And Wheels Or Free Traveling (e.g., Gurney Or Convertible Wheelchair Type) Patents (Class 5/86.1)
  • Publication number: 20130111660
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Harold Robert Wilson
  • Patent number: 8434174
    Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with refraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: MediGLIDER Corp.
    Inventors: Richard A. Patterson, Lawrence R. Gravell
  • Patent number: 8397846
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the frame, and a wheel supported with respect to the frame and movable between a lowered position engaging a floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. The patient support apparatus also has a drive assembly with a first mode of operation coupled to the wheel and operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor and a second mode of operation decoupled from the wheel so that the wheel is free to rotate when the wheel is in the lowered position and the patient support apparatus is moved along the floor. A first user input is provided to move the wheel between the raised and lowered positions and a second user input is provided to signal the drive assembly to drive the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, John D. Vogel, Thomas M. Webster
  • Patent number: 8381331
    Abstract: A system for turning a person from a supine position to a prone position and vice versa includes opposing patient support platens each coupled to a corresponding end of a first and a second COG assembly, the first and second COG assemblies each coupled to a corresponding one of a pair of spindles, each one of the spindles disposed on a corresponding lift column. Embodiments described herein provide for an axis of rotation that is adjustable with respect to the plane of either an upper or lower support platen. Embodiments provide for adjusting the separation distance between the axis of rotation and the center of gravity defined by the combination of the person and the supporting platens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Operating Room Safety Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Lewis Sharps, Alan Dean Romig
  • Patent number: 8381330
    Abstract: A steerable ultra-low patient bed that incorporates a means for maintaining verticality of the caster stem at all height positions of the bed and a means for selectively locking the caster assemblies of the bed in a desired locking position. The means for selectively locking the caster assemblies may be actuated from either end of the bed using a central actuation mechanism. The bed according to the present invention has legs that are pivotally and translatably attached at their upper end to a frame of the bed and caster support members that are longitudinally aligned with the bed pivotally attached to the lower end of each leg. The caster support members each have a single caster assembly attached thereto. The means for maintaining verticality of the caster stem incorporates a constraint means that urges the caster support member in a direction of rotation opposite to that of the leg during adjustment of the height of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: CHG Hospital Beds Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Roussy, Richard Brian Roussy
  • Patent number: 8375484
    Abstract: A physical assistive robotic device may include a frame including an upright support member, a lateral member slidably engaged with the upright support member, a handle slidably engaged with the lateral member, an elevation actuator coupled to the upright support member and the lateral member, and a lateral actuator coupled to the lateral member and the handle. The elevation actuator translates the lateral member and the lateral actuator translates the handle to transition a user between a standing position and a non-standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ota, Masaru Ryumae, Keiichi Sato, Shin Sano
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8359683
    Abstract: A patient transfer device has four casters and two counter-rotating steering wheels. The steering wheels provide a turning path whose center of curvature lies along a transverse centerline of the device. A foot pedal selectively lifts the steering wheels off the floor or brakes them. Another foot pedal at a back end of the device can lock the casters at the front end in a straight direction. The transfer table of the device may be inclined either longitudinally or transversely, and has an upper table whose edge rollers retract to introduce slack in the upper belt so that an air mattress can be inflated. The upper belt selectively disengages from the lower belt using movable, pneumatically-actuated pinch rollers. The outer surface of the upper belt is rough while the outer surface of the lower belt is smooth. The belts are constructed of a material which includes an antimicrobial agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: ConMediSys, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Patterson, Ralph M. Smucker
  • Patent number: 8359685
    Abstract: A wheel chair with commode for a patient that coverts in to a bed is disclosed. The wheel chair includes an outer rectangular main frame standing on at least four wheeled legs, first, second, third, and four outer frame being connected to each other by pivots or hinges, a pair of additional wheels being connected to the third frame by means of links that prevent the chair or bed from tilting backward due to weight of first and second frames and the patient, a means for making movements of the first, second, third and fourth frames to convert chair into bed or vice-versa, inner frames being slidably fitted inside the outer frames, and a commode pan or pot being fitted under the main frame, wherein a cushion is provided between said main frame and commode pan or pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Bhaskar Vitthal Patwardhan
