The times., 1899-05-07
1.-THE TRANSFER LIFT
1t IL a New Device for Moving Inva-
lids Comfortably


lids Comfortably.
The newest of comfort loving inventions
for travelling invalid is a transfer lift.
In it the Hest patient can be moved with
out discomfort, direct from bed to train or
steamer. This lift consists OF heavy but
soft duck sheet, which, after being slipped
under the invalid, in the same manner that
fresh sheets are put on their beds, is fas-
tened in an iron frame which is suspended
TO curved iron post on rolling pedestal.
This has sort of cord and tackle arrange
ment. by which the sheet and its load is
gently raised from the bed and, il need be.
rolled across the room. The carrying
couch or bed is then placed under the pa
tient, the sheet is detached from its frame
and the invalid has experienced none OF
the discomforts felt as when the transfer
was made by lifting in the arms of one or
more persons, or by dragging on the mat
tress, as was heretofore done The carry
ing couch or bed is also new and a vast
improvement on the old-time stretcher. 1t
is wide enough for any purpose OF lifting.
and may be made wider by simply raising
the sides. In this way it makes thor
oughly comfortable bed that might be used
in staterooms or palace cars, il such was
necessary. 1t has comfortably long legs
:
is not in use or when it is desirable that
it should occupy the smallest possible
space.
Where the journey can be made, or at
least begun, sitting up, there is an almost
unlimited number of carrying chairs and
lifts. OF these the lift is the latest and
best. 1t is a sort Of a canvas strap, very
wide, of course. with handles for the bear
ers and strip to support the back. Its
a II. n
space it occupies in the baggage. and its
comfort for the person being transferred.
Once on the train. there are no end of
comfort-gi contrivances. Rubber air
| mattresses, more comfortable than down,
almost If not entirely counteract the jars
of the railroad for the invalids who must
| lie fiat on their backs. While for those
| who can recline or sit up. there are air
cushions and patented props which can be
| raised or lowered to suit the conveniences
of the sick person, and when not in use
folded and stored away with as much ease
| as towel. The newest arrangement for
| reading or writing is an adjustable desk
| designed TO screw to the arm of the seat or
| edge of the bed. This has non explosive
| lamp with q pulpit hood, and to prevent
all chances of fire. this lamp is so arranged
that it is instantly extinguished by fall
or jar. These reading and writing desks
i
conveniences invalid plates are sold with
them. These plates are to be had i'll any
quality of porcelain or china and some OF
them are beautifully decorated. They are
about the size OF large dinner plate and
divided into five compartments. four with
little dishes, as it were, around the outer
edge of one side. while the centre and one
side are fiat and undivided. like the ordi-
nary plate. 1t is in this part that the foot
is cut, and from which it is eaten.
There is a new shaped water bag-lone
and round, like big sausage-which is i:
claimed is more convenient for travellers as
well as much more comfortable. Then ther.
are basins of sheet rubber in silveres
folding frames. These can be had in any
number of sizes, and are certainly conyen-
lent for other than invalids. Another new
article OF rubber is an air cushion with
back and arms. This is used, it is need
less to say, by invalids who tire from sit
ting so long in one position or in one chair
Not content with all these arrangement.
for the invalid's comfort while actuall,
travelling, there is new device for them Il
take the air. 1t is the chair or couch cy.
Gle. This consists of an adjustable rollins
chair with cycle attachment This at
tachment can be removed when not in us,
and the chair becomes like other rolling
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