Vertically Movable Support For Whole Body Of User Patents (Class 5/611)
  • Patent number: 8800080
    Abstract: An adjustable bed system includes a first frame having four actuators coupled thereto and disposed between the head and foot ends thereof. The actuators define a generally-rectangular configuration wherein first and third actuators are diagonally-opposed and wherein second and fourth actuators are diagonally-opposed. A second frame coupled to the first frame includes a first section secured to the first frame, a second section pivotably coupled to the first section towards the head end of the first frame, and a third section pivotably coupled to the first section towards the foot end of the first frame. The first and third actuators arc coupled to the second and third sections, respectively, for articulating the second and third sections, respectively. First and second leg assemblies are coupled to the second and fourth actuators, respectively, for selectively raising and lowering the first frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Drive Medical Design & Mfg.
    Inventors: Norman A. Kay, Andrew Peter Johnson, Daniel DeSousa
  • Patent number: 8800081
    Abstract: A bed with a leg assembly coupled to a support link assembly by a joint, the joint comprising a slot having at least two paths. A support link assembly defining a length that automatically varies as the support link assembly moves relative to the leg assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Bly, Kevin S. Wysocki
  • Patent number: 8776284
    Abstract: A bed moveable from a lowered position to a raised position includes two pairs of guides. In each pair, one guide is oriented so as to be substantially vertical and the other guide is disposed at an angle to the first guide. A lift assembly is located in each guide. A support including a frame is coupled to the lift assemblies. A drive system moves the lift assemblies in two directions, thereby lowering and raising the support. As the support is raised, it moves from a substantially horizontal orientation to a non-horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Allied Recreation Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Jones
  • Patent number: 8776289
    Abstract: There is disclosed a senior-friendly shower carrier comprising a bed; a housing part comprising a second housing, a first housing coupled to a lower portion of the bed to elevate to an upper portion of the second housing and a third housing that elevates to a lower portion of the second housing; a first elevating module comprising a driving motor having a shaft provided therein, a fixing part, a power transmitting part which transmits a rotational force of the shaft to the fixing part, and a moving part which elevates the first housing upwardly, moving along the rotation of the fixing part upwardly and downwardly; and a second elevating module comprising a driving motor having a shaft provided therein, a fixing part, a power transmitting part which transmits a rotational force of the shaft to the fixing part, and a moving part which elevates the third housing downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventors: Cheol Woong Ko, Kyeoung Jin Chun, Soo Taek Kim, Deok Yeon Cho, Yeong Chan Kwak
  • Patent number: 8763178
    Abstract: An examination table is shown that is capable of being lowered to a relatively low height. The examination table includes a base, a lifting mechanism, an upper frame structure, and a patient support disposed on or supported directly or indirectly by the upper frame. The lifting mechanism interconnects the base with the upper frame structure. In order to reduce the height of the examination table when it assumes the lower position, the lifting mechanism is projected upwardly through a lower portion of the upper frame such that an upper portion of the lifting mechanism assumes a position in an open area of the upper frame. Once the upper portion of the lifting mechanism is projected into the upper frame, the lifting mechanism is attached to the upper frame such that the upper frame moves up and down as the lifting mechanism moves up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Martin Manufacturing Co., LLC
    Inventors: Willis E. Martin, Rodney Barr
  • Patent number: 8763176
    Abstract: There is disclosed a lift device including a base frame; a main frame comprising a fixing member longitudinally formed in an up and down direction, coupled to the base frame, and a movable member movably provided in an up and down direction; a bed unit connected to the movable member, positioned in front of the main frame; a operation unit having an end connected to the movable member or the bed unit and the other end extended forwardly, with a ring-shaped operation control part provided in the other end thereof to put a user's finger thereon; and a driving unit to move the movable member upwardly based on input of the operation control part, wherein the operation control part comprises an upper input means positioned in an inner top surface thereof to upwardly move the movable member based on an input signal and a lower input means position in an inner bottom surface thereof to downwardly move the movable member based on an input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventors: Do Hyung Lim, Kyeoung Jin Chun
  • Publication number: 20140165290
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a rolling base, a push handle unit, and a siderail. The push handle unit is coupled to a head end of the rolling base to provide a hand hold for a user pushing the rolling base from along the head end of the rolling base. The siderail is extends along a side of the rolling base to provide a hand hold for a caregiver pushing the rolling base from along the side of the rolling base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Edward J. Koors, Joshua W. Shenk, Brian P. Michael, Brian S. Guthrie, Michael P. Bish
  • Publication number: 20140137328
