Patents Examined by Myles Throop
  • Self or assist-operated human floor lift
    Patent number: 9808388
    Abstract: A self or assist-operated lift apparatus is disclosed. In various embodiments, the lift apparatus includes a vertical rail; a linear bearing positioned to be moved along the vertical rail; a drive mechanism coupled to the linear bearing and configured to move the linear bearing at a controlled rate along the vertical bearing between a first position at a lower end of a range of motion and a second position at an upper end of the range of motion; and a seat attached to the linear bearing, the seat being constructed at least in part of a substantially rigid material and having a size and shape suitable to accommodate a seated human occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: IndeeLift Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Jay Powell, Sr.
  • Device for the, in particular, transperineal examination of patients
    Patent number: 9801586
    Abstract: Apparatus for the, in particular, transperineal examination of patients, consisting of two leg holders (1) arranged symmetrically in relation to the longitudinal axis of the patient, wherein the leg holders (1) have arranged between them a carriage (2) which runs parallel to the center plane of the patient and can be displaced, and arrested, in the direction of the longitudinal axis and, at its patient end, has a frame (3) which is oriented perpendicularly to the displacement direction and is suitable for accommodating a grid (4) and/or a targeting device or an NMR coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Hubert Noras
  • Seat placeable in public rooms
    Patent number: 9795222
    Abstract: Convertible seat which can be located in public places which seat comprises a seat part (1) and aback rest (3) in which case the back rest (3) can be turned in relation to the seat part (1), mechanism (9) in order to convert the seat essentially into a horizontal plane to become a resting surface, equipment in order to secure the items of the user, equipment in order to collect the use charge and equipment in order to cover the seat which has been converted to become at least a resting surface to become at least a partly closed resting space in which case the equipment in order to cover the resting space comprises a covering device (16) with a standard width which can be moved from the back part of the seat forward which covering device comprises control elements (7) which are installed at the both sides of the seat to such height that a needed resting space is formed underneath the covering device (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SHORT REST SOLUTIONS OY
    Inventors: Jussi Piispanen, esko Koikkalainen
  • Reconfigurable pillow cover
    Patent number: 9788672
    Abstract: Implementations of a reconfigurable pillow cover are provided. In some implementations, the pillow cover comprises six pieces of material configured to achieve at least eight different design configurations of the pillow cover. In some implementations, the pillow cover includes a functional zipper to achieve additional design looks for the pillow cover. In some implementations, the zipper is functional when the material attached to the zipper is exposed on a first side and when the material attached to the zipper is reversed thereby exposing another side of the material. In some implementation, the pillow cover comprises two zippered openings wherein a pillow may be inserted into one of the openings and the pillow cover configurations may be changes while the pillow is inserted in the pillow opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Isabelle Domkam
  • Lightweight foldable patient litter
    Patent number: 9789016
    Abstract: A lightweight flexible patient litter includes, in one example, spaced compression longerons each foldable at spaced legs, a bed between the compression longerons, and a longitudinal truss structure on each side of the litter each including a longeron, its spaced legs, and one or more flexible tension members connected thereto. One or more lateral truss structures may each include opposing legs on each side of the litter and one or more flexible tension members connected thereto. A bed truss structure may include one or more tension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Physical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Warren, David J. Shane
  • Support apparatus
    Patent number: 9782015
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a support for people with distended abdominal areas such as, but not limited to, individuals who are overweight or pregnant. Further, the support apparatus may be used by people suffering from back problems, as the raised area surrounding the opening in the support raises the pelvis and is intended to remove pressure from the lumbar spine and other areas of a person's midsection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventors: Logan Zanki, Kathleen Zanki
  • Body support bridge
    Patent number: 9782009
    Abstract: A body support bridge comprising a four panel hinged device with top plate capable of adjustable flexed mounting into a generally arched shape from a folded flat configuration. A top plate and front plate are covered with foam. A hinged adjustment plate engaged against adjustment tabs lifts and flexes the top plate into at least four different height levels for multiple functions, including lumbar support positioned between a user's back and the seat, thigh support positioned on a seat behind a user's knee, a foot rest with the device placed on the floor, and a head rest positioned with the front plate placed on a tray table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce Everett Backer, Mona Dehshid