  • Patent number: 8341777
    Abstract: A patient support is connectable to an external power source. The patient support includes a bedframe supported on a floor, a plurality of wheels coupled to the bedframe, and a brake configured to prevent the bed from moving on the floor. The brake is moveable between a braked position and an unbraked position. The patient support also includes a controller configured to activate an alarm when the brake is moved to the unbraked position when the bed is connected to the external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Hensley, Jean-Bernard Duvert, Sebastien Gemeline, Patrick Weizman, Gary S. Siegle, Olivier Barbu, Le Boeuf Guenael
  • Patent number: 8341779
    Abstract: A bed has a head section and a foot section. The bed can assume a horizontal position and at least one position in which the foot section is at an angle relative to horizontal. For instance, the bed may assume a chair position, in which the head section is pivoted upwardly and the foot section is pivoted downwardly, to a substantially vertical position. Casters allow the bed to move relative to the floor. The casters can retract toward the head section of the bed as the foot section pivots downwardly toward the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Hornbach, Jonathan D. Turner, Jeffrey Scott Jelinek
  • Publication number: 20120317715
    Abstract: An open base patient lifting machine has generally upwardly extending first and second masts. There is a space between the lower end portion of the second mast. A patient support extends forwardly from the upper portion of the frame. A base at the lower portion of the frame supports the frame. The base has a forwardly extending first leg that is pivotably coupled to the lower end of the first mast about a vertical first axis. An opposed outer end portion of the first leg is positioned forwardly of the first mast. A second leg extends generally forwardly from the second mast. The second leg is pivotably coupled to the lower end portion of second mast about a vertical second axis. A portion of the second leg is positioned forwardly of the second mast. The legs are pivotable about their axes towards and away from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Michel Corriveau, Martin Faucher
  • Patent number: 8321976
    Abstract: The present invention has a deck supported by at least one parallelogram. When two parallelograms are used, the first has first and second levers and a drag link, and the second has third and fourth levers and a second drag link. Each parallelogram is raised and collapsed with an actuator. The first lever and the fourth lever each have an arm with an interface. The actuators are pivotally and movably connected to the interfaces and pivotally connected to the drag links. The location of the actuators relative the interfaces is controlled with control arms. The control arms have ends that are connected to the respective drag link and each rotates at an offset circular path about a central point of the adjacent levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: GF Health Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Edgerton
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8307473
    Abstract: A patient transfer device including a retractable wheel assembly, a caster brake and a track extension is provided. The retractable wheel assembly can include a cammed linkage arm operatively coupled to a retractable wheel. As the patient transfer device moves downwardly over a step, the cammed linkage arm can bear against the step, rotating the retractable wheel to a stowed position. The caster brake and the track extension can cooperate to stabilize the patient transfer device at the top and bottom of a stairway, respectively. The caster brake and the track extension can each include a high-friction engagement surface that is vertically offset from the respective caster and track. The retractable wheel assembly, caster brake and track extension can improve the control the patient transfer device along level, ramped and stepped surfaces, particularly for operators lacking sufficient training or experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker Coropration
    Inventors: Clifford E. Lambarth, Alfred J. Dacey, IV, Chris Gentile, Keith L. Buffinga
  • Patent number: 8302231
    Abstract: An attachment system and method for attaching a medical unit to a transport using connection brackets. The medical unit attaches to the connection brackets and restricts the movement of the medical unit during transportation. Use of the connection brackets enables quick and efficient attachment and removal of the medical unit from the transport. A connection bracket may be placed at one end of the transport and the medical unit may be attached to the connection bracket. Once the medical unit is placed on the transport, another connection bracket may be attached to the medical unit and connected to the transport. After the second connection bracket is connected, the medical unit can be transported to another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Gold Cross Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S Moffitt, Andrew J Moffitt, Michael J Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8302221
    Abstract: A medical assist device for a patient has a rotatable platform with a seat adjacent the platform and a lift mechanism for moving the seat from a lowered position for supporting a patient to a raised position and likewise able to move said seat from a raised position for supporting a patient to a lowered position. The rotatable platform can be rotated only if the seat is in the lowered position and the lift mechanism for raising the seat can be actuated only if the rotatable platform is in a predetermined position at which an open space between support bars is facing the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Pivot Assist, LLC
    Inventor: William P. Camp, Jr.