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes an upper frame, a base frame, a link mechanism for connecting the upper frame and the base frame, and a linear actuator connected to the link mechanism for driving the link mechanism. The link mechanism includes at least a T-shaped first arm slidably supported on the base frame or the upper frame and provided with connections at four points, and an L-shaped second arm provided with connections at three points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro OHTA, Shohei TSUKADA, Yohei KUME, Tomohiro SHIMODA, Hideo KAWAKAMI
  • Patent number: 8719979
    Abstract: A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20140123389
    Abstract: A bed frame assembly includes a base frame 32, an elevatable frame 40 and a lift system 80. The lift system includes a carriage 82 longitudinally translatably mounted on the base frame and a lift arm 84 having a crank end 86 and a remote end 88. The crank end of the lift arm is mounted to the carriage at a pivotable joint A for pivoting about a laterally extending crank axis 100. The remote end of the lift arm is connected to the elevatable frame by a lift arm connector 102, which may take various forms. The lift system also includes an actuator 120 mounted on the carriage at a juncture B and connected to the lift arm such that operation of the actuator rotates the lift arm about the crank axis. The lift system also includes a part span connector 130 pivotably connected to the lift arm at a joint D and pivotably connected to the base frame at a joint C. In one embodiment the lift arm connector is a single link 132.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: David W. HORNBACH
  • Patent number: 8707484
    Abstract: A patient support structure includes a pair of independently height-adjustable supports, each connected to a patient support structure. The supports may be independently raised, lowered, rolled or tilted about a longitudinal axis, laterally shifted and angled upwardly or downwardly. Position sensors are provided to sense all of the foregoing movements. The sensors communicate data to a computer for coordinated adjustment and maintenance of the inboard ends of the patient support structures in an approximated position during such movements. Longitudinal translation structure provides for compensation in the length of the structure when the supports are angled upwardly or downwardly. Patient translation structure provides coordinated translational movement of the patient's upper body along the respective patient support in a caudad or cephalad direction as the support structures are angled upwardly or downwardly for maintaining proper spinal biomechanics and avoiding undue spinal traction or compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Roger P. Jackson, Lawrence E. Guerra, Trevor A. Waggoner
  • Patent number: 8707476
    Abstract: Various apparatuses for supporting a patient in a prone position are described. In embodiment, an apparatus rotates a person from a supine position to a prone position and vice versa and includes opposing patient support platens each coupled to a corresponding end of a first and a second COG assembly, the first and second COG assemblies each coupled to a corresponding one of a pair of spindles, each one of the spindles disposed on a corresponding lift column. Embodiments described herein provide for an axis of rotation that is adjustable with respect to the plane of either an upper or lower support platen. Embodiments provide for adjusting the separation distance between the axis of rotation and the center of gravity defined by the combination of the person and the supporting platens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Operating Room Safety Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Lewis Sharps
  • Publication number: 20140109316
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during a surgical procedure includes a patient support structure incorporating an open fixed frame suspended above a floor and a pair of spaced opposed radially sliding joints cooperating with the frame, each joint including a virtual pivot point and an arc of motion spaced from the pivot point, the joints being movable along the arc providing a pivot-shift mechanism for a pair of pelvic pads attached to the joints. A base supports and suspends the patient support structure above the floor, for supporting a patient during a surgical procedure, the base including a pair of spaced opposed vertical translation subassemblies reversibly attachable to the support structure, a cross-bar, and a rotation subassembly having two degrees of rotational freedom; wherein a location of each vertical translation subassembly is substantially constant during operation of the patient support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Roger P. Jackson, Lawrence E. Guerra, Trevor A. Waggoner, Steven A. Walton, Michael A. Herron
  • Publication number: 20140096321
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method for attaching peripheral devices (such as collimators and electron applicators) to a system such as a radiotherapy system or radiography system. By re-using the lifting mechanism of the patient support to lift the peripheral device vertically, the invention reduces the need for heavy manual lifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Elekta AB (publ)
    Inventor: Duncan Bourne
  • Patent number: 8683626
    Abstract: A hospital bed with conveyor mattress that includes a loop mattress disposed overlying and attached to a conveyor belt disposed in operational communication with a plurality of transverse rollers horizontally disposed within a mattress frame, wherein the loop mattress is moveable in each of a first direction and a second direction and a plurality of hydraulic jacks enable inclinations of specific sections of the mattress relative each other to comfortably position a patient disposed upon the bed, as desired, and extant electronics and medical accoutrements are supportable, powerable, and securable proximal a patient disposed in the bed, whereby a patient is moveable upon the mattress at the press of a button and able to control peripheral electronics while in bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Karen S. Kaczmarek
  • Publication number: 20140068861
