Abstract: A bedside lower extremity lifting apparatus is comprised of a support frame coupled to a platform. The support platform can be selectively raised and lowered by an actuator assembly coupled between the support frame and the platform. The lifting apparatus is configured to be positioned adjacent a conventional patient support structure such as a mattress-type bed or patient table and can be properly used and operated in conjunction with the bed with or without modification thereto. When the platform is in its lowered position, the platform and support frame have a relatively low profile so as to allow a user to comfortably sit on the edge of the bed. A user control is provided to allow the user to selectively raise and lower the platform as desired. By sitting on the edge of the bed and raising the platform to a sufficiently elevated position, the user is able to raise his or her legs to a height that allows the user to more comfortably maneuver their legs onto the bed.

Abstract: A turning mechanism for a patient confined to a bed includes two movable frames, and two adjusting members connected to respective frames for moving the frames between a horizontal position and a tilted position. A sheet is connected to elongated rods of the frames by an easily detachable device. Thus, a patient lying on the sheet can be turned between a back-rest position and left and right side rest positions. The adjusting members have transmission shafts, which have threaded sections having moving blocks movable along; Propping rods are pivoted to the moving blocks at first ends. The propping rods are pivoted to the frames at the other ends so that when power source is activated, the moving blocks move along threaded sections, and the propping rods are moved to raise the respective frames to a tilted position.

Abstract: A rise assist apparatus comprising a handrail in the form of a convoluted section attached to a vertical pole, and stabilized by a bed frame attachment member and a floor contacting base frame. Alternatively, the rise assist apparatus may be wall mounted, being stabilized by a system of mounted wall brackets. The rise assist apparatus further includes an upper curved, horizontal leveraging handle, which extends from the pole-like support structure. Specifically, the rise assist apparatus allows the user to build momentum by pushing off the upper hand grip, and allows the user to control the momentum by regaining balance, and readjusting posture, by gripping the lower handrail member. Additionally, the user can use the curved grip with one hand, while simultaneously reaching for the handrail during the rising movement thereby allowing the user to support himself or herself as they rise out of bed.

Abstract: A bed to wheelchair transfer assist device to be mounted to a bed frame to aid either a disabled individual in transferring himself from a seated position on a bed into a wheelchair or a pain suffering individual when raising and lowering his upper torso between prone and seated positions. When the individual wishes to transfer into the wheelchair or raise or lower his torso, he inserts a removable swan shaped handle of the device into a base. Once inserted in the base, the handle lends a firm support which allows the individual to either push himself off the bed or raise and lower his torso, as required. After the individual has repositioned his body, the handle is removed from the base and placed at an out of site location near the bed. The assist device includes a U-shaped clamping member that is coupled to the base and easily hooked over the existing rail of the bed frame.

Abstract: A supine position assist apparatus, for adjusting the bed position of a person in the group of bed bound persons whose movement on or onto the bed is relatively the most severely hindered is provided and includes a first re-positioning movement element for moving the shoulder region of the bed bound person relative to the bed in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the bed, and a second re-positioning movement element. The re-positioning movement elements each include a pull cloth which is movable transversely. The second re-positioning movement element moves the back region of the bed bound person relative to the bed in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the bed. The first re-positioning movement element and the second re-positioning movement element are movable independent of each other.

Abstract: A patient transport system for transporting a patient from a bed to a stretcher or vice versa, using a bed sheet and a conveyor attached to the bed or the stretcher. A first end of the sheet is removably attached to the conveyor and a second end of the sheet is free. The sheet is adapted to be positioned onto the patient supporting member of the bed or stretcher. The conveyor includes a roller received by bearings. The roller can be removably received by the bearings. The roller can also include a telescopic arrangement so that its length can be adjusted. A pawl and ratchet assembly can be provided on the conveyor to prevent unwinding of the conveyor. The sheet is removably attached to the roller by adhesive tape or a clip arrangement. A flexible belt attaches the clip to the conveyor and is removably secured to the roller. The clip includes a body member having a recess with a plug received therein.

Abstract: A patient transfer system is provided for quick, easy and comfortable movement of a patient between horizontal and vertical positions and between lateral locations for medical procedures. The system includes a gurney with a patient positioning board pivotally mounted thereon for movement between horizontal and upright positions. The board is adapted to receive a patient mold. A footrest is provided at the lower end of the board such that a patient can step onto the footrest when the board is in the upright position and lean against the board. The board is then lowered to a horizontal position on the gurney. The gurney can be wheeled into position adjacent a treatment table in a treatment room, such as for radiation therapy, and docked to the table.

Abstract: A patient rotation system for rotating bedfast patients (P) on a periodic basis from his back to either side, from either side to his back, or from one side to the other side. The system includes, in combination, two major elements, a patient rotation device (10) and a rotation sheet (90) which permits a smooth, continual and rapid rotation of the bedfast patient (P).

