Abstract: A lift device includes two vertical extendible tower members, each of the two vertical extendible tower members including, at a first lower distal end, an omnidirectional wheel assembly, and a vertical extension assembly configured to simultaneously raise and lower the two vertical extendible tower members in a vertical direction. The lift device further includes a horizontal extendible transverse member connected between second opposing distal upper ends of the two vertical extendible tower members.

Abstract: There is provided a lifting robot suitable for lifting and transferring a person. Especially there is provided a patient lift apparatus with collapsible vertical and horizontal columns that allows the apparatus to change its height and width. Specifically there is provided a patient lifting robot having a frame for lifting and carrying persons. The frame has adjustable length and width, since the frame comprises two vertically collapsible columns for adjusting the height of the frame, and one horizontally collapsible beam for adjusting the width of the frame.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus for use with a vehicle, comprising a lift mechanism between a base and a support frame to move between an extended configuration defining a first distance and a retracted configuration defining a second distance. An interface generates a user signal. A sensor generates a sensor signal corresponding to force acting on the base relative to the support frame. A controller determines if the user signal corresponds to an extend or retract command; determines if the force acting on the base has exceeded a predetermined threshold value based on the sensor signal; drives the lift mechanism toward the extended configuration where the user signal corresponds to the extend command and toward the retracted configuration where the user signal corresponds to the retract command; and interrupts driving the lift mechanism to stop motion of the lift mechanism in response to the sensor signal exceeding the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An emergency cot includes a litter frame, a base, and a lift assembly supporting the litter frame relative to the base. The lift assembly includes load bearing members pivotally coupled to the litter frame by head-end upper pivot connections and foot-end upper pivot connections and to the base by head-end lower pivot connections and foot-end lower pivot connections for raising or lowering the base or the litter frame with respect to the other. The foot-end upper pivot connections or head-end upper pivot connections are movable toward or away from the longitudinal axis of the litter frame to allow one end of the litter frame to be tilted upwardly.

Abstract: A surgical patient support includes a foundation frame, a support top, and a brake system. The foundation frame includes a first column and a second column. The support top is coupled to the first column and the second column for rotation about a top axis extending along the length of the support top. A single-handle unlock for the support top is also provided.

Abstract: A wheelchair for transporting a patient comprising a support frame, the support frame having an upper portion located substantially near a first end of the support frame and a lower portion located substantially near a second end of the support frame, at least one seat extension, the seat extension moveably coupled to the support frame between the lower portion and upper portion of the support frame, at least one leg, a first leg coupled to the lower portion of the support frame, at least two wheels mounted on the support frame, an anti-tip bar, the anti-tip bar being substantially horizontally disposed on the lower portion of the support frame and projecting in the lateral direction for stabilizing the wheelchair in the lateral direction, and an extendable beam positioned on the upper portion of the support frame and moveable coupled to the support frame.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a hoist for facilitating a transition between firstly a seated or lying position and secondly a standing position of an individual, comprising: a movable lifting arm for exerting a lifting force, a connecting element for transferring the lifting force from the lifting arm to the individual, and a movable handle suitable for supporting the hands of the individual during operation of the hoist, wherein the movable handle is configured to shift during operation of the hoist, wherein during operation of the hoist, the movable handle also executes a movement relative to the lifting arm.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a standing assistance apparatus including a support part configured to support a load, a saddle part configured to accommodate a patient to allow the patient to position from sitting condition to standing condition, and a guide part coupled between the support part and the saddle part and having an adjustable length to guide the patient to stand, wherein the guide part is disposed in diagonal direction with respect to the support part to guide the patient to stand in the diagonal direction.

Abstract: A multi-cell inflatable jack includes a plurality of jack elements. Each of the plurality of jack elements includes a body having a predetermined perimeter shape and defining a perimeter chamber and a central chamber. A valve is coupled to the body and configured to provide air flow to one of the perimeter chamber or the central chamber. A plurality of flow control stringers are located between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion and are configured to control an air flow rate into each of the perimeter chamber and the central chamber. At least one fastener is formed on the body and configured to attach the jack element to at least one additional jack element in a multi-cell stack.

Abstract: A patient support system comprises a patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus also comprises an actuatable device that perform one or more predetermined functions on the patient support apparatus. A controller is provided to control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices based on a user input or a patient condition.

