Patent Grant
10478360
Field
The present specification generally relates to person lifting devices, such as mobile lifts and/or overhead lifts and, more particularly, to person lifting devices with sling detection features and methods for operating the same.
Technical Background
Person lifting devices, such as mobile lifts and/or overhead lifts, may used in hospitals, other health care facilities, and sometimes in home care settings to move a person from one location to another or to assist the person in moving. Conventional person lifting devices utilize a sling or other attachment to secure a person to the lifting device and an actuator to lift the person to a higher elevation or lower the person to a lower elevation. In one typical example the caregiver operates the actuator to raise the patient off a bed, repositions the person by moving the lifting device to a desired location, and then operates the actuator again to lower the patient to the destination.
The various accessories for attachment to the person lifting device may be designed to be used in a specific orientation to facilitate proper lifting. A need exists for alternative methods for insuring the placement and orientation of lift accessories on person lifting devices.
According to one embodiment, a method for operating a person lifting device may include detecting, with a first coupling detector, an identification of a first accessory coupling attached to a first lifting hook of a sling bar of the person lifting device; determining, automatically with an electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the first coupling detector, a type of the first accessory coupling based on the identification of the first accessory coupling; detecting, with the first coupling detector, an identification of a second accessory coupling attached to the first lifting hook of the sling bar of the person lifting device; determining, automatically with the electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the first coupling detector, a type of the second accessory coupling based on the identification of the second accessory coupling; comparing, with the electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the first coupling detector, the type of the first accessory coupling and the type of the second accessory coupling; and communicating, automatically with the electronic control unit, a warning signal when the type of the first accessory coupling and the type of the second accessory coupling are different.
According to another embodiment, a method for operating a person lifting device, may include detecting, with at least one coupling detector, an identification of an accessory coupling of an accessory attached to a lifting hook of a sling bar of the person lifting device; comparing, automatically with an electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the at least one coupling detector, the identification of the accessory coupling with an array of one or more compatible accessory couplings associated with the lifting hook of the sling bar; and communicating, automatically with the electronic control unit, a warning signal when the identification of the accessory coupling is not in the array of one or more compatible accessory couplings.
According to another embodiment, a person lifting device may include a lift actuator operatively connected to a sling bar, whereby the lift actuator raises and lowers the sling bar and at least one coupling detector. An electronic control unit may be communicatively coupled to the lift actuator and the at least one coupling detector. The electronic control unit may comprise a processor and a computer readable and executable instruction set which, when executed by the processor: detects, automatically with the at least one coupling detector, an identification of an accessory coupling of an accessory attached to a lifting hook of the sling bar of the person lifting device; compares, automatically with the electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the at least one coupling detector, the identification of the accessory coupling with an array of one or more compatible accessory couplings associated with the lifting hook of the sling bar; and communicates, automatically with the electronic control unit, a warning signal when the identification of the accessory coupling is not in the array of one or more compatible accessory couplings.
In another embodiment, a person lifting device may include a lift actuator operatively connected to a sling bar, whereby the lift actuator raises and lowers the sling bar and at least one coupling detector. An electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the lift actuator and the at least one coupling detector. The electronic control unit may include a processor and a computer readable and executable instruction set which, when executed by the processor: detects, with a first coupling detector, an identification of a first accessory coupling attached to a first lifting hook of the sling bar of the person lifting device; determines, automatically with the electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the first coupling detector, a type of the first accessory coupling based on the identification of the first accessory coupling; detects, with the first coupling detector, an identification of a second accessory coupling attached to the first lifting hook of the sling bar of the person lifting device; determines, automatically with the electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the first coupling detector, a type of the second accessory coupling based on the identification of the second accessory coupling; compares, with the electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the first coupling detector, the type of the first accessory coupling and the type of the second accessory coupling; and communicates, automatically with the electronic control unit, a warning signal when the type of the first accessory coupling and the type of the second accessory coupling are different.
According to another embodiment, a method for operating a person lifting device may include capturing, with at least one coupling detector, an image of an accessory coupling of an accessory attached to a sling bar of the person lifting device. Thereafter, the image is compared, automatically with an electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the at least one coupling detector, to an image of a properly connected accessory coupling stored in a memory of the control unit. The control unit automatically communicates a warning signal when the image of the accessory coupling is different than the image of the properly connected accessory coupling.
