WO2014154687A2

WO2014154687A2 - Apparatus for assisting impaired or disabled persons

Info

Publication number: WO2014154687A2
Application number: PCT/EP2014/055956
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mogens Hjort; Jimmy Grøtner; Henrik Hjort
Original assignee: REVAC APS
Current assignee: REVAC APS
Priority date: 2013-03-26
Filing date: 2014-03-25
Publication date: 2014-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2015-09-26
Also published as: WO2014154687A3; JP2016519599A

Abstract

An apparatus for assisting a person to move from a seated position on a seat or the like to an upright or standing position and vice versa. The apparatus comprises a base; an actuator arrangement supported by the base and a person support configured for supporting the person to be assisted. The actuator arrangement is configured to be able to move the person support up and down over a range of vertical positions and the actuator arrangement being configured to be able to move the person support back and forth over a range of horizontal positions. The actuator arrangement is configured to move the person support in the vertical range of positions independently of the horizontal position of the person support. The actuator arrangement is configured to move the person support in the horizontal range of positions independently of the vertical position of the person support; The actuator arrangement comprises: a first linear actuator with an elongated shape, the first linear actuator being supported at a first of its two ends by the base and extending substantially vertically from the base, and a second linear actuator with an elongated shape, the second linear actuator being supported by the second of the two ends of the first linear actuator and the second linear actuator extending in a substantially horizontal direction. The person support is supported by the free end of the second linear actuator.

Description

APPARATUS FOR ASSISTING IMPAIRED OR DISABLED PERSONS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for disabled, impaired or handicapped persons or patients for moving such persons or for assisting or training such persons with various movements, such as rising from a seated position to a standing position and vice versa. BACKGROUND ART

Sit-to-stand lifts are designed to help patients with some mobility but who lack the strength or muscle control to rise to a standing position from a bed, wheelchair, chair, or commode. Conventional lifts use straps, vests, or belts or slings positioned around the patient's back usually fitting under their arms to make the transition possible.

Most of these apparatuses are based on a pivoting lifting arm with a belt, strap or sling attached thereto, in combination with a footplate and a knee support, as known from US 4,918,771. The lifting arm pivots from a substantially horizontal position upwards. All of these apparatuses are based on the principle that the centre of gravity is positioned well behind the footplate/knee support during almost the complete lifting procedure so that the person "hangs" in the sling that is positioned around the persons back and/or abdominal region. With the centre of gravity of the person to be assisted so far behind the footplate/knee support the weight carried by the sling to the person to be assisted is quite significant, which leads to a high load on back and shoulders of the person to be assisted.

EP1772132 discloses an apparatus and procedure for assisting persons in reaching and maintaining an upright position that uses a torso support for engaging the person to be assisted and allows for raising movement in which the torso support moves simultaneously forward and upward.

However, none of these prior art apparatuses provide for individually adapted assistance with optimal comfort and security. In particular, adaptation to different size and level of impairment has not been practically possible with the known apparatuses.

DISCLOSURE In view of the problems associated with the prior art set out above it is an object of the present disclosure to provide apparatuses that overcome or at least reduce the drawbacks associated with the prior art.

In order to achieve this object there is according to a first aspect of the invention provided an apparatus for moving a person or for assisting or training a person with various movements, where the apparatus comprises: a base; a person support configured for supporting the person to be moved, assisted or trained; an actuator arrangement supported by the base; where the actuator arrangement is configured to be able to move the person support up and down over a range of vertical positions and where the actuator arrangement is configured to be able to move the person support back and forth over a range of horizontal positions; wherein the actuator arrangement is configured to move the person support in the vertical range of positions independently of the horizontal position of the person support; and wherein the actuator arrangement is configured to move the person support in the horizontal range of positions independently of the vertical position of the person support; where the apparatus further comprises a processor configured to control movement of the actuator arrangement.

The actuator arrangement comprises a first linear actuator with an elongated shape, which first linear actuator is supported at a first of its two ends by the base and extending substantially vertically from the base, and a second linear actuator with an elongated shape, which second linear actuator is supported by the second of the two ends of the first linear actuator and where the second linear actuator extends in a substantially horizontal direction; and wherein the person support is supported by the free end of the second linear actuator. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention a user interface is connected to the processor, there the user interface comprises input means for manually adjusting the horizontal position of the person support independently of the vertical position of the person support and where the user interface comprises input means for manually adjusting the vertical position of the actuator arrangement independently of the horizontal position of the person support.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the user interface further comprises a display screen for displaying information to an operator of the apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the user interface further comprises a display screen for displaying information to the person to be supported.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the user interface further comprises a touch screen.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the user interface comprises a dedicated input means for adjusting the horizontal position of said person support comprises a key or a button or a slider.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the person support is a torso support configured for supporting the torso and possibly also the underarms of the person to be a supported with the chest of the person facing the torso support, wherein the torso support has a main engagement surface for engaging the chest of the person to be assisted.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the torso support is operatively connected to the free end of the second actuator by a rotational actuator that is configured to rotate the torso support around a substantially horizontal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second linear actuator.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the actuator arrangement comprises first linear actuator and/or said second linear actuator comprise a telescopic column. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the telescopic column comprises a spindle drive. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the telescopic column comprises two spindle drives arranged in series.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the telescopic column comprises a proximate section, a middle section and a distal section, said proximate sections being connected to the extremities of said two spindle drives arranged in series and said middle section being connected where the one spindle drive is connected to the other spindle drive. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a rotational actuator for rotating the person support.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the rotational actuator is configured to rotate said torso support about a horizontal axis that is substantially parallel with the main engagement surface of the torso support.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the linear actuator comprises a spindle drive configured for adjusting the length of said telescopic column. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the linear actuator comprises two spindle drives arranged in series for adjusting the length of said telescopic column.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the telescopic column is arranged substantially upright with one of its ends supported by said base.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the telescopic column is pivotally supported by said base and wherein said apparatus comprise and actuator for adjusting the angular position of said telescopic column relative to said base moving said torso support in a substantially horizontal direction.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the telescopic column comprises a plurality of concentric and telescopically arranged column sections.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the telescopic column comprises a further actuator for rotating said torso support about a horizontal axis. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the telescopic column comprises several telescopically arranged sections and at least two spindle drives, wherein the spindle drives are arranged in series. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, each of the spindle drives comprises a spindle and a nut with either the spindle being stationary and the nut being rotatable or the spindle being rotatable and the nut being stationary, whereby the rotatable component of the one spindle drive drives the rotatable part of the other spindle drive. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, one rotatable part drives the other rotatable part via meshing gears.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the one component is driven by a reversible electric drive motor, either directly or via a reduction gear.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the nut in one of the spindle drives is a tubular component with tread extending over a substantial axial length and the spindle has a threaded axial length that is much smaller than that of the nut. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the longitudinal axis of the spindle of the one actuator extends parallel and is displaced over a distance relative to the longitudinal axis of the spindle of the other actuator.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the spindle actuator is received inside a telescopic column with at least three telescopically arranged column sections.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the telescopic column comprises a proximal section, a middle section and a distal section, the proximate sections being connected to the extremities of the two spindle drives arranged in series and the middle section being connected where the one spindle drive is connected to the other spindle drive.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the telescopic sections comprise a proximal section at one longitudinal end of the telescopic column, a middle section in the middle of the telescopic column and a distal section the other longitudinal end of the telescopic column, where the proximal section is connected to one end of the one spindle drive, the middle section being secured to the other end of the one spindle drive and to said first end of the other spindle drive and the distal section is connected to the other end of the other spindle drive. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the actuator arrangement and the patient support attachment are configured to have the patient support attachment releasably attached to the free and movable end of the other spindle drive.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises at least two different patient support attachments that are each suitable for releasable attachment to the free end of the actuator arrangement.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, one of the attachments is a torso support configured for supporting the torso and possibly also the underarms of the person to be a supported with the chest of the person facing the torso support.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a person identification system coupled to the processor and configured for identifying a person to be assisted.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the person identification system comprises a reader connected to the processor and an identification device associated with the person to be assisted, the identification device being readable by the reader. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the apparatus comprises a chip card reader connected to the processor and a chip card associated with the person to be assisted, or a RFID reader and an RFID tag associated with the person to be assisted, or a keyboard connected to the processor and a code associated with the person to be assisted, or a short range wireless adaptor connected to the processor and a short range wireless adaptor connected to a device associated with the person to be assisted.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the identification device associated with the person to be assisted holds data specific for the person to be assisted informing the processor how to operate the apparatus when assisting the person to assisted with the apparatus. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the processor is configured to operate the actuator arrangement on the basis of information associated with an identified person to be assisted. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the processor is configured to move the torso support from a start position corresponding to a seated position of the identified person to an end position that corresponds to a standing position of the identified person along a path that is specific for the identified person and with a velocity profile that is specific for the identified person.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the apparatus is provided with a user interface connected to the processor, the user interface being configured for use by an operator of the apparatus, and the person identification system is configured to identify the person to be assisted via the user interface.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the apparatus comprises a person specific movement profile that is associated with a person to be assisted and stored on a memory that is accessible to the processor; and wherein the processor being configured to move the actuator arrangement in accordance with the person specific movement profile.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the person specific movement profile includes information for the path to be followed and the speed profile to be used in a moving operation. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a plurality or range of default movement profiles stored in a memory coupled to the processor.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the processor is configured to create an initial profile for using the first time that a person to ne assisted uses the apparatus, the initial profile being created by the processor on the basis of characteristics and/or traits of the person to be moved or assisted, such as anthropometric data and/or degree of disability.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the processor is configured to select the initial profile from the plurality of default profiles, According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the processor is configured to move the torso support in accordance with the personal movement profile from a start position corresponding to a seated position of the identified person to an end position that corresponds to a standing position of the identified person along a path that is specific for the person to be person to be assisted and with a velocity profile that is specific for the person to be assisted.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the default profiles are obtained from measurements on a plurality of test persons of different height and the patient profile at least comprises patient height and the processor is configured to select the default profile that is associate with a height that is closest to the identified person height.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the plurality of default movement profiles are stored in a memory associated with the processor as a plurality of default person types, the plurality of person types being distributed over and covering a range of person characteristics and/or traits, such as anthropometric data and degree of disability.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the processor is configured to receiving an input from an operator for selecting an appropriate default/initial profile for a person that is to use the apparatus for the first time.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the apparatus comprising one or more sensors connected to said processor and the one or more sensors being configured for sensing the load on the torso support and/or on the footplate.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the apparatus further comprises a knee support and a sensor configured to sense the load on the knee support.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the apparatus further comprises a display connected to the processor, the processor being configured to determine to which extent the person participates with his own effort during a movement and wherein the processor preferably displays the results of the determination of the extent that the person participates with his own effort to move on said display. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention a memory is connected to the processor, the memory being configured for storing movement profiles associated with a specific person, the movement profiles including information for the path to be followed and the speed profile to be used in a moving operation,

