Abstract: There is described a patient lift apparatus comprising a supporting frame, a boom portion connected to the supporting frame, and a spreader element coupled to the boom portion via a coupling member. The boom portion and coupling member are joined by a pivot joint allowing the coupling member and associated spreader element to pivot with respect to the boom portion about a pivot axis. The patient lift apparatus can include a damping element coupled between the boom portion and the coupling member to damp rocking movement of the coupling member and spreader element, which damping element is a linear damper having a first end connected to the boom portion and a second end connected to the coupling member. The patient lift apparatus can include a quick release mechanism to release the spreader element from the boom portion.

Abstract: An overhead traveling vehicle system having an overhead traveling vehicle includes a main body, at least an upper surface of which is of a rectangular shape as viewed in a plan view, and a traveling wheel provided in each of four corners on the upper surface of the main body and rolls on a traveling surface of a track, the main body being arranged below the track by connectors each extending downwardly from the traveling wheel, wherein the overhead traveling vehicle includes charging electrodes on the upper surface of the main body, and a charger is arranged in a space above the traveling surface, at least a part of which overlaps with a movement space for the traveling wheels as viewed in a side view, and does not overlap with the movement space as viewed in a plan view.

Abstract: An exercise equipment arranged on a floor so as to surround an exerciser and to have a frame having a shape that lacks one side of a rectangle, includes a first longitudinal horizontal bar connected to the frame, arranged at a predetermined height from the frame, and aligned in a depth direction, a first transverse horizontal bar connected to the frame, having one end thereof connected to the first longitudinal horizontal bar, and aligned in a direction different from the first longitudinal horizontal bar, a vertical bar connected to the frame, and having a height from the frame that is higher than the first transverse horizontal bar, and a second longitudinal horizontal bar connected to the frame, arranged in parallel to the first longitudinal horizontal bar, and spaced from another end of the first transverse horizontal bar.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a lift unit includes a switch, an emergency stop device, and a reset actuator. The switch is arranged to move between a closed position, wherein the switch electrically couples a lift motor of the lift unit to an energy source, and an open position, wherein the switch electrically decouples the lift motor from the energy source. The emergency stop device is coupled to the switch and arranged to move the switch from the closed position to the open position. The reset actuator is coupled to the switch and arranged to move the switch from the open position to the closed position, wherein the reset actuator is controllable to move the switch from the open position to the closed position.

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: The patient transfer device comprises a base, a central pole, a ceiling support, a lift system, a horizontal handle, and a support belt. The patient transfer device may be adapted to assist a caregiver in moving a patient from a first seated location to a second seated location by holding the patient in an elevated seated position while the patient is moved from a first rotational orientation to a second rotational orientation. The base may rest on a floor to provide stability. The central pole may rise vertically upwards to the ceiling support. The central pole may be extended using the lift system to press the ceiling support against a ceiling to provide additional support. The horizontal handle and the support belt may be adapted to hold the patient in the elevated seated position while the patient is moved.

Abstract: A hanging kit includes a supporting member having at least one fixing portion and two suspending members respectively located at two opposite sides of the supporting member. The fixing portion has two coupling portions configured for coupling with each other. Each of the two suspending members has at least one suspending part and a connecting part, and the connecting part is configured for respectively connecting the two suspending members to the supporting member.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure comprising base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. The apparatus also includes at least one caster assembly coupled to the support structure, with each one of the caster assemblies comprising a wheel, a wheel support coupled to the wheel, and a steer lock assembly movable relative to the wheel support. An actuator is operatively coupled to the steer lock assembly to move the steer lock assembly between a non-steer locked and steer locked state to permit or prevent the wheel support and coupled wheel from swiveling about a swivel axis. The caster assemblies can also include a brake assembly coupled to the wheel, with the actuator operatively coupled to the brake assembly to move the brake assembly between a braked and unbraked state.

Abstract: A mover device for the body of persons with reduced mobility, suitable and configured for being positioned above an installation. The device comprises a frame and a motor-driven operating portion at least partially overhanging the installation, which comprises a plurality of support elements movable according to at least one degree of freedom and configured for at least partially supporting the weight of a person, for moving at least a respective part of the person's body with respect to the remaining parts of the body. The device also comprises at least one housing and gripping element to house and grip parts and/or joints of a body which can be engaged by a respective support element and configured for operating at least between a rest condition wherein it can engage a part of a body and a grip condition wherein it engages a part of a body.

