Patents by Inventor Neal Wiggermann

Neal Wiggermann 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).

  • Skin Injury Resistant Occupant Support Structures and Methods for Resisting Skin Injuries
    Publication number: 20200038269
    Abstract: An occupant support structure for supporting an occupant includes an orientation adjustable torso section, a lower body section, and a control system. The lower body section includes a heel region subsection which supports the heel region of an occupant of the occupant support. The control system is adapted to A) cause the heel region subsection to temporarily substantially disengage from the heel region of the occupant in response to a change of angular orientation of the torso section which begins at a time t0, and B) cause the heel region subsection to subsequently re-engage with the heel region of the occupant, the re-engagement occurring at a time tB which is later than t0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Charles A. Lachenbruch, Neal Wiggermann, Darrell L. Borgman, Eric R. Meyer
  • Incontinence detection pad manufacturing method
    Patent number: 10500105
    Abstract: An incontinence detection system monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. The system has a pad that includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. Portions of the system are included in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin M. Monson, Todd P. O'Neal, David L. Ribble, Dan R. Tallent, John D. Christie, Kirsten M. Emmons, Yongji Fu, Michael S. Hood, Douglas A. Seim, Ryan S. Severns, James D. Voll, Gregory Wiley, Steven A. Dixon, Bryan Weidman, Eric D. Benz, Brett Knittle, Marwan Nusair, Neal Wiggermann, John V. Harmeyer
  • Customized bed exit warnings to modify patient behavior
    Patent number: 10504353
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a support surface, and a sensor. The frame cooperates with the support surface to support a patient. The sensor is coupled to one of the frame and the support surface and is configured to provide an input signal indicative of a characteristic associated with the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal Wiggermann, Robert M Zerhusen, Richard H Heimbrock
  • ADJUSTABLE LITHOTOMY POSITIONING APPARATUS WITH A LIMB REST
    Publication number: 20190254905
    Abstract: A limb support comprises a spar, a limb rest, and a coupler. The spar is configured to be supported from a patient support apparatus and adjustable relative to the patient support and has a longitudinal axis. The coupler includes a release that is selectively actuable to release locking mechanisms to permit adjustment of the limb rest relative to the spar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Timothy A. LANE, II, Joshua J. MORIARTY, David C. NEWKIRK, Neal WIGGERMANN, David J. HITCHCOCK, Zachary S. THEOHARIDIS, Jessica PIMENTAL, Michael DIODATO, Michael NORDLING, Hung NGUYEN, Martin HAENEL
  • REUSABLE WARMING BLANKET WITH PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20190240066
    Abstract: A warming device may include a batting layer having a phase change material. The batting layer may have a patient side and an upper side. A hot melt fabric adhesive may be applied to the patient side and upper side of the batting. A first fabric layer may be adhered to the hot melt fabric on the patient side of the batting. The first fabric layer may have a phase change material integrated coating. An insulation layer may be adhered to the hot melt fabric on the upper side of the batting. A second fabric layer may be coupled to the insulation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Michael S. HOOD, Charles A. LACHENBRUCH, David L. BEDEL, Robert J. LAWRENCE, Darrell L. BORGMAN, Varad N. SRIVASTAVA, Neal WIGGERMANN, Kirsten M. EMMONS, Frank E. SAUSER, Holly L. BENGEL, Logan COBLER, Kayla STEVENS, Justine PRINGLE, Ryan S. SEVERNS, Yongji FU
  • Method and System for Assessing Compliance with a Patient Repositioning Protocol
    Publication number: 20190099310
    Abstract: A method for assessing compliance with a protocol requiring or advising the use of lift assist equipment for repositioning an occupant of an occupant support includes the steps of: 1) determining a measure of load borne by the occupant support over an interval of time; 2) determining how much the location of the occupant's center of mass relative to the occupant support has changed during the interval of time; and 3) assessing compliance with the protocol as a function of the load measure, the change of location, and a measure of the occupant's weight. In one embodiment the load measure is an integral of load over an interval of time. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a processor and instructions which are executable by the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventor: Neal Wiggermann
  • INCONTINENCE DETECTION PAD MANUFACTURING METHOD
    Publication number: 20190091074
    Abstract: An incontinence detection system monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. The system has a pad that includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. Portions of the system are included in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Gavin M. Monson, Todd P. O'Neal, David L. Ribble, Dan R. Tallent, John D. Christie, Kirsten M. Emmons, Yongji Fu, Michael S. Hood, Douglas A. Seim, Ryan S. Severns, James D. Voll, Gregory Wiley, Steven A. Dixon, Bryan Weidman, Eric D. Benz, Brett Knittle, Marwan Nusair, Neal Wiggermann, John V. Harmeyer
  • RFID TAG INLAY FOR INCONTINENCE DETECTION PAD
    Publication number: 20190060137
