With A Hoisting, Lifting, Elevating, Or Raising Device (e.g., Hydraulic System) Patents (Class 5/83.1)
  • Publication number: 20130219615
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Lars Eklof, Gun Blom, Ronnie Arespong, Elin Dovervik, Roger Karlsson, Anders Eriksson, Jack Barney Sing
  • Patent number: 8516629
    Abstract: A portable, personal lifting device (10, 100) includes a central member (12), a seat (14) attached to the central member (12) in such a way that the seat is capable of translating linearly along the central member (12), an actuator (16) for causing translation between the seat (14) and the central member (12), and a support member (24) to stabilize the central member (12). The central member (12) is positioned between a user's legs in such a way that the user straddles during operation of the device (10, 100), thereby providing an inexpensive, lightweight lifting device that can be used in very close quarters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Robert J. Victor
  • Patent number: 8505135
    Abstract: A bedridden patient transfer gurney is provided, which includes a gurney body, and further includes several support feet installed with a swivel caster at the bottom. A top end of each support foot is connected to the gurney body. An elevation device is disposed on the support foot. Two curved panels opposite to each other having a shape of a grab bucket are disposed at a lower portion of the gurney body. When being closed, the two curved panels are capable of accommodating a human body. An opening and closing device is disposed between the gurney body and the two curved panels. The opening and closing device is respectively connected to the gurney body and the two curved panels. The bedridden patient transfer gurney is used for transferring a bedridden patient, has a simple structure and an advantage of convenient use, and ensures good stability when the patient is being transferred, thereby preventing the patient from experiencing more pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Xianhui Zeng
  • Patent number: 8505137
    Abstract: An equine CT table for positioning a horse during a CT (“computed tomography”) scan. The table is positioned above the patient couch and communicates with the conventional CT system for examination of a horse without requiring mechanical or electrical attachments between the CT system and table. The table includes a frame carrying a tracking system, a linear movement system and a carousel upon which the horse is positioned. Prior to examination, positioning of the horse on the table may be manually adjusted linearly and/or radially in any direction to properly align the horse. Infinitely positionable cantilever members are provided to support horse's appendages. The tracking system identifies movement of the CT couch and mimics the movement with the linear movement system to enter and retract the horse from the gantry at predetermined positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Artec Imaging, LLC
    Inventor: Arthur J. Gaines, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8499379
    Abstract: Robotic posture transfer assist devices for assisting a posture transfer of a patient in a bed may include a device body, a stabilizer coupled with the device body and the bed, and at least one robotic arm having a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the robotic arm may be coupled with the device body. Robotic posture transfer assist devices may further include an end-effector removably coupled with the robotic arm, a controller module that provides a control signal to the robotic arm to control a movement of the robotic arm about the plurality of degrees of freedom, and a user input device that provides a command signal to the controller module to command the movement of the robotic arm, wherein the control signal provided by the controller module corresponds with the command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ota, Masaru Ryumae, Keiichi Sato, Shin Sano, Srinidhi Kaushik
  • Patent number: 8484773
    Abstract: A cantilevered mobile bed/chair apparatus for safely transporting a patient is described. The mobile bed/chair apparatus includes means for reclining the patient while lifting the patient's legs to allow access to a bedpan or to facilitate an change in clothing. Also described is means for mounting the bed/chair to a patient mobility device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: IPC Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Blevins, Alan Bloomingdale, Timothy A. Lambirth
  • Publication number: 20130174339
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Stryker Corporation
  • Patent number: 8479360
    Abstract: A clamp that attached to fabrics is provided that includes a tubular member and a locking member. The tubular member has an elongated tubular shape with a lengthwise slot disposed therein between a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, and a protrusion that extends out of an inner surface of a lengthwise cavity within the tubular member. The protrusion is disposed within the tubular member biased toward one side of the slot to create an asymmetrical cross section in the tubular member. The locking member has thickness smaller than a width in the slot and a width greater than the width in the slot allowing the locking member to be inserted into and out of the slot in a first orientation but not in at least one other orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Elmer V. Vera
  • Patent number: 8468622
