Patent ID: 7437782
Filing Date: 2008-10-21
Classification: A61G,B66D,B66F

Abstract:
1. A load sensing safety device for a patient lift having a boom, the device comprising: a pulley shaft carrying a pulley, which, in turn, carries a belt that effectuates movement of the patient lift boom; a support block supporting the pulley shaft for vertical movement; a biasing element applying a spring force against the pulley shaft to move the pulley shaft in a first direction; and a switch that opens and closes responsive to movement of the pulley shaft, whereby the switch opens when the pulley shaft is moved to a first position by movement of the biasing element in the first direction, wherein the support block has a bore, which extends downwardly, partially through the support block for receiving the biasing element, and an elongate hole, which extends laterally through the support block, for receiving the pulley shaft, the bore communicating with the hole and the biasing element being situated in the bore so as to apply the spring force against the pulley shaft to cause the pulley shaft to move in the first direction.