Patents by Inventor Douglas C. Ambach

Douglas C. Ambach 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).

  • Patent number: 6149128
    Abstract: A gas valve apparatus is configured to receive a gas specific adapter. The apparatus includes a gas valve body having a first keying mechanism, and a cap coupled to the gas valve body. The cap includes a keyed front face having a gas outlet configured to receive the gas specific adapter. The cap also includes a second keying mechanism configured to mate with the first keying mechanism on the gas valve body to permit the cap to be coupled to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Michael Buccieri, Edward W. Catton, Teddy L. Johnson, John D. Vogel, James N. Grote, Douglas C. Ambach, Gary L. Najmon, Nicholas C. Batta, Thomas J. Slanker, Dale A. Nobbe, Richard E. Hoffman, Kenneth M. Merkel, Donald L. Mobley, Chris L. Hildenbrand, Scott McCormick
  • Patent number: 6073285
    Abstract: A mobile support unit such as an IV stand or the like coupled to a mobile hospital bed, gurney or wheelchair by a latch mechanism which provides hands free operation thereby avoiding the need for a nurse or care provider to manually manipulate the latch to secure the units together for tandem transport. Further, the latch mechanism according to this invention includes a clutch which prevents relative movement of the IV stand or support unit with respect to the hospital bed during transport up to a specific adjustable torque level thereby avoiding the problem of the IV stand or support unit swinging freely relative to the bed during movement. Further, the clutch permits movement of the IV stand or support unit through an arc relative to the bed when a specified force is applied as required by the nurse or care provider to reposition the stand or support unit relative to the bed and provide increased access to the patient or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventors: Douglas C. Ambach, Timothy M. Sellers, Michael L. Burns, Dennis M. Lanci, Christopher D. Bryan, Stephen C. Robinson, Joshua R. Uth
  • Patent number: 6019481
    Abstract: A light fixture apparatus including a support frame, a light box coupled to the support frame and a hollow housing portion coupled to the support frame alongside the light box. An opening is provided in the housing and a horizontal electrical outlet is in the housing portion opposite the opening. The housing portion includes the first cover pivotally coupled to the support frame at a first end and spaced from the support frame at a second end to form the opening. A second cover is secured in the housing to enclose the wiring of the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Ambach, Dale A. Nobbe
  • Patent number: 5898961
    Abstract: A mobile support unit such as an IV stand or the like coupled to a mobile hospital bed, gurney or wheelchair by a latch mechanism which provides hands free operation thereby avoiding the need for a nurse or care provider to manually manipulate the latch to secure the units together for tandem transport. Further, the latch mechanism according to this invention includes a clutch which prevents relative movement of the IV stand or support unit with respect to the hospital bed during transport up to a specific adjustable torque level thereby avoiding the problem of the IV stand or support unit swinging freely relative to the bed during movement. Further, the clutch permits movement of the IV stand or support unit through an arc relative to the bed when a specified force is applied as required by the nurse or care provider to reposition the IV stand or support unit relative to the bed and provide increased access to the patient or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Ambach, Timothy M. Sellers, Michael L. Burns, Dennis M. Lanci, Christopher D. Bryan, Stephen C. Robinson, Joshua R. Uth
  • Patent number: 5890326
    Abstract: A head wall apparatus includes a support configured to be coupled to a wall, and a front panel coupled to the support to define an interior region of the head wall. The front panel includes an elongated opening. The apparatus also includes a gas block having an inlet and an outlet, and a shield configured to extend over the opening. The shield defines a track for slidably coupling the gas block to the head wall. The shield is configured to block access to the interior region of the head wall. A gas supply line located in the interior region of the head wall is coupled to the inlet of the gas block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Linda A. Hillier, Dale A. Nobbe, Ares Marasligiller, Michael Buccieri, Douglas C. Ambach