  • Ambient sound-isolating pillow
    Patent number: 9782025
    Abstract: An integrated ambient sound-isolating pillow composed of comfortable material such as memory foam may be configured as a one-piece pillow for long term resting (e.g. overnight sleeping) use. A one-piece ambient sound-isolating pillow may include a head cradling portion that provides comfortable support for a person's head while cradling at least the sides of the person's head so that a sound-isolating portion of the pillow acts as an ambient sound shield to the person's ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Watson
  • Waterproof stadium blanket convertible to a fitted bodywrap hoodie
    Patent number: 9763485
    Abstract: A blanket convertible into an article of clothing and a method of using the blanket for protection against the elements by converting the blanket into an article of clothing and donning the article of clothing. The blanket is a planar expanse, having an inner layer of a thermal insulating textile, and an outer layer of a water repellant or waterproof material. A first fastening device is configured and arranged on the expanse within an upper margin for user selective attachment of laterally spaced portions of the upper margin to one another to form a neck opening. A second fastening device is configured and arranged on the expanse within at least one side margin proximate a lower margin for user selective attachment of the side margins to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Denise Weitala
  • Person lift system
    Patent number: 9757297
    Abstract: A person lift system comprises a lift assembly, and a sling support assembly configured to be moved by the lift assembly. The sling support assembly includes a frame and a plurality of sling coupling mechanisms configured to removably couple a sling to the sling support. At least a portion of the frame is movable to selectively change the spatial relationship of the plurality of sling coupling mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: LIKO RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Ronnie Arespong, Roger Karlsson, Thérése Östergren, Liza Persson
  • Adjustable bed with an actuator safety slot
    Patent number: 9737150
    Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed frame assembly that includes a first frame that includes two substantially parallel side frame members and at least one connector member between the parallel side frame members, a second frame comprising two substantially parallel side frame members, each of the side frame members having a lower end pivotally attached to one of the at least one connector member of the first frame, a bracket that includes a sliding slot, where in the bracket is securely attached to the second frame; and an actuator with a first end pivotally attached to the first frame and a second end that is slidably connected to the sliding slot of the bracket, wherein, when the actuator extends or retracts, the second end travels within the sliding slot without moving the second frame until an extent of the sliding slot is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
  • Self-powered microclimate controlled mattress
    Patent number: 9717638
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for reducing humidity (i.e., moisture) and/or heat within and/or adjacent a patient support mattress, without requiring any electrical power. A spacer fabric is used to create a non-crushable area of support below a patient's core area, where moisture and heat more commonly buildup. Integrated air cells in the mattress have resilient elements such as open-celled foam interiors. The air cells are connected by air tubing to the spacer fabric, and the mattress is otherwise vented externally from the spacer fabric. As a result, the patient's movement causes air to be expelled from or drawn into the air cells, which in turn results in air movement in the spacer fabric below a patient or user, resulting in cooling effects by removing moisture and/or heat, all without requiring external or internal electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. O'Reagan
  • Pillow case installer
    Patent number: 9713390
    Abstract: An insertion device facilitates the insertion of a compressible pillow into a flexible pillowcase. A left edge of a resilient sheet includes a compression handle stem projecting away therefrom and terminating at a first compression handle. A right edge of the sheet includes a second compression handle projecting away therefrom. The sheet further includes a horizontal slot traversing therethrough, the slot sharing a common longitudinal axis with the compression handle stem. The resilient sheet when curved around itself, with the compression handle and the compression handle stem traversing the horizontal slot, form an enclosure into which the pillow is inserted. The compression handle is pulled away from the second compression handle to constrict the pillow, which, with the enclosure, is then easily inserted into the pillowcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Don Charters
  • Surgery table attachment apparatus
    Patent number: 9713562
