WO2016086238A2

WO2016086238A2 - Sitting standing transfer system

Info

Publication number: WO2016086238A2
Application number: PCT/US2016/013881
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leah R. BAUER; Kathryn Rose CHRISTOPHER; John Paul FARRIS; Jessica Lynne JAGER; David Regan; Andrew J. VAN DYKE; Eric J. VANMIDDENDORP
Original assignee: Grand Valley State University
Priority date: 2014-11-19
Filing date: 2016-01-19
Publication date: 2016-06-02
Also published as: WO2016086238A3

Abstract

A system for moving an individual between different positions includes a frame (20) including a pivoted seat (40) for receiving and a drive system for at least partially supporting and moving an Individual between different positions. A control circuit (200) is coupled to the drive system and includes a processor programmed to control the drive system to selectively assist in moving an individual between different positions. The seat comprises a pair of seat sections (42, 44) and a pivot mount (60) to move the seat sections in a generally horizontal plane between a position immediately adjacent one another to a position spaced apart from each other to allow an individual to position her/himself between the seat sections and alternately shift her/his weight to allow an operator to position the seat sections under the individual.

Description

SITTING STANDING TRANSFER SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present teachings relate to a device for assistance in helping with and determining an individual's ability to move between different positions. In particular, the device is especially adapted for assisting an individual, such as a hospital patient, in moving between sitting and standing positions during rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Hospital patients, during rehabilitation, typically are required to move from their bed to a standing position and subsequently walk when possible. As an initial step, it is necessary for the patient to stand. Some patients do not have the ability to stand without assistance from staff personnel. Further, it is frequently necessary for a patient to initially move between sitting and standing positions on a repeated basis before having the ability to stand and move on the patient's own accord.

[0003 Standing aids currently on the market only offer the user complete assistance through a sit-stand-sH transfer. This significantly limits a device's use for rehabilitation that could easily be incorporated into a patient's daily routine. Also, even if standing aids currently on the market are used for rehabilitation, they do not provide feedback. Feedback is important for repeatable rehab sessions and exercise and can be used to quantify the user's improvement over time. This feedback is extremely important to physical therapists as insurance companies require proof that improvement is being made. Also, a dear understanding of the improvement helps motivate users and helps physical therapists set reasonable goals.

[0004] When standing frames currently on the market are used for rehabilitation, the seat remains stationary at a fixed angle. The user then performs sit-stand-sit motion from that angle, often loosing stability or strength and falling into the seat. This is not safe, and the angle of the seat is not repeatable.

[0005] There are a number of existing support frames (see for example United States Patent Nos. 8,556.347; 7,392,554; 7.356,858; and 5.509.532). However, there remains a need for support devices that provide varying amounts of support as required for patient rehabilitation while also providing feedback to track patient progress. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The teachings herein are directed to a device that meets the needs stated above by providing the benefit of a variable amount of assisting force while making a sit-stand-sit transfer, while also providing valuable feedback to the user or physical therapist.

[0007] The teachings described herein provide for a system for moving an individual between different positions comprising a frame including a pivoted seating area for receiving and at least partially supporting an individual, a drive system for moving an individual on the seating area of the frame between different positions, a control circuit coupled to the drive system including a processor having an input for receiving information relating to the weight of an individual, and at least one sensor coupled to the drive system and to the control circuit, wherein the processor is programmed to control the drive system to selectively assist in moving an individual between the different positions.

[0008] It is possible that an individual's weight may be entered into the input of the processor by an operator. The weight of an individual may be determined by the sensor associated with the frame and movement of the frame provides the processor information as to the individual's weight. The seating area may comprise a seat which is pivotally mounted to the frame for movement in a generally vertical plane to allow movement of the individual between sitting and at least partially standing position. The drive system may include a drive element coupled to the seat for pivoting the seat. The seat may include a pair of seat sections which are pivotally mounted to the frame to move in a generally horizontal plane between positions immediately adjacent one another to a position spaced apart from each other to allow an individual to position her/himself on a support between the seat sections and alternately shift her/his weight to allow an operator to position the seat sections under the individual. A pivot mount may couple each of the seat sections to the frame such that they pivot in a generally horizontal plane as they are moved from a position immediately adjacent each other to a position spaced apart from each other. The seats sections may ph/ot through a horizontal angle of from about 45* to about 60^*. The pivot mount may further tilt the seat section In a vertical plane of from about 5" to about 30^*, or even from about 10^* to about 15^* as the seat sections are pivoted apart A lock device may selectively hold the seat sections in a position adjacent one another. The drive system may include an electrical winch and the seat is coupled to the winch by a crossbar and a pair of cables and pulleys coupling the crossbar to opposite sides of the seat The winch may include a winch cable having an end coupled to the crossbar and the sensor includes a strain gauge coupled to the winch cable.