Abstract: A movement aid suitable for use by disabled persons comprises a track, a trolley moveable along the track, a handle suspended from the trolley and a braking system for controlling and stopping movement of the trolley along the track.

Abstract: A hospital bed is provided for support of a patient. The hospital bed includes a base, a patient support coupled to the base, and a walker dockable to the patient support.

Abstract: A wheeled dolly assembly for a patient carrier device has a box frame with a foldable footrest. Interchangeable wheels are mounted to an axle to facilitate rapid and easy movement of the dolly when a patient is strapped onto the patient carrier. The patient carrier device, such as a backboard, is retained in the box frame with adjustable pressure plates. Optional handles are mounted to the backboard through slots pre-formed in the backboard.

Abstract: Assembly of a bed or similar support and an apparatus for movement support for a person moving into or out of the bed/support. The apparatus has a base part and at least one swivelling arm that is pivotable relative to the base pad about an axis of rotation between at least two positions. The swivelling arm is driven by a motor. Positioning apparatus are provided for disposing the apparatus adjacent the bed/support so that—during use—at least a first pad of the swivelling arm can extend in a first position above a person located on the bed/support and in a second position the first part of the swivelling arm can extend along a person located beside the bed/support. Throughout the path between the first and the second position and vice versa, the swivelling arm can transmit a pulling force to the person in a direction towards the second or first position, as desired, to support his or her movements.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for moving or transferring a prone person or other body between two platforms, permitting a single caregiver of less than average strength to perform such transfer between an unmodified bed and a second surface, which may for example be part of a transport device. The method involves providing some form of low friction surface over any significant portion of a bed or other platform over which the person or other body is to be moved, the person either being mounted on a low friction board or sheet having straps extending therefrom to facilitate movement of the person across a first platform to a second platform, which is preferably mounted at a slightly lower height than the first one, or straps being wrapped around the person at two spaced locations and used for pulling the patient across the low friction surface to effect the transfer.

Abstract: A multipurpose body-turn-over apparatus mainly including an elevator, a driving mechanism, ropes, a net, suspension fittings, a vibrator, and a controller. The controller sets operating time and speed, and time pause at reverse of the apparatus, and the elevator is adjustable in height. The driving mechanism drives a displacement shaft of the driven assembly to move or rotate, so that ropes hanging from two ends of the driven assembly to connect the net are alternately pulled up and lowered, helping a patient lying on the net to regularly turn over or lie on side to avoid bedsore, or do rehabilitation exercises. The vibrator may alternately pull and lower ropes connected to two sides of the net at high frequency. The apparatus may be designed into heavy-duty or light models to meet different requirements and can be freely moved for use with different sickbeds.

Abstract: A patient transport system for transporting a patient from a bed to a stretcher or vice versa, using a bed sheet and a conveyor attached to the bed or the stretcher. A first end of the sheet is removably attached to the conveyor and a second end of the sheet is free. The sheet is adapted to be positioned onto the patient supporting member of the bed or stretcher. The conveyor includes a roller received by bearings. The roller can be removably received by the bearings. The roller can also include a telescopic arrangement so that its length can be adjusted. A pawl and ratchet assembly can be provided on the conveyor to prevent unwinding of the conveyor. The sheet is removably attached to the roller by adhesive tape or a clip arrangement. A flexible belt attaches the clip to the conveyor and is removably secured to the roller. The clip includes a body member having a recess with a plug received therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moving an airline passenger whereby a Tyvek® sling having handles attached thereto is buckled about an airline passenger and then the passenger is lifted and transferred, by two or more persons grasping the handles, from a wheelchair on the aircraft into an adjacent seat.

Abstract: A personal lift aid for lifting and lowering ambulatory patients and other individuals by unassisted and assisted means. The invention device comprises of a stanchion assembly having a palm grip to an upper end thereof; three adjustable hand grips located below said palm grip; and a (step-on) anchor pad located at the lower end of the device to anchor the personal lift aid to the floor or ground during lifting and lowering of individuals.

Abstract: Straps are used to form a supporting plane for a body resting on a supporting structure, which straps are double folded and inserted under the body while holding one end of the strap until the other end of the strap is completely inserted under the body. Two bars are placed parallel and with a certain distance from the body on each side of the body. The free part of each strap is attached, double folded, to one of the bars. The attachment point of the strap is rotated around the geometric axis of the bar in such a way that the part of the strap, which runs from the body, will be placed over the double folded end. The end of the strap, which has been inserted under the body is fixed on the other bar or is attached in the same way as the first end.

Abstract: A multi-motion lifting and transferring apparatus for assisting persons when entering and exiting a vehicle is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is realized as having an electrically actuated rotator for rotating a support member about a substantially vertical axis, an electrically actuated extension arm for moving the electrically actuated rotator and the support member along a plane having a vertical component, and an electrically actuated slide tray for moving the electrically actuated extension arm, the electrically actuated rotator, and the support member along a substantially horizontal plane.