Additional features of the person lifting devices with sling detection features and methods for operating the same described herein will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of person lifting devices and methods of operating the same, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. One embodiment of a person lifting device is schematically depicted in
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the base 102 may further comprise a mast support 122 disposed on the cross support 132. In one embodiment, the mast support 122 may be a rectangular receptacle configured to receive the lift mast 104 of the person lifting device 100. For example, a first end of the lift mast 104 may be adjustably received in the mast support 122 and secured with a pin, threaded fastener, or a similar fastener coupled to the adjustment handle 124. The pin or threaded fastener extends through the mast support 122 and into a corresponding adjustment hole(s) (not shown) on the lift mast 104. Accordingly, it will be understood that the position of the lift mast 104 may be adjusted vertically (e.g., in the +/−Z direction on the coordinate axes shown in
The person lifting device 100 may further comprise a lift arm 106 which is pivotally coupled to the lift mast 104 at the lift arm pivot 138 at a second end of the lift mast such that the lift arm 106 may be pivoted (e.g., raised and lowered) with respect to the base 102.
In the embodiments described herein, the person lifting device 100 is a mechanized lifting device. Accordingly, raising and lowering the lift arm 106 with respect to the base 102 may be achieved using an actuator such as a lift actuator 204. In the embodiments shown, the lift actuator 204 is a linear actuator which comprises a motor 110 mechanically coupled to an actuator arm 114. More specifically, the motor 110 may comprise a rotating armature (not shown) and the actuator arm 114 may comprise one or more threaded rods coupled to the armature such that, when the armature is rotated, the threaded rods are extended or retracted relative to one another and the actuator arm 114 is extended or retracted. In the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
While the embodiments described herein refer to the lift actuator 204 as comprising a motor 110 and an actuator arm 114, it will be understood that the actuator may have various other configurations and may include a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator comprising a mechanical pump or compressor, or a similar type of actuator. Further, in other embodiments, where the lifting device is a cable-based lift system, the actuator may be a motor which pays out and/or takes-up cable thereby raising and/or lowering an attached load. Accordingly, it will be understood that various other types of actuators may be used to facilitate raising and lowering the lift arm and/or an attached load with respect to the base 102.
Still referring to
In the embodiments described herein, the person lifting device 100 may further comprise an accessory detector 276, such as a bar code scanner, QR code reader, RFID tag reader, machine vision system, camera, or the like, communicatively coupled to the electronic control unit 202. The accessory detector 276 may be used to detect the identity of accessories coupled to the person lifting device 100 and, in conjunction with the electronic control unit 202, determine the compatibility of the accessories, as will be described in further detail herein. For example, in the embodiment of the person lifting device 100 depicted in
While
For example,
In the embodiment of the person lifting device shown in
Referring now to the exploded view of the person lifting device 300 schematically depicted in
Referring now to
In the embodiment of the carriage 306 depicted in
The person lifting device 300 may further comprise an accessory detector (not shown), such as a bar code scanner, QR code reader, RFID tag reader or the like, communicatively coupled to the electronic control unit 202. The accessory detector may be used to detect the identity of accessories coupled to the person lifting device 300, as described above, and, in conjunction with the electronic control unit 202, determine the compatibility of the accessories, as will be described in further detail herein.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Methods of operating the person lifting devices of
In the embodiments described herein, the memory of the electronic control unit 202 contains a computer readable and executable instruction set which, when executed by the processor, automatically determines if an accessory 600 is properly connected to the sling bar 136 of the person lifting device and, if the accessory 600 is not properly connected, the electronic control unit 202 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 until the controls are unlocked or an appropriate override code is entered.
In some embodiments, the method of operating the person lifting device, such as the person lifting devices 100, 300 depicted in
The electronic control unit 202 then automatically compares the identification of the accessory 600 with an array of one or more compatible accessories associated with the identification of the sling bar 136 and stored in the memory. For example, the array of one or more compatible accessories associated with the identification of the sling bar may include a look-up table of the identification of accessories indexed according to the identification of the sling bars with which they are compatible. Compatibility may be based on, for example, the maximum weight ratings of the individual components, the number of connection points, the size of the components, and the like. For example, an accessory with a weight rating of 200 kg may be deemed compatible with a sling bar with a weight rating of 200 kg and, as such, the identification of the accessory would appear in the look up table associated with the sling bar. However, an accessory with a weight rating of 200 kg is not compatible with a sling bar with a weight rating of 100 kg and, as such the identification of the accessory would not appear in the look up table associated with the sling bar. If the identification of the accessory is not in the array of compatible accessories, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a warning signal, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as red to indicate that the sling bar 136 and accessory 600 are not compatible with one another. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 202 may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device when the identification of the accessory is not in the array of compatible accessories to prevent the person lifting device from being used until the controls are unlocked or an appropriate override code is entered. In another embodiment, if the identification of the accessory is in the array of compatible accessories, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a signal, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as green to indicate that the sling bar 136 and accessory 600 are compatible with one another.
