A load sensing device for a rescue hoist includes a load pin mounted coaxially with a traction sheave. A cable extends from a cable drum and over the traction sheave before exiting the rescue hoist. The traction sheave is rotatably driven about a traction sheave axis to maintain a back tension on the portion of the cable extending between the cable drum and the traction sheave. When the cable is loaded, strain gauges in the load pin sense a strain on the load pin caused by the load, and the strain information is communicated to a load calculator. Entry angle information is also determined and communicated to the load calculator. The load calculator determines the load on the cable based on the strain information and the entry angle information.

An indicator for use with a winch is disclosed. It includes; a sensor for determining the load on a winch, a controller in communication with the sensor, and a load indicator comprising multiple lights in an array. Each of the lights in the array can be changed by the controller from one appearance to another. The controller is configured to change the appearance of each of the lights in the array, with the number of lights with a changed appearance being proportional to the load sensed by the sensor. Preferably, the indicator is incorporated into a fairlead for use with a winch.

An indicator for use with a winch is disclosed. It includes; a sensor for determining the load on a winch, a controller in communication with the sensor, and a load indicator comprising multiple lights in an array. Each of the lights in the array can be changed by the controller from one appearance to another. The controller is configured to change the appearance of each of the lights in the array, with the number of lights with a changed appearance being proportional to the load sensed by the sensor. Preferably, the indicator is incorporated into a fairlead for use with a winch.

A method of determining a lifting event of a person lifting apparatus is provided. The method includes receiving one or more of (i) current load information from a current measuring device that is indicative of current drawn by an actuator operatively connected to a lifting strap of the person lifting apparatus; (ii) strap position information from a position sensor that is indicative of a paid out length of the lifting strap of the person lifting apparatus; and (iii) weight information from a weight sensor that is indicative of a load supported by the lifting strap of the person lifting apparatus. A computing device comprising a processor using logic is used to identify at least one of a raising event, a repositioning event and a lowering event based on the one or more of the current load information, strap position information and weight information.

A person lifting apparatus includes a first lifting strap feeding device including a first drum and a first lifting strap wound on the first drum. A second lifting strap feeding device includes a second drum and a second lifting strap wound on the second drum. A controller is communicatively coupled to the first lifting strap feeding device and to the second lifting strap feeding device. The controller includes logic that controls operation of the first lifting strap feeding device and the second lifting strap feeding device based on a comparison of current draws of the first lifting strap feeding device and the second lifting strap feeding device.

A lift unit for supporting a subject includes a lift body configured to travel along an overhead rail and a lift strap having a payout length extending from the lift body. The payout length retracts and extends relative to the lift body. The lift strap includes a woven fiber construction having a pattern integrated into the woven fiber construction. The pattern includes a plurality of markings indicative of the payout length.

An automatic field load check testing system includes a computer communicating with and commanding a rescue hoist. A processor of the computer commands the rescue hoist to wind to build a load on a cable. As the tension builds a sensor monitors an overload clutch to determine if any friction discs in the overload clutch slip as the load builds. When the load reaches a minimum clutch slip load, the load is relieved. Where the friction discs slip before the load reaches the minimum clutch slip load, the overload clutch fails the test. Where the friction discs do not slip before the load reaches the minimum clutch slip load, the overload clutch passes the test.

An automatic field load check testing system includes a computer communicating with and commanding a rescue hoist. A processor of the computer commands the rescue hoist to wind to build a load on a cable. As the tension builds a sensor monitors an overload clutch to determine if any friction discs in the overload clutch slip as the load builds. When the load reaches a minimum clutch slip load, the load is relieved. Where the friction discs slip before the load reaches the minimum clutch slip load, the overload clutch fails the test. Where the friction discs do not slip before the load reaches the minimum clutch slip load, the overload clutch passes the test.

A cable angle detection assembly is provided. The cable angle detection assembly may include a housing defining an axis configured to allow a cable to pass partially through the housing such that a first portion of the cable is aligned with the axis. The cable angle detection assembly may include a bracket rotatably disposed within the housing. The cable angle detection assembly may include a guide element mounted to the bracket configured to guide the cable, when in tension, to be wrapped partially therearound thereby allowing a fleet angle to be defined between the first portion of the cable and a second portion of the cable that extends tangentially away from the guide element.

A cable angle detection assembly is provided. The cable angle detection assembly may include a housing defining an axis configured to allow a cable to pass partially through the housing such that a first portion of the cable is aligned with the axis. The cable angle detection assembly may include a bracket rotatably disposed within the housing. The cable angle detection assembly may include a guide element mounted to the bracket configured to guide the cable, when in tension, to be wrapped partially therearound thereby allowing a fleet angle to be defined between the first portion of the cable and a second portion of the cable that extends tangentially away from the guide element.