[0009] The teachings herein also envision a system for measuring the force necessary for moving an individual, an individual's torso, or an individual's appendage between different positions. The system may comprise a frame for receiving and at least partially supporting an individual, an individual's torso, or an individual's appendage, a drive system for moving the frame and an individual, an individual's torso, or an individual's appendage on the frame between different positions, a control circuit coupled to the drive system including a processor having an input for receiving information relating to the force required to move the individual, the individual's torso, or the individual's appendage, and at least one sensor on the frame to measure a parameter associated with movement associated with the individual the individual's torso, or the individual's appendage, the sensor coupled to the control circuit, wherein the processor is programmed to determine the amount of force required by the drive system to assist in moving an individual, an individual's torso, or an individual's appendage between the different positions.

[00010] The teachings herein further provide for an apparatus for moving a patient from a sitting position to a standing position comprising a frame and a movable seat which is pivotally coupled to the frame, the seat positionable under a sitting patient, a drive coupled to the movable seat for pivoting the seat from a generally horizontal position to a plurality of raised positions, and a control circuit coupled to the drive and including a processor and a moves in response to the drive in raising and lowering the seat, the processor programmed to provide one of a predetermined lifting weight to the seat and a percentage of the patient's weight for lifting the seat.

[00011] It is possible that the apparatus includes a seat angle sensor coupled to the processor, and wherein the processor is programmed to provide control signals to the drive to move the seat to follow the patient's raising and lowering action. The control circuit may further include an input to vary the drive speed of the drive to raise or lower the speed of movement of the seat. One or more leg supports may be positioned on the frame for supporting the patient's feet. The one or more leg supports may pivot with movement of the seat as the patient moves from a sitting position toward a standing position. A stationary shin pad may be located on the frame for allowing the patient's shins to be supported as the patient raises with the seat. A pair of spaced-apart handgrips may be located on the frame such that the patient can hold onto the handgrips as the patient raises from a horizontal sitting position toward a standing position and lowers from a standing position toward a horizontal sitting position. The seat may include a pair of seat sections which are pivotally mounted to the frame to pivot in a generally horizontal plane between positions immediately adjacent one another to a position spaced apart from each other to allow a patient to position her/himself on a support between the seat sections and alternately shift her/his weight to allow an operator to position the seat sections under the patient. The seat sections may tilt in a vertical plane as they are moved from a position immediately adjacent each other to a position spaced apart from each other.

(00012] The teachings herein also provide for a system for measuring and monitoring the movement of an individual between different positions comprising a frame for receiving and at least partially supporting an individual, a drive system for moving the frame and an individual on the frame between different positions, a control circuit coupled to the drive system including a processor having an input for receiving information relating to the weight of an individual, a plurality of sensors on the frame, the sensors coupled to the control circuit for providing status information as to the individual's movement, the processor is programmed to control the drive system to assist in moving an individual between the different positions, and a memory circuit coupled to the processor to record results of successive cycles of movement of an individual by the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00013] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary transfer system in accordance with the present teachings;

[00014] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the system shown in Figure 1 ;

[00015] Figure 3 is a front view of the system shown in Figure 1 ;

[00016] Figure 4 is a rear view of the system shown in Figure 1 ;

[00017] Figure 5 is side profile view of the system shown in Figure 1;

[00018] Figure 6 is a top-down view of the system shown in Figure 1 ;

[00019] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 1 ;

[00020] Figure 8 is a block electrical circuit diagram of the control circuit of an exemplary system in accordance with the present teachings;

[00021] Figure 9 is a flow diagram of the programming for the microprocessor in the control circuit for the system as show in Figure 8;