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable lifting apparatus that includes an actuator and a lifting mechanism, which includes a parallel bar, a first coupler, a second coupler, a first rocker, a second rocker, and a frame that are each rotatably connected, so that operation of the actuator moves the parallel bar in a J-shaped path while maintaining a constant orientation of the parallel bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: Anurag Purwar, Thomas Galeotafiore, Justin Miles, Jeffrey Renert
  • Patent number: 8468623
    Abstract: A lift apparatus has a frame with open sides and a web assembly slidably retained along the sides which extends from one end of the frame to the other. While the web assembly is retracted, the frame moves to pass around a mobility-impaired individual and rest against the surface supporting the individual. The web assembly is then extended to move underneath or behind the individual, providing lifting support. The frame is configurable for orientations ranging continuously between horizontal and upright sitting. The web assembly has an upper web contacting the individual, a lower web contacting the support surface, a strength layer carrying the individual's weight, and a roller nose bar assembly which is pulled to extend the web assembly. A hand-held power tool can drive the web assembly, adjustment of inclinations of the back and leg sections of the frame, and vertical motion of the lift arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Richard A. Patterson, Roy M. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8464371
    Abstract: A patient lifting apparatus is provided and which is operative to lift an injured person or patient from a lower area to an elevated position where the patient or injured person can be easily and safely transferred to a stretcher or other support device. The patient lifting apparatus includes a pair of side sections that are interconnectable. Each side section includes a lifting device and a lifting bar which is movable up and down. In a connected mode, the two side sections are connected together and the lifting bars include attachments for attaching to a patient support. Once attached to the patient support, the lifting bars via the lifting device are operative to lift the patient support upwardly generally between the two side sections where the patient can be transferred to a stretcher or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Martin Manfacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Willis E. Martin, Rodney Barr
  • Publication number: 20130117929
    Abstract: A multi-functional patient transfer device for transferring mobility-impaired patients is disclosed. The multi-functional patient transfer device may include a lift cart and one or more lift components. The lift components may attach to the lift cart and/or other lift components. The lift components may include frontal bars, a tabletop, a central arm, lifting forks, a hoist, a knee blocker, footrests, a transfer chair, detachable handles, and/or safety cushions. The device may include one or more patient interfaces. The patient interfaces may attach to the lift cart and/or one or more lifting components. The patient interfaces may include slings, chairs, straps, harnesses, and/or transfer sheets. The patient interfaces may include foldable panels. The patient interfaces may include a buttock/link support. Methods of the present invention may include frontal transfers, lateral seated transfers, lateral bed transfers, and sit-to-stand transitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TECHNIMOTION, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Palay, William E. Burak, JR.
  • Patent number: 8407831
    Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus comprising a base, a support column, at least one positioning arm on the support column capable of being positioned over a bed and having a buckle and strap capable of securing to a patient support with a receiving buckle so that a patient can be partially or totally suspended when an adjustable bed is lowered. The apparatus further comprising a telescoping support column and horizontal support for holding a first and second positioning arm. The positioning arms further comprising locking pivots for extending and retracting. Patient repositioning is effectuated by positioning the arms over a patient, extending straps with buckle inserts into receiving buckles on a fabric gripper secured to bed linens. A patient positioning apparatus can further be mounted to either a ceiling or a wall or can comprise a swiveling support column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ergonurse, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth White, Andrew Michael Rosenvell, Stefano Demartin, Joshua Robert Oldham, Jason Thomas Silvenis, Gerrit Tennyson Larsen, Bret David Nicholson
  • Patent number: 8403299
    Abstract: A device for lifting an article comprises a housing having a leading edge region in fluid communication with an inner chamber. The leading edge region is arranged to engage a region between an article and a support surface beneath the article. An elongate tubular member, closed at one end, and at the other end, in fluid communication with the leading edge region and the inner chamber. The housing is arranged to provide a retracted position in which the elongate tubular member is held relative to the leading edge region and responsive to an operative pressure within the inner chamber so as to unfurl beyond the leading edge region where the elongate tubular member migrates along the access region toward a deployed position in which the tubular member extends a distance such that opposed ends of the tubular member may be used in lifting the article from the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: University Health Network
