapted to cover the top sheet of the mattress and opposite side portions extending beyond the side edges of the top sheet.

Abstract: A patient care bed includes a windlass mechanism for engaging and movement of an elongate sheet to thereby transport or move a patient supported on the sheet. The windlass mechanism includes a hollow tube with a slot into which a retainer mechanism may be fitted to hold the end of the sheet to the hollow tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient positioning and transport system comprising a transportable stretcher (1) and a cart (2) for transporting the stretcher (1) with the patient. The stretcher (1) can be removed from the cart (2) to be placed on a diagnosis or treatment station (4). A patient positioning and transport system of the aforementioned type should be designed as to avoid, to the greatest possible extent, repositionings of the patient between separate diagnosis or treatment stations (4). Towards this end, at least one adapter plate (3) that can be assigned to the stretcher (1) is provided, whereby the stretcher (1), the adapter plate (3) and the cart (2) can be joined to another and are configured in such a manner that the stretcher (1) with the patient can be transferred from the cart (2) to various, differently designed diagnosis or treatment stations (4) and back.

Abstract: A lateral transfer accessory (LTA) expands the capabilities of overhead ceiling lifts(OCLs). The accessory includes passive mechanical components requiring no electrical power supply or batteries. The accessory is powered by the OCL. In a particular embodiment, the LTA is a mobile unit positioned adjacent to the side of a patient's bed or gurney. A pair of releasable patient draw straps are secured to and coiled around patient draw pulleys. The free ends of the draw straps are attached to the draw sheet beneath the patient. A drive pulley carries a drive strap. The drive strap is secured to the pull strap of the overhead ceiling lift (OCL) positioned over the accessory. The OCL is controlled to draw out the drive strap from the accessory to thereby operate the main drive. The main drive, in turn, actuates the patient draw pulley to retract the patient draw straps attached to the draw sheet and thereby laterally transfer the patient.