    Abstract: An absorbent article has one or more fluid filter layers to inhibit electrode traces from being exposed to low volumes of fluid to reduce the number of false positives that are indicated by an RFID tag of the incontinence detection pad. An antenna inlay has a sacrificial trace portion to permit testing for proper operation of an RFID chip electrically coupled to the antenna inlay. After testing, the sacrificial trace portion is severed. A fluid barrier layer blocks fluid from reaching portions of electrode traces that are located on a backsheet outside a periphery of an absorbent core of an incontinence detection pad. The power at which an antenna transmits to wirelessly energize a passive RFID tag of an incontinence detection pad is controlled to reduce the number of false positives indicated by the RFID tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Ryan S. Severns, James D. Voll, Brett A. Knittle, Gavin M. Monson, John V. Harmeyer, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Frank E. Sauser, Joseph T. Canter, Yongji Fu, Kirsten M. Emmons, David L. Ribble, Neal Wiggermann, John D. Christie, Dan R. Tallent, Marwan Nusair, Edward J. Koors
  • Slingbar with Multi-Sling Compatibility
    Publication number: 20190008711
    Abstract: A slingbar assembly for supporting a patient includes at least a first slingbar. The first slingbar includes a load bearing frame, at least two spanwisely fixed spacers attached to the frame on opposite sides of a centerplane, and a hub attached to the frame spanwisely between two of the spacers. The slingbar assembly also includes a a strap assembly engaged with the hub. The hub is operable to increase or decrease a working length of the strap assembly. Another embodiment of the slingbar assembly includes a second slingbar substantially the same as the first slingbar, and a connector extending longitudinally between and connected to the slingbars. The connector includes an attachment fixture selectively positionable along the length of the connector so that when the slingbar assembly is supported by a support structure the position of a patient's center of gravity relative to the slingbar assembly can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Roger Karlsson, John D. Christie, Jean-Bernard Duvert, Johan Lyckestig, Karin Olsson, Neal Wiggermann
  • Incontinence detection apparatus
    Patent number: 10159607
    Abstract: An incontinence detection system monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. The system has a pad that includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. Portions of the system are included in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin M. Monson, Todd P. O'Neal, David L. Ribble, Dan R. Tallent, John D. Christie, Kirsten M. Emmons, Yongji Fu, Michael S. Hood, Douglas A. Seim, Ryan S. Severns, James D. Voll, Gregory Wiley, Steven A. Dixon, Bryan Weidman, Eric D. Benz, Brett Knittle, Marwan Nusair, Neal Wiggermann, John V. Harmeyer
  • Size Adjustable Sling
    Publication number: 20180344555
    Abstract: A sling for supporting a subject such as a patient includes a panel assembly including a left flank with a left end, a right flank with a right end, and an interflank panel. The interflank panel has a left extremity permanently joined to the left end of the left flank and a right extremity permanently joined to the right end of the right flank. The sling also includes a left closure element and a right closure element which are securable to each other and releasable from each other to adjust an effective dimension of the sling. In another embodiment, the sling includes a frangible closure member which secures the left flank to the right flank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Karin Olsson, Roger Karlsson, Neal Wiggermann, John D. Christie, Elin Dovervik, Jean-Bernard Duvert, Johan Lyckestig, Clementine Pirio
  • Estimation and monitoring of patient torso angle
    Patent number: 10127788
    Abstract: A person support apparatus supports a person in a laying-down or a seated position. One or more body-mounted sensors detect changes in the position of the person relative to a reference. A control system receives output from the body-mounted sensor or sensors through a remote coupling. The control system uses patient position information obtained from the body-mounted sensors to determine whether the person has experienced a change-in-position and/or a change-in-activity event. Alternatively or in addition, the position of the person situated on a person support apparatus is detected using one or more sensors that are not body-mounted, but rather are coupled to the person support apparatus or to another component of a patient support system. The patient position information is used to estimate the patient's torso angle. The estimated torso angle is used to assess the patient's condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal Wiggermann, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Timothy J. Receveur
  • Adaptable Mattress
    Publication number: 20180310719
    Abstract: A mattress includes a first, phase changeable component and a thermal management system adapted to control the temperature of the phase changeable component in order to change the firmness of the mattress. Some embodiments of the mattress include an optional single phase component. The firmness can can be made spatially and/or temporally uniform or nonuniform, and can be controlled based on one or more sensed parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventor: Neal Wiggermann
  • Incontinence Detection System Capable of Identifying Urinary or Fecal Incontinence
    Publication number: 20180311080
    Abstract: An incontinence detection system includes an incontinence detection pad underneath a patient's pelvic area for detecting an incontinence event. The incontinence detection system further includes a moisture detection sensor, a gas detection sensor, and a reader. The moisture detection sensor is embedded in the incontinence detection pad for detecting a presence of moisture in incontinence detection pad. The gas detection sensor is positioned near the incontinence detection pad for detecting a presence of targeted gas, such as methane. The reader is communicatively coupled to the moisture detection sensor and the gas detection sensor to receive moisture data and gas data, respectively. The reader is configured to determine a type of the incontinence event based on the received moisture data and the gas data and transmit a signal indicative of the type of incontinence event to a server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Victor Potter, Neal Wiggermann, Gavin M. Monson, Dan R. Tallent, Charles A. Lachenbruch
