Patents by Inventor Sandy M. Richards
Sandy M. Richards 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).
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Patent number: 10555850Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and a support surface mounted on the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus is reconfigurable among a plurality of different configurations for supporting a patient on the support surface in a plurality of positions. The support surface is mounted on the patient support apparatus to move in response to reconfiguration of the patient support apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, Darrell Borgman, Timothy J. Receveur, Gregory W. Branson, Sandy M. Richards, Howard J. Boyd, David W. Hornbach, Jonathan D. Turner, Aziz A. Bhai
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Patent number: 10517783Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure, such as a bed frame or mattress or both, that is configured to support a patient in a recumbent position. The patient support structure is configured to provide at least one therapy to a patient. A therapy enabler token is coupleable to the patient support structure. The at least one therapy is disabled when the therapy enabler token is decoupled from the patient support structure and the at least one therapy is enabled in response to the therapy enabler token being coupled to the patient support structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Stephen L. Douglas, Ruchik A. Amin, Timothy J. Receveur, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
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Patent number: 9913770Abstract: One embodiment of a climate management topper includes a flowpath boundary which defines a flowpath adapted to carry a stream of fluid in a principal direction. A flow compliant filler occupies at least part of the flowpath. The filler includes a spacer and a set of shape change actuators (SCA's) each of which is made of a shape change material (SCM). The properties of the SCM include a critical temperature T0. The SCA's are configured to regulate distribution of the fluid stream through the flowpath in a direction transverse to the principal direction as a function of temperature. In one example the flowpath boundary is formed by liner panels and the SCA's are linear elements that elongate at a temperature TH which is higher than T0 thereby distending the spacer and reducing its resistance to fluid flow. One suitable shape change material is a nickel/titanium alloy known as NiTiNOL.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Charles A. Lachenbruch, David L. Ribble, Sandy M. Richards, Laetitia Gazagnes
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Publication number: 20170224560Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and a support surface mounted on the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus is reconfigurable among a plurality of different configurations for supporting a patient on the support surface in a plurality of positions. The support surface is mounted on the patient support apparatus to move in response to reconfiguration of the patient support apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, Darrell Borgman, Timothy J. Receveur, Gregory W. Branson, Sandy M. Richards, Howard J. Boyd, David W. Hornbach, Jonathan D. Turner, Aziz A. Bhai
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Patent number: 9655457Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and a support surface mounted on the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus is reconfigurable among a plurality of different configurations for supporting a patient on the support surface in a plurality of positions. The support surface is mounted on the patient support apparatus to move in response to reconfiguration of the patient support apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, Darrell Borgman, Timothy J. Receveur, Gregory W. Branson, Sandy M. Richards, Howard J. Boyd, David W. Hornbach, Jonathan D. Turner, Aziz A. Bhai
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Patent number: 9526348Abstract: A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Sam M. Alsaeede, Andrew Kerr, Stephen C. Flint, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Charles A. Lachenbruch
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Publication number: 20160354264Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure, such as a bed frame or mattress or both, that is configured to support a patient in a recumbent position. The patient support structure is configured to provide at least one therapy to a patient. A therapy enabler token is coupleable to the patient support structure. The at least one therapy is disabled when the therapy enabler token is decoupled from the patient support structure and the at least one therapy is enabled in response to the therapy enabler token being coupled to the patient support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Stephen L. Douglas, Ruchik A. Amin, Timothy J. Receveur, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
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Patent number: 9427365Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure, such as a bed frame or mattress or both, that is configured to support a patient in a recumbent position. The patient support structure is configured to provide at least one therapy to a patient. A therapy enabler token is coupleable to the patient support structure. The at least one therapy is disabled when the therapy enabler token is decoupled from the patient support structure and the at least one therapy is enabled in response to the therapy enabler token being coupled to the patient support structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Stephen L. Douglas, Ruchik A. Amin, Timothy J. Receveur, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
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Publication number: 20160235210Abstract: One embodiment of a climate management topper includes a flowpath boundary which defines a flowpath adapted to carry a stream of fluid in a principal direction. A flow compliant filler occupies at least part of the flowpath. The filler is comprised of a spacer and a set of shape change actuators (SCA's) each comprised of a shape change material (SCM). The properties of the SCM include a critical temperature T0. The SCA's are configured to regulate distribution of the fluid stream through the flowpath in a direction transverse to the principal direction as a function of temperature. In one example the flowpath boundary is formed by liner panels and the SCA's are linear elements that elongate at a temperature TH which is higher than T0 thereby distending the spacer and reducing its resistance to fluid flow. One suitable shape change material is a nickel/titanium alloy known as NiTiNOL.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2015Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Charles A. Lachenbruch, David L. Ribble, Sandy M. Richards, Laetitia Gazagnes