In some embodiments, the method of operating the person lifting device may additionally include the optional preliminary step of determining if all the accessory couplings of the sling bar are connected to lifting hooks 139A, 139B of the sling bar 136. For example, the electronic control unit 202 may automatically determine a number of accessory couplings associated with the identification of the accessory 600. The number of accessory couplings associated with the identification of the accessory 600 may be, for example, stored in a memory of the electronic control unit 202 in a look-up table indexed according to the identification of the accessory 600. In the embodiment of the accessory 600 depicted in
In embodiments described herein, regardless of whether the preliminary steps are performed, the electronic control unit 202 determines if each of the accessory couplings of the accessory 600 are attached to the appropriate lifting hook 139A or 139B of the sling bar 136 using the coupling detectors 260A, 260B and the unique identifier associated with each of the accessory couplings. For example, in one embodiment, the coupling detectors 260A, 260B are associated with a specific lifting hook 139A, 139B on the sling bar 136 in the memory of the electronic control unit while the accessory couplings 620A, 620B, 622A, 622B of the accessory 600 have unique identifiers encoded on their respective identifying indicia which, in some embodiments, may also include the model and/or serial number of the accessory. This allows the electronic control unit 202 to utilize the coupling detectors 260A, 260B to determine which accessory couplings 620A, 620B, 622A, 622B are attached to which lifting hooks 139A, 139B with the coupling detectors 260A, 260B and, based on the identification of the accessory 600, determine if these connections are correct.
Referring to
In embodiments where the electronic control unit 202 has detected an identification of the sling bar 136 and the accessory 600, the electronic control unit automatically compares the identification of the accessory coupling with an array of one or more compatible accessory couplings associated with the specific lifting hook 139A of the sling bar 136. The array of one or more compatible accessory couplings associated with the lifting hook 139A of the sling bar 136 may be, for example, stored in the memory of the electronic control unit 202 and linked to the identification of the sling bar 136. When the identification of the accessory coupling is not in the array of compatible accessory couplings, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a warning signal, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as red to indicate that the identification of the accessory coupling is not in the array of compatible accessory couplings. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 202 may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device when the identification of the accessory coupling is not in the array of compatible accessory couplings to prevent the person lifting device from being used until the controls are unlocked or an appropriate override code is entered. In another embodiment, if the identification of the accessory coupling is in the array of compatible accessory couplings, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a signal, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as green (or maintain the illumination as green) to indicate that the identification of the accessory coupling is in the array of compatible accessory couplings. This process is then repeated for each accessory coupling attached to the lifting hooks 139A, 139B of the sling bar 136.
In embodiments where the identifying indicia attached to the accessory coupling 622B includes both the unique identification of the accessory coupling 622B and the model number and/or serial number of the accessory 600, the electronic control unit 202 automatically compares the identification of the accessory coupling with an array of one or more compatible accessory couplings indexed according to the lifting hook 139A and the identification of different sling bars compatible with the accessory 600. The array of one or more compatible accessory couplings associated with the lifting hook 139A of the sling bar 136 may be, for example, stored in the memory of the electronic control unit 202. For example, the accessory 600 may be compatible for use with different sling bars having different numbers and/or configurations of lifting hooks. Each of the lifting hooks of the different sling bars may be associated in the array with a specific coupling detector of the person lifting apparatus. Similarly, each of the lifting hooks of the different sling bars may be associated in the array with a specific accessory coupling of a compatible accessory such as a sling. Based on these associations, the electronic control unit 202 is able to determine if the accessory coupling is properly connected to the lifting hook through a comparison of the identification of the accessory coupling with the array of one or more compatible accessory couplings associated with the lifting hook. When the identification of the accessory coupling is not in the array of compatible accessory couplings, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a warning signal, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as red to indicate that the identification of the accessory coupling is not in the array of compatible accessory couplings. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 202 may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device when the identification of the accessory coupling is not in the array of compatible accessory couplings to prevent the person lifting device from being used until the controls are unlocked or an appropriate override code is entered. In another embodiment, if the identification of the accessory coupling is in the array of compatible accessory couplings, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a signal, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as green (or maintain the illumination as green) to indicate that the identification of the accessory coupling is in the array of compatible accessory couplings. This process is then repeated for each accessory coupling attached to the lifting hooks 139A, 139B of the sling bar 136.