Abstract: An assistance device that enables appropriate evaluation of to what extent a care receiver is using their own leg power. The assistance device is provided with: a body supporting member configured to support the upper body of the care receiver; a first load detecting device provided on the body supporting member, and configured to detect a first load applied by the care receiver; a second load detecting apparatus provided on the body supporting member at a position rearwards of the first load detecting device, and configured to detect a second load applied by the care receiver; and an effort level calculating device configured to calculate effort levels representing to what extent the care receiver is using their own leg power during the standing assistance based on a relationship between the first load and the second load.

Abstract: A ceiling lift tilt management system includes first and second motor units, which are attachable to a rail system of a medical care facility. Each motor unit includes a flexible strap, which can be coiled or uncoiled within the motor unit to raise or lower a spreader bar attached thereto. Coiling or uncoiling of the straps can cause raising or lowering of a sling attached to the spreader bars. The system also allows for tilting of the spreader bars by coiling or uncoiling a leading motor unit strap. The system includes a control system that measures the relative lengths of the two straps in order to ensure that relative tilt between the spreader bars does not exceed a threshold. Once a threshold tilt for height difference is reached, further user requests for additional tilting are prohibited. Patient comfort and safety are therefore ensured.

Abstract: A healthcare lifting vehicle includes a base frame, a drive mechanism, a preloading mechanism and a conveying mechanism. The preloading mechanism includes a pressure wheel and an elastic member, and the pressure wheel is movably coupled to the base frame, and both ends of the elastic member are connected to the base frame and the pressure wheel respectively. The conveying mechanism includes a reel, a transfer gear and a conveyor belt, and the reel is pivotally connected to the base frame and driven by the drive mechanism, and the transfer gear is axially coupled to base frame and formed on a side of the pressure wheel, and the conveyor belt is wound around the reel and extended towards the transfer gear and elastically coupled between the transfer gear and the pressure wheel.

Abstract: A wheelchair dolly is provided. The wheelchair dolly includes two spaced apart frame elements, each movable in concert between a folded position and an extended position for supporting two or more wheelchairs for transportation. Each frame element may serially provide a front, middle and rear sections, wherein the front and middle sections are pivotal about a distal end of the rear section for moving between the extended and folded positions. The rear sections may each provide a rear wheel and a handle portion interconnected by a brake system for selectively braking the rear wheels. Bracing and crossbars may secure the frame elements in their spaced apart arrangement.

Abstract: An elevating walker chair that allows both riding and walking. The chair elevates by a parallelogram power unit. The seat transforms between a saddle and seat upon changes in saddle/seat elevation. Also a lifting parallelogram power unit structure. Disclosed is an elevating walker chair for people with limited mobility resulting from compromised musculature, coordination or balance, or for able bodied individuals that must perform tasks for which assistance is desired.

Abstract: A self or assist-operated lift apparatus is disclosed. In various embodiments, the lift apparatus includes a vertical rail; a linear bearing positioned to be moved along the vertical rail; a drive mechanism coupled to the linear bearing and configured to move the linear bearing at a controlled rate along the vertical bearing between a first position at a lower end of a range of motion and a second position at an upper end of the range of motion; and a seat attached to the linear bearing, the seat being constructed at least in part of a substantially rigid material and having a size and shape suitable to accommodate a seated human occupant.

Abstract: A patient mobility system for early patient ambulation. An ambulation device having a barrier is removably coupled to a patient support apparatus such that, in a coupled configuration, the barrier prevents patient egress from the patient support apparatus. The ambulation device configured to provide support to a patient during ambulation away from the patient support apparatus. Each of the patient support apparatus and the ambulation device can comprise a lift device operably controlled by a controller to maintain or control relative positioning of the patient support surface and the barrier in the coupled configuration. The lift device of the ambulatory device can comprise a gas spring having locking element. The ambulation device can comprise patient carrier removably coupled to a patient carrier mount. The patient carrier is configured to cooperate with the barrier to support the patient above a floor surface in a seated position.