[00022] Figure 10 is a state diagram of the operational states of an exemplary system in accordance with the present teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[00023] The present teachings meet one or more of the above needs by the improved devices and methods described herein. The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skflled in the art with the teachings, its principles, and Ks practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present teachings as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

[00024] The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/081 ,716, filed November 19, 2014. the entirety of the contents of that application being hereby Incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[00025] The lifting system described herein is mounted to a standing frame which helps users make the sit-stand-sit transfer by using a lifting mechanism to lift the user's seat. A control system monitors several inputs to determine when to lift the seat and provide assistance. For example, potentiometers or other inputs can be used to select the assisting force, the maximum knee flexion angle, and the lifting mechanism speed. These values, as well as the current seat angle, are displayed on a display, such as an LCD screen. Thus, it is possible to constantly and accurately monitor these values to track patient progress. This control system allows for daily monitoring of patient progress, and could easily accommodate user profiles and store settings internally.

[00026] The assisting force provided by the device described herein is how much help the user will get when making the sit-stand-sK transition. For example, if a user weighs 150 pounds and a desired assistive force of 90 pounds is selected, the user will only have to lift 60 pounds of his/her weight. Thus, the user must lift all but 90 pounds of his/her weight for the lifting mechanism to be activated. Also, the actual assistive force automatically decreases as the seat angle increases. This accommodates for the decrease in force perpendicular to detectors, such as load cells, as the angle of the seat increases and is calculated by the microprocessor. Load cells are placed beneath the seat and output a voltage proportional to the weight of the user on the seat, which is amplified and input into the microprocessor. An accelerometer is mounted to the seat to monitor its angle and also to increase safety of the device, as an interlock prevents the lifting mechanism from functioning if the device is tipped beyond a safe angle. Finally, toggle switches may be used to adjust the amount of knee flexion prior to lifting the seat and also to activate the lifting mechanism attached to the seat. If the toggle switch activating the seat is active, the user has lifted enough of their weight such that less than the calculated required force is on the load cells, and the lifting mechanism coupled to the seat will raise or lower the seat to follow the user. [00027] One of the primary benefits of this control system is the feedback. Feedback includes the seat angle, knee flexion angle, and desired assisting force. The change in assisting force for the user over time can be monitored, as well as the angle of the seat at which the user requires more or less assistance. Also, the control system may allow for bypass for full assistance by turning the desired assisting force to the maximum. Other forms of feedback can be added or integrated into the control system. The control system may be modified to include benefits such as multiple user profiles or stored settings, or data can be processed by the microprocessor and downloaded onto a memory card. Also, additional inputs such as sensors or switches can be added to accommodate the needs and intended use of a specific device

[00028] With this system, the seat follows the user and is always just underneath them. If the user becomes tired or their strength gives out, they can simply relax and the seat will support them. The consistent seat presence and location with reference to the user may thus prevent injury. Also, an emergency stop is provided and mounted to a control box and, if used, will cut power to the entire device to stop its motion, while still providing the necessary support to the user.

[00029] The system described herein includes a frame having a pivoted seat for receiving and at least partially supporting an individual. The frame may provide general support for the entirety of the system and may be formed to receive any number of components from the system. The frame may include a base portion which may include at least two support struts or even at least four support struts. One or more first support struts may be arranged in a substantially parallel relationship with one or more second support struts. One or more support struts may be arranged in a substantially perpendicular arrangement with one or more adjacent support struts. A plurality of support struts may be connected to one or more adjacent support struts such that the base portion may be formed as a substantially continuous piece. It is also possible that the base portion comprise only two support struts so that each support strut is substantially free of any contact with any other support struts. It is also possible that one or more support struts are formed at substantially non-perpendicular and/or non-parallel arrangements with any adjacent support strut. One or more support struts may be removably connected to an adjacent support strut, allowing for simpffied movement of the device from a first location to a second location. Alternatively, one or more support struts may be permanently connected to one or more adjacent support struts.