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Patent number: 9398814Abstract: A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Sam M. Alsaeede, Andrew Kerr, Stephen C. Flint, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Charles A. Lachenbruch
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Patent number: 9329076Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and a support surface mounted on the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus is reconfigurable among a plurality of different configurations for supporting a patient on the support surface in a plurality of positions. The support surface is mounted on the patient support apparatus to move in response to reconfiguration of the patient support apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, Darrell Borgman, Timothy J. Receveur, Gregory W. Branson, Sandy M. Richards, Howard J. Boyd, David W. Hornbach, Jonathan D. Turner, Aziz A. Bhai
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Patent number: 9107511Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient, such as a hospital bed, is provided. The apparatus includes a patient support surface and at least one fluid containing bladder. A pressure control assembly is operably coupled with the bladder. When the fluid pressure within the bladder falls outside of an acceptable range of pressure values, the active adjustment of the pressure within the bladder is initiated by the pressure control assembly if the pressure does not return to the acceptable range of pressure values within a time period, e.g., a time delay, that has a variable length.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Skinner, Sandy M. Richards, David P. Lubbers, Steven A. Dixon, Richard B. Stacy, Aziz A. Bhai
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Publication number: 20150089749Abstract: A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Sam M. Alsaeede, Andrew Kerr, Stephen C. Flint, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Charles A. Lachenbruch
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Patent number: 8959681Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling movement of members of a patient support apparatus by detecting obstructions to movement of members of the frame of the patient support apparatus and controlling the drives that move the members to prevent contact with the obstruction while achieving a desired position as quickly as possible. Proximity sensors positioned on member of the patient support apparatus at potential contact points prevents members of the patient support apparatus from contacting other members or obstructions such a floor, for example.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventor: Sandy M. Richards
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Patent number: 8856993Abstract: A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Sam M. Alsaeede, Andrew Kerr, Stephen C. Flint, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Charles A. Lachenbruch
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Patent number: 8845562Abstract: A gas supply system comprises a person-support surface, a garment, and a gas supply. The person-support surface includes a chamber configured to contain a gas therein. The garment includes a chamber configured to contain a gas therein. The gas supply is configured to supply a gas to both the garment and the person-support surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Receveur, David Ribble, Sandy M. Richards, Stephen L. Douglas, Eric R. Meyer
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Publication number: 20140257849Abstract: A method and apparatus for associating data from an implantable device with a patient support apparatus includes a controller of the patient support apparatus that is operable to act as a programmer for implantable devices. The controller is also in communication with a network which supports a hospital information system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventor: Sandy M. RICHARDS
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Publication number: 20140228719Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure, such as a bed frame or mattress or both, that is configured to support a patient in a recumbent position. The patient support structure is configured to provide at least one therapy to a patient. A therapy enabler token is coupleable to the patient support structure. The at least one therapy is disabled when the therapy enabler token is decoupled from the patient support structure and the at least one therapy is enabled in response to the therapy enabler token being coupled to the patient support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Stephen L. Douglas, Ruchik A. Amin, Timothy J. Receveur, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
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Publication number: 20140123390Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and a support surface mounted on the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus is reconfigurable among a plurality of different configurations for supporting a patient on the support surface in a plurality of positions. The support surface is mounted on the patient support apparatus to move in response to reconfiguration of the patient support apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Eric R. MEYER, Darrell BORGMAN, Timothy J. RECEVEUR, Gregory W. BRANSON, Sandy M. RICHARDS, Howard J. BOYD, David W. HORNBACH, Jonathan D. TURNER, Aziz A. BHAI
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Patent number: 8707483Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure, such as a bed frame or mattress or both, that is configured to support a patient in a recumbent position. The patient support structure is configured to provide at least one therapy to a patient. A therapy enabler token is coupleable to the patient support structure. The at least one therapy is disabled when the therapy enabler token is decoupled from the patient support structure and the at least one therapy is enabled in response to the therapy enabler token being coupled to the patient support structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Stephen L. Douglas, Ruchik A. Amin, Timothy J. Receveur, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III