US Patent 7802328 Hoist device with sling attachment detection

A hoist device for lifting persons, said hoist device comprising holding means (27); and a hoist sling comprising attachment means (37), said attachment means (37) being connectable to the holding means (27). Any of the attachment means (37) and the holding means (27) comprises a reference object (8), and any of the attachment means (37) and the holding means (27) comprises sensing means (7) configured to detect the reference object (8), for determining if the attachment means (37) are properly connected to the holding means (27).