Abstract: A mattress (100) includes one or more layers (101,102,103) of material, and one or more pressure sensors (104,105,106). A control circuit (203), operable with the pressure sensors, is operable with a user interface (115). The control circuit presents on the user interface one of three color-coded indications. When a sensed pressure detected by the pressure sensors is below a first threshold (603), the control circuit presents a first color-coded indication on the user interface. When the sensed pressure (605) is between the first predefined sensor threshold and a second predefined sensor threshold (604), the control circuit presents a second color-coded indication on the user interface. When the sensed pressure is above the second predefined pressure threshold, the control circuit presents a third color-coded indication on the user interface.

Abstract: An assistance chair assembly includes a base and a chair is positioned on the base. Two upright boards are perpendicularly connected to the top of the base, and two extension portions extend from the rear end of the base. The chair includes two front legs and two rear legs. The front legs each have a curve slots which allows the chair to be is pivotable about the bolts extending through the rear legs of the chair. The weight center of the chair is not moved beyond the two extensions portions of the base when the chair is pivoted toward the two extensions portions.

Abstract: A heavy-duty, load bearing, partially sun-screening, water-resistant, SUV soft-top for perpendicular suspension between the roll bars on the rooftop frame over the front passenger compartment of a convertible SUV comprising, a rectangular panel with longitudinal flat-hemmed sleeve edges and a pair of longitudinal webbings for fastening around the roll bars by means of fasteners. When human weight is applied on the soft-top panel, it flexes down and both the longitudinal webbings rise up to provide armrests stabilizers for the user. The webbings are tightened with tension buckles. The Jammock soft-top is installed on the roof top of a convertible SUV after removal of the existing hard, or soft-top.

Abstract: A manual lifting sling device including a bottom support portion, a rear side support portion, a left side retainer portion and a right side retainer portion, at least two lift handles, a left foldable portion, and a right foldable portion; wherein the manual lifting sling device is configured to be switchable between a standby state in the form of a sheet and an operation state in the form of a seat.

Abstract: Provided is a caregiving bed having a variety of usage aspects. A caregiving bed includes a bed main body, and one support platform and another support platform. The bed main body includes a rectangular pad part. Each of the support platforms is provided with an elevator device connected to the pad part to raise and lower the bed main body. Each of the support platforms is provided with a pair of support columns extending upward. A beam member is provided between the support columns of the one support platform and between the support columns of the other support platform. The distance between the pad part and the attachment part decreases when the bed main body is raised by the elevator devices, whereas the distance between the pad part and the attachment part increases when the bed main body is lowered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lifting sling device. Fabric of a sling is made of a biodegradable non-woven polymeric material. Using the lifting sling device according to the present invention can not only avoid cross-infection due to use among different patients, but also can avoid a negative influence on the environment after the lifting sling device is discarded because the lifting sling device is biodegradable.

Abstract: Mobility device for physically disabled people 1, comprising a chassis 10 with at least one motor for maneuvering the online mobility device 1; a pivot arm 20, which at its lower end 22 is pivotably connected to the chassis 10; and a pelvis support 40, which is connected to an upper end 23 of the pivot arm 30; wherein a physically disabled person 2 can sit with the pelvis support 40 attached to its body, can move around with the mobility device 1 in a standing position on the chassis 10, and can change on its own from sitting to standing position, wherein all elements of the mobility device 1 except the elements directly contacting the body of the person 2 extending above pelvis height h of the sitting person 2 can be lowered or moved to or below this height h. The present invention further comprises a method for connecting of a sitting physically disabled person 2 and for fixing of the person 2 for standing position once is motor-driven mobility device 1.

Abstract: A method of rehabilitating a person using a person lift device, includes the steps of: calculating a first amount of assistance provided by the person lift device to assist a person in moving between a first position and a second position at a first time; comparing the first amount of assistance to a previously determined amount of assistance; and providing a second amount of assistance as a function of the difference between the first amount of assistance and the previous amount of assistance to assist a person in moving between the first position and the second position at a second time.

Abstract: A ceiling lift assembly includes first and second motor units which can be operated together in a dual mode configuration and which can be operated in a single mode operation, in which only one of the motor units is operative with the other motor unit being dormant. The system provides routines for switching between the single and dual modes of the assembly and which ensure that in each mode the necessary parts of the apparatus are in an operative condition, whereas those parts of the apparatus which are not used are placed in a storage condition to avoid inconvenience or injury to personnel and patients. The apparatus also includes a motor unit support device of a structure which can accommodate asymmetric loads, on one motor unit only without causing deformation of the support structure.