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during a surgical procedure is provided, including an open fixed frame suspended above a floor and a pair of spaced opposed radially sliding joints cooperating with the frame, each joint including a virtual pivot point and an arc of motion spaced from the virtual pivot point, the joints being movable along the arc providing a pivot ship mechanism for a pair of pelvic pads attached to the joints. A base for supporting and suspending a patient support structure above the floor, for supporting a patient during a surgical procedure, the base including a pair of spaced opposed vertical translation subassemblies reversibly attachable to a patient support structure, a cross-bar, and a rotation subassembly having two degrees of rotational freedom; wherein a location of each vertical translation subassembly is substantially constant during operation of the patient support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Roger P Jackson, Lawrence E Guerra, Trevor A Waggoner, Steven A Walton, Michael A Herron
  • Patent number: 8667628
    Abstract: A bed frame has a bed frame having side frame members and cross supports interconnecting the side frame members for supporting one of a mattress and box springs and an integrated roller system which actuates the bed frame between a first wheels up position rollers connected to said bed frame are operably disposed between said bed frame and a floor to ready mobility of the bed frame via the rollers and a second wheels down position such that the bed frame in is in contact with the floor without the rollers contacting the floor and is generally frictionally disposed to inhibit movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Unto Alarik Heikkila
  • Publication number: 20140059768
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a deck, a plurality of side rails, a control panel, and a plurality of subsystems, such as a bed exit system that detects when a patient may exit from the support apparatus, or a lifting mechanism to raise and lower the deck. A controller is in communication with the control panel and is adapted to monitor conditions regarding the side rails and/or the other subsystems. At least one lamp is also provided on the patient support apparatus that is adapted to be illuminated in a first manner when a plurality of monitored conditions remain in a desired state, and in a second manner when at least one of the plurality of monitored conditions changes to an undesired state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Stryker Corporation
  • Publication number: 20140041120
    Abstract: A liftable hospital bed, comprising a bedplate base (1) and a bed leg rod (2), the upper end of the bed leg rod (2) being connected to a second roller device (7) which can slide in a track (8) on the bedplate base (1); a turning mechanism is also provided to change the included angle between the bed leg rod (2) and the bedplate base (1) in order to lift or lower the bedplate base (1), the turning mechanism including a connecting rod, which is hinged at the upper end thereof to the bedplate base (1), and a pushing mechanism (5) for pushing and turning the connecting rod (4); the lower end of the connecting rod (4) is fixedly bonded to a first connecting plate (6) which has a first sliding slot (61) and a second sliding slot (62) crossed with each other; a first pin shaft (91) and a second pin shaft (92) on the bed leg rod (2) are slidably provided in the first sliding slot (61) and the second sliding slot (62).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Ningbo Kangmailong Medical Apparatus Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luping Li
  • Patent number: 8646126
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to an infant bed. The infant bed includes a chassis. A carriage moves relative to the chassis and includes a mattress support upon which a mattress can rest. A motorized control assembly enables a user to controllably move the carriage relative to the chassis. In one embodiment, the carriage includes a pair of end panels and a rear panel extending vertically upward from the mattress support. A front panel may be slidably mounted to the chassis to thereby contain the infant in the infant bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Starwove Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Paul E. Carta
  • Patent number: 8646132
    Abstract: A bed with linen changing means comprises features that allow the mattress linen to be changed without requiring an occupant to leave the bed. The bed frame provides a matrix of parallel slats which support the occupant while the mattress is lowered and extended for linen changing. The mattress comprises a plurality of parallel horizontal mattress sections spaced apart allowing corresponding insertion between the slats until said slats are recessed within the mattress and a user is able to lie comfortably upon raised portions of the mattress. The mattress is supported by a mobile frame apparatus being vertically adjustable via a manually-operated crank and gear assembly such that a caretaker may lower the mattress while the bed occupant rests upon the slats, providing easy access to the mattress for purposes of changing bed linens. The mattress is then raised back into place to support the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Vu L. U. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20140033435
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a main frame which supports a mattress platform, a fixed frame base having wheels mounted thereto for displacement thereof on a floor surface, and a lift mechanism interconnecting the main frame and the fixed frame base. The lift mechanism supports the main frame and is actuated to displace and position the main frame between a fully collapsed position and a fully elevated position relative to the fixed frame base without any longitudinal displacement of the bed. The main frame, the fixed base and the lift mechanism collapse into a low profile bed configuration in the fully collapsed position, such that the mattress platform is located at a minimum vertical height of at most 9 inches above the floor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: USINE ROCTEC INC.
