Patents by Inventor Darrell L. Metz

Darrell L. Metz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • LIFT SYSTEM FOR A PATIENT-SUPPORT APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20080148486
    Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck coupled to first and second lift systems configured to lift the patient-support deck relative to the floor. The lift systems each include a pair of supports and a carriage coupled to the patient-support deck and suspended from the supports by tethers which are wound and unwound to raise and lower the patient-support deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: HILL-ROM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Hornbach, Darrell L. Metz, Terry J. Stratman
  • Load cell interface for a bed having a stud receiver with a roller axis parallel with an axis of a load cell stud
    Patent number: 7335839
    Abstract: A load cell apparatus has a load cell adapted to couple to a first structure. The load cell comprises a load cell body and a sensor. The sensor provides an output signal indicative of an amount of weight applied to the load cell. A stud extends away from the load cell body. The load cell apparatus has a stud receiver including a space in which a portion of the stud is received. At least one roller is coupled to one of the stud receiver and a second structure and contacts the other of the stud receiver and the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, Gregory J. Figel
  • Apparatus and method for mounting hospital bed accessories
    Patent number: 7293305
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a set of siderails configured to block egress of a patient from the patient support. A siderail through use of an adapter is configured to reduce gaps defined between the siderails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, Terry J. Stratman, David J. Ulrich, Francis C. Ganance
  • Motorized traction device for a patient support
    Patent number: 7195253
    Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably coupled to an input system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hill Rom Services, Inc
    Inventors: John David Vogel, Thomas W. Hanson, Craig Crandall, Joseph A. Kummer, Michael M. Frondorf, David P. Lubbers, Ronald P. Kappeler, Bradley T. Wilson, Darrell L. Metz, Doug K. Smith, Jeffrey A. Ruschke, John Vodzak, Terry J. Stratman, Eric W. Oberhaus
  • Load cell to frame interface for hospital bed
    Patent number: 7176391
    Abstract: A load cell apparatus has a load cell adapted to couple to a first structure. The load cell comprises a load cell body and a sensor. The sensor provides an output signal indicative of an amount of weight applied to the load cell. A stud extends away from the load cell body. The load cell apparatus has a stud receiver including a space in which a portion of the stud is received. A set of rollers are coupled to one of the stud receiver and a second structure and contact the other of the stud receiver and the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, Gregory J. Figel
  • Gap filler for bed
    Patent number: 7107636
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a gap filler is provided for a bed that includes first and second barriers. The gap filler is configured to substantially fill a gap defined between the first and second barriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, John P. Biondo, Tanya Taber, Gregory W. Branson
  • Apparatus and method for mounting hospital bed accessories
    Patent number: 7100222
    Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a set of siderails configured to block egress of a patient from the patient support. The siderails through use of adapters are configured to reduce gaps defined between the siderails and the other components of the patient support. The adapters may also be used to couple other medical accessories to the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, Terry J. Stratman, David J. Ulrich, Francis C. Ganance
  • Motorized traction device for a patient support
    Patent number: 7090041
    Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably coupled to an input system. The input system controls the speed and direction of the propulsion device such that a caregiver can direct the patient support to a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Vogel, Thomas W. Hanson, Craig Crandall, Joseph A. Kummer, Michael M. Frondorf, David P. Lubbers, Ronald P. Kappeler, Bradley T. Wilson, Darrell L. Metz, Doug K. Smith, Jeffrey A. Ruschke, John Vodzak, Terry J. Stratman, Eric W. Oberhaus
  • Motorized traction device for a patient support
    Patent number: 7083012
    Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably coupled to an input system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Service, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Vogel, Thomas W. Hanson, Craig Crandall, Joseph A. Kummer, Michael M. Frondorf, David P. Lubbers, Ronald P. Kappeler, Bradley T. Wilson, Darrell L. Metz, Doug K. Smith, Jeffrey A. Ruschke, John Vodzak, Terry J. Stratman, Eric W. Oberhaus
  • Medical accessory support
    Patent number: 6966086