Abstract: A patient lift for transporting patients having a hoist assembly, a lift assembly and an integrated flexible load-bearing supporting member. The flexible load-bearing supporting member is retractable into the hoist assembly and has integrated load-bearing, data communications, and power components to transmit data and/or power to/from the hoist assembly and lift assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a base, a seat rotatably disposed on the base, a sensor, and a processor. The sensor is programmed to measure an angular displacement of the seat relative to the base and output a displacement signal representing the angular displacement. The processor is programmed to receive the displacement signal and deploy at least one passive safety device based at least in part on the angular displacement represented by the displacement signal.

Abstract: A treadmill body support apparatus is provided to assist users in standing, walking and running on a treadmill surface and exercising safely on the treadmill surface with freedom of vertical and lateral gait movement. The treadmill body support apparatus can be used by disabled and impaired users that require movement of the user to and from the treadmill surface from a mobility aid such as a wheelchair and adjustable weight-bearing support and balance support while exercising safely on the treadmill surface with freedom of vertical and lateral gait movement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wheeled lifting device that is configured for positioning between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration and adapted for attachment to a wheeled or non-wheeled device. In the extended configuration, the wheeled lifting device is configured to allow for multi-directional movement of the wheeled or non-wheeled device. The wheeled lifting device may include an extension mechanism and at least one multi-directional wheel, where the extension mechanism is configured to move the wheeled lifting device between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration. The extension mechanism can include a mechanical mechanism, a hydraulic mechanism or a pneumatic mechanism.

Abstract: A personal lifting includes a housing that may be positioned on a support surface. The housing is divided into an upper half and a lower half of the housing. A motor is coupled to the lower half of the housing. A pump is coupled to the lower half of the housing and the motor. A scissor lift is coupled between the top and bottom halves of the housing. A piston is coupled between the bottom half of the housing and the scissor lift. The piston urges the scissor lift in a lifting position. The scissor lift may lift a user lying on the upper half of the housing. The piston urges the scissor lift in a lowering position. A handle is coupled to the top half of the housing. An actuator is coupled to the handle and the motor. The actuator actuates and de-actuates the motor.

Abstract: A method of transferring a patient from a first resting surface to a second resting surface includes inserting a corrugated sheet into a channel formed between the patient and the first resting surface, extending a portion of the sheet between the patient and the first resting surface to under the patient's feet, extending a portion of the sheet between the patient and the first resting surface to under the patient's head, and pulling laterally on the sheet to slide the sheet from the first resting surface to the second resting surface thereby transferring the patient.

Abstract: A robotic strong arm (RSA) for assisting in the transfer of a person from a first surface to a second surface, comprising: first and second members, wherein in each member comprises a prismatic joint having first and second ends and comprising inner and outer shells and a motor for powered linear movement of the outer shell with respect to the inner shell; a first powered joint interconnecting the second end of the first member with the first end of the second member, wherein the first powered joint provides movement of the second member with respect to the first member; wherein the first end of the first member is attached to a rotatable base and wherein the rotatable base is movably attached for powered movement along a component associated with, and extending around at least a portion of a periphery about, the first surface; and a computer controller for controlling movements of the outer shells, first powered joint, rotation of the rotatable base and movement of the rotatable base and RSA along the compon

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a roll-in cot may include a support frame, a pair of front legs, a pair of back legs, and a cot actuation system. The pair of front legs may be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each front leg includes at least one front wheel. The pair of back legs may be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each back leg includes at least one back wheel. The cot actuation system includes a front actuator that moves the front legs and a back actuator that moves the back legs. The front actuator and the back actuator raises or lowers the support frame in tandem. The front actuator raises or lowers the front end of the support frame independently of the back actuator. The back actuator raises or lowers the back end of the support frame independently of the front actuator.