Abstract: A method and an alignment system which auto-levels and/or auto-centers a loading platform to load and unload a wheeled stretcher to and from an emergency transport vehicle are disclosed. A controller of the alignment system receives a command to extend the loading platform from the emergency vehicle and extends the loading platform under power from the emergency transport vehicle. The controller recognizes an approaching wheeled stretcher, and aligns automatically the loading platform with a leading edge of the approaching wheeled stretcher to compensate automatically for any alignment issues between the loading platform and loading wheels of the wheeled stretcher.

Abstract: An autonomous stretcher intended for patients with reduced mobility, particularly quadriplegic and paraplegic, is adjustable in height and transformable between a horizontal position in the manner of a bed for housing the patient lying down and a staggered position in the manner of a chair. It incorporates transport litters destined for supporting the patient, endowed with movement in a transverse direction to the supports in both directions of movement: towards the exterior of the stretcher to remove the patient from the stretcher, for example towards a bed or a wheelchair and towards the interior of the stretcher to accommodate the patient therein. It makes it possible to modify its longitudinal or transverse orientation with respect to the frame and enables the patient to satisfy his or her physiological evacuation needs through the stretcher itself in a sitting position.

Abstract: A lift mechanism. The lift mechanism includes a base configured to support the lift mechanism in an upright position. A neck is upstanding from the base. A lift bracket is coupled to the neck. A coupling bracket includes a U-shape having a base and arms extending from opposing ends of the base. The base is coupled to the lift bracket. A linear actuator is configured to move the lift bracket up and down along the neck.

Abstract: A standing frame to assist a user with stand challenges in standing, comprising a base assembly that accommodates the user's feet; a stand assembly supported by the base assembly; a handlebar assembly supported by the stand assembly and configured to receive one or more of a user's hands and arms to rest thereon; a securement assembly coupled to the stand assembly to secure the user to the standing frame; and a knee support assembly configured to receive the user's knees to rest thereon.

Abstract: A gurney comprising a magnetic member for securing straps is disclosed. The gurney comprises base members coupled to axle members. The gurney comprises support frame members coupled to the axle members. The gurney comprises a frame member coupled to the support frame members. The frame comprises a patient support. Further, the gurney comprises straps provided at either side of the frame member to secure a patient to the patient support. The straps comprise a male buckle member and a female buckle member. The gurney further comprises magnetic members coupled to the frame member. The male buckle member and the female buckle member are coupled to the magnetic members to secure the straps from falling down when the male buckle member and the female buckle member are not coupled or not in use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting persons from a lying position to a sitting position comprises a mechanical support support board for supporting a body of the person while lying in bed. An extension of the support board reaches away from the bed to accommodate the legs and thighs of the person. The support board is pivoted and tilted upwards in order to move the person from a lying position to an upright and sitting position. The support board assists caregivers with lifting a patient in and out of bed while minimizing both risk of injury to the caregiver and physical and emotional discomfort to the patient.

Abstract: In a standing-up motion assist system for assisting a care receiving person, a care belt includes a first holder that holds a neck part or a back part of the care receiving person, a second holder that holds a lumbar part of the care receiving person, a third holder that connects the first holder and the second holder and holds armpits of the care receiving person, a second connector located at a chest of the care receiving person, and a first connector that connects the first holder and the second holder. A pulling mechanism is connected to the second connector and pulls the second connector. A controller controls the pulling mechanism so as to pull the second connector in a forward and upward direction with reference to the care receiving person, and, thereafter, pull the second connector in a backward and upward direction with reference to the care receiving person.

Abstract: A standing motion assist system includes a care belt including a holding mechanism including a holder that holds a back and both armpits of a care-receiver, and a connector that is connected to the holding mechanism; a rotational force applying mechanism that is connected to the holding mechanism and that rotates a front lower part of the holder upward and a rear upper part of the holder downward about a rotation axis extending through both armpits; a traction mechanism that is connected to the connector and pulls the connector; and a controller that controls the rotational force applying mechanism and the traction mechanism so that, after the traction mechanism has started the pulling motion, the rotational force applying mechanism rotates the holder at the same time as the traction mechanism pulls the connector forward and upward, and subsequently the traction mechanism pulls the connector upward.