    Inventors: Emily Catherine King, Adam Mathew Sobchak, Gerald Thomas Griggs, Geoffrey Roy Fernie, Philip Joseph Wilcox, Tilak Dutta
  • Patent number: 8402576
    Abstract: The invention relates to a patient lifting frame for use with an invalid hoist for lifting and supporting an invalid patient. Such a lifting frame can be used in conjunction with a wheeled or overhead mechanical or electrical hoist unit, to assist nursing staff, healthcare staff or carers in lifting and moving disabled patients. This lifting frame may also be used in many different areas to carry able bodied people in safety for operations such as air sea rescue service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Life Lift (Medical Products) Limited
    Inventor: Simon Christopher Dornton Walker
  • Patent number: 8397320
    Abstract: The patient lifting device includes a transverse beam that supports a movable lift assembly to move a patient relative to at least one of a bed or chair. The transverse beam spans between a pair of support structures and allows the lift assembly to move horizontally along the transverse beam to move the patient horizontally relative to the bed or chair. At one of the transverse beam ends, the lift assembly contacts a charging station. The charging station charges a battery, that is carried by the lift assembly, to power the lift assembly. The lift assembly is powered to move a patient vertically upward and downward. A power source is electrically coupled to the charging station to provide electrical power to charge the battery of the lift assembly through the charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Guido Capaldi
  • Patent number: 8370972
    Abstract: A lift and stretcher apparatus for a patient includes a base portion at least partially defined by an elongated portion extending generally in a first orthogonal direction and having a first end, a second end, and a central portion interposed there between; a frame having a first lateral portion extending in the first orthogonal direction and defining a first lateral portion distal end and a first lateral portion proximal end, a second lateral portion defining a second lateral portion distal end and a second lateral portion proximal end, a proximal portion, and a distal portion extending generally in a second orthogonal direction; a lifting portion interconnecting the base with the frame for moving the frame relative to the base generally in a third orthogonal direction; a first axle portion having; and a second axle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Fredrick C Shriver
  • Publication number: 20130025054
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC.
    Inventors: Ansgar Graw, Way I. Moy
  • Publication number: 20130007957
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a movable lift device including an overturn preventing system that uses variation in the center of gravity when rotating a bed unit where a user is laid down to prevent a movable lift device from overturning, which includes a base frame defining a bottom surface; an upper structure comprising a post rotatably upwardly extended from the base frame a predetermined length and a bed unit supported by the post, being horizontal with the bottom surface to enable a user to lie down, wherein the bed unit is rotatably provided with respect to the base frame; and an overturn preventing control unit for controlling the height of the bed unit with respect to the base frame based on the rotation of the bed unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kyeoung Jin Chun, Do Hyung Lim
  • Patent number: 8336134
    Abstract: A patient support may, among other things, support a person in a laying-down or a seated position. A mobile lift may assist a person with the process of moving from a seated or laying-down position to a standing position, or moving from one type of patient support to another (e.g. from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa). A docking apparatus may secure the position of the mobile lift relative to the patient support. The docking apparatus may include an electrical connection between the mobile lift and the patient support. The docking apparatus may permit control of the mobile lift by the patient support, and/or permit control of the patient support by the mobile lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Jelinek
  • Patent number: 8336133
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a multi-functional patient transfer device for transferring mobility-impaired patients. In one embodiment, the multi-functional patient transfer device includes a lift cart and one or more lift components. The lift components may attach to the lift cart and/or other lift components. The lift components may include frontal bars, a tabletop, a central arm, lifting forks, a hoist, a knee blocker, footrests, a transfer chair, detachable handles, and/or safety cushions. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more patient interfaces. The patient interfaces may attach to the lift cart and/or one or more lifting components. The patient interfaces may include slings, chairs, straps, harnesses, and/or transfer sheets. In one embodiment, the patient interfaces may include foldable panels. In one embodiment, the patient interfaces may include a buttock/link support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Technimotion, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Palay, William E. Burak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8307474
