A person lifting device may comprise a lift actuator operatively connected to an accessory coupling. The person lifting device may also comprise at least one imaging sensor. An electronic control unit may be communicatively coupled to the lift actuator and the at least on imaging sensor, the electronic control unit comprising a processor and a non-transitory memory storing a computer readable and executable instruction set. When executed by the processor, the instruction set collects, with the at least one imaging sensor, at least one image of a person to be lifted with the person lifting device; determines a characteristic of the person to be lifted with the person lifting device based on the at least one image; determines an identification of a lift accessory for attachment to the accessory coupling based on the determined characteristic; and, in some embodiments, communicates the identification of the lift accessory.

An apparatus for lifting and moving a patient including a cart assembly with at least one drive wheel assembly secured thereto, a carriage assembly that is rotatably secured to the cart assembly, the carriage assembly including a lift assembly with a support arm, a patient support device operably secured to the support arm, and a counterweight assembly, the counterweight being movable along a longitudinal axis of the carriage assembly.

In the embodiments described herein, the scale assembly automatically determines if an accessory, such as a sling, is properly connected to a sling bar of the person lifting device and, if the accessory is not properly connected, the scale assembly provides a user with a visual and/or audible warning and, in some embodiments, may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device to prevent the person lifting device from being used.

A monitoring system comprises a lift assembly configured to lift a patient; a control system configured to control operation of the lift system; and a reporting system in communication with the control system and configured to receive operational information for the lift assembly. The reporting system compares the operational information to a predetermined set of values to determine if the operation of the lift is in compliance with the protocols.

In the embodiments described herein, the scale assembly automatically determines if an accessory, such as a sling, is properly connected to a sling bar of the person lifting device and, if the accessory is not properly connected, the scale assembly provides a user with a visual and/or audible warning and, in some embodiments, may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device to prevent the person lifting device from being used.

A pressure sensitive pad, generally planar in shape for placement underneath a mattress or cushion, capable of outputting a spectrum of signals depending on the pressure applied on the pad, comprising a plurality of sensitive zones, each zone being connected to a respective controller, configured to measure the pressure on each zone. The pressure sensitive pad comprising two electrically conductive layers; a variable conductive foam layer between the two conductive layers; and a non-conductive layer comprising a plurality of holes, disposed between a first of the two electrically conductive layers and the conductive foam layer. A system operable with the pad calibrates to detect absence and presence of a person for a range of mattress types and mattress weights and person weights; and determines a relative weight and position of the person while the person is on the mattress.

A method for assessing compliance with a protocol requiring or advising the use of lift assist equipment for repositioning an occupant of an occupant support includes the steps of: 1) determining a measure of load borne by the occupant support over an interval of time; 2) determining how much the location of the occupant's center of mass relative to the occupant support has changed during the interval of time; and 3) assessing compliance with the protocol as a function of the load measure, the change of location, and a measure of the occupant's weight.

In one embodiment the load measure is an integral of load over an interval of time. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a processor and instructions which are executable by the processor.

An apparatus for lifting and moving a patient including a cart assembly with at least one drive wheel assembly secured thereto, a carriage assembly that is rotatably secured to the cart assembly, the carriage assembly including a lift assembly with a support arm, a patient support device operably secured to the support arm, and a counterweight assembly, the counterweight being movable along a longitudinal axis of the carriage assembly.

Lift communications systems, wall-mounted controls, and methods of using and configuring the same are disclosed. A lift communications system includes one or more lifts, each one of the one or more lifts is movable within a space. The lift communications system further includes a wall-mounted control coupled to a wall of the space. The wall-mounted control is configured to communicatively couple to the one or more lifts via a wireless connection. When the wall-mounted control is communicatively coupled to a lift of the one or more lifts, the wall-mounted control is configured to direct operation of the lift and receive data from the lift.

A pressure sensitive pad, generally planar in shape for placement underneath a mattress or cushion, capable of outputting a spectrum of signals depending on the pressure applied on the pad, comprising a plurality of sensitive zones, each zone being connected to a respective controller, configured to measure the pressure on each zone. The pressure sensitive pad comprising two electrically conductive layers; a variable conductive foam layer between the two conductive layers; and a non-conductive layer comprising a plurality of holes, disposed between a first of the two electrically conductive layers and the conductive foam layer. A system operable with the pad calibrates to detect absence and presence of a person for a range of mattress types and mattress weights and person weights; and determines a relative weight and position of the person while the person is on the mattress.