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the processor is configured to reduce the movement speed in the person profile for parts of the movement where the load on the torso support exceeds a general or patient-specific threshold.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the processor is configured to monitoring the load on the torso support and/or on the footplate and the processor is configured to using the load information to determining the self-effort in the movement of the person to be assisted.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the processor is configured to storing the self-effort in a person journal and/or to provide the person to be assisted with visual or audio feedback on his/her self-effort.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the main engagement surface is formed by a chest pillow that is configured to has a pliable state in which the chest pillow can adapt its shape to the shape of the chest of a person to be supported; and wherein the chest pillow is configured to have a state wherein the shape of the pillow is unpliable so that the chest pillow can maintain its shape for supporting the person to be supported.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the apparatus comprises a processor and the processor is operatively connected to chest pillow and the processor is configured to control the state of the chest pillow.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the chest pillow comprises a bladder filled with a large number of small spheres, wherein the bladder is connected to a vacuum pump that is controlled by the processor.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the processor is configured to allow atmospheric pressure in the bladder when a person to be supported engages the chest pillow, and thereafter to apply and maintain a below atmospheric -pressure in the bladder during a movement of the apparatus. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the torso support comprises arm rests for supporting the underarm and/or elbow of the person to be supported, each of the armrests being provided with an underarm engagement pillow that is configured to has a pliable state in which the underarm pillow can adapt its shape to the shape of the underarm a person to be supported, and each of the underarm pillows is configured to have a state wherein the shape of the underarm pillow is unpliable so that the underarm pillow can maintain its shape for supporting the person to be supported during a movement.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the underarm pillows each have a bladder filled with a large number of small spheres, and the bladders in the underarm pillows and in the chest pillow are connected to a vacuum pump.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the actuator is configured to move the torso support in the vertical range of positions independently of the horizontal position of the torso support; and the actuator is configured to move the torso support in the horizontal range of positions independently of the vertical position of the torso support.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention a rotational actuator is operatively connected to the torso support for rotating the torso support about a substantially horizontal pivot axis.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the pivot axis is substantially parallel to the main engagement surface. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the actuator arrangement including the rotational actuator is connected to a processor and operated under command of the processor.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the rotational angle of the torso support can be adjusted independently of the horizontal position of the torso support and independently of the vertical position of the torso support.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the rotational actuator comprises an electric drive motor. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the actuator arrangement comprises two linear actuators with an electric drive motor each, the apparatus further comprising a processor operatively coupled to all of the electric drive motors and the processor being configured to control the activation of the drive motors simultaneously.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for operating a person lift that is provided with a processor and with an arrangement for engaging, moving, supporting or lifting a person to be moved or assisted, the lift being provided with an actuator arrangement, which actuator arrangement is configured to carry out a movement with a person specific movement profile under the command from the processor, and a person identification module coupled to the processor, where the method comprises: identifying the person to be moved, lifted or assisted with the person identification module, retrieving the desired person specific movement profile for the identified person to be assisted, and performing a movement with the actuator arrangement in accordance with the retrieved desired person specific movement profile under command of the processor.

According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, identifying the person to be assisted comprises reading information from an identification device associated with the person to be assisted

According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the processor retrieves the desired person specific movement profile from an internal- or external memory or from database or from an identification device associated with the person to be assisted. According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the method comprising retrieving or determining the desired person specific movement profile for the person to be assisted, and performing a movement with the actuator arrangement in accordance with the retrieved desired person specific movement profile under command of the processor. According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the person specific profile is transferred to a memory coupled to the processor form an identification device associated with the person to be assisted. According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the processor receives the person specific profile from: a chip card that is entered in a slot and chip card reader of the apparatus and connected to the processor, or from a user interface connected to the processor, or from a remote computer or server via a network connection. According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the method further comprises choosing a suitable profile from a plurality of stored default profiles.

According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the processor calculating a suitable profile by using the data relating to the person to be assisted, preferably by using an equation that approximates an optimal movement profile.

According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the method further comprises obtaining data relating to the person to be assisted using a person identification system connected to the processor.

According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the method further comprises obtaining the person's specifics data via a user interface connected to the processor.

According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention the default profiles are obtained from measurements on a plurality of test persons of different height and/or stature and the patient profile comprises patient height and the processor is configured to select the default profile that is associated with a height that is closest to the identified person's height.

According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the test person's movement profiles are established by measuring the movement path of their shoulder from a seated position to a fully or partly raised position. According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the method further comprises giving an operator an opportunity to make amendments to the person specific profile before the processor carries out the movement. According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the lift further comprises one or more sensors connected to the processor and the one or more sensors are configured for sensing the load on the torso support and/or on the footplate, the actuator arrangement being configured to carry out a movement for assisting the person to be assisted under the command from the processor, the method comprising performing a movement with the actuator arrangement with the person supported by the lift under command of the processor, and monitoring the load on the arrangement for engaging, supporting or lifting a person to be assisted.

According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the method further comprises determining the self-participation of the person to be assisted in the moment using the load information. According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the method further comprises communicating the self-participation to the person or to an operator of the apparatus, preferably using audio/visual feedback.

According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the method further comprises determining storing and/or transmitting data representing the self-participation.

Although a number of specific embodiments of the first and second aspect of the invention have been disclosed above it is understood that the present invention relates to all combinations of the features described in the above embodiments of the invention to the extent that such features are not mutually exclusive.

By providing a patient lift with an actuator arrangement that has two essentially orthogonally arranged linear actuators it become possible to move the actuator arrangement in independently up and down and back and for the and thus allow the actuator arrangement to describe any path within the range of the linear actuators. This has the advantage that the path of the patient support can be adapted and individualized in accordance of the needs of a specific person.

Although specific example embodiments of a person support have been described in the following detailed description of the invention, it is understood that a person support may also comprise means that allow movement by means of the described apparatus of a person supported by other means than those actually described in the detailed description.

It is further understood that the above described actuator arrangement could also be used for other applications than those described above.