[00030] The frame further includes one or more additional supports extending generally upward from the base portion. These additional supports may include one or more channel supports for supporting the seat The one or more channel supports may extend substantially perpendicularly from one or more support struts. The device may also include one or more channel supports that are arranged substantially parallel to the ground. Alternatively, the one or more channel supports may be arranged at a skew angle with relation to the support struts from which the channel supports extend. The additional supports may also include one or more angle supports for extending between the one or more channel supports and one or more support struts. The one or more angle supports may be arranged at any angle necessary so that the one or more angled supports provide support to the one or more channel supports by connecting the one or more channel supports to the support struts.

[00031] The base portion may also be connected to and support one or more columns and crossbars arranged about the base portion. Such columns may extend upward from the base and such crossbars may extend in between the columns. These additional columns and crossbars may be arranged opposing the seat to provide counter weight. They may provide a means for moving the device. They may provide support for other portions of the frame. They may provide support for any control means, any power source, any drive system, or any means for causing movement of any component of the device.

[00032] The seat may include a surface for supporting a patient during use. The surface may be formed in multiple removably connected seat sections. The seat may include one, two, three or even four seat sections that can be both separated and joined during use of the device. The seat sections may be generally parallel with the floor. The seat sections may be adjustable at a plurality of different angles. It is possible that each seat section adjusts to the same desired angle as other seat sections. It is also possible that a seat section may adjust to a different angle than another seat section. The seat sections may adjust to desired angles to provide support to a patient at varying levels depending upon the current needs of the patient. The amount of support may be varied in response to activity detected by one or more sensors. The seat may include a pivot mount to move the seat sections in a generally horizontal plane between a position immediately adjacent one another to a position spaced apart from each other to allow an individual to position her/himself on a support between the seat sections and alternately shift her/his weight to allow an operator to position the seat sections under the individual. The pivot mount may further tilt the seat sections in a vertical plane to a desired angle of from about 5° to about 30', or even from about 10^° to about 15^°.

[00033] The device may include a platform for supporting a patient's feet during use. The platform may be located in a central location within the confines of the base portion. The platform may be adjustable depending on the length of the patient's legs. The platform is sufficiently supportive to handle a patient's entire weight. The platform may be located adjacent a support pad. The support pad may provide a surface for receiving the front of a user's legs during use of the device. The support pad may assist in stabilizing a patient's legs during use. The support pad may also be adjustable in one or more of a horizontal and vertical plane so that it can be located in a comfortable and supportive location that allows bending of a patient's ankles and knees. The device may also be fitted with one or more hand support grips. The hand support grips may be connected to one or more channel supports. The hand support grips may be located just above the plane in which the seat sections are located. The hand support grips may be generally serpentine in shape to allow for multiple grip surfaces at multiple heights and multiple locations toward both the front and rear of the device.

[00034] A drive system for moving the seat is coupled at a location within the confines of or at least closely connected to the frame. The drive system may be located between the seat and frame for moving a patient between different positions. The drive system may cause movement of one or more device components that are interconnected with the seat to cause movement of the seat. In one example the drive system may cause movement of a scissor jack device which moves the seat The component for moving the seat may be any component that facilitates movement of the seat in a desired direction. A control circuit may be coupled to the drive system and includes a processor having an input for receiving information relating to the weight and relative ability to move to standing position of a patient. At least one sensor may be coupled to the drive system and to the control circuit, and the processor is programmed to control the drive system to selectively assist in moving a patient between different positions. The at least one sensor may detect a patient's relative ability to move to a standing position by sensing the amount of force a patient places on one or more components of the device. The at least one sensor may provide such information to the processor or any device for receiving data from the sensor. The data from the sensor may be used to determine the amount of support needed by a patient and may also be recorded and stored to track patient progress. More specifically, sensor activity may be collected and analyzed to determine if a patient is requiring less support over time to move to a standing position.

[00035] The frame may be connected to a pulley and cable system which includes one or more load cells for detecting the amount of weight (e.g., force) exerted on the cables (which reflect the force on the seat). The pulley and cable system may facilitate movement of one or more components of the device. Movement of the cables may facilitate movement of one or more channel supports. The pulley and cable system may be replaced by any system allowing for motion control and weight monitoring.