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120255118
    Abstract: The present invention provides a standing mobility and/or transfer device for handicapped users including an articulating foot platform system effective to move a foot platform between a rearwardly tilted user-receiving condition located close to the floor and an elevated, forwardly tilted condition for user transport at a standing-prone angle. Bilateral lift arms move in concert with the raising and lowering function of the foot platform to elevate the person to a standing-prone position from a seated position. In a raised position, the lift arms are located alongside a user to provide additional posture control. Optional motors associated with one or more wheels of the device may be controlled by the user with a joystick for self-propelled standing mobility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: STANDING NORMAL LLC
    Inventors: Gary Hammond, Dan Davis
  • Patent number: 8256048
    Abstract: A bed with a leg assembly coupled to a support link assembly by a joint, the joint comprising a slot having at least two paths. A support link assembly defining a length that automatically varies as the support link assembly moves relative to the leg assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Bly, Kevin S. Wysocki
  • Patent number: 8240410
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus has a first frame and a second frame supported above the first frame and movable relative to the first frame. A plurality of casters are coupled to the first frame. A wheel is movable relative to the first frame between a lowered position engaging the floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. A drive assembly is coupled to the wheel and is operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor. A foot pedal is coupled to the first frame and is movable to raise and lower the wheel relative to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, John D. Vogel, Thomas M. Webster
  • Publication number: 20120198613
    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: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Jelinek
  • Publication number: 20120151674
    Abstract: The invention is a support device for lifting and transporting a patient or other type of load. The support device has a frame mounted on a support base equipped with wheels and a brake. Long handles are attached to the frame, to provide a significant mechanical advantage to an operator. Lifting the handles tilts the frame on the support base and brings it down close to the load to be lifted. A lifting support, such as a seat or a sling, is secured around the the load and the lifting support coupled to the frame. The operator moves the lifting handles back to a home position, thereby lifting the load. The lifting handles and wheels allow the operator to guide the support device to a desired location, to lower a patient to a chair or a bed or to move a load to a new location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Standaid Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael McKenney
  • Publication number: 20120144582
    Abstract: A convertible wheelchair having two self-propelling rear wheels and two front casters, electric controls for converting from a chair position to a reclined position by an electric actuator connected between a bottom panel of a frame and under a seat support, a backrest connected pivotally at intermediate points between sides of the frame, and a leg support pivotally connected to front corners of the frame and front ends of the seat support. The wheelchair may be secured adjacent to a bed by a mount disc on a center portion of the rear wheels enabling a user to safely convert the wheelchair to the reclined position by moving a switch of the electric controls. When reclined, the user may move over onto the bed without a caregiver's assistance, unless necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: John Joseph Gugliotti, Robert Edward Parkin
  • Patent number: 8196237
    Abstract: A movable patient support includes a frame, a patient support surface supported at the frame, a base supporting the frame and having a plurality of bearing assemblies for moving the base along a floor surface. The support also includes a brake, a brake actuator for actuating the brake of at least one bearing assembly, and a brake bar coupled to the brake actuator. The brake bar is movable between a non-braking position and a braking position wherein the actuator causes the brake to move to its braking position. Further, the brake bar extends between the head end and the foot end of the frame and further has a portion extending outwardly from the brake actuator to at least close proximity to the bearing footprint defined by the bearing assemblies but within the frame footprint to thereby provide relatively easy access to the brake bar to an attendant standing adjacent one of the longitudinal sides of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Cory Herbst, John Zerbel, Eugene L. Keller, III, Mike Brubaker, Douglas Keller
  • Patent number: 8166987
    Abstract: A walker device including a walking aid and a lifting arm attached to, and extending in an approximate vertical direction from, the walking aid. The walking aid may include two front legs and two back legs. The walking aid may include two or more wheels attached to the bottom of the two front legs and/or two back legs. The walking aid may be a multiple-legged cane. The walking aid may be a wheeled mobility device. The lifting arm may include a gripping handle positioned at its approximate distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: WeCare Products, Inc. USA
    Inventor: Craig E. Weaver
  • Patent number: 8156586