Further objects, features, advantages and properties of the apparatus according to the disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present description, the disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of an example embodiment of an apparatus for assisting persons, Fig. 2 is a from the view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is an elevated view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is a top view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1,

Fig. 5 is an elevated view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the operation of an upper actuation column in detail,

Fig. 6 is another elevated view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the operation of the upper actuation column in detail,

Fig. 7 is another elevated view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the operation of a base of the apparatus in detail,

Fig. 8 is another elevated view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the operation of a torso support of the apparatus in detail,

Fig. 9 is another elevated view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the operation of armrests of the apparatus in detail,

Figs. 10 to 13 illustrate the operation of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in a sequence of movements for assisting a person from a seated to a raised or standing position,

Fig. 14 is a side view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 showing a horizontally movable knee support,

Figs. 15a and 15b schematically illustrate the movement of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 in relation to Figs. 10 to 13,

Figs. 16 to 18 illustrate the operation of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 and a sequence of movements and including an operator of the apparatus, Fig. 19 illustrates the interaction between an operator, the apparatus according to Fig. 1 and a user of the apparatus,

Fig. 20a is an elevated view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 illustrating the user interface and a person identification system,

Figs. 20b and 20c are elevated views of a portion of the user interface of the apparatus according to Fig. 1,

Fig. 21 a is a sectional view of the top column actuator and torso support of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 21b is a front view of the top column actuator, torso support and armrests of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 21c is a top view of another embodiment of the top column actuator of the apparatus according to Fig. 1,

Fig. 21 d is a section view of the top column actuator, shown in Fig. 21c

Fig. 22 is a side view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 illustrating the horizontal and vertical range of the torso support,

Fig. 23 is a detailed front view of the torso support and the armrests of the apparatus according to Fig. 1,

Fig. 24 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the torso support of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 , with a torso support pillow in a default configuration,

Fig. 25 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the door support of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 , with the torso support pillow in a configuration that is adapted to the shape of the chest of the person to be assisted,

Fig. 26 is a side view of the construction of a telescopic column actuator of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 27 is a top view of the construction of a telescopic column actuator of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 28 is a sectional side view of the construction of a telescopic column actuator of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view through the telescopic column actuator along the line C-C in Fig. 26,

Fig. 30 is an end view on the telescopic column actuator of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 31 is a longitudinal-sectional view of another embodiment of the a telescopic column actuator for the apparatus of Fig. 1 in a retracted position,

Fig. 32 is the same view as Fig. 31 with the telescopic column actuator in an extended position,

Fig. 33 is a another elevated sectional view through the telescopic column actuator for an apparatus of Fig. 1 , Fig. 34 is a block diagram of the electronic control system of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 35a is a flowchart illustrating the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 35b is a detail of the flowchart of Fig. 35a,

Fig. 35c is an operational diagram,

Fig. 35d is another operational diagram,

Fig. 35b shows a detail of the flowchart of Fig. 35a,

Figs. 36 to 38 illustrate natural movement curves for persons with different heights as used by the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Figs. 39 and 40 illustrate the operation of an apparatus according to Fig. 1 with a different type of torso support in which the user claims around the torso support,

Figs. 41 and 42 show another embodiment of the apparatus for assisting a person

Fig. 43 shows another embodiment of the apparatus according to Fig. 1, wherein the torso support is swapped with a stretcher that can assume a seat like configuration with the stretcher in a seat like configuration,

Fig. 44 shows the apparatus and the stretcher of Fig 43 with the stretcher in a stretched position, and

Fig. 44 is another embodiment of the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the torso support is swapped with a toilet seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to Figs. 1 to 4 and apparatus for assisting a person from a seated position to a fully or partially raised position according to an example embodiment is illustrated in side, front, top and elevated views. The apparatus 1 includes a base 3 that supports a substantially vertical column 5. The base 3 is formed by a pair of spaced parallel bars 4. The spaced bars 4 are at their ends provided with wheels, such as caster wheels for rendering the apparatus movable. The spaced parallel bars 4 are connected by a telescopic transverse rod 13,14. The telescopic transverse rod includes two sections 14 that are rigidly connected to the spaced parallel bars 4. The sections 14 are slidably received in a central section 13. A substantially upright column 5 is rigidly connected to and supported by section 13. A footplate 6 for supporting the defeat of a person to be assisted is supported by section 13. A knee support 11 is supported by the upper right column 5. The knee support 5 extends substantially horizontally and includes a pad for each knee of the person to be supported. The knee abutment surface can be contoured to prevent and sideward moment of the knees. The term "knee support" as used herein includes any support it provides abutment surface for the higher shins and/or for the knees. The knee support 11 (adjustable in height) can be a movable or adjustable support that is either motorized or spring biased to be able to move in the directions traverse to the surface of the pads. The substantially upright column 5 is extendable in length due to an inbuilt actuator. This actuator is described in greater detail further below. A substantially horizontal column 7 is supported by and connected to the upper end of the upright column 5 i.e. the substantially horizontal column 7 is supported by the extendable portion of the upright column 5. The substantially horizontal column 7 is extendable in length due to an inbuilt actuator (this actuator is described in greater detail further below). A torso support 8 is operatively connected to the free end of the horizontal column 7, i.e. the extendable end of the horizontal column 7. The torso support 8 includes a main engagement surface formed by a pad or pillow 9 for engaging the chest of the person to be assisted. At least the main support surface of the torso support is upholstered, i.e. covered with a soft resilient layer under a skin or textile lining, to create a comfortable pillow-like structure. In an embodiment, this pad or pillow 9 is configured for adapting its shape to the form of the chest of the person that is capable of locking such a shape. The details of the pad or pillow 9 and its operation are described in further detail below. The torso support 8 also includes two armrests 15, one at each side of the pillow 9, for supporting the underarms the person to be assisted. Each of the armrests 15 also includes a forwardly protruding handle 16 for grasping by the hands of the person to be assisted. The distance between the main support surface and of the torso support the handles 16 corresponds to the average length of the human underarm and can be adjusted to match individual variations. The torso support 8 also includes a back strap 17 for going around the back of the person to be assisted and ensuring that the person to be assisted does not loose contact from the torso support. The torso support is rotatable around a horizontal axis that is located at the connection between the horizontal column 7 and the torso support 8. The apparatus 1 is also provided with two handles 19 for manipulation by an operator of the apparatus 1.

Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate the operation of the horizontal column 7 in greater detail. The arrow X shows the direction of movement of the extendable horizontal column 7. In Fig. 5 the extendable horizontal column 7 is in an extended position and in Fig. 6 the extendable horizontal column 7 is in a retracted position. The handle 19 for manipulation by an operator is in the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6 formed from one piece of tubing material, whereas the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4 had to separate handles made of tubing material. This we noted that the back strap 17 can be detached at one or both of its ends so as to allow the torso of a person to be supported to engage the engagement surface 9 of the torso support 8. With reference to Fig. 7, it is illustrated how the distance between the spaced parallel bars 4 can be adapted. The adaption of the spacing indicated by the arrow Z can be motorized or manual and is enabled by the telescopic action of the rods 14 in the rod section 13. The adaption of the distance between the parallel bars is especially useful for being able to maneuver through narrow passages or doors.

With reference to Fig. 8, it is illustrated how the substantially upright column 5 can be adjusted in length, thereby adjusting the height of the torso support. Fig. 8 illustrates how the torso support can be rotated about a substantially horizontal axis A by movement in the direction of the arrow X. Respective actuators for movement in the direction of the arrow X and for rotation about axis A are built into the column 7 and illustrated in greater detail further below. The actuators in the vertical column 5, the horizontal column 7 and the rotational actuator formed together and actuator arrangement of the apparatus or one that is suited for torso support 8 over range of vertical positions and horizontal positions independently from one another. Also the rotational position is independent from the horizontal and vertical position. In

With reference to Fig. 9, straps 16 for securing the arm of the person to be assisted are disclosed. The straps 16 cover the armrests 15 and ensure that the underarm of the person to be assisted will not inadvertently disengage the armrest. At least one end of the strap 16 is engageable and disengageable with the armrest in order to be securely locked to the armrest 15. In an embodiment, the strap 16 is disengageable from the armrest 15 at both of its ends so that the apparatus 1 can be operated without the security measure. Figs. 10 to 13 illustrate the procedure of assisting a person 30 to be assisted from a sitting position on a chair 25 to a substantially raised position. The chair 25 is an example of a possible starting position. However the starting position could be sitting on a bench, a bed, a toilet or any other suitable object. At the start of the procedure the apparatus 1 is rolled towards the person to be assisted 30 with the torso support 8 directed towards the person to be supported 30. The engagement surface of the torso support is brought into contact with the person to be supported and in an embodiment the engagement surface is formed by a pillow 9 that can adapt its shape to the object that it engages and thereafter be locked in that shape. The details of the construction of this pillow 9 are described further below. The person to be assisted 30 places his or her underarms in the armrests 15 and engages the grip 16 with his hands. The person to be assisted 30 also places his or her feet onto the foot plate 6. At this moment, the person to be assisted is ready to be assisted to be raised from the chair 25. As indicated by the double arrowed line in Figs. 11-14, the knee support 11 is arranged movable, so as to accommodate movements in the horizontal direction of the knee as will be present in the knees of a person that rises from a seated position without the aids of a lift. In an embodiment the knee movement is allowed by a resilient element, such as a gas spring or a helical wire spring. In an embodiment the characteristic of the spring is adjustable so as to accommodate the need of the person to be assisted.

The raising movement is then carried out in accordance with a personal movement profile, to a partially of fully standing position. Fig. 15a shows diagrammatically (not an actual curve of a movement profile to be used for a person) illustrating a movement that ends with a partially raised person, end position 3 of Fig. 15b corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 15b shows diagrammatically (not an actual curve of a movement profile to be used for a person) illustrating a movement that ends with a fully raised person, end position 4 of Fig. 15b corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 13.