In embodiments where the identifying indicia attached to the accessory coupling of the accessory 600 includes both the unique identification of the accessory coupling and the model number and/or serial number of the accessory 600, the electronic control unit 202 may also verify that each of the accessory couplings 620A, 620B, 622A, 622B are attached to a lifting hook. Specifically, the memory of the electronic control unit 202 may include characteristics of accessories, such as the number of accessory couplings and the like, indexed according to the model and/or serial number of the accessory 600. The electronic control unit may compare this information with the unique identifications of the accessory couplings 620A, 620B, 622A, 622B as detected by the coupling detectors to determine if one or more of the accessory couplings is not attached to a lifting hook of the sling bar. When it is determined that one or more of the accessory couplings is not attached to a lifting hook of the sling bar, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a warning signal, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as red to indicate that one or more of the accessory couplings is not attached to a lifting hook of the sling bar. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 202 may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device when one or more of the accessory couplings is not attached to a lifting hook of the sling bar to prevent the person lifting device from being used until the controls are unlocked or an appropriate override code is entered. In another embodiment, if all the accessory couplings are attached to a lifting hook of the sling bar, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a signal, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as green (or maintain the illumination as green) to indicate that all the accessory couplings are attached to a lifting hook of the sling bar.
Still referring to
For example, accessory coupling 620A may be a “right-type”, accessory coupling 622A may be a “right-type”, accessory coupling 620B may be a “left-type”, and accessory coupling 620A may be a “left-type”. If the accessory couplings attached to, for example, lifting hook 139A include a “right-type” and a “left-type” accessory coupling, such as when accessory coupling 620A and accessory coupling 620B are both attached to lifting hook 139A, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a warning signal with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274 indicating that the accessory 600 is improperly attached to the sling bar 136.
In one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as red to indicate that the accessory 600 is improperly attached to the sling bar 136. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 202 may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device when accessory couplings of different types are attached to the same lifting hook to prevent the person lifting device from being used until the controls are unlocked or an appropriate override code is entered. In another embodiment, if accessory couplings of the same type are attached to the same lifting hook, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a signal, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as green (or maintain the illumination as green) to indicate that accessory couplings of the same type are attached to the same lifting hook. This process is then repeated for each of the lifting hooks 139A, 139B of the sling bar 136.
In addition to determining if the same “type” of accessory couplings are attached to one lifting hook of the sling bar 136, the electronic control unit 202 may also determine if the same number of accessory couplings are attached to corresponding lifting hooks 139A, 139B on opposite ends of the sling bar 136. For example, the electronic control unit 202 may determine how many accessory couplings are attached to each of the lifting hooks 139A, 139B based on the identifications of the accessory couplings transmitted by each of the coupling detectors 260A, 260B associated with the lifting hooks 139A, 139B. The electronic control unit 202 may then compare the number of accessory couplings attached to the first lifting hook 139A with the number of accessory couplings attached to the second lifting hook 139B. When the electronic control unit determines that the number of accessory couplings attached to the first lifting hook 139A is different than the number of accessory couplings attached to the second lifting hook 139B, the electronic control unit 202 provides a warning, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as red to indicate that the number of accessory couplings attached to the first lifting hook 139A is different than the number of accessory couplings attached to the second lifting hook 139B. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 202 may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device when the number of accessory couplings attached to the first lifting hook 139A is different than the number of accessory couplings attached to the second lifting hook 139B to prevent the person lifting device from being used until the controls are unlocked or an appropriate override code is entered. In another embodiment, if the number of accessory couplings attached to the first lifting hook 139A is the same as the number of accessory couplings attached to the second lifting hook 139B, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a signal, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as green (or maintain the illumination as green) to indicate that the number of accessory couplings attached to the first lifting hook 139A is the same as the number of accessory couplings attached to the second lifting hook 139B.