Abstract: A device, for grasping a limp body, such as a paraplegic or a quadriplegic patient (19), and transferring the body to another location or moving it into a different position, comprises two pivotally connected sections (12,13), one positioned to grasp the torso portion (18), the other the pelvic one (17). The sections can be kept in line with each other or pivoted toward each other to place the patient in a seated position. Each section comprises an upper frame (14) from the opposite longitudinal edges of which extends a pair of articulated grasping members positioned to move astride the torso or pelvis of the patient. The members include series of transversal cantles which can be directed to curl inwardly toward each other and securely enwrap and grab the load. The frame and the supported patient can then be hoisted, moved and deposited into a supine or seating position. Each member includes a series of successively hinged segments tilted by pulling cables.

Abstract: Provided is a robot which is easily operated and with which it is possible for a caregiver to transfer a person alone. A robot (R) provided with a traveling unit (M1), a hoisting unit (M2) provided to the traveling unit (M1), a tilting unit (M3) provided to the hoisting unit (M3), an operating unit (M4) provided to the tilting unit (M3), and a pair of arms, wherein: the tiling unit (M3) has a main tilting unit and an auxiliary tilting unit provided to the main tilting unit; and the auxiliary tilting unit has auxiliary tilting members which are provided to both ends of the main tilting member on the main tilting unit, holds the arms, and can rotate freely.

Abstract: A patient treatment system includes one or more automated patient transporters configured to move a patient from a preparation area to one of a plurality of alternative treatment areas, and to position the patient relative to a therapeutic radiation beam. Both transportation of the patient and positioning of the patient are optionally performed while the patient is secured to one of the patient transporters. A control system may be used to both position and transport the patient responsive to a patient treatment plan.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to wheelchair systems for transporting a mobility-challenged passenger onto an aircraft and transfer that passenger into an aircraft seat. The implementations include systems with lift systems, belt systems, and/or transfer ramps.

Abstract: An appliance for use in supporting a woman during the first stage of labor including: a seat portion; a generally horizontal ledge portion is located at a height which is higher than the seat portion and extends across the width of the seat portion; a footrest is located at either side of the ledge portion; and wherein the footrests are located beneath the ledge portion.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a position of a wheelchair occupant includes a sensor configured to generate sensor data based on the position of the occupant, an adjustment system coupled to a support point on the wheelchair and configured to be coupled to a support point on the occupant's clothing, and a processing circuit. The adjustment system is configured to extend and retract at least one adjustment element to adjust the position of the occupant, and the processing circuit is configured to determine the position of the occupant in the wheelchair based on the sensor data and adjust the adjustment element based on the determined position of the occupant.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a position of a wheelchair occupant includes a sensor configured to generate sensor data based on the position of the occupant, an adjustable cable system coupled to a support point on the wheelchair and configured to be coupled to a support point on the occupant's clothing, and a processing circuit. The cable system is configured to extend and retract at least one cable to adjust the position of the occupant, and the processing circuit is configured to determine the position of the occupant in the wheelchair based on the sensor data and adjust the cable based on the determined position of the occupant.

Abstract: A therapeutic walking trainer for improving the ability to walk, in particular for re-learning the ability to walk, with an upper frame, which has a torso-free body holder and provides forward support, and with a lower frame, which is connected to the upper frame by means of at least one supporting bar and has a number of rollers. To compensate for a torque acting on the vertical axis, the rollers are at least four in number, with at least one of the rollers, preferably exactly two of the rollers, being formed as drivable rollers. In addition, the invention relates to a combination of a therapeutic walking trainer with a motor-free treadmill, and the at least one supporting bar is connected to the lower frame via an elastic lower part.

Abstract: A patient transport vehicle including lower chassis mounted on wheels in the bed supported by a column mounted on the lower chassis. A lift cart is supported by towers mounted on the lower chassis with a section configured to rise out from the top of each tower. A lift cart actuator is utilized to raise and lower the inner section of each tower thereby raising and lowering the lift cart. A swing mechanism is mounted on the lift cart with a swing actuator to control its movement. Two or more hangers are attached swing mechanism and utilized to support a patient wrapped in a patient support pad.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for disabled, impaired or handicapped persons in reaching or maintaining a standing or partially standing position. The apparatus includes a knee support and a movable torso support that is operatively connected to an actuator arrangement. The actuator arrangement moves the torso support in a vertical range of positions independently of the horizontal position of the torso support and in a horizontal range of positions independently of the vertical position of the torso support. The user engages the torso support during the raising movement during which the torso support moves simultaneously forward and upward until the person has reached a position in which he is substantially standing whilst leaning forward over the torso support (and vice versa for the lowering procedure). The torso support can also be rotated during the movement. The apparatus is provided with an identification system for identifying the person to be assisted.