As will be described in greater detail further below, the apparatus 1 is configured so as to identify the person 30 to be assisted. The upper is one is also configured to retrieve and store data associated with this person for various reasons. One of the reasons is to obtain the person's anthropometric data and degree of disability in order to determine the appropriate movement profile. The raising procedures are performed in accordance with the movement profile that is optimal for the person concerned. The determination of the optimal movement profile is described in further detail below.

The actuator in the upright column 5, the actuator in the horizontal column 7 and the actuator for rotation of the torso support can be operated independently from one another. Therefore, the torso support can perform a movement along a path and with the rotational angle of the torso support that is freely selectable within the maximum range of the respective actuators. Further, the speed of the respective actuators is also independently selectable. When the appropriate profile has been found for the person to be assisted 30, the process of raising the person 30 can start. An appropriate profile is a movement profile that resembles closely the natural movement of a person. As can be seen in Fig. 11 , movement of the torso support starts with a retraction of the horizontal column 7 and an anticlockwise rotation (anticlockwise as in Fig. 11) of the torso support 8. In the next phase of the movement that is illustrated in Fig. 12, the horizontal column 7 keeps on retracting and the torso support keeps on rotating anticlockwise but also the upright column 5 has started to extend so that the torso support is now also moving upwards. The last part of the movement towards the race position is mainly a further extension of the horizontal column 7 and a clockwise rotation of the torso support 8 in order to arrive at the position illustrated in Fig. 13. It should be noted that this is an example of possible movement and that this one is adapted to a specific person to be assisted, and the order and magnitude of the various activations of the actuators can be completely different for other situations. The procedure of assisting a person to be assisted 30 from a seated position on the chair 25 to a raised position is also illustrated with reference to Fig. 16, 17 and 18 at this time also showing an operator 40 of the apparatus 1.

With reference to Fig. 19 the upright position of the person to be assisted 30 is shown together with an operator.

With reference to Figs. 20b and 20c a chip card reader 53 is provided at the end of the horizontal column 7 and a chip card 55 is also shown. The chip card reader is connected to a processor in the apparatus 1. The chip card 55, also called smart card or integrated circuit card (ICC) is a pocket-sized card with embedded integrated circuits. The smart card 55 contains information for identifying the person to be assisted. The smartcard may also have stored thereon other data relating to the person to be assisted, such as the desired movement profiles and/or anthropometric data and degree of disability. The desired movement profile may have been stored on the card before the chip card 55 has ever been used with the apparatus 1. Alternatively, a desired profile can be generated by the apparatus 1 or selected from a plurality of profiles stored in the apparatus 1 and transferred to the chip card 55. The chip card 55 can be used with more than one apparatus 1, so a profile stored on the chip card 55 can be used the first time that a person uses one of the apparatuses 1 that has not yet stored the person's profile in its memory. Also when the profile has changed, the changed profile stored on the chip card 55 is transferred to any apparatus 1 that is not aware of the changed profile.

In an embodiment the electronic system of the apparatus 1 includes a short range wireless adaptor (e.g. Bluetooth) and/or a near field sensor (RFID) for communication with a device holding data of the person to be assisted such as a smartcard or mobile telephone or other suitable device provided with a chip or a near field tag.

The apparatus 1 is also provided with a separate keyboard 62 that is provided with a plurality of buttons or another input means, such as a touchpad. In an embodiment the keyboard also includes a display 61 for data feedback to the operator 40. The keyboard 62 and the display 61 are connected to the processor. In an embodiment, identification of the person to be assisted is effect via a code or password assisted with the person to be assisted using the keyboard 62. In an embodiment the apparatus 1 is provided with a display that is placed such that it is in sight of the person to be assisted 30.

Fig. 21b is an end view of the horizontal column 7 and the torso support 8 showing in greater detail the configuration of the armrests 15 and the construction suspending the armrests from the torso support. The distance between the torso support 8 and the armrest 15 can be adjusted through a mechanism that involves teeth in the rods 23 that project from the frame behind pillow 9 and allow the armrests 15 to engage in various positions with various distances to the pillow 9. The armrests 15 can also be adjusted in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the horizontal column 7 by a mechanism such as e.g. using concentric rods.

Fig. 21a is a sectional view that illustrates the rotational actuator for rotating the torso support 8 about a pivot pin 29. The longitudinal axis of the pivot pin 29 coincides with the axis A in Fig. 8. The rotational actuator for rotating the torso support 8 is arranged inside the horizontal column 7 and includes a drive motor 23 that includes a reduction gear, a chain 25 and a sprocket 26. The drive motor 23 is connected to a sprocket (not shown) that engages the chain 25 and chain 25 drives the sprocket 26. Sprocket 26 is connected to another gear that drives an arm 27. The arm 27 is pivotally connected to an extremity of a link 28 and the other extremity of the link 28 is connected pivotally to the torso support 8. When the drive motor 23 is activated in one of its operating directions the torso support 8 is rotated in an anticlockwise movement as seen in Fig. 21a and when the drive motor 23 is operated in the opposite direction the torso support is rotated a clockwise movement in as seen in Fig. 21a.

Fig. 21c is a top view of another embodiment of the top column actuator 7. Fig. 21 d is a section view of the top column actuator, shown in Fig. 21c. This embodiment of the top column actuator 7 is essentially identical to the embodiment shown with reference to Figs. 21a and 21b with identical reference numerals denoting identical components or elements, except that the rotational actuator is has a spindle actuator 25' that is driven by the electric drive motor 23 (including reduction gear) and the free end of the spindle of the spindle drive 25' is connected to the frame via a connection rod 28 that is hingeably attached at its ends to the free end of the spindle of the spindle drive and the frame 36 respectively. The linear actuator arrangement for changing the length of column 7 is described in detail with the same reference numerals further below in the detailed description for Figs. 26-36.

A rechargeable battery 50/control unit is mounted under the horizontal column 7.

Fig. 22 is a side view of the apparatus 1 and the hatched area illustrates the range in the X and Y direction (horizontal and vertical position, respectively) of the torso support 8. Due to the independency of the actuator in the upright column 5 and the actuator in the horizontal column 7, the torso support 8 can take any position within the hatched area and can be moved along any path that can be described within the hatched area under control of the control unit 50 that is operatively connected to the actuators in the respective columns. At the same time, the rotational actuator for the torso support 8 can be operated individually and independently from the horizontal and vertical actuators and therefore the torso support 8 can take any angular position within its range angular positions whilst being in any of the X or Y positions within the hatched area. Also the speed of the horizontal, vertical and rotational actuator can be controlled individually and independently under command from the processor/control unit 50.

Fig. 23 is an end view on the torso support 8, illustrating the vacuum pump 60 and tubes 63 that connect the vacuum pump to bladders that are arranged under the lining in the armrests 15.

Figs. 23 to 25 show the pad or pillow 9 that forms the chest engagement surface of the torso support 8 in greater detail with Figs. 24 and 25 being cross sectional views along the line A-A in Fig. 24. The pad or pillow 9 is secured at its rear side to a frame 36 with its front side arranged to face the chest of the person to be assisted. The pad or pillow 9 has an outer surface material or lining of fabric or leather material that surrounds a bladder 32 that has a filling 34 consisting of a very large number of very small spheres, preferably plastic foam spheres. The bladder 32 is connected to a vacuum pump that is connected to the controller 50. When the vacuum pump 60 is active the bladder 32 shrinks and presses the small plastic foam spheres together and thereby freezes the shape of the pillow 9 at the moment of applying vacuum since the spheres are not freely movable when they are pressed together. When the vacuum pump 60 is deactivated the pressure inside the bladder 32 returns to atmospheric and the pillow 9 becomes pliable again because the small plastic foam bubbles are no longer pressed together. During operation, the person to be assisted 30 engages the pillow 9 with his/her chest while the vacuum pump is not active and the shape of the pillow easily adapts to the shape of the chest of the person to be assisted 30. Just after the person to be assisted 30 has engaged in the pillow 9, the vacuum pump is activated in the shape of the pillow 9 is frozen, so that its shape cannot be easily changed any longer and thus the person to be assisted 30 is comfortably but also securely engaged by the torso support 8 and ensures that the person to be supported is not likely to move relative to the torso support 8 whilst the vacuum is applied to the pillow 9. The vacuum in the bladder 32 is maintained during the assisting operation and atmospheric pressure is only allowed after the assisting operation is ended.

Thus, a pillow 9 is provided that is configured to have a pliable state in which the pillow 9 can adapt its shape to the shape of the chest of a person to be supported and a state wherein the shape of the pillow 9 is unpliable so that the pillow can maintain its shape for supporting the person to be supported.

