A smart sling device includes a body; a support rod installed at the body; and a sling member installed at the support rod and inserted under a patient to support the patient therebelow, and the sling member includes an expanding unit having an accommodation space for accommodating air therein, the expanding unit expanding due to a pneumatic pressure generated by the accommodated air to support the patient therebelow; and an expansion limiting unit installed at the expanding unit to limit expansion of the expanding unit in one direction.

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 patient support apparatus for traversing objects supported on ground surfaces. The patient support apparatus comprises a patient support deck, and a base to support the patient support deck from the ground surface. At pair of caster wheel assemblies spaced from each other are coupled to the base for pivoting movement about respective pivot axes cooperating to define a reference plane. A frame guard coupled to the base defines first and second ramp surfaces each disposed at an angle relative to the reference plane. The first ramp surface is arranged to engage objects before they contact one or more of the caster wheels when the patient support apparatus moves in a first direction. The second ramp surface is arranged to engage objects before they contact one or more of the caster wheels when the patient support apparatus moves in an opposite, second direction.

A method and system is provided for repositioning a patient on a transfer surface (e.g., a hospital bed, a stretcher, an imaging system, or the like). The system comprises two rollers positioned on one side of the surface, and a retractable transfer sheet wound around the rollers. The transfer sheet may be unwound from the two rollers to form two layers between the patient and the transfer surface. The patient may then be moved by sliding a top layer of the transfer sheet relative to a second layer of the transfer sheet. After use, the sheet can be retracted around the roller(s), allowing it to be stored in a location that is convenient but out-of-the-way. Such a system may allow a patient to be moved with less force, in less time, with fewer personnel, or with some other benefit.

A surgical frame and a method for use thereof facilitates transfer of a patient from and to a surgical table/gurney. The surgical table includes a main beam positionable such that a surgical table/gurney with patient laying thereon can be positioned under the main beam. The main beam includes componentry for supporting a patent thereon, and the main beam can be rotated, raised/lowered, and tilted upwardly/downwardly to afford positioning and repositioning of the main beam to facilitate transfer of a patient from the surgical table/gurney to the main beam and transfer from the main beam to the surgical table/gurney.

A surgical frame and a method for use thereof facilitates transfer of a patient from and to a surgical table/gurney. The surgical table includes a main beam positionable such that a surgical table/gurney with patient laying thereon can be positioned under the main beam. The main beam includes componentry for supporting a patent thereon, and the main beam can be rotated, raised/lowered, and tilted upwardly/downwardly to afford positioning and repositioning of the main beam to facilitate transfer of a patient from the surgical table/gurney to the main beam and transfer from the main beam to the surgical table/gurney.

A subject support system includes a sling, a clamp, and a strap coupled to the clamp. The sling includes an outer perimeter extending around and defining a support region of the sling and a visual indicator positioned along the outer perimeter of the sling. The clamp is selectively coupled to the visual indicator. The clamp is repositionable between a closed position, in which the clamp is engaged with the visual indicator, and an open position, in which the clamp is disengaged from the visual indicator. The strap coupled to the clap is configured to couple the clamp to a lift mechanism.

Patient handling devices for transporting patients in health care settings are disclosed herein. The patient handling devices may include a support member and a torso support member. The patient handling device includes at least one articulating joint that is coupled to the support member and the torso support member. The articulating joint is selectable to arrest or allow articulation of the respective torso support member or the lower extremities support member relative to the support member through a variety of orientations.

A surgical frame and a method for use thereof facilitates transfer of a patient from and to a surgical table/gurney. The surgical table includes a main beam positionable such that a surgical table/gurney with patient laying thereon can be positioned under the main beam. The main beam includes componentry for supporting a patent thereon, and the main beam can be rotated, raised/lowered, and tilted upwardly/downwardly to afford positioning and repositioning of the main beam to facilitate transfer of a patient from the surgical table/gurney to the main beam and transfer from the main beam to the surgical table/gurney.

A subject support apparatus includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a vest having a first end and a second end, a closure mechanism configured to couple the first end of the vest to the second end of the vest from a bottom end of the vest to a top end of the vest to form a closed loop, and a pair of shoulder straps extending from the vest. The lower portion includes a seat piece having a first end and a second end, and a pair of loop straps extending from the first end and the second end of the seat piece. Subject support systems including the subject support apparatus and methods of lifting a subject using the subject support apparatus are also described.