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ambulance cots, cot systems and methods of using the same. In particular, the present invention provides an ambulance cot comprising one or more control features (e.g., a notched ladder rail assembly (e.g., for preventing hot dropping of cot); a hand braking system; and/or team lift rails) and methods of using the same (e.g., to transport a subject (e.g., into and/or from an ambulance)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rauch & Romanshek Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Jaime C. Reed, Jeffrey J. Krieger, Richard T. Seizer, Shawn G. Bhend, Jarod M. Sulik, James R. Hanson
  • Patent number: 8151388
    Abstract: A patient transport device for transporting a patient secured to a secured area thereof may include a first restraint arm disposed about a first longitudinal side of the secured area and a second restraint arm disposed about a second longitudinal side of the secured area opposite the first longitudinal side of the secured area. A head-cage restraint arm may further be disposed about a third leading end of the secured area between the first and second longitudinal sides of the secured area. The first restraint arm, the second restraint arm and the head-cage restraint arm may be operable to transition between an open configuration and a restrained configuration relative to the secured area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. West, III
  • 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: 8122535
    Abstract: A patient support is provided for supporting a patient. The patient support includes a bedframe and a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a wheel pivotably coupled to the bedframe and a wheel position holder. The wheel position holder has a cam and a cam surface that includes recesses configured to cooperate with the cam to position the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Hensley, Jean-Bernard Duvert, Sebastien Gemeline, Patrick Weizman, Gary S. Siegle, Olivier Barbu, Le Boeuf Guenael
  • Publication number: 20120023661
    Abstract: A physical assistive robotic device may include a frame including an upright support member, a lateral member slidably engaged with the upright support member, a handle slidably engaged with the lateral member, an elevation actuator coupled to the upright support member and the lateral member, and a lateral actuator coupled to the lateral member and the handle. The elevation actuator translates the lateral member and the lateral actuator translates the handle to transition a user between a standing position and a non-standing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ota, Masaru Ryumae, Keiichi Sato, Shin Sano
  • 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: 8096005
    Abstract: A device for the assisted loading of a stretcher (2) provided with a chassis (3), comprises at least one driving wheel (4) cinematically connected to a driving member (5) fed by feeding means (6) and controlled by control means (7) to activate the at least one driving wheel (4) at least during the loading of the stretcher into the ambulance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Enrico Carletti, Alessandro Lapini
  • Patent number: 8096004
    Abstract: A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: ConMediSys, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Patterson
  • 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: 20110289681
    Abstract: A patient lift includes a base and a mast extending from the base. The patient lift also includes a first elongated leg having a first longitudinal axis extending from the base. A first caster assembly is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the first elongated leg about a first carriage axis. The first caster assembly includes a first caster truck and a plurality of first assembly casters mounted to the first caster truck. The patient lift also includes a second elongated leg having a second longitudinal axis extending from the base. A second caster assembly is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the second elongated leg about a second carriage axis. The second caster assembly includes a second caster truck and a plurality of second assembly casters mounted to the second caster truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: JOERNS HEALTHCARE, INC.
    Inventor: Melvin C. Biersteker
  • Patent number: 8066301
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present disclosure is an improvement on known wheelchairs and other known devices for transporting elderly, infirm, injured, handicapped, disabled, or otherwise mobility-impaired individuals. The present disclosure provides a seat that is adjustable in both height and tilt angle for easy loading and unloading. In some embodiments, the height adjustment is provided via a hydraulic lift cart. Further provided are adjustable horizontal leg supports. A non-confining cage of substantially vertical support bars surrounds the occupant, and straps may be attached around the support bars. This provides support without causing the occupant to feel strapped down and confined to the device. Removing the straps allows easy loading and unloading from whichever side of the apparatus is most convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Karl Westermann
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8056950
    Abstract: An ambulance cot is disclosed and the ambulance cot having a base frame configured for support on a surface, a litter frame configured for supporting thereon a patient and an elevating mechanism interconnecting the base frame and the litter frame and configured to interconnect the litter frame and the base frame in order to facilitate movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward and away from each other. A control mechanism is provided on the cot which is configured to facilitate the movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward each other and at differing speeds predicated on at least one of whether the base frame is supported on the surface and the litter frame is supported by an external support separate from the elevating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Souke, Joshua C. Colvin, Kurosh Nahavandi, Michael W. Steffler