The interior lining of the armrests 15 is also provided with a pillow that can be frozen in a given shape caused by the parson to be assisted applying pressure when it is in the pliable state. A bladder filled with a large number of small spheres (not shown) is provided under the lining of each armrest 15. These bladders are connected to the vacuum pump 60 via tubes 63. The operation of the bladders in the armrests 15 is essentially identical to the operation of the bladder 32, with vacuum being applied after the person to be supported has engaged the armrest in order to lock/freeze (render non-pliable) the padding in the armrest in a comfortable shape that supports the arms of the person to be supported. In an embodiment these is a switch valve (not shown) arranged between the vacuum pump 60 and the bladders so that vacuum can be applied to the respective bladders independently from one another. The knee support 11 may in an embodiment be provided with pillows/engagement surfaces with the same characteristics as the chest pillow 9, i.e. with a capacity to assume a pliable state in which the person to be assisted engages the knee support and shapes it and a non- pliable or frozen state that is applied thereafter during a movement. With reference to Figs. 26 to 30 the construction of the columns 5 and 7 and the linear actuator arranged therein is described. Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal extend of the column 5,7 and Fig. 29 being a classic cross-sectional view. The column is constructed from 3 telescopically arranged sections 71,72,73 with section 71 in this embodiment being concentrically the innermost and longitudinally the distal section, with section 72 being concentrically and longitudinally the middle section and section 73 being concentrically the outermost and longitudinally the proximal section. The sections 71,72,73 are tubular with a tapered oval sectional outline. The sections 71,72,73 are in an embodiment made from a metal material, preferably an aluminum alloy. An electric drive motor 75 that is formed as one unit with a reduction gear 76 is arranged at the free end of section 73. The output of the reduction gear 76 is connected to a spindle 77 of a first spindle drive. The nut of the first spindle drive is formed by a tube 78 that is secured to a proximate end wall 89 of section 72. A gearwheel 84 that is concentric with the spindle 77 is rotationally secured to spindle 77 by a groove and nut or other suitable arrangement but the gearwheel 84 is axially secured to the end wall 89 and not axially secured to the spindle 77 so that the gearwheel 84 rotates in unison with the spindle 77 but is axially static. The gearwheel 84 meshes with another gearwheel 85 that is rotationally suspended from the end wall 89. Gearwheel 85 is rigidly connected to a spindle 81 of a second spindle drive, so that the gearwheel 85 and the spindle 81 rotate in unison and are both axially non-displaceable relative to the end wall 89. Spindle 81 is in treaded engagement with a nut 83 that is secured in a proximate end wall 88 in section 71. Tube 78 is slidably received in a hole in end wall 88. When the drive motor 75 is activated spindle 77 is rotated and spindle 77 rotates spindle 81 via the gearwheels 84,85. Due to the threaded engagement with the tube 78 spindle 77 axially displaces the middle section 72. Due to the threaded engagement with the nut 83 spindle 78 axially displaces the distal section 71 simultaneously. Thus, a "tandem" or "serial" spindle drive is formed. The serial spindle arrangement ensures that the sections are displaced telescopically in a simultaneous fashion. Changing the rotational direction of the electric drive motor 75 changes the direction of displacement of the sections 71,72.

Figs. 31 to 33 show another example embodiment of the construction of the column 5,7. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment described here above, and includes the same three sections 71,72,73 that are arranged concentrically and telescopically. However, in this embodiment the electric drive motor 75 and reduction gear 76 are secured to section 71 and the drive motor rotates a tube 87 around a static spindle 77 that is secured to a distal end wall 89 of section 72. The distal end wall 89 is also the substrate to which a gear arrangement 79 is secured. The tube 78 is in threaded engagement with the stationary spindle 77 of a first spindle drive. The gear arrangement 79 transmits rotation of tube 78 to a spindle 81 of the second spindle drive. The spindle 81 is in threaded engagement with a tube 83 that is connected to section 71. Thus, a "tandem" or "serial" spindle drive is formed. The serial spindle arrangement ensures that the sections are displaced telescopically in a simultaneous fashion. Changing the rotational direction of the electric drive motor 75 changes the direction of displacement of the sections 72,73. Fig. 34 shows a block diagram of the electronic system of the apparatus 1. The heart of the electronic system is a processor. The poser supply of the electronic system is a rechargeable battery. A power converter is connected to the rechargeable battery and the power converter is controlled by the processor. The electric drive motor of the rotational actuator, the electric drive motor of the horizontal actuator and the electric drive motor of the rotational actuator are connected to the power converter and can be individually controlled by the processor. A memory, that may be formed by several different types of memory devices is also connected to the processor and contains software and programs for the operation of the processor and data for use by the processor. In an embodiment the electronic system also includes a network adaptor, preferably a wireless network adaptor for communication with a remote server or operator. The electronic system may also include a short range wireless adaptor (e.g. Bluetooth) or a near field sensor (RFID) for communication with a device holding data of the person to be assisted such as a smartcard or mobile telephone. The user interface is formed by a speaker, a touchpad or touchscreen or keypad and conventional display screen and a smartcard reader that are all connected to the processor for input of instructions or data to the processor. X,Y (horizontal and vertical position) sensors and a rotation angle sensor are also connected to the processor. Further, sensors for registering the force that the person to be supported exercises onto the torso support 8 in both X and Y direction are connected to the processor too. In an embodiment there are separate sensors for force on the one armrest and on the other armrest 15. In yet another embodiment there is a sensor connected to the processor for registering the force applied by the person to be supported to the footplate too.

The lifting movement is individually tailored to the person to be supported and mimics the natural movement pattern. People get up by moving the center of gravity of the body over a pivot position formed by the ankle joint. This has been the way to stand up since man stood up on two legs. In an embodiment the knee support is movable and follows the knee movement in the horizontal plane.

This individual movement is to be stored on a personal Smart Card, so as to achieve the same movement pattern and speed for each support movement/transfer.

By using sensors at selected locations on the lift it is possible to measure and visualize the participation of person to be supported him/herself in the lifting procedure, and this is a motivator to participate more. These participation data are to be stored on the smart card for use by health professionals during the evaluation of use the equipment by the person to be supported. Everyday rehabilitation functions can be performed with a training program for a person to be supported, wherein the Smart Card is programmed for exercising the person to be supported e.g. training leg muscles to get up and stand in the apparatus and then running the lift automatically slightly down and up again a number of times. The lift has monitoring methods to visualize the person to be supported's active participation in the transfer. These measurements are logged and will be used for evaluation of the person to be supported's ability to use the apparatus.

Movement procedure

When a person to be supported is to be assisted with the daily transfers there is usually a therapist or professional movement assistant associated with this evaluation. There will be an evaluation of the person to be supported's ability to use the apparatus. A software program is designed to fulfill the initial need to create a profile of the person to be supported, to create an initial profile.

Based on the data of to the person to be supported and an "experience algorithm", the software creates a custom profile that is encoded in the person to be supported's Smart Card. This movement profile is to be tested and adjusted accordingly until it is deemed to match perfectly to the person to be supported's movement pattern. The Smart Card collects information for this first transfer which could be used for an initial assessment on whether the movement is optimal for the person to be supported. An algorithm exists to achieve optimal transfer, based on the different measurements.

Software

Recording data from the lift to the Smart Card. On the lift are sensors measuring the person to be supported's ability to help in the transfer and balance. These measurements are stored on the Smart Card to be used for future evaluation of the person to be supported. The software displays in an easy-to-read manner the development of the person to be supported, in order to take the right routines. This is very important because the person to be supported may on the one hand be too weak to be able to use the lift, or may have improved to the point that there is no need for the equipment. A cloud computing storage system supports the "Experience Database". The software has broad functions:

- To handle individual person to be supported' s data (record keeping)

- To guide operator or therapist in selecting an optimum movement pattern for person to be supported

- To retrieve data from the Smart Card to determine the movement profile.

- To receive data from the apparatus.

- To store data and compare data:

Profile, record keeping, input:

• Unique personal identity

• Person to be supported' s name

• Address

• Date of birth

· "Impairment" description (ex. half side paralysis, decreased muscle strength)

• Height

• Weight

• Step height

^• Abdominal circumference

· Ability to stand rating, e.g. rated from 1 to 5

^• Speed e.g. selected from 1 to 5

Based on these data and an algorithm (said algorithm is made on the basis of user testing and experience from therapists) the software suggests a movement and speed that can be described in terms of a set of data parameters, which is stored in memory on the smart card.

The operator can also select the algorithm in a common experience base formed by voluntary reports from other users of the system. The "Experience Database" will be able to contribute experience where users can comment and "rate" the movement patterns available in the database.

Smart Card data:

Parameters loaded on the card with a known standard e.g. ISO / IEC 7816, or 7816-3 Parameters:

• Unique personal identity

· Person to be supported' s name

• Date of birth • Movement Data

Data collection from the lift to the Smart Card:

• Sensors on the lift will monitor the weight distribution and provide measurements back on the map. The measurements are e.g., weight distribution foot / arm at the start, half standing and full standing position.