Referring now to
Specifically, the coupling detector 260A, 260B captures an image of the accessory coupling (for example, accessory coupling 620A) coupled to a lifting hook (for example lifting hook 139A) of the sling bar 136 and communicates this image to the electronic control unit 202. The electronic control unit 202 then compares this image to an image of an accessory coupling properly seated in a lifting hook stored in a memory of the electronic control unit 202 using image analysis techniques and, based on the comparison, determines if the accessory coupling is properly or improperly seated in the lifting hook 139A. For example, an accessory coupling 620A properly seated in a lifting hook 139A of a sling bar 136 is depicted in
If the electronic control unit 202 determines that the image captured by the coupling detector 260A is different than the image of the properly seated accessory coupling 620A stored in memory, the electronic control unit 202 provides a warning, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as red to indicate that the accessory coupling 620A is improperly seated in the lifting hook 139A. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 202 may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device when the accessory coupling 620A is improperly seated in the lifting hook 139A to prevent the person lifting device from being used until the controls are unlocked or an appropriate override code is entered. In another embodiment, if the accessory coupling 620A is properly seated in the lifting hook 139A, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a signal, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as green (or maintain the illumination as green) to indicate that the accessory coupling 620A is properly seated in the lifting hook 139A.
In this embodiment, the electronic control unit may perform a preliminary step of determining if the sling bar 136 and the accessory 600 attached to the sling bar 136 are compatible. In some embodiments, this may be done utilizing the accessory detector of person lifting device, as described herein. However, in alternative embodiments, this may be done by capturing images of the sling bar 136 and accessory 600 with, for example, the coupling detectors 260A, 260B and comparing the captured images with images stored in a memory of the electronic control unit 200 to determine an identity of the sling bar 136 and accessory 600. Once the identities of the sling bar 136 and accessory 600 are determined, the electronic control unit 200 may determine if the sling bar 136 and accessory 600 are compatible by searching a look up table of compatible accessories associated with the sling bar 136 to determine if the identity of the accessory is within the look up table of compatible accessories. This method of optical recognition of accessory/sling bar identity to determine accessory compatibility may be used in conjunction with any of the methods described herein.
If the electronic control unit 202 determines that the accessories are not compatible, the electronic control unit 202 provides a warning, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as red to indicate that the accessory 600 and the sling bar 136 are not compatible. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 202 may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device when the accessory 600 and the sling bar 136 are not compatible. In another embodiment, if the accessory 600 and the sling bar 136 are compatible, then the electronic control unit 202 provides a signal, such as with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or audible indicator 274. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as green (or maintain the illumination as green) to indicate that the the accessory 600 and the sling bar 136 are compatible.
Based on the foregoing, it should be understood that the electronic control unit 202 may be programmed to provide a warning signal with the display 270, visual indicator 272 and/or the audible indicator 274 to a caregiver operating the person lifting device when non-compatible components (such as sling bars and accessories) are attached to the person lifting device and/or when an accessory is improperly attached to a sling bar. In embodiments, the electronic control unit 202 may also be programmed to provide a warning signal with the display 270, visual indicator 272, and/or the audible indicator 274 to a caregiver operating the person lifting device based on the status of the battery 146 that power the person lifting device. For example, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as green (or maintain the illumination as green) to indicate that the battery 146 is fully charged or, alternatively may illuminate the visual indicator as green and flash the visual indicator 272 to indicate that the battery 146 is charging. Alternatively, the electronic control unit 202 may illuminate the visual indicator 272 as red to indicate that the battery 146 needs to be charged. In this embodiment, the electronic control unit 202 may also lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device when the battery 146 needs to be charged to prevent the person lifting device from being used until the controls are unlocked or an appropriate override code is entered.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus it is intended that the specification cover the modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein provided such modification and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
