An overhead lift includes a lift strap, a motor, an electromagnetic brake, and a release assembly. The motor includes a rotatable shaft coupled to the lift strap. The electromagnetic brake is coupled to the rotatable shaft and has an engaged state and a disengaged state. The release assembly is engaged with the electromagnetic brake. The release assembly incudes a release lever engaged with the electromagnetic brake and a release strap. The release lever is moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the release lever switches the electromagnetic brake to the disengaged state when in the second position. The release strap is coupled to the release lever. Tensioning of the release strap moves the release lever from the first position to the second position thereby switching the electromagnetic brake to the disengaged state.

A patient support apparatus comprises a support structure, an articulation system, and a headboard assembly. The support structure comprises a head end, a foot end, a base, and a patient support deck to support a patient between the head end and the foot end. The patient support deck comprises a first section and a second section capable of articulating relative to the first section. The articulation system articulates the second section relative to the first section. The headboard assembly is coupled to the second section to be arranged adjacent to a head of the patient lying on the patient support deck. At least a portion of the headboard assembly articulates with the second section when the second section articulates relative to the first section. The headboard assembly comprises one or more environment controls operable to alter an environment of the patient on the patient support deck.

A motorized hospital bed assembly includes a bed frame that is positionable in an open position to define an opening in the bed frame. A motor is coupled to the bed frame and a drive unit is engaged to the motor. The drive unit urges the bed frame between the open position and the closed position. A toilet support is coupled to the bed frame and a portable toilet is positioned on the toilet support. The portable toilet is aligned with the opening when the bed frame is positioned in the open position to be employed by a patient while the patient is lying on the bed frame. A remote control is positionable on the bed frame and the remote control is in wireless communication with the drive unit to remotely control the drive unit.

A patient support apparatus that is adaptable to multiple modes of transport includes a variable length base and a drive system that includes two independently drivable wheels that are responsive to inputs from a user to steer the patient support apparatus. A barrier assembly is secured to the upper frame by a tab which is received into a receiver formed in a head end of the frame.

A lift system includes a hoist module, a support assembly which is movable relative to the hoist module, and a control system. The control system is adapted to enable a user to a) issue an operational command which causes the support assembly to move to an operational destination, and b) issue a stowage command which causes the support assembly to move to a stowage destination. The control system is also adapted to A) disregard the stowage command provided at least one condition is satisfied and/or B) encumber issuance of the stowage command Equivalently, the control system adaptation is to A1) disregard the stowage command provided at least one stowage contraindication condition is satisfied or A2) not disregard the stowage command provided at least one stowage noncontraindication condition is satisfied and/or B) encumber issuance of the stowage command.

A stationary type caring lift includes a base plate arranged on a floor part at each of head and foot sides of a bed for a care receiver along each short-side side of the bed, four supports erected on the base plates in the vicinity of four corners of the bed, a pair of guide rails supported above the bed by the four supports and arranged in parallel along both long-side sides of the bed, a longitudinally moving body arranged between the guide rails and capable of being moved in a longitudinal direction of the bed while being guided by the guide rails, a slide rail attached movably, a laterally moving body attached movably in the lateral direction of the bed, and a lifting drive mechanism attached in the laterally moving body for hanging down the care receiver and having a worm reduction gear with a self-lock function.

A method of rotating a subject includes arranging a lifting aid underneath the subject such that a midline of the subject is off center from a centerline of the lifting aid in a direction opposite of the rotation direction. The lifting aid includes a first loop extending in the rotation direction and a second loop extending in the opposite direction. The method further includes connecting the loops to a sling bar coupled to an overhead lift and directing the overhead lift to raise, where the subject rotates towards the direction of rotation due to the off center location of the subject. The method further includes repositioning the subject when the subject has rotated to a lateral recumbent position and directing the overhead lift to lower, thereby causing the subject to continue rotating.

A person support apparatus includes a first transceiver adapted to wirelessly communicate with a second transceiver of a headwall interface that is positioned off of the person support apparatus. A communication link is automatically established between the first and second transceivers without requiring a user of the person support apparatus to activate a designated control and without requiring the user to identify the headwall interface. The first transceiver includes a unique identifier assigned to the headwall interface in its messages to the headwall interface. The first transceiver may also automatically transmit a disconnect signal to the headwall interface indicating the termination of the communication link is not accidental. The disconnect signal is sent based on one or more of the following: (1) a brake being off, (2) an A/C power cord being unplugged; and/or (3) a signal strength between the transceivers decreasing.

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

An automated system and methods are provided for coordinating a transfer of a patient between patient support apparatuses. The method can include establishing communication between a transferring patient support apparatus and a receiving patient support apparatus. The method can further include adjusting a position of at least one of the receiving patient support apparatus and the transferring patient support apparatus. The method can include locating and aligning the receiving patient support apparatus adjacent the transferring patient support apparatus.