Abstract: A patient lift connector for attaching and detaching a patient lifting bar to a load supporting member in a patient lifting system is described. The connector includes a connector body including a connecting block configured to be fixedly attached to the patient lifting bar. The connector also includes a pin holder coupled to the load supporting member and configured to be inserted through the connector body and into the connecting block, and an attachment latch secured to the connector body and configured to move between an open position and a closed position within the connector body. When the attachment latch moves from the closed position to the open position, the pin holder is allowed to be inserted into the connecting block and thereby allow the lifting bar to be attached to the load supporting member.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a platform operable to support a human. The apparatus also includes at least one cable suspending the platform. The apparatus also includes an elongation sensor engaged with the at least one cable. The elongation sensor is operable to emit a signal in response to elongation of the at least one cable. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed. The method includes the step of positioning the platform adjacent to one of a machine and a path along which the machine moves. The method also includes the step of detecting a mass on the platform by emitting the signal from the elongation sensor in response to elongation of the at least one cable. The method also includes the step of disengaging the machine in response to the detecting step.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to a mobility and comfort auxiliary bed apparatus, and in particular to a modular and free-standing apparatus that is customizable with many components. In one embodiment, two spaced apart and parallel frame bars are provided, each with opposed vertical risers and a longitudinal rail that is positionable over a bed. An overhead grip such as a trapeze bar may be movably supported by the frame bars. A balance pole may be provided and be adjustably connected to both frame bars laterally and longitudinally. Assist rails and night stands may be further provided, and may be supported by one or more centrally located longitudinal supports underneath the bed. The present invention can be fixed to the bed and may be adjusted in width, length and mattress height to accommodate many components.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing automatically turning and lifting patients to prevent or treat wounds caused by patient immobility, including, for example, decubitus ulcers, more commonly known as bedsores. A patient turning and lifting device may comfortably and securely bracket the torso of the patient, with the use of a support structure, without bracketing of the patient's arms. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to imitate the movements of a healthy person during sleep. The device may do so by slowly and gently rolling the patient from side to side, according to one or more predetermined sequences of inflation and deflation of inflatable turning bladders positioned below the support structure, thus keeping the patient from remaining in one position for too long. The one or more predetermined sequences may be selected or modified based on sensors monitoring the device and/or patient.

Abstract: A manual transfer vest which aids in compensating for fatigue, pain, loss of strength, mobility, and energy in the daily life of a patient or individual/caregiver assisting the patient. It comprises soft, lightweight, and preferably washable material that enwraps the patient's torso, and also has at least two vertically-extending and non-adjustable hand-grip lift components with sturdy and durable construction and attachment. In most embodiments, six hand-grip lift components are used, with two upper front hand-grips preferably situated bilaterally in the clavicle/upper chest area of the patient, or the shoulder area, two lower front hand-grips situated bilaterally in the abdominal/mid-section area of the patient, and two upper back hand-grips located near the shoulders. For vest durability during repeated patient lifting, reinforcement lining material is also secured to the front exterior of the vest diagonally below hand-grips.

Abstract: Disclosed is a patient lift system having a sling bar with an inductively charged integrated scale. The lift system comprises a lift apparatus, a lift strap connected at a first end to the lift apparatus, a sling bar connected to a second free hanging end of the lift strap, the sling bar having a scale with a tension load cell integrally disposed therein for measuring forces applied thereto and a power source electrically connected to the scale to provide power to the scale and load cell. An accelerometer is disposed within the sling bar to determine a tilt angle of a lift axis of the load cell relative to a vertical direction of gravitational force. Programming stored in a processor of the integrated scale calculates an accurate weight of an active load suspended from the sling bar, based on the determined tilt angle and the measured force on the load cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a person to move from a seated position on a seat to a standing position and vice versa. The apparatus includes a base, an actuator arrangement, and a torso support. The torso support has a main engagement surface for engaging the chest of the person. The actuator arrangement moves the torso support over a range of vertical and horizontal positions in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main engagement surface. The actuator arrangement moves the torso support in the vertical range of positions independently of the horizontal position of the torso support. The actuator arrangement moves the torso support in the horizontal range of positions independently of the vertical position of the torso support. The apparatus also includes a rotational actuator connected to the torso support for rotating the torso support about a substantially horizontal pivot axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patient lift for transferring a person from a hospital bed to another patient support structure. The patient lift includes a mast, a boom, a stabilizer leg, and a coupler leg adapted to couple to the hospital bed. The boom is mounted to the top of the mast, and extends outwardly from a central vertical axis of said mast. In one aspect, the boom may rotate independently of the stabilizer leg about the central vertical axis while above the hospital bed and while within an angular distance of a side of the hospital bed. Once the boom moves past the angular distance, the boom and stabilizer leg may begin to rotate together about the central vertical axis. In another aspect, the boom is capable of being positioned in a stowed position above a footboard of the hospital bed.