[00036] While many teachings herein describe devices for use in a sit-stand-sft environment, it may be possible to use the concepts of the present teachings for assisting other types of body movement. These and other features, objects and advantages of the present teachings will become apparent upon reading the following description thereof together with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[00037] As shown in the various examples at Figs. 1 through 7, the apparatus 10 of the present invention comprises a stationary frame 20 defined, in part, by a rectangular base 22 having longitudinal extending channel arm support struts 21 and 23 coupled together by cross channel arm supports 24 and 26. The corners of frame 22 are mounted on casters 25 to provide portability for the device. Seat bearing vertical channel supports 28 and 30 are secured to the frame members 21 and 23 and reinforced by angle supports 27 on each side. The base 22 also provides support for two vertically extending columns 32 and 34 at the front of the device which includes a cross member 33. A seat 40 for an individual is pivotally coupled to the frame 20 for pivotal movement in an arc from its horizontal position to raised positions. The seat 40 comprises a pair of individual seat sections 42 and 44, each with a seating pad 43. The seat pads are supported by a rectangular frame 46 for each of the seat sections 42 and 44, with the frames including a longitudinally extending channel arm 48 which is vertically pivoted on a horizontally extending pivot axte 49 pivotally coupling arms 48 to a pivot mounting block 50 (e.g., pivot mount) on each side.

(00038] The seat 40 for an individual resting thereon is pivoted vertically by a cable, pulley, and hoist including cables 52 and 54, which are coupled to load ceBs 56 mounted to members 48 by a suitable means and, in the embodiment shown, by bolts 58. Cables 52 and 54 extend around associated pulleys 60 and 62, and wraps around the shaft of the hoist 80. The upper portion of the cables 52, 54 are coupled to one end of a load cell.

[00039] Winch 80 is selectively supplied operating power by a battery 85 through the control circuit 200 (Figure 8). Signals from load cells 56 are coupled to an interface control by a conductor. Rotation of the winch 80 causes cable 52 to draw the channel arms 48 downwardly or allow it to move upwardly, moving the seat 40 connected thereto in an upward arc indicated by arrow A in Figure 1.

[00040] The seat sections 42, 44 also can be pivoted from the position immediately adjacent one another, to a split apart position, as shown for example at Figure 7, to facilitate the positioning of a seated individual as, for example, on a hospital bed. Thus, the extending arms 46 are pivoted toward the supports 28 and 30 by means of swivel 51 having a pair of pivot plates which are offset from one another (i.e., canted) at an angle of from about 5^° to 30^°, such thai, when seat sections 42 and 44 may be pivoted apart, they tilt upwardly at an angle of from about 5^° to about 30^°. or even an angle of from about 10^° to about 15^°. This assists an operator to load a patient easier by in essence scooping them, which helps the staff member and the patient so the patient does not have to tilt as far to the side to move the seat panels 42, 44 under the patient and also lifts the seat pads off of a mattress where cords, drains, etc. may be present and get caught or pulled. Thus, the simultaneous pivoting of the seats from an immediately adjacent position, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. to a spaced- apart position entails not only pivoting the seat sections on a vertical plane but also tilting them on a horizontal plane due to the canted swivel 51. Swivel 51 may be a caster-like or angled pivoted connection which allows the rotation of the seat sections, while at the same time causing their tilting. Cables 52 and 54 are coupled to raise and lower the seat 40 made of seat sections 42 and 44 and allow the seat sections to move between immediately adjacent positions and spaced-apart positions. When the seat sections are immediately adjacent one another, a releasable locking bar 53 such as a pivot arm with a notch on one of the seat sections for engaging a post on the other seating section, secures the seat sections together when an individual is seated on the seat 40.

[00041] The frame 20 also includes a center horizontal cross bar 76 which extends from the vertical members 28 and 30 and supports a footrest platform 78 mounted to scissor jack 79 and vertical member 77. Vertical member 77 also supports an adjustable shin pad 68. The shin support pad 68 can be adjusted for proper height aligning with the shins of the individual as the individual is moved between sitting and standing positions by the apparatus 10.