    Inventor: Robert Jutras
  • Patent number: 8640280
    Abstract: A apparatus with an adjustable height mattress can include a crib frame with a stationary support frame secured to it. The mattress rests generally on an elevator frame which slides up and down with respect to the stationary frame. The crib further includes a height adjusting mechanism for adjusting height of the elevator frame, an operating mechanism for operating and locking the height adjusting mechanism and a leveling mechanism for maintaining the level of elevator frame horizontally stable. The mattress height can be adjusted not only on a semi-permanent basis, but can also be varied as needed. The mattress can be set high when a parent is placing a child in the crib and can be lowered with the child on it for the child's safety. The elevator frame may also be manually raised with the child on it via an external handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Inicia IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Roberto Gutierrez, Anna L. Jacques
  • Patent number: 8640283
    Abstract: A cot operable to fold one or more legs thereof with the advancing of the cot onto a support object is disclosed. The cot comprises a wheeled transporter, having a frame and legs, and a leg release assembly. The leg release assembly comprises a contact member, a leg release member releasably engaged with at least one of the legs, and a linkage member operably connecting the contact member and the leg release member. The contact member is pressure-sensitive and activates with an application of pressure thereto. The leg release member releases the at least one of the legs from an engagement therewith with activation of the contact member. The at least one of legs folds relative to the frame with the release of the engagement with the leg release member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Broadley, Alan Cambridge
  • Publication number: 20140007349
    Abstract: A patient support structure includes a pair of independently height-adjustable supports, each connected to a patient support structure. The supports may be independently raised, lowered, rolled or tilted about a longitudinal axis, laterally shifted and angled upwardly or downwardly. Position sensors are provided to sense all of the foregoing movements. The sensors communicate data to a computer for coordinated adjustment and maintenance of the inboard ends of the patient support structures in an approximated position during such movements. Longitudinal translation structure provides for compensation in the length of the structure when the supports are angled upwardly or downwardly. Patient translation structure provides coordinated translational movement of the patient's upper body along the respective patient support in a caudad or cephalad direction as the support structures are angled upwardly or downwardly for maintaining proper spinal biomechanics and avoiding undue spinal traction or compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20140007348
    Abstract: A table for supporting a recumbent patient includes at least one tabletop unit, at least one ground contact unit for supporting the tabletop unit, a first and at least one second adjustment unit for changing a spacing between the ground contact unit and the tabletop unit, and at least one first guide unit for guiding movement of the tabletop unit relative to a the ground contact unit, where at least a part of the guide unit is disposed between the first and the at least one second adjustment unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Daniel Greilinger, Marcel Soltermann
  • Publication number: 20140000030
    Abstract: A person support apparatus comprises a lower frame, an upper frame, and a lift system. The upper frame is configured to support a person. The lift system is coupled to the lower frame and the upper frame and is configured to move the upper frame with respect to the lower frame at a first speed when the person on the upper frame is below a predetermined weight and move the upper frame with respect to the lower frame at second speed when the person is above the predetermined weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Michael Robertson, Brian Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20140000031
    Abstract: An electric actuator system for hospital and care beds comprising at least one linear actuator (9,48) for adjusting the lying surface of the bed. The actuator (9,48) used for adjusting the backrest section (6,57) of the bed comprises means for registering the force which it is exposed to. By comparing the registered forces to a zero value and/or a force interval, it can be determined whether the person occupying the bed is in the process of leaving the bed or has already left the bed. A connected alarm can thus notify the staff that the bed-bound person is in the process of leaving the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Karsten Westermann
  • Publication number: 20140000032
    Abstract: A bed includes a frame, a controller coupled to the frame, and a patient position detection system coupled to the frame and coupled to the controller. The patient position detection system has multiple modes of operation of varying sensitivities for determining whether a person supported on the frame has moved by a sufficient amount to activate an alarm. The frame includes a plurality of barriers. An alert light is coupled to one of the barriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Dixon, Douglas J. Menkedick, William L. Jacques, II, James W. Jones, James K. Findlay, John B. Wilker, JR., Eugene E. Osborne, Carl W. Riley
  • Patent number: 8615827
    Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a lower frame, a support, and an upper frame. The support is coupled to the lower frame. The upper frame is supported on the support above the lower frame. The upper frame includes a head support section and a foot support section including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are configured to support at least a portion of the lower extremities of a person supported on the person-support apparatus. No components of the first portion and the second portion are removed from the first portion and the second portion when the first portion and the second portion are moved from a first position to a second position. The person-support apparatus can be configured to support any one of the posterior pelvic region and the feet, calf region, upper torso, or feet of a person on the foot section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Newkirk, Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Publication number: 20130340167