Abstract: The patient transfer acts as a combined sling and bed cover and includes a substantially rectangular sheet portion of a size to fit over a standard bed mattress and to which are attached a plurality of straps for coupling to a hoist. The patient transfer sheet is preferably made of a single-layered material which is breathable, strong and soft. The patient transfer sheet can act as a sling for transportation/repositioning of a patient as well as a replacement bed covering to replace conventional bed linen. The patient can thus be transported onto a bed without needing to remove the patient from the sling.

Abstract: Rail-mounted lift systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the lift system includes a rail having at least one conductor positioned on an upper interior surface of the rail. A carriage may be slidably disposed in the rail for relative movement to the rail. The carriage generally includes a carriage body, at least one pair of support wheels rotatably coupled to the carriage body and slidably engaged with the rail, and a conductor truck comprising at least one conductive roller rotatably attached to the conductor truck. The conductor truck may be mounted to the carriage body with a biasing member upwardly biasing the conductive roller into rolling engagement with the at least one conductor. A lift unit may be coupled to the carriage body and includes a motor paying out and taking up a lifting strap. The lift unit is electrically coupled to the at least one conductive roller.

Abstract: In some implementations a non-transitory storage device having a multi-sensory-recognition engine stored thereon is coupled to a microcontroller, a device-controller for an electrical device that is wirelessly coupled to the microcontroller, and at least one of a plurality of sensors is operably coupled to the microcontroller.

Abstract: Apparatuses for assisting patient movement to/from a gurney to/from a patient handling system are provided. In one embodiment, a bariatric overlay is provided that includes a flexible top pallet and a rigid bottom pallet. A bladder resides between the flexible top pallet and the rigid bottom pallet. When actuated, the bladder expands and props up the flexible top pallet. The flexible top pallet, rigid bottom pallet, and bladder are made of a material translucent to an imaging modality. In various embodiments, the shape of the rigid bottom pallet is similar to the shape of a scanning bed of the patient handling system. For example, when the shape of the scanning bed is concave the rigid bottom pallet is concave in shape also.

Abstract: A lift apparatus used for lifting and moving a person or object. The apparatus has a frame, wheels, a lift mechanism, a lift rod, an overhead support arm movable to a laterally extended position on a selected side of the apparatus, a rotatable head, a collar that is vertically movable along the head, an outrigger support with a bar pivotably affixed to the base frame and rotatable to the selected side of the apparatus, and an locking mechanism for retaining the bar on the side of the apparatus. A hanger on the overhead arm supports a load. A control system controls the lift mechanism. When the bar extends onto the selected side of the apparatus and the collar is in a predetermined vertical position along the head, the control system activates the lift mechanism and the overhead support arm is rotatable only to the selected side of the lift apparatus.

Abstract: A patient transfer sheet acts as a combined sling and bed cover and includes a substantially rectangular sheet portion of a size to fit over a standard bed mattress and to which are attached a plurality of straps for coupling to a hoist. The patient transfer sheet is preferably made of a single-layered material which is breathable, strong and soft. The patient transfer sheet can act as a sling for transportation/repositioning of a patient as well as a replacement bed covering to replace conventional bed linen. The patient can thus be transported onto a bed without needing to remove the patient from the sling.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some multisensory implementations, a patient-lifting-device is controlled by voice recognition, keyboard text input, synaptic control and/or tongue tactile input commands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting a patient is disclosed to include a base with wheels on the back side and casters on the front side; a pair of extendable legs extended or withdrawn from the frontal side of the base to maintain balance when lifting a patient; vertical masts connected to a three-prong hanger; three durable cables used with a sling assembly to lift the patient; a foldable chair provides temporary rest for the patient on the patient lift; and a control panel having a micro-controller for remotely controlling the patient lift.

Abstract: A patient lift including a boom a spreader bar, and a friction coupling for securing the boom and the spreader bar. The friction coupling may include two friction washers disposed against respective inner faces of the boom. Two compression springs are disposed abutting the friction washers with a spreader bar support member in between. The compression springs urge the friction washers against the inner faces of the boom end. The spreader bar does not swing when the lift is moved without load. Also, the friction coupling reduces the swing of the patient, when transferred in the lift. This makes the lift easier to maneuver for the caregiver.