    Abstract: A lifting element for use with a transfer trolley, the element comprising: a support member having a support surface and a sheath attached to the support member such that, in an initial configuration, a first portion of the support surface is covered by the sheath and a second portion thereof is uncovered, wherein the sheath is operable to be inflated so as to cause the sheath to extend and evert, insinuating itself under a load in order to support the load, and, after inflation, the support member and the sheath may be moved with respect to each other so that the support member extends further into the sheath, the second portion of the support surface is covered by the sheath and the support surface at least partially supports the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Personal Lifting, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven Sandland, Patrick Finlay
  • Publication number: 20120266379
    Abstract: A patient support and transport system for a multi-modality medical suite includes a track system with one track in one room aligned with another track in another room. A support carriage coupled to the track system and configured to move between the two rooms. A duplex socket interface module attached to the support carriage and flexible raceway including a first conduit management system coupled to the support carriage and configured to automatically couple with and decouple with the duplex socket interface module. A second conduit management system is coupled to electrical and data ports and include a conduit interface module configured to automatically couple with and decouple with the duplex socket interface module. The patient support and transport system also includes a vertical support member coupled to the support carriage and a support assembly coupled to the vertical support member configured to selectively articulate a patient bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen G. Hushek
  • Patent number: 8291529
    Abstract: A patient lift includes a base with one or more casters supporting the base for movement relative to a support surface. A mast is supported by the base and extends generally upwards. An elongated boom is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the mast and extends in a forward direction. The boom is adapted to support a patient. An actuator is operatively connected to the boom, and the actuator is adapted to be driven to move the boom relative to the mast in order to move the supported patient relative to the support surface. The patient lift also includes a handle assembly mounted to the mast. The handle assembly includes a first side handle that extends to a position on the forward side of the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Joerns Healthcare, LLC
    Inventor: Melvin C. Biersteker
  • Patent number: 8286281
    Abstract: The personal lifting and suspension system includes four adjustable legs that attach at a top end to a cap, which supports a lifting means and harness there under. The personal lifting and suspension system is used to lift and suspend a person or invalid. The legs can be secured to a working supporting position via a locking means. The legs extend diagonally down and outwardly from the cap, and are adjustable in length. A hoist rod rests upon a groove located in a top surface of the cap to support a hoist hook thereon. The personal lifting and suspension system is collapsible when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Allen Toothman
  • Publication number: 20120240333
    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 manoeuvre for the caregiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Therese Niklasson
  • Publication number: 20120240332
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a patient support may generally consist of a single L-shaped piece of material with one portion of the patient support comprising a back support and one portion of the patient support comprising a leg support. The patient support may be folded into the general shape of a seat and the distal end of the leg support may attach to the distal end of the back support. The point of attachment of the leg support to the back support may be adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the patient support and to change the angular position of a patient in the patient support. The patient support may also include an upper back support and a head support. In one embodiment, the patient support may include a hand hold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: KCI LICENSING, INC.
    Inventors: Frederic Palay, William E. Burak, JR.
  • Patent number: 8272084
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a patient lift apparatus is provided that includes a hanger bar attachment bumper that comprises a soft material so as to provide a soft impact surface on the patient lift apparatus, the hanger bar attachment comprising a first and second housing adapted to be selectively connected to one another. According to another embodiment of the present invention a patient lift apparatus is provided that includes a hanger bar attachment bumper that comprises a soft material so as to provide a soft impact surface on the patient lift apparatus, the hanger bar attachment bumper comprising a first and second housing adapted to be selectively connected to one another, wherein the hanger bar attachment bumper comprises a surface area and wherein the first housing makes up a larger portion of the surface area of the hanger bar attachment bumper than the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Frances Spidare, Kenneth Chapman, James Zhou, Roger Wang
  • Publication number: 20120233780