    Abstract: A versatile patient care and transport assembly having a patient support frame constructed of multiple sections, each including pluralities of individual patient sensors, and which can be cooperatively tilted or otherwise inter-articulated to a variety of support positions. Pull-out/expandable side and end railings are provided for patient safety. Power and drive components are incorporated into a base module upon which the patient support module is mounted in multiple elevatable and/or articulating fashion. Also provided is paired side-by-side docking of two identical assemblies such as for facilitate patient transfer and in order to drastically reduce the risks associated with handling of patients by caregivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Deepak Raj Karwal, Ricky C. Simmonds, Tomas Bubilek
  • Patent number: 8607384
    Abstract: A bed frame assembly includes a base frame 32, an elevatable frame 40 and a lift system 80. The lift system includes a carriage 82 longitudinally translatably mounted on the base frame and a lift arm 84 having a crank end 86 and a remote end 88. The crank end of the lift arm is mounted to the carriage at a pivotable joint A for pivoting about a laterally extending crank axis 100. The remote end of the lift arm is connected to the elevatable frame by a lift arm connector 102, which may take various forms. The lift system also includes an actuator 120 mounted on the carriage at a juncture B and connected to the lift arm such that operation of the actuator rotates the lift arm about the crank axis. The lift system also includes a part span connector 130 pivotably connected to the lift arm at a joint D and pivotably connected to the base frame at a joint C. In one embodiment the lift arm connector is a single link 132.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David W Hornbach
  • Publication number: 20130318720
    Abstract: A patient support, such as a bed, can include a frame, a patient support deck coupled to the frame and configured to support a patient, and wheels coupled to the frame to support the patient support on a floor. A securing device can removably fasten the patient support to the floor. A guard structure coupled to the frame can include a substantially continuous body as well as a gripping portion for the patient and attendant. A controller can enable functionality of the patient support in response to an access control device being unlocked. A brake pedal can be removable from the patient support by an attendant. In another embodiment, the patient support can include a frame configured to be supported by the floor, a non-articulating patient support deck supported by the frame, side panels extending from the patient support deck to the floor, and restraint loops on opposite sides of the patient support deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jason Connell, Richard Roussy, Steven Bakker, Jason Cerny, Christopher George
  • Publication number: 20130312183
    Abstract: A hospital bed obstacle detection device and related method for detecting an obstacle between first and second components of a hospital bed is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Hill-Rim Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl W. Riley, Keith A. Huster, Gregory J. Figel, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
  • Publication number: 20130312181
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a supine patient to a prone position on a patient support structure, and for rotating such a prone patient between prone and supine positions without removing the patient from the patient support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Roger P. Jackson, Lawrence E. Guerra, Michael A. Herron
  • Patent number: 8590074
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a frame and a transport assembly supporting the frame. The transport assembly is configured to selectively move relative to the frame between a transport position and a brake position. A portion of the frame frictionally engages a portion of the transport assembly in the brake position to affect a brake application that resists the transportation of the frame. The portion of the frame is disengaged from the portion of the transport assembly in the transport position to allow for transportation of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Hornbach, Darrell L. Metz, John M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8590073
    Abstract: Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of the engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Bly, Kevin S. Wysocki, Michael A. Gregory
  • Patent number: 8578529
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a bed for a medical image scanning apparatus including a lateral movement device which is light and has less deformation while suppressing a bed height in the lowest position of a top board. A bed for a medical image scanning apparatus includes a base 8, an upper portion frame 2 that supports a top board 1, and a lifting and lowering device 40 that is positioned between the base 8 and the upper portion frame 2 and lifts and lowers the upper portion frame 2, and the lifting and lowering device 40 includes a lateral movement device (a motor 10, a pinion gear 12, and rack 23) which relatively moves at least two members (a rail receiving block 17 and a rotation axis 18, and a rail receiving block 15 and a rotation axis 20) constituting the lifting and lowering device 40 along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the upper portion frame 2 in the top board surface of the top board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Iwao Miyano, Kenya Sakanaka
  • Patent number: 8567271