  • Sling for rotating an individual
    Patent number: 10071007
    Abstract: Slings for rotation of individuals are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a sling includes a central support section supporting at least a torso of the individual, a superior support section disposed along a first side of the central support section, an inferior support section disposed along a second side of the central support section opposing the superior support section, and straps extending from each lateral side of the central support section. The superior support section includes an anterior support flap and a posterior support flap, and at least a portion of the posterior support flap is separated from at least a portion of the anterior support flap. A central axis bisects the superior support section, the central support section, and the inferior support section such that the sling is foldable about the central axis, and the central axis acts as a fulcrum for rotating the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: LIKO RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Joshua A. Williams, Neal Wiggermann
  • PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20180161225
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base frame, lift mechanism supporting an upper frame relative to the base frame, a load frame, and a plurality of deck sections, a patient support surface, and a number of barriers positioned about the patient supporting surface. The patient support apparatus includes a notification system for visually notifying a caregiver of a condition or status of a component of the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Mark ZERHUSEN, Richard Henry HEIMBROCK, Arpit SHAH, Aziz A. BHAI, Bradley Thomas SMITH, Catherine Marie WAGNER, Charles A. LACHENBRUCH, Clay Gerome OWSLEY, Dan R. TALLENT, Daniel NACHTIGAL, David L. BEDEL, David J. BRZENCHEK, David J. HITCHCOCK, David P. LUBBERS, Douglas A. SEIM, Douglas E. BORGMAN, Eric David BENZ, Florin IUCHA, Frank E. SAUSER, Gavin M. MONSON, James W. PASCOE, James L. WALKE, Jared RUDE, John G. BYERS, John D. CHRISTIE, Jonathan D. TURNER, Joshua A. WILLIAMS, Karen LANNING, Kathryn SMITH, Kirsten M. EMMONS, Mary Kay BRINKMAN, Michael BUCCIERI, Nathaniel William HIXON, Neal WIGGERMANN, Richard Joseph SCHUMAN, Sr., Scott M. CORBIN, Sravan MAMIDI, Todd P. O'NEAL, Todd Steven VENTROLA, Travis PELO, Unnati OJHA, David Lance RIBBLE, Brian L. LAWRENCE, Douglas A. ECKSTEIN
  • INCONTINENCE DETECTION PAD WITH USER ADJUSTABLE SENSITIVITY
    Publication number: 20180116879
    Abstract: A disposable incontinence detection system monitors an area for incontinence events. The incontinence detection system includes a substrate having a length and a width defining a monitoring area. Additionally, the incontinence detection system includes a moisture sensor positioned within the monitoring area. The moisture sensor includes a circuit that includes traces spaced apart from each other such that the presence of moisture bridging a space between at least two of the traces will close the circuit. Additionally, the circuit includes a removable conductor coupled to one of the traces such that removal of the conductor irreversibly prevents the trace from closing the circuit. The moisture sensor is configured to determine whether the circuit has been closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Joshua A. Williams, Neal Wiggermann, Yongji Fu, Varad N. Srivastava
  • ESTIMATION AND MONITORING OF PATIENT TORSO ANGLE
    Publication number: 20180089979
    Abstract: A person support apparatus supports a person in a laying-down or a seated position. One or more body-mounted sensors detect changes in the position of the person relative to a reference. A control system receives output from the body-mounted sensor or sensors through a remote coupling. The control system uses patient position information obtained from the body-mounted sensors to determine whether the person has experienced a change-in-position and/or a change-in-activity event. Alternatively or in addition, the position of the person situated on a person support apparatus is detected using one or more sensors that are not body-mounted, but rather are coupled to the person support apparatus or to another component of a patient support system. The patient position information is used to estimate the patient's torso angle. The estimated torso angle is used to assess the patient's condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Neal Wiggermann, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Timothy J. Receveur
  • INCONTINENCE DETECTION APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20180021184
    Abstract: An incontinence detection system monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. The system has a pad that includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. Portions of the system are included in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Gavin M. Monson, Todd P. O'Neal, David L. Ribble, Dan R. Tallent, John D. Christie, Kirsten M. Emmons, Yongji Fu, Michael S. Hood, Douglas A. Seim, Ryan S. Severns, James D. Voll, Gregory Wiley, Steven A. Dixon, Bryan Weidman, Eric D. Benz, Brett Knittle, Marwan Nusair, Neal Wiggermann, John V. Harmeyer
  • Mattress
    Patent number: D860685
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ribble, Charles A. Howell, Neal Wiggermann, Michael Scott Hood, Travis Pelo, Kirsten M. Emmons, Eric D. Agdeppa