    Abstract: A therapy mat table has an upper surface and removable mat. A portion of the mat and a separate plate is rotatably mounted within the flat top so as to be capable of being selectively raised and lowered to form a seat back for a patient reclining or sitting on the pad on an elongated side edge of the table. The table may also include transfer bars which help to move a patient on and off the table or when moving to a standing position or while simply standing. The table may further include a stowable foot stop, which prevents backward movement of the patient's feet when the patient is standing between the transfer bars. The table may also include a knee blocker, which helps to limit or prevent buckling of the patient's knees when the patient is standing between the transfer bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Edward Estrada, Laszlo Bayer
  • Patent number: 8261380
    Abstract: A stretcher is provided as an accessory to a bed to facilitate a supine-to-prone or prone-to-supine transfer of a patient from the bed to the stretcher or vice-versa. The stretcher comprises a base frame, anchor means for clamping or otherwise securing the stretcher to a position adjacent the bed, and a patient support litter. The stretcher also includes a mechanical, non-bladder-based lift mechanism operable to preferentially raise either a left longitudinal side, or a right longitudinal side, but not both, of the patient support litter, in order to tilt the patient support litter toward the patient support surface of the adjacent bed. The stretcher is also collapsible for easy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Bedlab, LLC
    Inventors: Rodolfo W. Ferraresi, Mario Cesar Eleonori, Eduardo Rene Benzo
  • Patent number: 8250686
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an architectural system and a patient adjustment device. The patient adjustment device is coupled to the architectural system and adapted to pull on a patient receiver to move a patient received by the patient receiver and located on a bed relative to the bed to adjust the position of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Minning, Troy D. Acton, Jon C. Tekulve, Christian H. Reinke, Robert Mark Zerhusen, David C. Newkirk, Jonathan D. Turner
  • Publication number: 20120198612
    Abstract: A personal lifting device includes a housing that carries first, second, third and fourth lifting mechanisms. First, second, third and fourth lift lines are connected to the respective lifting mechanisms. Further, the device includes a controller for selectively operating the first, second, third and fourth lifting mechanisms whereby the first, second, third and fourth lifting lines are independently extended and retracted as desired to lower and lift a person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Jary Edward Tindall
  • Publication number: 20120174315
    Abstract: This invention relates to a portable lift device for moving bariatric patients. The portable lift includes a beam having a track which is sized to allow a trolley portion of a lift assembly to move therein. A bracket is removably secured at each end of the beam, whereby each bracket is configured to receive ends of two leg assemblies. Each of the four leg assemblies are individually adjustable along a longitudinal length, allowing the portable lift to conform to a multitude of surface types. Thus, a patient can be lifted by the lift assembly, moved along the beam and over a surface or obstacle by way of the trolley in the track, and deposited onto a gurney or stretcher for further movement. The portable lift is modular in nature, which allows a user to easily carry the lift in a disassembled state, and assemble the lift at any desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Robert V. Gurinowitsch
  • Patent number: 8214945
    Abstract: The invention relates to a patient lifting frame for use with an invalid hoist for lifting and supporting an invalid patient. Such a lifting frame can be used in conjunction with a wheeled or overhead mechanical or electrical hoist unit, to assist nursing staff, healthcare staff or carers in lifting and moving disabled patients. This lifting frame may also be used in many different areas to carry able bodied people in safety for operations such as air sea rescue service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Life Lift (Medical Products) Limited
    Inventor: Simon Christopher Dornton Walker
  • Publication number: 20120131746
    Abstract: Transfer pads for horizontal and/or vertical translocation are provided. The transfer pads include the fewest possible number of components required to provide a plenum chamber, the operative features of which are controlled at least by the provision of one or more interior sheets having specific characteristics with respect to position, perforation and attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: GRAY TEK LLC
    Inventors: Exum Griffin, Raynor A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120110731
    Abstract: The present inventions relates to an overhead patient lift system which includes a boom and a lift connectable to a patient support and movable along said boom. The boom has a longitudinal direction and a first end connected and supported at a bearing, said boom intersects with a guide rail adapted to support said boom during movement about said bearing, wherein said guide rail does not interfere with said movement of said lift along said boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: BERCHTOLD HOLDING GMBH
    Inventor: Barry Hand
  • Patent number: 8171587