Abstract: An apparatus to lift persons includes: a base; wheels attached to the base; a vertical assembly including a fixed subassembly and a traveling subassembly; a mechanism such as an actuator that powers vertical movement of the traveling subassembly; a fork system attached to the traveling subassembly and comprises a pair of forks; and a substantially flat seat plate that is removably attached to the fork system and includes a pair of channels along opposite sides of the seat plate. The seat plate is removed from the fork system, placed onto the floor, and is then mounted by a person. The seat plate is reattached to the fork system by inserting the forks into the channels, and the actuator is activated to lift the person from the floor. The base and fork system may be pivotally attached to the fixed subassembly and traveling subassembly, respectively, so that the apparatus is collapsible.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus for transport between a patient bed and a bathtub is disclosed that includes: a base with caster wheels, a double scissor truss, mounted on the base, retracted and extended vertically by the operation of a base crank handle, and a hoisting assembly positioned atop of a support frame member. The hoisting member further includes winch handles connected to a set of pulleys which are connected to cables and a fabric sling for supporting a patient. The hoisting assembly is configured to move along the support frame member by means of wheels installed on the bottom side of the frame member so that the fabric sling can reach out to the patient. A telescoping support pole, connected to the front of the support frame member, designed to freely rotated and to lean against either the bed or the bathtub in order to provide balance to the apparatus when transporting the patient from the bed to the bathtub and vice versa.

Abstract: A cot can include a support frame that extends between a front end and a back end. A front leg and a back leg can be slidingly coupled to the support frame. A front actuator can be coupled to the front leg and slide the front leg to retract and extend the front leg. A back actuator can be coupled to the back leg and slide the back leg to retract and extend the front leg. One or more processors can execute machine readable instructions to receive signals from one or more sensors indicative of the front end of the cot and the front leg. The one or more processors can actuate the back actuator to extend the back leg to raise the back end of the cot, when the front end of the cot is supported by a surface and the front leg is retracted a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A device for assisting parturition, which device can be used to practice delivery, in birth training, in delivery, and in post natal and other rehabilitation. The device includes a body part and a seat part for the woman in labor. In the seat part there is a cut-out for the exit of the baby. The seat part is connected to the frame part, and in the device there are support elements which the woman in labor can grip, and on which she can lean in various delivery positions. The seat part is attached to the body in such a way that the cut-out faces away from the body and the elements for attaching to the body are between the body and the seat part. The seat part can be turned laterally relative to the body.

Abstract: An loading and unloading system is described that allows a load to be loaded and unloaded to and from the bed of a vehicle on which the loading and unloading system is mounted. The loading and unloading system is affixed to a vehicle bed and includes an enclosure providing structural support for the lifting mechanism and shelter for cargo security and protection. The lifting mechanism, in conjunction with the enclosure structure, loads or unloads cargo that is secured to a lifting platform using vertical linear motion as well as horizontal linear motion.

Abstract: Embodiments of a roll-in push cot may comprise a support frame comprising a pair of lateral sides extending between a front end and a rear end, and a pair of slidable tracks disposed in the lateral sides; a pair of leading legs and a pair of trailing legs pivotally connected to the support frame; a front carriage member slidingly disposed within the pair of slidable tracks at the front end of the support frame, and a mechanical loading system coupled to the support frame and connecting the pair of leading legs with the pair of trailing legs, wherein the mechanical loading system comprises a front actuator disposed on the support frame in the motion path defined by the front carriage member, such that movement of the front carriage member triggers the front actuator and thereby initiates the release of the trailing legs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a functional table for patient transportation, including: a patient supporter which supports a patient laid thereon and allows the patient to be horizontally slidably transported, with its both sides being changed in their angle with respect to a vertical axis of the patient; a support frame which is located in the central bottom of the patient supporter and allows the patient supporter to be vertically moved; a base frame which is connected to the bottom of the support frame and supports the whole of functional table; and at least three transporting wheels which are connected to the base frame and allow the functional table to be freely moved.