• Time stamp for each transfer

Loading data from Smart Card:

· All data is loaded from card to memory

• An "evaluation" algorithm looks at data and provides a graphical overview of the number of transfers and person to be supported's skills.

The software includes code for storing data and comparing data:

· All data stored in the local database of person to be supported's records and associated comments

^• Data and comments. Shared experience data base (personal data will not be shared)

The software includes also code for collecting data from the lift to the Smart Card:

· Sensors on the lift will monitor the weight distribution and provide predetermined measurements back on the map. The measurements can for example be, weight distribution foot / arm at the start, half standing and full standing position.

• Time stamp for daily transfers This software in the memory comprises program code for the processor to carry out a support movement. The block diagram in Fig. 35a represents an example embodiment of program code for controlling the assisting procedure, i.e. a movement such as a movement from a sitting position to a standing position of a person to be assisted, or vice versa. At the start of the procedure, the program code instructs the processor to verify that the identity of the person to be assisted is known and if the identity of the person to be assisted is not known the program code instructs the processor to check if a smart card 55 is inserted into the smartcard reader 53. If no smartcard 55 is inserted into the smartcard reader 53 the program code will instruct the processor to await the insertion of a smart card 55. When a smart card 55 is inserted the program code instructs to processor to read to the data on the smart card 55 and to retrieve the information related to the identified person. If the identity of the person to be assisted was known at the start of the procedure, the program code instructs the processor to move directly to the step of selecting an appropriate movement profile. The program code also instructs the processor to select the appropriate movement profile after the identity of the person has been retrieved from the smart card 55. In an embodiment, the appropriate movement profile is stored on the smart card. The details of the initial profile selection when an appropriate profile is not yet available for the person to be assisted are illustrated in Fig. 35b and include selecting the an initial profile from a set of default profiles or determining calculating and initial profile, in both cases based on the characteristics of the person to be assisted. After selection of the appropriate movement profile the movement profile the processor awaits a signal from the operator to move the torso support 8 to a start position. After the processor has instructed the linear actuators and rotational actuators to move to the start position, the programming code gives the operator an opportunity to make manual adjustments to the start position of the torso support 8 by using the buttons 58 on the handlebars 19, for e.g. adapting to a lower chair or bench that the person to be assisted is sitting on. Next, the programming code awaits the signal from the operator (inputted via the user-interface) and upon receipt of this signal the processor commences the assisting movement in accordance with the selected movement profile. During the moving operation, the program code instructs the processor to monitor the load sensors and to display patient participation level and stops the operation if critical values measured by the load sensors are exceeded. In an embodiment the participation by the person to be supported is displayed as positive when the ratio between the load on the footplate and the load on the torso support is higher than a threshold. In an embodiment there are several thresholds, each related with a different level of participation by the person to be supported. In an embodiment the thresholds are variable in relation to the position of the torso support, i.e. the threshold varies with the position of the torso support.

Fig. 35c is an example embodiment of a system diagram showing the functionalities associated with the various elements of the system associate with the apparatus 1,101. The following information is associated with a nursing assistant: name, ID no., time: day, evening or night and patients in therapy. The nursing assistant is allowed to add patient data, to make a transfer, to burn a smartcard and to change patient data. A physiotherapist has associate with him/her: a name, an ID no. and a district. The physiotherapist is allowed to create a patient, to analyze data and to edit a smartcard. The administrator of the system is allowed to create user names, reset passwords, access login data and to change data stored in the system. Records are associated with the system and e.g. stored on a drive other type data storage of a server. Records are enabled to have added elements, delete elements, show element and count elements.

The history of transfers (movements) is stored in the records, including first transfer date, no. of daily transfers, total no. of transfers, lift weight step, lift weight step 2, lift weight step 3 and contingency table. The history can be added, changed or shown.

Transfers have associate therewith civil reg. no. (e.g. social security number), the nursing assistant ID and the

Date of the transfer and the transfer details can be shown.

The smartcard has stored thereon civil reg. no., weight, height, crotch height: gut circumference: standing capacity: Rating (1-5), velocity (1-5): h/v degrees, f/b degrees, bed height, chair height, wheelchair height, and shower chair height. The data can be read, save and shown.

The patient (person to be supported) has associated with him/her: name, age and condition.

Fig. 35d is a simplified diagram of an example embodiment for the operation of the apparatus. At the start of operation the nursing assistant inserts the smartcard into the smartcard reader of the apparatus. The load preferences (movement profile) are then transferred from the Smart card to the apparatus. In the next step the nursing assistant chooses where the transfer starts from, for example from a chair or from a toilet. Thereupon the apparatus lowers the torso support to the start position. When the person to be assistant has been secured to the torso support the nursing assistant chooses the "up" command and the apparatus moves the torso support up to the desired height for the standing position as indicated in the movement profile associated with the person to be assisted. Next, the apparatus saves the data associated with the performed transfer to the smartcard. As a next step the nursing assistant may choose to lower the apparatus and selects the "down" command. Thereupon, the apparatus lowers the torso support to return it to the start position. When this transfer is complete the apparatus transfers the data associated with the performed transfer to the smartcard. The program code instructs the processor to stop the operation when the torso support has arrived at the end position, where after the programming code inserts to processor to store the sensor data captured during the support movement in the person record of the supported person. The sensor data include in an embodiment the person participation level. As a next step, the program code instructs the processor to analyze the need to adapt or improve the person profile and if necessary the processor will inform the operator of the need to adjust the person profile. Then, the assisting movement is completed and the program ends.

Figs. 36, 37 and 38 show movement profiles that have been established by assuming that the person to be assisted has his knee joint fixed during the support operation and rotates his upper leg around the knee joint and with the upper leg forming one link of a link mechanism and the upper body of the person to be supported forming another link of a link mechanism with the hip of the person to be supported forming the pivot between the two links. The curves are established by assuming that the center of gravity of the person to be supportive remains above the ankle joint during the movement form sitting to standing and vice versa. The three curves represent persons of 1,7m and 1,9 height respectively. Curves for persons in between these two values and above and under these two values can be calculated by the processor using tables or equations. These tables or equations involve in an embodiment the length of the thighbone, weight and height of the person. The movement of the knee support 11 is shown by the two positions and the travel of the knee support 1 1 is in embodiment 30mm and indicated by the number 30 in Figs. 37-39. The numbers 450 and 500 indicate for a person of 1,7m height and for a person of 1 ,9m height the length of the thighbone and spine, respectively.

The different curves are calculated for persons of different height assuming a similar distribution of the length of the links formed by the upper leg and by the upper body. Although only three curves for three persons with different heights are shown in Fig. 36, it should be noted that in an embodiment the memory associated with the processor has a much larger number of default movement profiles stored therein for persons of different heights, preferably at evenly spaced increments. The plurality of default movement profiles are stored in a memory associated with the processor as a plurality of default person types. The plurality of person types being distributed over and covering a range of person characteristics and/or traits, such as anthropometric data and degree of disability. The range of person characteristics and/or traits represents the group of persons that are typically using the apparatus for assisting them to move from a seated position to a raised position. The default profiles can be used for selecting an initial profile for a person to be supported that has not yet used the apparatus. Hereto, the operator or the processor selects a default profile that is closest to the height of the person to be supported. In an embodiment this is achieved by the process of using the person data from e.g. from the smartcard and selecting a default profile that matches the height as stored in the person profile best. Fig. 37 shows two default profiles for achieving a completely standing position and Fig. 38 shows two profiles for persons with different heights for going from a seated position to a half upright position.

Figs. 39 and 40 show another example embodiment of the apparatus 101, that is essentially identical to the apparatus 1 shown with reference to Figs. 1 to 38, except that the torso support 39 is constructed differently, namely as an object that has to be embraced by the person to be supported, i.e. the person to be supported places his/her arms around the torso support 39. The pillow of the torso support 39 that forms the surface for engaging the chest of the person to be supported can also be provided with a pillow that can be frozen in shape after the person has engaged the pillow, using the technique described above with reference to pillow 9. The torso support 39 according to this embodiment preferably also includes armrests as shown. The operation and construction of the parts of the apparatus 101 other than the torso support are in this embodiment identical to the embodiments described above.

Figs. 41 and 42 illustrate yet another example embodiment of the apparatus 101 that is largely identical to the embodiment of Figs. 1-39. In this embodiment the vertical column 105 is pivotally supported from the base 103 that comprises parallel spaced bars 10. A rotational actuator, such as an actuator including an electric drive motor and a reduction gear controls the angular position of the vertical column 105. In this example embodiment the torso support 115 is rotationally connected to a top section 116 that is attached to the upper end of the vertical column 105. The top section 116 includes a rotational actuator for rotating the torso support 115 relative to the top section 116.

In operation, vertical adjustments, i.e. height adjustments of the position of the torso support are achieved in the same way as in the embodiments according to Figs. 1-39, by activation of the linear actuator in the vertical column 105. Adjustments in the horizontal position of the torso support are achieved by rotation of the vertical column 105 about its pivot point at the base 103 as obtained by the rotational actuator.