    Abstract: A swivel lift grab bar includes an angled support member and an adjustable bottom leg. The adjustable bottom leg allows angular adjustment of the angled lift member. The adjustable bottom leg includes a top leg, a bottom leg and a clamping knob with plunger. One end of the top leg is pivotally retained by a support device and the clamping knob is retained in the other end. The bottom leg includes a plurality of holes to receive the plunger of the clamping knob. One end of the bottom leg is attached to a bottom of the angled support member. A top attachment bracket is secured to a top of the angled support member for pivotal retention on a pivot post secured to a wall, a floor mounted pole, a double flange pole or a moveable support pole. Rotation of the angled support member may be braked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Haessly
  • Patent number: 8166588
    Abstract: An adjustable swivel lift grab bar includes an angled lift member and an adjustable bottom leg. The adjustable bottom leg allows angular adjustment of the angled lift member. The adjustable bottom leg includes a top leg, a bottom leg and a clamping knob with plunger. One end of the top leg is pivotally retained by a pole and the clamping knob is retained in the other end. The bottom leg includes a plurality of holes to receive the plunger of the clamping knob. One end of the bottom leg is attached to a bottom of the angle lift member. A top attachment bracket is secured to a top of the angled lift member for pivotal retention on a pivot post secured to a wall, a floor mounted pole, a double flange pole or a moveable support pole. Rotation of the angled lift member may be braked or motorized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Haessly
  • Patent number: 8156581
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and moving a person comprises a mobile base assembly and a lift assembly moveably mounted on the base assembly permitting the lift assembly to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the base assembly. The lift assembly includes a frame member moveably engaging the base assembly. A first support arm of a butterfly seat is rotatably attached to the frame member for rotation about an upwardly extending axis. A second support arm of the butterfly seat is rotatably attached to the frame member laterally spaced from the first support arm for rotation about an upwardly extending axis. The first and second support arms include weight bearing platforms adjacent the free distal ends of the support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Boyd Carned Fogleman
  • Publication number: 20120066832
    Abstract: A tilt bed for assisting a patient to a standing position comprises a frame, a tilting mechanism, a mattress support plate, a mattress, and a foot support. The tilting mechanism attaches to the frame. The tilting mechanism is movable between a generally horizontal position, and a generally vertical position. The foot support is fixedly mounted to the tilting mechanism. The main portion of the mattress and the patient thereon moves closer to the foot support during tilting of the bed from the generally horizontal position to the generally vertical position, and the main portion of the mattress and the patient thereon moves distal the foot support during tilting of the bed from the generally vertical position to the generally horizontal position in a low shear manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Craig Poulos, Joseph Immordino
  • Publication number: 20120068838
    Abstract: There are many types of bariatric lift apparatuses. Some of the present designs are inherently unstable in nature because of their basic design philosophy. Others are extremely large and bulky and can not be used effectively in the bariatric patient's living quarters. In others there is inability to transfer bariatric patients from certain type of beds or other furniture items because the devices contain certain obstacles which are inherent to their design. One of the functions of the apparatus is to provide controlled unassisted transfer from the bed to the apparatus. The inability of some bariatric patients to provide any self induced lifting in a normal manner is a major limiting feature of present-day gurney and/or lift chair designs. As the obesity rate climbs nationwide, obese and morbidly obese patients will continue to pose special lifting challenges to the healthcare industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Robert John Ein
  • Publication number: 20120047648
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable lifting apparatus that includes an actuator and a lifting mechanism, which includes a parallel bar, a first coupler, a second coupler, a first rocker, a second rocker, and a frame that are each rotatably connected, so that operation of the actuator moves the parallel bar in a J-shaped path while maintaining a constant orientation of the parallel bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: Anurag Purwar, Thomas Galeotafiore, Justin Miles, Jeffrey Renert
  • Patent number: 8122534
    Abstract: A stand assist device includes a base with legs that extend in a forward direction. The stand assist device also includes a mast assembly mounted on the base, the mast assembly including a mast. A boom is pivotally attached to the mast and an actuator is attached to the boom. The actuator is adapted to be driven in order to cause the boom to rotate relative to the mast. A knee pad is also attached relative to the mast assembly. The mast may be moved between a seated position wherein the mast extends upwardly from the base, and a folded position wherein the mast extends substantially in the forward direction. The base, mast assembly, and knee pad are configured so that the knee pad does not interfere with the base when the mast is moved into the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Joerns Healthcare, LLC
    Inventors: Melvin C. Biersteker, Colin C. Bain, David J. Genske, Erik J. Bluemner
  • Patent number: 8104115