  • Patent number: 8051511
    Abstract: A stretcher includes a patient support, a base, and a plurality of support members, which supports the patient support relative to the base. The support members are adapted and arranged to raise or lower the base relative to the patient support. The stretcher also includes a releasable locking link between the patient support and a fixable point at the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Kurosh Nahavandi, Steve Knipfel, Cliff Lambarth
  • Publication number: 20110258774
    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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Xianhui Zeng
  • Publication number: 20110225728
    Abstract: A mobile patient lift system comprising: a frame assembly; the frame assembly including, a plurality of inter-lockable modular vertical frame posts, a plurality of variably lockable corner and vertical couplers, a top horizontal support bar with a lifting eye. The system further comprises a patient suspension bar; a lifting means; a driver bar assembly; two caster wheel assemblies with wheel locks; and optionally at least one horizontal stabilizer bar connectable between the modular vertical frame posts via T-shaped couplers. The mobile patient lift system is for use in lifting patients in hospitals, homes and other interior spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Lyn Thornhill, Tim Bezanson
  • Patent number: 8011039
    Abstract: A patient support including a patient support surface, a fluid movement system provided at the patient support, and a plurality of ports mounted at the patient support, which are in selective fluid communication with the fluid movement system. At least one of the ports is adapted for coupling to a device for delivering fluid to the device from the fluid movement system or delivering a vacuum pressure to the device from the fluid movement system for suctioning fluid through the device when the device is coupled to the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Stryker, Kevin Conway, Scott Davis
  • Patent number: 8011035
    Abstract: The invention finds application in the field of ambulance transport, emergency transport and other transport equipment. It relates to a stretcher (1) of the type comprising an upper frame (2) with a articulated platform (3) mounted thereto; a from loading carriage (4). The stretcher (1) has at least one additional rear leg (9) and a corresponding support (10) for holding said rear leg (9) against the upper frame (2), in such a manner as to be suspended between the front loading carriage (4) and the additional rear leg (9) during loading and unloading. The provision of a motor-driven coupling system/device allows automatic loading and unloading of said stretcher (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Spencer Italia S.r.l.
    Inventor: Luigi Cesare Pizzi Spadoni
  • Patent number: 7996939
    Abstract: A collapsible hydraulically operated ambulance cot having a support frame, a wheeled base, a support mechanism disposed therebetween, and a lift system for hydraulically moving the upper frame relative to the lower frame is disclosed. The lift system permits a single attendant to raise the cot from a lowered position to a raised position, and an infinite number of positions therebetween, and to raise the wheeled base relative to the support frame to situate the cot onto an elevated surface such as the transport deck of an ambulance. A manual override is also provided to conserve battery power and as a back-up in no-power situations. It is to be appreciated that the above described manual override mode may be used when raising or lowering the cot without power assist, dropping the undercarriage when unloading from a vehicle, and lifting the undercarriage when loading into a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Benedict, Robert C. Chinn, Warren Dale Sutton, Timothy P. Schroeder, Brian Slick
  • Patent number: 7996934
    Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a person from a wheelchair to a fixed seat is disclosed, including a wheeled gantry that includes opposed front and rear legs and an upper portion connecting the legs, the gantry spanning a transfer station with a side entry for the wheelchair, and being capable of spanning the fixed seat; and a holding apparatus including a transfer seat and support frame, the transfer seat being sized to fit within the fixed seat; a lift for raising and lowering the transfer seat; and a support arm for rotating the support frame within the transfer station. The wheelchair can be wheeled into the transfer station, the person can be raised out of the wheelchair and rotated to face the front leg, the wheeled gantry can be moved to span the fixed seat, the person can be lowered into the fixed seat, and the wheeled gantry can be withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Haycomp Pty Ltd
    Inventor: William Hay
  • Patent number: RE43532
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Menkedick, Eugene E. Osborne, Robert M. Zerhusen, David A. Albersmeyer, Roger S. Philbeck, Aziz Ali Bhai, Nicholas C. Batta, Terry L. Richter, Tom Riggs, Kenith W. Chambers, Matthew R. Knue, Steve A. Dixon, Joshua W. Shenk, Brent Goodwin, Andrew F. Skinner, Gregory J. Figel, James R. Stolpmann, James K. Findlay, Glenn C. Suttman, Brian J. Hoffman, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, David W. Hornbach, Paul R. Weil, Kenneth L. Kramer, Jeffrey R. Welling, Eric R. Meyer, Jack Wilker, Jr., David P. Lubbers, Roberta M. Murnyack, Cami S. Scheele, Steven J. Schwartz