Abstract: A stretcher including an upper frame for mounting a lifter thereon, a front leg pivotably attached to the upper frame, a rear leg pivotably attached to the upper frame, a fixed caster attached to one end of the front leg, a swivel caster attached to one end of the rear leg, and an auxiliary swivel caster attached to the front leg, wherein the upper frame is vertically adjustable by folding the front and rear legs relative to the upper frame, and wherein the auxiliary swivel caster is positioned relative to the fixed caster such that the auxiliary swivel caster is in contact with the ground when the upper frame is fully lowered and the front leg is folded away from the rear leg, and the auxiliary swivel caster is out of contact with the ground when the upper frame is fully lowered and the front leg is folded toward the rear leg.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an elderly assistance apparatus comprises a frame, wheels, and a lever mechanism. The lever is comprised of caregiver leverage handles, patient lifts, and a fulcrum. In another embodiment the elderly assistance apparatus may comprise patient stabilizers. In one embodiment, the stabilizers are mounted crutches.

Abstract: In a movable bed composed by combining a bed main portion and a wheelchair, the wheelchair has chair back bottom rails having cutout portions in a chair back bottom, and a chair back guide portion installed rotatably about a rotation point with respect to a chair base portion, the chair back guide portion having sliding portions engaged with the chair back bottom rails so as to be slidable and arranged to be disengageable from the chair back bottom rails by being located in the cutout portions, and in a fourth state (flat posture), the sliding portions are located in the cutout portions, the chair back guide portion and the chair back bottom are disengaged so as to be separable from each other, and a back lifting posture of the bed main portion and the chair back bottom can be performed over the entire width of the bed, whereas in a first state (chair posture), the sliding portions are engaged with the chair back bottom rails and can slide along the chair back bottom rails.

Abstract: A user assistance apparatus and system is disclosed. The apparatus and system may include a base and a platform rotatably positionable about the base. A lift assist chair may be disposed upon the platform, and handrails may be attached to the platform such that the handrails rotate with the platform. The handrails extend from the platform to define an entry, and the handrails are configured to assist a user as the user passes between the entry and the lift assist chair. Fixtures may be disposed in a generally curved arrangement to cooperate with the entry as the platform is rotatably positioned about the base. Related methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of the engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aid device for raising, rotation and transfer of a user, comprising a holder for receiving a strap connected to a belt which is worn by the user. The aid device comprises a base plate, for placement of the feet of the user, and a supporting device that is connected to the base plate, for supporting the user during the raising, rotation and/or transfer. The supporting device comprises a ladder portion having at least a first and a second graspable rung for aiding the user during the raising, rotation and/or transfer. It further comprises a holder for releasably holding a strap connected to the user. The holder projects from the first graspable rung towards the second graspable rung such that a gap is formed between a projecting end of the holder and the second graspable rung.

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: In a bed including a wheelchair and a bed main body portion, the wheelchair has a seating bottom portion composed of bendably coupling a plurality of divided members. A chair bottom support member supports the seating bottom portion, the chair bottom support member changing a shape of a leg bottom part in conjunction with inclination of a back bottom part. A chair base portion fixes the chair bottom support member. Front casters are provided in the chair base portion, the front casters being capable of freely changing direction. Both side wheel bottom support members are axially supported on the chair base portion. Rear casters are provided at one end of the both side wheel bottom support members, the rear casters being capable of freely changing direction. Traveling wheels are provided at the other end of both side wheel bottom support members, whose traveling direction is fixed to a straight-moving direction.

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: An operating table comprises a patient support carried by a column, wherein the column has a foot having at least two base arms which are arranged next to one another and which extend with variable spacing in the longitudinal direction of the patient support.

Abstract: A patient support includes a patient support surface, a fluid movement system provided at the patient support, a port mounted at the patient support in selective fluid communication with the fluid movement system, and a device selected from the group consisting of an inflatable device, a conduit, an air operated device, an actuator, a ventilator, and a chamber, with the port adapted for coupling to the device for delivering fluid to the device from the fluid movement system when the device is coupled to the port.

Abstract: An improved wheelchair lift-transfer device provides capabilities for a patient or caregiver to independently control the wheelchair and lift functions to elevate and move about safely. The patient can use a handheld wireless remote control and summon their wheelchair lift-transfer device from across the room, to their bedside, then independently transfer into the device and then drive it about in their home, raising and lowering their body as needed.

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.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments of a height adjustable emergency roll-in cot comprise a cot support frame comprising having a leading end, a trailing end, and a pair of opposing side frame members disposed between the leading and trailing ends, a pair of wheeled front legs slidingly coupled to the cot support frame via a slideable front transverse support member, and a pair of wheeled back legs slidingly coupled to the support frame via a slideable back transverse support member, wherein the slideable front transverse support member, the slideable back transverse support member, or both include a pair of locking pins (90, 92).