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handling system for lifting or moving a person from a first position to another, such as from a bed to a chair. The system includes a bottom part being vertically fixed, a lifting arm being guided by the bottom part allowing the lifting arm to at least be vertically adjustable, a support part for fixating and supporting the person during the lifting and moving, and a support connection for the support part. The support connection is connected to drive means, for winding and unwinding the support connection, via the lifting arm, and the drive means being part of the bottom part. The invention also relates to a weighting system and a method for lifting or moving a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: HeCare Systems ApS
    Inventors: Asger Gramkow, Asger Moos
  • Patent number: 8099806
    Abstract: A frame for supporting and moving a load, the frame comprising first and second support legs for supporting said frame on at least one floor; a load support member, extending between the first support leg and the second support leg, wherein the load support member is sized and shaped to be length adjustable; and a trolley, movably mounted on an external surface of the load support member, the trolley and load support member being sized and shaped to permit the trolley to move along the load support member; whereby access to the trolley, without removing same from the load support member, is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Prism Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Chepurny, Mikel Shani
  • Publication number: 20120005825
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an architectural system and a patient adjustment device. The patient adjustment device is coupled to the architectural system and adapted to pull on a patient receiver to move a patient received by the patient receiver and located on a bed relative to the bed to adjust the position of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: David M. Minning, Troy D. Acton, Jon C. Tekulve, Christian H. Reinke, Robert Mark Zerhusen, David C. Newkirk, Jonathan D. Turner
  • Publication number: 20110302712
    Abstract: A lift apparatus has a frame with open sides and a web assembly slidably retained along the sides which extends from one end of the frame to the other. While the web assembly is retracted, the frame moves to pass around a mobility-impaired individual and rest against the surface supporting the individual. The web assembly is then extended to move underneath or behind the individual, providing lifting support. The frame is configurable for orientations ranging continuously between horizontal and upright sitting. The web assembly has an upper web contacting the individual, a lower web contacting the support surface, a strength layer carrying the individual's weight, and a roller nose bar assembly which is pulled to extend the web assembly. A hand-held power tool can drive the web assembly, adjustment of inclinations of the back and leg sections of the frame, and vertical motion of the lift arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Richard A. Patterson, Roy M. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20110296608
    Abstract: A portable, personal lifting device (10, 100) includes a central member (12), a seat (14) attached to the central member (12) in such a way that the seat is capable of translating linearly along the central member (12), an actuator (16) for causing translation between the seat (14) and the central member (12), and a support member (24) to stabilize the central member (12). The central member (12) is positioned between a user's legs in such a way that the user straddles during operation of the device (10, 100), thereby providing an inexpensive, lightweight lifting device that can be used in very close quarters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Robert J. Victor
  • Publication number: 20110289680
    Abstract: Furniture includes a sitting face and/or a reclining face, wherein the sitting face and/or the reclining face can be adjusted from a use position into a standing up assistance position and back and wherein the sitting face and/or the reclining face are at least partially raised and/or lowered in the standing up assistance position compared to the use position. The furniture can be provided with a plurality of rollers to move the furniture and fixing means are provided to lock at least one roller and are configured to forcibly lock at least one roller during the adjustment of the sitting face and/or the reclining face from the use position into the standing up assistance position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: FERDINAND LUSCH GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Erich Sartisohn
  • Patent number: 8060958
    Abstract: A powered lift apparatus for lifting and transporting a human body above a ground surface is disclosed, and comprises a base, a mast extending upwardly from the base, and a crane member pivotally mounted on the mast and movable with respect to the base. The apparatus further comprises a hydraulic drive mechanism configured to move the base over the surface and a hydraulic lifting mechanism configured to move the crane member with respect to the base. The apparatus also comprises a single hydraulic power source assembly connected to and powering both the hydraulic drive mechanism and the hydraulic lifting mechanism. The hydraulic power source assembly includes a control assembly configured to direct hydraulic power from the hydraulic power source assembly to the hydraulic drive mechanism and hydraulic lifting mechanism under user control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Randall Hough