    Abstract: A vertical movement device for an examining table includes a driving wheel, a nut and screw pair and a direction-converting synchronization belt. The driving wheel is disposed on the examining table. The rotation axis of the nut is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the driving wheel, and the nut moves vertically on the screw when the nut rotates so as to carry the examining table to move vertically. The direction-converting synchronization belt converts the rotation of the driving wheel into the rotation of the nut so as to realize the vertical movement of the examining table. The self-locking vertical movement device reduces the noise and manufacturing costs, simplifies the structure, increases the maximum lifting weight and speeds up the lifting/lowering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jian Liu
  • Publication number: 20130276233
    Abstract: A patient support system includes a floor cavity in the floor of a treatment room; a patient support device comprising a treatment table; a base; a first movement mechanism on which the treatment table is mounted; a second movement mechanism mounted on the base and attached to the first movement mechanism, wherein the first and second movement mechanisms are moveable independently of each other; the first movement mechanism is configured to raise and lower the treatment table and the second movement mechanism is configured to raise and lower the first movement mechanism such that in a lowered position the second movement mechanism is contained within the floor cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Per Harald Bergfjord
  • Patent number: 8555433
    Abstract: A device for the assisted loading of a stretcher (2) provided with a chassis (3), comprises at least one driving wheel (4) circumferentially connected to a driving member (5) fed by connectivity member (6) and controlled by controller (7) to activate the at least one driving wheel (4) at least during the loading of the stretcher into the ambulance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Enrico Carletti, Alessandro Lapini
  • Publication number: 20130247300
    Abstract: An examination table including an integrated scale with automatic taring, weight capture in the presence of patient motion, and automatic table height adjustment. The examination table includes a controller that periodically tares the integrated scale when a patient is not on the table so that the scale is ready to measure the weight of a patient without manual taring by the table operator. When a patient is on the table, the controller detects the presence of patient motion based on signals from load sensors, and captures weights for patients experiencing uncontrolled motion or tremors by averaging and comparing sampled weight values over predetermined periods of time. To insure that the patient is fully supported by the examination table before weighing the patient, the controller automatically adjusts the height of the examination table support surface so that the patient's feet are not touching the floor prior to weighing the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: MIDMARK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Menke, Douglas Oda, John Alton
  • Patent number: 8533878
    Abstract: A hospital bed includes a frame, a head board, a foot board and an apparatus for lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board. The apparatus includes a first motor unit, a shaft unit, a gear box and a second motor unit. The first motor unit is provided beneath the frame. The shaft unit is connected to both of the head board and the foot board. The gear box is provided on a side of the first motor unit and connected to the shaft unit for lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board. The second motor unit includes a motor and a pair of wires. The motor is provided with a mandrel. The mandrel is engaged with the gear box. The second motor unit is electrically connected to the first motor unit through the pair of wires for automatically lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Shiou-Jhen Wu
  • Publication number: 20130227787
    Abstract: The present invention provides a patient support that can be configured in an expanded configuration, for example to accommodate larger patients, and then reconfigured to a more compact configuration to ease maneuverability of the patient support through constricted passageways in a facility and/or to provide a low height patient support. Further, the present invention provides a barrier around the patient support surface which includes a panel that allows a patient to see through the barrier and which is optionally adaptable to change its transparency and/or color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cory P. Herbst, Martin W. Stryker, James T. Thwaites, Richard A. Derenne, Christopher S. Hough, Eugene Keller
  • Publication number: 20130219622
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame having a patient support deck that is movable between a horizontal position to support a patient in a lying position and a chair egress position to support the patient in a sitting position. Depending upon a height of the patient, a lift system is operated to support the patient support deck relative to an underlying floor at different heights when the patient support deck is moved to the chair egress position. Depending upon a weight of the patient, at least one bladder of a mattress is either deflated or further inflated when the patient support deck is moved to the chair egress position and the patient is in the process of egressing from the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8516636
    Abstract: A hybrid imaging system and a patient bed for same are disclosed. The hybrid imaging system includes a magnetic resonance scanner and a second modality imaging system spaced apart from the magnetic resonance scanner by a gap. In some embodiments, the gap is less than seven meters. The patient bed is disposed at least partially in the gap between the magnetic resonance scanner and the second modality imaging system, and includes a linearly translatable patient support pallet aligned to be selectively moved into an examination region of the magnetic resonance scanner for magnetic resonance imaging and into an examination region of the second modality imaging system for second modality imaging. In some embodiments, a linear translation range of the linearly translatable pallet is less than five times a length of the patient support pallet along the direction of linear translation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N. V.
