An apparatus includes a drive mechanism, a patient support mechanism, and an electronic system. The drive mechanism is included in a trolley and is configured to suspend the trolley from a support track. The drive mechanism includes a first sensor configured to sense an operating condition of the drive mechanism. The patient support mechanism couples to the trolley and includes a tether and a second sensor. The tether can be operatively coupled to a patient such that the patient support mechanism supports the patient. The second sensor is configured to sense an operating condition of the patient support mechanism. The electronic system is included in the trolley and has at least a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to define a gait characteristic of the patient based at least in part on a signal received from the first sensor and a signal received from the second sensor.

The present invention relates to a lifting bracket (1), in particular to a lifting bracket (1) for attaching to a mobility device such as a mobility scooter, power chair, or other electrically powered mobility device. The lifting bracket (1) comprises a main body (2) with a central portion and two side portions which extend away from the central portion. A connector (5), for connecting the body to a mobility device, is provided on a front edge (18) of the central portion of the body (2), and a mounting point (37) is provided at each end of the body (2) for attachment to a spreader bar. The body (2) is shaped such that each end of the body (2) is positioned forward of the front edge (18) of the central portion.

A patient handling system comprising a patient support apparatus having a patient support surface, a component, and a force generating device inducing movement or assisting in movement of the component, and a sheet for covering at least a portion of the patient support surface, and the sheet coupled to the component wherein when the force generating device is operated to induce movement or assist in movement of the component, the movement induces the sheet to move relative to the patient support surface.

A patient positioning system includes an inflatable patient support device having a width, and a positioning apparatus. The positioning apparatus including a wedge-shaped body, the wedge-shaped body configured to be placed under the inflatable patient support device to support a patient in a desired position, and a tail comprising an elongated piece of material extending from a front end of the wedge-shaped body, wherein a length of the tail is greater than the width of the inflatable patient support device.

A force transfer apparatus for massage and bodywork tables. In one preferred embodiment the force transfer apparatus includes a height adjustable table, a height adjustable conveyor lift, and an accessory roller. The accessory roller is used to transfer the angle of the sheet upon the height adjustable table to accommodate the rotation of the patient's body. With this novel invention, physical manipulation of the patient's body position in relation to the table is achieved with little to no effort by the patient or the massage therapist. This allows for the patient to remain relaxed during the transitional phase of the massage session.

A body weight support system includes a trolley, a powered conductor operative coupled to a power supply, and a patient attachment mechanism. The trolley can include a drive system, a control system, and a patient support system. The drive system is movably coupled to a support rail. At least a portion of the control system is physically and electrically coupled to the powered conductor. The patient support mechanism is at least temporarily coupled to the patient attachment mechanism. The control system can control at least a portion of the patient support mechanism based at least in part on a force applied to the patient attachment mechanism.

A transfer board for assisting in moving a wheelchair bound person from a wheelchair to a bed or similar support includes a flat elongated lightweight board with a smooth upper surface. The board is comprised of two sections; one being narrower than the other so that it can fit onto the seat of a wheelchair. A pair of rigid handles extend upwardly from the sides of the wider section of the board so that a person sitting on the board can grasp the handles and push downwardly on them in order to move his or her body across the board. The ends of the board are inclined downwardly to assist a person in sliding onto and off of the board while the underside of the board includes a nonslip surface.

The invention includes methods and apparatuses for patient transfer from a rollable chair to a bed and back. A rollable chair includes a first frame having a seat; a second frame coupled to the first frame, the second frame having a backrest configured to move relative to the first frame; and a third frame coupled to the first frame, the third frame having a track having a curvilinear length configured to allow the first frame to rotate and to translate relative to the third frame. A bed includes a chair-receiving frame configured to couple to the first frame of the rollable chair. The rollable chair and the bed work in tandem to transfer a patient, for example using coordinated, automated motions.

A patient support apparatus supports a patient and includes a litter. A base is disposed below the litter. A lift mechanism is configured to move the litter and the base relative to one another between extended and collapsed positions. The lift mechanism includes first and second frame assemblies each including an outer frame member and an inner frame member arranged to move within the outer frame member. First and second rollers and first and second slide members are disposed between the outer and inner frame members. The first and second rollers are arranged to roll along at least one of the outer and inner frame members with a load exerted on the lift mechanism from the litter. The first and second slide members are arranged to slide along at least one of the outer and inner frame members with a load exerted on the lift mechanism from the base.

A birthing harness birthing harness for supporting a female during birthing is disclosed and described. The birthing harness comprises: at least one left thigh strap configured to fit around a left thigh of a female; at least one right thigh strap configured to fit around a right thigh of the female; at least one rear torso strap coupled to the at least one left and right thigh straps; and at least one upper body strap coupled to the at least one rear torso strap and configured to fit around an upper portion of the female. Various attachment devices can be coupled to respective straps coupling the birthing harness to an overhead support mechanism via support lines such that at least some of the weight of the female is supported by the overhead support mechanism via the birthing harness while in a squatting or laying position.