The present specification claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/187,682 filed Jul. 1, 2015 and entitled “Person Lifting Devices With Accessory Detection Features and Methods for Operating the Same,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4944056 | Schroeder et al. | Jul 1990 | A |
| 6289534 | Hakamiun et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
| 6523195 | Rodier et al. | Feb 2003 | B1 |
| 6637610 | Cheeseboro | Oct 2003 | B1 |
| 7240621 | Chepurny et al. | Jul 2007 | B2 |
| 8538710 | Todd et al. | Sep 2013 | B2 |
| 8910325 | Faucher et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
| 20020138905 | Bartlett et al. | Oct 2002 | A1 |
| 20090049610 | Heimbrock et al. | Feb 2009 | A1 |
| 20090307840 | Lingegard | Dec 2009 | A1 |
| 20100001838 | Miodownik et al. | Jan 2010 | A1 |
| 20100097181 | Sorensen et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
| 20100192296 | Clough | Aug 2010 | A1 |
| 20100217618 | Piccirillo et al. | Aug 2010 | A1 |
| 20100224841 | Liljedahl | Sep 2010 | A1 |
| 20110035058 | Clough | Feb 2011 | A1 |
| 20110301440 | Riley et al. | Dec 2011 | A1 |
| 20120095777 | Chang et al. | Apr 2012 | A1 |
| 20130019401 | Faucher et al. | Jan 2013 | A1 |
| 20130076517 | Penninger et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130091631 | Hayes et al. | Apr 2013 | A1 |
| 20130205501 | Robertson et al. | Aug 2013 | A1 |
| 20130253291 | Dixon et al. | Sep 2013 | A1 |
| 20130319775 | Ngoh et al. | Dec 2013 | A1 |
| 20140013503 | Dixon | Jan 2014 | A1 |
| 20140020175 | Dixon et al. | Jan 2014 | A1 |
| 20140115778 | Ng | May 2014 | A1 |
| 20170027794 | Andersson et al. | Feb 2017 | A1 |
| 20170027797 | Dolliver et al. | Feb 2017 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2684549 | Jan 2014 | EP |
| 2727571 | Jul 2014 | EP |
| 2007075701 | Jul 2007 | WO |
| 2010141865 | Dec 2010 | WO |
| 2015024569 | Feb 2015 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| UNIROPE Ltd; RFID Tags; [retrieved online on Jul. 11, 2013], http://www.unirope.com/chainmeshslings/rfid_tags.shtml. pp. 1-2. |
| LiftAll; RFID Tagging; [online], www.lift-all.com; (Nov. 2009). p. 1. |
| Extended European Search Report & Written Opinion dated Feb. 27, 2015 relating to EP Patent Application No. 13176406.0. pp. 1-12. |
| Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 12, 2014 relating to U.S. Appl. No. 13/941,161, filed Jul. 12, 2013. pp. 1-10. |
| Non-Final Office Action dated Feb. 9, 2015 relating to U.S. Appl. No. 13/941,161, filed Jul. 12, 2013. pp. 1-11. |
| Non-Final Office Action dated Dec. 3, 2015 relating to U.S. Appl. No. 13/941,161, filed Jul. 12, 2013. pp. 1-13. |
| Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 10, 2015 relating to U.S. Appl. No. 13/941,179, filed Jul. 12, 2013. pp. 1-9. |
| Non-Final Office Action dated Nov. 17, 2016 relating to U.S. Appl. No. 13/941,161, filed Jul. 12, 2013. pp. 1-16. |
| Final Office Action dated Sep. 19, 2016 relating to U.S. Appl. No. 13/941,161, filed Jul. 12, 2013. pp. 1-15. |
| Non-Final Office Action dated May 16, 2016 relating to U.S. Appl. No. 13/941,161, filed Jul. 12, 2013. pp. 1-13. |
| Final Office Action dated Apr. 12, 2016 relating to U.S. Appl. No. 13/941,179, filed Jul. 12, 2013. pp. 1-9. |
| Non-Final Office Action dated Aug. 3, 2016 relating to U.S. Appl. No. 13/941,179, filed Jul. 12, 2013. pp. 1-10. |
| Final Office Action dated Jan. 30, 2017 relating to U.S. Appl. No. 13/941,179, filed Jul. 12, 2013. pp. 1-11. |
| Letter dated Sep. 15, 2014 from Ari M. Bai with Poisinelli; One East Street, Syuite 1200; Phoenix, AZ 85004-2568 Re: U.S. Appl. No. 13/941,161 Monitoring Systems Devices and Methods for Patient Lift. Refers to U.S. Pat. No. 8,538,710 and U.S. Publication No. 2014/0013503. |
| Claim Chart for U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 201410013503 (′503 Application), Dixon et al. Monitoring Systems Devices and Methods for Patient Lift. Refers to U.S. Pat. No. 8,538,710 (the ′710 Patent) Todd et al. Methods and Systems for Monitoring Lift Usage. |
| Extended European Search Report dated Nov. 14, 2016 relating to EP Patent Application No. 16176711.6. pp. 1-12. |
| Extended European Search Report dated Dec. 12, 2016 relating to EP Patent Application No. 16181917.2. pp. 1-7. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170000672 A1 | Jan 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62187682 | Jul 2015 | US |