    Inventors: Daniel Gagnon, Michael A. Morich, Douglas M. Blakeley
  • Publication number: 20130219382
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus (20) including a patient support surface (22) and a repositioning mechanism (24) for vertically and angularly repositioning the surface (22). The apparatus (20) including sensors (84) for automatically detecting and inhibiting attempts to vertically reposition the surface (22) when it is at a particular angular position, and attempts to angularly reposition the surface (22) when it is at a particular vertical position. The apparatus (20) also includes a tilt control system (88) for limiting the extent to which head or foot ends (36,38) of the surface (22) can be angularly repositioned, a scale (92) and a warning system (120) for communicating a warning when a change in the weight on the surface (22) is indicative of a patient moving or attempting to move off of the surface (22), a sensor (122) for detecting an increase in amperage during an operation and stopping the operation, and an ability to update microcontroller programming via a controller area network bus (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Troy PARSONS, Jeff SPRIER, Eric BOSS, Craig McGUIRE, Michael D. HALLECK, Jeffrey Tad SAMSON, Doug ZAUGG, John TOMASIK
  • Publication number: 20130205501
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus system includes sensors adapted to sense a gesture of a person, or forces exerted by the person on the patient support apparatus, and to control the movement of a component of the patient support apparatus based on the gesture or forces. The movement of the patient support apparatus matches the direction of the person's gesture or applied forces. The speed of the gesture and magnitude of the applied force also influence the movement of the patient support apparatus component. The controlled movement may be the upward and downward motion of a patient support deck on the patient support apparatus, or it may be the pivoting of a section of the patient support deck, or it may be other movement. Control of the patient support apparatus is carried out based on the intent of the user, as evidenced by the user's gesture or applied forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventor: STRYKER CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8505137
    Abstract: An equine CT table for positioning a horse during a CT (“computed tomography”) scan. The table is positioned above the patient couch and communicates with the conventional CT system for examination of a horse without requiring mechanical or electrical attachments between the CT system and table. The table includes a frame carrying a tracking system, a linear movement system and a carousel upon which the horse is positioned. Prior to examination, positioning of the horse on the table may be manually adjusted linearly and/or radially in any direction to properly align the horse. Infinitely positionable cantilever members are provided to support horse's appendages. The tracking system identifies movement of the CT couch and mimics the movement with the linear movement system to enter and retract the horse from the gantry at predetermined positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Artec Imaging, LLC
    Inventor: Arthur J. Gaines, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE44884
    Abstract: An ambulance cot is disclosed and the ambulance cot has, if desired, a wheel supported base and a litter raisable and lowerable by a powered elevating mechanism oriented between the base and the litter. The ambulance cot also has wireless communication capability to facilitate communication between the ambulance cot and a loading system on an ambulance as well as facilitating wireless troubleshooting via a handheld wireless unit. The ambulance cot also has a longitudinally extendable head section. The ambulance cot also has several accessories, such as an accessory hook mounted to the underside of the fowler, and a collapsible pouch accessory fastened to the retractable head section and the litter frame as well as a pinch safety feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Clifford E. Lambarth