[00042] The control of apparatus 10 is accomplished by the control circuit 100 shown in Figure 8, which selectively applies power to the winch 80 through a DC motor controller 102 controlled by a microprocessor or programmable logic controller 110 programmed as seen in Figure 9. The microprocessor includes a display 112, such as an LCD display for providing the operator, typically a physical therapist, with information as to the seat angle, the patient's weight, the speed of movement of the seat and other useful parameters. The battery power supply 85 is coupled to the motor controller through an emergency stop switch 101. Power is provided through that switch to several areas of circuit 100 including to a voltage regulator 204 to supply operating power to the microprocessor 110. The microprocessor can be an Arduino Mega Board microprocessor, although any suitable microprocessor, PLC, ASIC, or other solid state programmable control can be employed.

[00043] Coupled to the microprocessor 110 is a card reader 114 which may receive and communicate with a compact digital card 116 or other digital memory devices for recording data as to a particular patient. The microprocessor may also be coupled to a wireless local area network (LAN) for the transfer of data to a central computer or by a wireless Bluetooth® connection. The microprocessor receives signals from a variety of inputs, including a tilt angle sensor 117, a manually held control 118 which alows the operator to manually control the apparatus, including winch 80, a speed control potentiometer 120, and an assist control 122 which can select the amount of assistance to be provided by the system 10. The power from battery 85 is also supplied to a voltage doubler 24-voH power supply 130, which supplies power to amplifier 132 coupfed between the load cell strain gauge 84 and a microprocessor to supply information as to the strain on cable 82 during the process of moving seat 40.

[00044] The flow diagram for the programming for the microprocessor is shown in Figure Θ beginning at block 200 at which, once the person is securely seated on seat 40, the operator sends a signal to the processor through hand control 118 indicating either the person is secure or not. If not secure, the software prevents movement of the device, as shown by block 210. The program then loops to determine when the person is secure and. when that occurs, the program looks to the load strain gauge 84 as shown by block 212 to obtain the weight of the individual. Next, at decision block 214 the program tests whether the individual needs to be raised or lowered, and, if raised, is the seat angle less than 90°, as shown by block 216. If the seat angle is less than 90^°, indicating that the seat is to be raised, the program tests to determine if the patient is supporting the weight programmed by potentiometer 122 into the system. If the patient is supporting sufficient weight, winch 80 is activated to provide a lifting force to the seat 40 for assisting in lifting the patient, as indicated by block 220. If the patient is not able to assist as desired, the program returns to block 214 as shown by loop 222, and the physical therapist may change the setting to enable the patient to stand with additional assistance, if necessary. If at block 214 the patient is being lowered to a seated position, the program tests at block 224 to determine if the seat angle is greater than 0^° and, if it is, the patient is lowered as indicated by block 226. The tilt sensor 116 provides the software program with angle information, as shown by block 230, while the strain gauge load cell provides a load input at block 232. The hand held controls 118 allows the operator to select the desired amount of assistance, as indicated by block 234 to the test indicated by block 218 to determine if the patient is assisting as desired and, if so, the lifting continues until the patient is fully standing. The state diagram of Figure 10 and its accompanying explanation also illustrates the operation and programming of the microprocessor to control the movement of the patient.

[00045] During use of the apparatus 10 through a cycle of operation, the seat sections 42 and 44 are moved apart to advance the portable device 10 toward a patient seated on a hospital bed. The device is then advanced over the surface of bed and the seat sections are moved under the patient while the patient tilts to one side and tilts to the other side, such that the seat 40 defined by seat sections 42 and 44 form a unitary seat with the sections 42 and 44 then locked together. As the operator operates hand control 118 the seat 40 Is raised to provide the microprocessor 110 with the patient's weight as detected by the load strain gauge 84.

[00046] The sequence of operation is then initiated with the patient being elevated to a fully standing position. For such purpose, the device 10 includes hand support grips 14 and 16 extending from the pivot block 50. The cycle is repeated in reverse to lower the patient, and the machine can then be removed in a reverse fashion. The data on the patient, including the amount of effort required for the patient to raise to a standing position, is recorded on either the removable memory, such as a secured digital card 116 or through a wireless communication to the facility's central computer which associates the data with a patient identification. The sit-stand-sit cycle can be repeated through a number of cycles depending upon the patient's strength and durability.