Fig. 43 shows another embodiment of the apparatus 1, wherein the torso support is swapped with a stretcher 80 that can assume a seat like configuration with the stretcher in a seat like configuration. The stretcher 80 is releasably attached to the free end of the horizontal column 7. The stretcher 80 can be moved by the apparatus 1 using the actuators in the vertical column 5 and the horizontal column 7 is in the embodiments described above. The rotational actuator can also tilt the stretcher 80 if needed. With the stretcher releasably attached to the apparatus, the apparatus 1 can be used to transport the patient that needs full support of the stretcher, i.e. a patient that cannot stand even with the assistance of the torso support. Since the apparatus is in an embodiment wheeled, the apparatus can be used to transport such patients/persons 30. Fig. 44 shows the apparatus 1 and the stretcher 80 a stretcher in a stretched position, and the person 30 to be transported laying on his/her back on the stretcher 80. Fig. 45 shows the apparatus 1, with a seat 90, preferably the toilet seat 90 with an opening in the central portion of the seat releasably attached to the free end of the horizontal column 7. The apparatus one can be used to lower end raise the toilet seat with or without the person patient 30 on the toilet seat, using the actuator in the vertical column 5 and the rotational actuator can be used to tilt the toilet seat 90, with or without the person/patient 30 on the toilet seat 90. The actuator in the vertical column 7 can also be used to make adjustments of the position of the toilet seat 90 in the horizontal direction. Because the apparatus 1 in an embodiment can be wheeled, it is possible to transport a patient/person 32 and from a toilet with the aid of the apparatus 1. The torso support 8, the stretcher 80 and the toilet seat 90 are releasably attached to the free end of the horizontal column 7 at the rotational actuator, e.g. to the frame 36 with a quick coupling or snap fit coupling that it is easy for operating personnel to change the patient support attachment 8,80,90. Thus, the actuator arrangement is configured to have one of the patient support attachments releasably attached thereto. In an embodiment the apparatus one is provided with at least two different patient support attachments that can be releasably attached to the free end of the actuator arrangement of the apparatus 1.Although the apparatus has been shown as a movable lift, it can be adapted to be either floor-, wall- or toilet mounted by suitable fastening means well-known in the art and therefore not illustrated here.

Although the embodiments above are disclosed using a smart card and a smart card reader, it is understood that any other suitable identification means, such as near field communication, input via the user ID, fingerprint, etc. can equally be used. Although the teaching of this application has been described in detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the teaching of this application. The term "comprising" as used in the claims does not exclude other elements or steps. The term "a" or "an" as used in the claims does not exclude a plurality. The single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several means recited in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for moving a person or for assisting or training a person with various movements, said apparatus comprising: a base; a person support configured for supporting the person to be moved, assisted or trained; an actuator arrangement supported by said base; said actuator arrangement being configured to be able to move said person support up and down over a range of vertical positions and said actuator arrangement being configured to be able to move said person support back and forth over a range of horizontal positions; wherein said actuator arrangement is configured to move said person support in said vertical range of positions independently of the horizontal position of the person support; and wherein said actuator arrangement is configured to move said person support in said horizontal range of positions independently of the vertical position of the person support; a processor configured to control movement of said actuator arrangement, wherein said actuator arrangement comprises a first linear actuator with an elongated shape, said first linear actuator being supported at a first of its two ends by said base and extending substantially vertically from said base, and a second linear actuator with an elongated shape, said second linear actuator being supported by the second of the two ends of the first linear actuator and said second linear actuator extending in a substantially horizontal direction; said person support being supported by the free end of said second linear actuator.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a user interface is connected to said processor, said user interface comprising input means for manually adjusting the horizontal position of said person support independently of the vertical position of said person support and said user interface comprising input means for manually adjusting the vertical position of said actuator arrangement independently of the horizontal position of said person support.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said user interface further comprises a display screen for displaying information to an operator of the apparatus.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said user interface further comprises a display screen for displaying information to the person to be supported.

5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said user interface further comprises a touch screen.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said user interface comprises a dedicated input means for adjusting the horizontal position of said person support comprises a key or a button or a slider.

7. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said person support is a torso support configured for supporting the torso and possibly also the underarms of the person to be a supported with the chest of the person facing the torso support, and wherein said torso support has a main engagement surface for engaging the chest of the person to be assisted.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said torso support is operatively connected to the free end of said second actuator by a rotational actuator that is configured to rotate the torso support around a substantially horizontal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second linear actuator.

9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first linear actuator and/or said second linear actuator comprise a telescopic column.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said telescopic column comprises a spindle drive.

11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said telescopic column comprises two spindle drives arranged in series.

12. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said telescopic column comprises a proximate section, a middle section and a distal section, said proximate sections being connected to the extremities of said two spindle drives arranged in series and said middle section being connected where the one spindle drive is connected to the other spindle drive.

13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a rotational actuator for rotating said person support.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said rotational actuator is configured to rotate said torso support about a horizontal axis that is substantially parallel with the main engagement surface of the torso support.

15. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 14, wherein said linear actuator comprises a spindle drive configured for adjusting the length of said telescopic column.

16. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 1 or 14, wherein said linear actuator comprises two spindle drives arranged in series for adjusting the length of said telescopic column.

17. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said telescopic column is arranged substantially upright with one of its ends supported by said base.

18. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said telescopic column is pivotally supported by said base and wherein said apparatus comprise and actuator for adjusting the angular position of said telescopic column relative to said base moving said torso support in a substantially horizontal direction.

19. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said telescopic column comprises a plurality of concentric and telescopically arranged column sections.

20. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said telescopic column comprises a further actuator for rotating said torso support about a horizontal axis.

21. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said actuator arrangement comprises a linear actuator comprising a telescopic column with several telescopically arranged sections and at least two spindle drives, wherein said spindle drives are arranged in series.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the each of said spindles comprises a spindle and a nut with either the spindle being stationary and the nut being rotatable or the spindle being rotatable and the nut being stationary, whereby the rotatable component of the one spindle drive drives the rotatable part of the other spindle drive.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the one rotatable part drives the other rotatable part via meshing gears.

24. An apparatus according claim 22, wherein the one component is driven by a reversible electric drive motor, either directly or via a reduction gear.

25. An apparatus according any of the preceding claims 22 to 24, wherein the nut in one of the spindle drives is a tubular component with tread extending over a substantial axial length and the spindle has a threaded axial length that is much smaller than that of the nut.

26. An apparatus according claims 21 to 25, wherein the longitudinal axis of the spindle of the one actuator extends parallel and is displaced over a distance relative to the longitudinal axis of the spindle of the other actuator.

27. An apparatus according claims 21 to 26, wherein said spindle actuator is received inside a telescopic column with at least three telescopically arranged column sections.

28. An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said telescopic column comprises a proximal section, a middle section and a distal section, said proximate sections being connected to the extremities of said two spindle drives arranged in series and said middle section being connected where the one spindle drive is connected to the other spindle drive.

29. An apparatus according claim 27, wherein said telescopic sections comprise a proximal section at one longitudinal end of said telescopic column, a middle section in the middle of said telescopic column and a distal section the other longitudinal end of said telescopic column, said proximal section being connected to one en of said one spindle drive, the middle section being secured to said other end of said one spindle drive and to said first end of said other spindle drive and said distal section being connected to the other end of said other spindle drive.

30. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claim, wherein said actuator arrangement and said patient support attachment are configured to have said patient support attachment releasably attached to said free and movable end.

31. An apparatus according to claim 30, comprising at least two different patient support attachments that are each suitable for releasable attachment to said free end of the actuator arrangement.

32. An apparatus according to any one of claims 31 or 32, wherein one of the attachments is a torso support configured for supporting the torso and possibly also the underarms of the person to be a supported with the chest of the person facing the torso support.

33. An apparatus according to many of the preceding claims, wherein said apparatus comprises a person identification system coupled to said processor and configured for identifying a person to be assisted.

34. An apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said person identification system comprises a reader connected to said processor and an identification device associated with said person to be assisted, said identification device being readable by said reader.

35. An apparatus according to claim 33 or 34, comprising a chip card reader connected to said processor and a chip card associated with the person to be assisted, or a RFID reader and an RFID tag associated with said person to be assisted, or a keyboard connected to said processor and a code associated with the person to be assisted, or a short range wireless adaptor connected to said processor and a short range wireless adaptor connected to a device associated with the person to be assisted.

36. An apparatus according to claim 33, 34 or 35, wherein said identification device associated with the person to be assisted holds data specific for said person to be assisted informing said processor how to operate the apparatus when assisting the person to assisted with the apparatus.

37. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 33 to 36, wherein said processor is configured to operate said actuator arrangement on the basis of information associated with an identified person to be assisted.

38. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 33 to 37, wherein said processor is configured to move said torso support from a start position corresponding to a seated position of said identified person to an end position that corresponds to a standing position of said identified person along a path that is specific for the identified person and with a velocity profile that is specific for said identified person.

39. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 33 to 38, wherein said apparatus is provided with a user interface connected to said processor, said user interface being configured for use by an operator of said apparatus, and, said person identification system is configured to identify the person to be assisted via said user interface.

40. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a person specific movement profile that is associated with a person to be assisted and stored on a memory that is accessible to said processor; and wherein said processor being configured to move said actuator arrangement in accordance with said person specific movement profile.

41. An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said person specific movement profile includes information for the path to be followed and the speed profile to be used in a moving operation.

42. An apparatus according to any one of claims 40 or 41, wherein a plurality or range of default movement profiles are stored in a memory coupled to said processor.

43. An apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein said processor is configured to create an initial profile for using the first time that a person to ne assisted uses the apparatus, said initial profile being created by the processor on the basis of characteristics and/or traits of said person to be assisted, such as anthropometric data and/or degree of disability.

44. An apparatus according to claim 43, wherein said processor is configured to selected said initial profile from said plurality of default profiles,

45. An apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 44, wherein said processor is configured to move said torso support in accordance with said personal movement profile from a start position corresponding to a seated position of said identified person to an end position that corresponds to a standing position of said identified person along a path that is specific for the person to be person to be assisted and with a velocity profile that is specific for said person to be assisted.

46. An apparatus according to any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein said default profiles are obtained from measurements on a plurality of test persons of different height and wherein said patient profile at comprises patient height and said processor is configured to select the default profile that is associate with a height that is closest to the identified person height.

47. An apparatus according to any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein said plurality of default movement profiles are stored in a memory associated with said processor as a plurality of default person types, said plurality of person types being distributed over and covering a range of person characteristics and/or traits, such as anthropometric data and degree of disability.

48. An apparatus according to any one of claims 42 to 47, wherein said processor is configured to receiving an input from an operator for selecting an appropriate default/initial profile for a person that is to use the apparatus for the first time.

49. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, the apparatus comprising one or more sensors connected to said processor and said one or more sensors being configured for sensing the load on said torso support and/or on said footplate.

50. An apparatus according to claim 49, further comprising a knee support and a sensor configured to sense the load on said knee support.

51. An apparatus according to claim 49 or 50, further comprising a display connected to said processor, and said processor being configured to determine to which extent said person participates with their own effort during a movement and wherein said processor preferably displays the results of the determination of the extent that said person participates with their own effort to move on said display.

52. An apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein a memory is connected to said processor, said memory being configured for storing movement profiles associated with a specific person, said movement profiles including information for the path to be followed and the speed profile to be used in a moving operation,

53. An apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein said processor is configured to reduce the movement speed in the person profile for parts of the movement where the load on the torso support exceeds a general or patient-specific threshold.

54. An apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 53, wherein said processor is configured to monitoring the load on the torso support and/or on the footplate and the processor is configured to using the load information to determining the self-effort in the movement of the person to be assisted.

55. An apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 54, wherein said processor is configured to storing said self-effort in a person journal and/or to provide the person to be assisted with visual or audio feedback on his/her self-effort.

56. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 7 to 55, wherein said main engagement surface being formed by a chest pillow that is configured to has a pliable state in which said chest pillow can adapt its shape to the shape of the chest of a person to be supported; and wherein said chest pillow is configured to have a state wherein the shape of the pillow is unpliable so that the chest pillow can maintain its shape for supporting the person to be supported.

57. An apparatus according to claim 56, wherein said apparatus comprises a processor and wherein said processor is operatively connected to said chest pillow and wherein said processor is configured to control the state of said chest pillow.

58. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein said chest pillow comprises a bladder filled with a large number of small spheres, and wherein said bladder is connected to a vacuum pump that is controlled by said processor.

59. An apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said processor is configured to allow atmospheric pressure in said bladder when a person to be supported engages the chest pillow, and thereafter to apply and maintain a below atmospheric-pressure in said bladder during a movement of said apparatus.

60. An apparatus according to any one of claims 56 to 59, wherein said torso support comprises arm rests for supporting the underarm and/or elbow of the person to be supported, each of said armrests being provided with an underarm engagement pillow that is configured to has a pliable state in which said underarm pillow can adapt its shape to the shape of the underarm a person to be supported, and each of said underarm pillows is configured to have a state wherein the shape of the underarm pillow is unpliable so that the underarm pillow can maintain its shape for supporting the person to be supported during a movement.

61. An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said underarm pillows each have a bladder filled with a large number of small spheres, and wherein said bladders in said underarm pillows and in said chest pillow are connected to said vacuum pump.

62. An apparatus according to any one of claims 56 to 61, wherein said actuator is configured to move said torso support in said vertical range of positions independently of the horizontal position of the torso support; and wherein said actuator is configured to move said torso support in said horizontal range of positions independently of the vertical position of the torso support.

63. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a rotational actuator is operatively connected to said torso support for rotating said torso support about a substantially horizontal pivot axis.

64. An apparatus according to claim 63, wherein said pivot axis is substantially parallel to said main engagement surface.

65. An apparatus according to claim 63 or 64, wherein the actuator arrangement including said rotational actuator is connected to a processor and operated under command of said processor.

66. An apparatus according to any one of claims 63 to 65, wherein the rotational angle of said torso support can be adjusted independently of the horizontal position of the torso support and independently of the vertical position of the torso support.

67. An apparatus according to any one of claims 63 to 66, wherein said rotational actuator comprises an electric drive motor.

68. An apparatus according to any one of claims 63 to 67, wherein said actuator arrangement comprises two linear actuators with an electric drive motor each, said apparatus further comprising a processor operatively coupled to all of said electric drive motors and said processor being configured to control the activation of said drive motors simultaneously.

69. A method for operating a person lift that is provided with a processor and with an arrangement for engaging, supporting or lifting a person to be assisted and with an actuator arrangement, said actuator arrangement being configured to carry out a movement with a person specific movement profile under the command from said processor, and a person identification module coupled to said processor, said method comprising: identifying the person to be moved, lifted or assisted with said person identification module, retrieving said desired person specific movement profile for said identified person to be assisted, and performing a movement with said actuator arrangement in accordance with said retrieved desired person specific movement profile under command of said processor.

70. A method according to claim 69, wherein identifying the person to be assisted comprises reading information from an identification device associated with said person to be assisted

71. A method according to claim 69, wherein said processor retrieves said desired person specific movement profile from an internal- or external memory or from database or from an identification device associated with the person to be assisted.

72. A method according to claim 71, the method comprising retrieving or determining said desired person specific movement profile for said person to be assisted, and performing a movement with said actuator arrangement in accordance with said retrieved desired person specific movement profile under command of said processor.

73. A method according to claim 72, wherein said person specific profile is transferred to a memory coupled to said processor form an identification device associated with the person to be assisted.

74. A method according to any one of claims 72 or 73, wherein said processor receives said person specific profile from: a chip card that is entered in a slot and chip card reader of the apparatus and connected to said processor, or

from a user interface connected to said processor, or

from a remote computer or server via a network connection.

75. A method according to any one of claims 70 to 74, further comprising choosing a suitable profile from a plurality of stored default profiles.

76. A method according to any one of claims 70 to 75, further comprising said processor calculating a suitable profile by using said data relating to said person to be assisted, preferably by using an equation that approximates an optimal movement profile.

77. A method according to any one of claims 70 to 76, further comprising obtaining data relating to said person to be assisted using a person identification system connected to said processor.

78. A method according to any one of claims 70 to 77, further comprising obtaining said person's specifics data via a user interface connected to said processor.

79. A method according to any one of claims 70 to 78, wherein said default profiles are obtained from measurements on a plurality of test persons of different height and/or stature and wherein said patient profile comprises patient height and said processor is configured to select the default profile that is associated with a height that is closest to the identified person's height.

80. A method according to claim 79 wherein said test person's movement profiles are established by measuring the movement path of their shoulder from a seated position to a fully or partly raised position.

81. A method according to any one of claims 70 to 80, further comprising giving an operator an opportunity to may amendments to said person specific profile before said processor carries out said movement.

82. A method according to any one of claims 70 to 81, said lift further comprising one or more sensors connected to said processor and said one or more sensors being configured for sensing the load on said torso support and/or on said footplate, said actuator arrangement being configured to carry out a movement for assisting said person to be assisted under the command from said processor, said method comprising: performing a movement with said actuator arrangement with said person supported by the lift under command of said processor, and monitoring the load on said arrangement for engaging, supporting or lifting a person to be assisted.

83. A method according to claim 82, further comprising determining the self-participation of the person to be assisted in said moment using the load information.

84. A method according to claim 83, further comprising communicating said self- participation to said person or to an operator of said apparatus, preferably using audio/visual feedback.

85. A method according to claim 83 or 84, further comprising determining storing and/or transmitting data representing said self-participation.