Patent ID: 7802328

Claim:
A hoist device for lifting persons, the hoist device including: a. a hoist sling having a sling attachment thereon from which the hoist sling can be supported, the sling attachment having an aperture defined therein, b. a sling holder configured to hold the sling attachment of the hoist sling, the sling holder thereby supporting the hoist sling from the sling attachment with the aperture fitting over at least a portion of the sling holder, c. a reference object included on one of the sling attachment and the sling holder, d. a sensor included on one of the sling attachment and the sling holder, wherein the sensor: (1) detects the presence of the reference object, and (2) provides an output signal indicative of proper sling installation when the sling attachment and the sling holder are connected with the sling holder stably holding the sling attachment.