[00047] An alternative to the cable system shown in Figs. 1 through 6, for raising and lowering the seat includes the use of a rack-and-pinion type drive in which a vertically movable rack is mounted to a frame member of the apparatus and guided in vertically slideable movement by a pair of bushings. The rack includes teeth which engage a pinion gear coupled to a rotary shaft and supported by a bearing in a block. The block includes a horizontal leg with an aperture for receiving a locking pin associated with a solenoid to lock the seat sections coupled to one of the rotatabte shafts on each side. The shaft, is coupled to seat section on the opposite side of pinion gear. For purposes of opening the seat sections, a U-shaped mounting block for the pinion gear is rotatabfy mounted to an axle extending through plate attached to the frame and rotatable, on a pair of canted plates and to tilt the seat sections as in the first embodiment as the seat sections are rotated from a seated position.

[00048] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the teachings envision that any member of a genus (list) may be excluded from the genus; andtor any member of a Markush grouping may be excluded from the grouping.

[00049] Unless otherwise stated, any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component, a property, or a value of a process variable such as. for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that intermediate range values such as (for example, 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc.) are within the teachings of this specification. Likewise, individual intermediate values are also within the present teachings. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001 , 0.01 , or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

[00050] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of ^''about^'' r ^''approximately^'' in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to about 30", inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

[00051] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for ail purposes. The term "consisting essentially of to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist of, or consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components or steps.

[00052] Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.

[00053] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

1. A system for moving an individual between different positions comprising:

a frame including a pivoted seating area for receiving and at least partially supporting an individual;

a drive system for moving an individual on the seating area of the frame between different positions;

a control circuit coupled to the drive system including a processor having an input for receiving information relating to the weight of an individual; and

at least one sensor coupled to the drive system and to the control circuit, wherein the processor is programmed to control the drive system to selectively assist in moving an individual between the different positions.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein an individual's weight is entered into the input of the processor by an operator.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the weight of an individual is determined by the sensor associated with the frame and movement of the frame provides the processor information as to the individual's weight.

4. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seating area comprises a seat which is pivotally mounted to the frame for movement in a generally vertical plane to allow movement of the individual between sitting and at least partially standing positions.

5. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive system Includes a drive element coupled to the seat for pivoting the seat.

6. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat comprises a pair of seat sections which are pivotally mounted to the frame to move in a generally horizontal plane between positions immediately adjacent one another to a position spaced apart from each other to allow an individual to position her/himself on a support between the seat sections and alternately shift her/his weight to allow an operator to position the seat sections under the individual.

7. The system of claim 6, including a pivot mount coupling each of the seat sections to the frame such that they pivot in a generally horizontal plane as they are moved from a position immediately adjacent each other to a position spaced apart from each other.

8. The system of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the seats sections pivot through a horizontal angle of from about 45^° to about 60^°.

9. The system of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the pivot mount further tilts the seat section in a vertical plane of from about 5^° to about 30^°. or even from about 10' to about 15^° as the seat sections are pivoted apart.

10. The system of any of claims 6 through Θ, including a lock to selectively hold the seat sections in a position adjacent one another.

11. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive system includes an electrical winch and the seat is coupled to the winch by a crossbar and a pair of cables and pulleys coupling the crossbar to opposite sides of the seat.

12. The system of claim 9 wherein the winch includes a winch cable having an end coupled to the crossbar and the sensor includes a strain gauge coupled to the winch cable.

13. A system for measuring the force necessary for moving an individual, an individual's torso, or an individual's appendage between different positions comprising:

a frame for receiving and at least partially supporting an individual, an individual's torso, or an individual's appendage;

a drive system for moving the frame and an individual, an individual's torso, or an individual's appendage on the frame between different positions;

a control circuit coupled to the drive system including a processor having an input for receiving information relating to the force required to move the individual, the individual's torso, or the individual's appendage; and

at least one sensor on the frame to measure a parameter associated with movement associated with the individual, the individual's torso, or the individual's appendage, the sensor coupled to the control circuit, wherein the processor is programmed to determine the amount of force required by the drive system to assist in moving an individual, an individual's torso, or an indrvidual's appendage between the different positions.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein an individual's weight is entered into the input of the processor by an operator.

15. The system of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the force required to move an individual's torso or appendage is determined by the sensor associated with the frame and movement of the frame provides the processor information as to the necessary force.

16. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame includes a seat for supporting an individual, wherein the seat is ph/otaUy mounted to the frame for movement in a generally vertical plane to allow movement of the individual between sitting and at least partially standing positions.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the drive system includes a drive element coupled to the seat for pivoting the seat.

18. The system of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the seat comprises a pair of seat sections which are pivotally mounted to the frame to move in a generally horizontal plane between positions immediately adjacent one another to a position spaced apart from each other to allow an individual to position her/himself on a support between the seat sections and alternately shift her/his weight to aHow an operator to position the seat sections under the individual.

19. The system of any one of claims 16 through 18, wherein the seat sections pivot in a generally vertical plane as they are moved from a position immediately adjacent each other to a position spaced apart from each other.

20. The system of any one of claims 16 through 19, wherein the seat sections pivot through an angle of from about 45^° to about 60^°.

21. The system of any one of claims 16 through 20, wherein the drive system includes an electrical winch and the seat is coupled to the winch by a crossbar and a pair of cables and pulleys coupling the crossbar to opposite sides of the seat.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein the winch includes a winch cable having and end coupled to the crossbar and the sensor includes a strain gauge coupled to the winch cable.

23. An apparatus for moving a patient from a sitting position to a standing position comprising:

a frame and a movable seat which is pivotally coupled to the frame, the seat positionable under a sitting patient;

a drive coupled to the movable seat for pivoting the seat from a generally horizontal position to a plurality of raised positions; and

a control circuit coupled to the drive and including a processor and a sensor coupled to the processor for detecting the weight of a patient placed on the seat as it moves in response to the drive in raising and lowering the seat, the processor programmed to provide one of a predetermined lifting weight to the seat and a percentage of the patient's weight for lifting the seat.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, including a seat angle sensor coupled to the processor, and wherein the processor is programmed to provide control signals to the drive to move the seat to follow the patient's raising and lowering action.

25. The apparatus of claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the control circuit includes an input to vary the drive speed of the drive to raise or lower the speed of movement of the seat.

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 23 through 25, including leg supports positioned on the frame for supporting the patient's feet.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the leg supports pivot with movement of the seat as the patient moves from a sitting position toward a standing position.

28. The apparatus of any one of claims 23 through 27, including a stationary shin pad on the frame for allowing the patient's shins to be supported as the patient raises with the seat.

29. The apparatus of any one of claims 23 through 28, including a pair of spaced-apart handgrips on the frame located such that the patient can hold onto the handgrips as the patient raises from a horizontal sitting position toward a standing position and lowers from a standing position toward a horizontal sitting position.

30. The apparatus of any one of claims 23 through 29, wherein the seat comprises a pair of seat sections which are pivotaNy mounted to the frame to pivot in a generally horizontal plane between positions immediately adjacent one another to a position spaced apart from each other to allow a patient to position her/himself on a support between the seat sections KbPLAUbM bN ISHbb I and alternately shift her/his weight to allow an operator to position the seat sections under the patient.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, including a pivot mount coupling each of the seat sections to the frame such that they pivot in a generally horizontal plane as they are moved from a position immediately adjacent each other to a position spaced apart from each other.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the seats pivot through an angle of from about 45° to about 60^°.

33. The apparatus of any one of claims 30 through 32, wherein the seat sections tilt in a vertical plane as they are moved from a position immediately adjacent each other to a position spaced apart from each other.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 30 through 33, including a lock to selectively hold the seat sections in a position adjacent one another.

35. The apparatus of any one of claims 23 through 34, wherein the drive system includes an electrical winch and the seat is coupled to the winch by a crossbar and a pair of cables and pulleys coupling the crossbar to opposite sides of the seat.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the winch includes a winch cable having and end coupled to the crossbar and the sensor includes a strain gauge coupled to the winch cable.

37. A system for measuring and monitoring the movement of an individual between different positions comprising:

a frame for receiving and at least partially supporting an individual;

a drive system for moving the frame and an individual on the frame between different positions;

a control circuit coupled to the drive system including a processor having an input for receiving information relating to the weight of an individual;

a plurality of sensors on the frame, the sensors coupled to the control circuit for providing status information as to the individual's movement;

the processor is programmed to control the drive system to assist in moving an individual between the different positions; and

a memory circuit coupled to the processor to record results of successive cycles of movement of an individual by the system.