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).

  • Bumper apparatus for a hospital bed
    Patent number: 6564409
    Abstract: A bumper apparatus for a patient support including a body pivotally coupled to the patient support. A biasing mechanism is configured to align a longitudinal axis of the body in a generally horizontal position extending away from the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, David W. Hensley
  • Hospital bed mechanisms
    Patent number: 6505365
    Abstract: A mechanism for raising and lowering the height of a patient support surface of a bed which includes a threaded shaft upon which a pulley support is raised and lowered and a chain and pulley system which transfers vertical displacement of the pulley support to the patient support surface. An articulating perimeter frame for supporting a patient on a bed frame which includes a plurality of extruded elongate members which are coupled together by hinges and corner members. The perimeter frame receives and supports inserts which receive head, seat and foot mattress sections. A pivotal push handle/tray combination that is pivotally coupled to the end posts of a bed and includes a mechanism for locking the handle/tray combination into one of a plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Hanson, John P. Biondo, Darrell L. Metz, Dennis E. Geiling, James J. Saar
  • Gap filler for bed
    Publication number: 20020170113
    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: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, John P. Biondo, Tanya Taber, Gregory W. Branson
  • Gap filler for bed
    Patent number: 6427264
    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 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, John P. Biondo, Tanya Taber, Gregory W. Branson
  • Motorized traction device for a patient support
    Publication number: 20020088055
    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: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    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
  • Bumper apparatus for a hospital bed
    Publication number: 20020083526
    Abstract: A bumper apparatus for a patient support including a body pivotally coupled to the patient support. A biasing mechanism is configured to align a longitudinal axis of the body in a generally horizontal position extending away from the patient support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, David W. Hensley
  • Medical accessory support
    Publication number: 20020047075
    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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, John P. Biondo