    Abstract: An accessory support apparatus for use with a patient support includes a handle positioned adjacent an end of the patient support. A coupler is configured to couple the handle to the patient support. An accessory is coupled to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, John P. Biondo
  • Motorized traction device for a patient support
    Patent number: 6877572
    Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably coupled to an input system. The input system controls the speed and direction of the propulsion device such that a caregiver can direct the patient support to a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Vogel, Thomas W. Hanson, Craig Crandall, Joseph A. Kummer, Michael M. Frondorf, David P. Lubbers, Ronald P. Kappeler, Bradley T. Wilson, Darrell L. Metz, Doug K. Smith, Jeffrey A. Ruschke, John Vodzak, Terry J. Stratman, Eric W. Oberhaus
  • Medical device support assembly
    Patent number: 6834840
    Abstract: A medical device support assembly is provided including a base pole, an adjustment pole, and a coupling configured to couple the adjustment pole to the base pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, Kenneth Merkel, Matthew Visca, Roger Hildwein, Jack E. Smith
  • Gap filler for bed
    Publication number: 20040172753
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a gap filler is provided for a bed that includes first and second barriers. The gap filler is configured to substantially fill a gap defined between the first and second barriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, John P. Biondo, Tanya Taber, Gregory W. Branson
  • Motorized traction device for a patient support
    Publication number: 20040163175
    Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably coupled to an input system. The input system controls the speed and direction of the propulsion device such that a caregiver can direct the patient support to a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Vogel, Thomas W. Hanson, Craig Crandall, Joseph A. Kummer, Michael M. Frondorf, David P. Lubbers, Ronald P. Kappeler, Bradley T. Wilson, Darrell L. Metz, Doug K. Smith, Jeffrey A. Ruschke, John Vodzak, Terry J. Stratman, Eric W. Oberhaus
  • Motorized traction device for a patient support
    Publication number: 20040159473
    Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably coupled to an input system. The input system controls the speed and direction of the propulsion device such that a caregiver can direct the patient support to a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Vogel, Thomas W. Hanson, Craig Crandall, Joseph A. Kummer, Michael M. Frondorf, David P. Lubbers, Ronald P. Kappeler, Bradley T. Wilson, Darrell L. Metz, Doug K. Smith, Jeffrey A. Ruschke, John Vodzak, Terry J. Stratman, Eric W. Oberhaus
  • Motorized traction device for a patient support
    Patent number: 6749034
    Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion system for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably connected to an input system. The input system controls the speed and direction of the propulsion device such that a caregiver can direct the patient support to a desired location. The propulsion device includes a traction device that is moveable between a storage position spaced apart from the floor and a use position in contact with the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Vogel, Thomas W. Hanson, Craig Crandall, Joseph A. Kummer, Michael M. Frondorf, David P. Lubbers, Ronald P. Kappeler, Bradley T. Wilson, Darrell L. Metz, Doug K. Smith, Jeffrey A. Ruschke, John Vodzak, Terry J. Stratman, Eric W. Oberhaus
  • Gap filler for bed
    Patent number: 6704954
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a gap filler is provided for a bed that includes first and second barriers. The gap filler is configured to substantially fill a gap defined between the first and second barriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, John P. Biondo, Tanya Taber, Gregory W. Branson
  • Medical accessory support
    Publication number: 20030230687
    Abstract: An accessory support apparatus for use with a patient support includes a handle positioned adjacent an end of the patient support. A coupler is configured to couple the handle to the patient support. An accessory is coupled to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, John P. Biondo
  • Medical accessory support
    Patent number: 6585206
    Abstract: An accessory support apparatus for use with a patient support includes a body including a plurality of accessory couplers. A coupler is configured to couple the body to the patient support for pivotable movement about an axis of rotation. A latch is configured to lock the body selectively in one of a plurality of different positions relative to the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, John P. Biondo
  • Hospital bed mechanisms
    Publication number: 20030093862
    Abstract: A bed includes a pivotable push handle coupled between posts located at an end of the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Hanson, John P. Biondo, Darrell L. Metz, Dennis E. Geiling, James J. Saar