    Abstract: An adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table utilizing a platform having first and second end portions. First and second end supports are used to mount the platform which is adjusted by a carriage having a pawl operator. The carriage includes studs having support surfaces for the platform. A tower utilizing a gear rack interacts with the carriage pawl operator to position the platform relative to the first and second end support of the surgery table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: MIZUHO ORTHOPEDIC SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Perlman, Stephen Hoel
  • Waist supporting device equipped electric apparatus for lying and/or sitting
    Patent number: 9706848
    Abstract: An electric bed, chair and the like includes a back frame, a waist supporting device pivotally connected with the back frame, and an actuator pivotally connected between the back frame and the waist supporting device in such a way that the waist supporting device is turnable by the actuator between a first position and a second position where the waist supporting device protrudes over a top surface of the back frame. The back frame supports a user's back and the waist supporting device can optionally support the user's waist to make the user feel comfortable when he/she lies or sits down. By controlling the actuator, the service of the waist supporting device can be optimally provided and the elevation protruding over the top surface of the back frame can be adjusted so as to adjust the supporting effect of the waist supporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignees: RUOEY LUNG ENTERPRISE CORP., PPJ.LLC
    Inventor: Chuan-Hang Shih
  • Person support apparatus power drive system
    Patent number: 9707143
    Abstract: A person support apparatus comprises a lower frame, an upper frame, a drive structure, and a control system. The upper frame is movably supported above the lower frame. The drive structure is coupled to the upper frame and configured to selectively engage a surface to, when activated, propel the person support apparatus along the surface. The control system is configured to determine an engagement status of the drive structure with the surface and trigger a response based on the engagement status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh Kumar Thodupunuri, Brian Guthrie, John G. Byers
  • Bed device system and methods
    Patent number: 9694156
    Abstract: Introduced are a bed device system and methods for: gathering human biological signals, such as heart rate, breathing rate, or temperature; analyzing the gathered human biological signals; and controlling the bed device system, e.g., a temperature of the bed device, based on the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Eight Sleep Inc.
    Inventors: Matteo Franceschetti, Massimo Andreasi Bassi
  • Sling bar or lift strap connector having an integrated scale with tilt compensation
    Patent number: 9693922
    Abstract: Disclosed is a patient lift system having a sling bar with an inductively charged integrated scale. The lift system comprises a lift apparatus, a lift strap connected at a first end to the lift apparatus, a sling bar connected to a second free hanging end of the lift strap, the sling bar having a scale with a tension load cell integrally disposed therein for measuring forces applied thereto and a power source electrically connected to the scale to provide power to the scale and load cell. An accelerometer is disposed within the sling bar to determine a tilt angle of a lift axis of the load cell relative to a vertical direction of gravitational force. Programming stored in a processor of the integrated scale calculates an accurate weight of an active load suspended from the sling bar, based on the determined tilt angle and the measured force on the load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Liko Research & Development AB
    Inventors: Mattias Andersson, Nils Anders Joakim Eriksson, Jean-Bernard Duvert, Philippe Kaikenger
  • Patient transfer assembly
    Patent number: 9675509
    Abstract: A method of transferring a patient from a first resting surface to a second resting surface includes inserting a corrugated sheet into a channel formed between the patient and the first resting surface, extending a portion of the sheet between the patient and the first resting surface to under the patient's feet, extending a portion of the sheet between the patient and the first resting surface to under the patient's head, and pulling laterally on the sheet to slide the sheet from the first resting surface to the second resting surface thereby transferring the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: NOTTINGHAM SPIRK DESIGN ASSOCIATES
    Inventors: Jason Tilk, William Rabbitt, Rebecca Blice
  • Cover assemblies for mattresses
    Patent number: 9675189
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a mattress is provided that includes a first cover and a second cover. The first cover includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a continuous side panel collectively defining a cavity for enclosing the mattress. The second cover includes a top surface and a bottom surface, with the second cover being positioned over and dimensionally-sized to cover at least the top panel of the first cover. A fastener then connects the second cover to the first cover along the perimeter of the second cover. Methods for marking a mattress are also provided that include the step of marking an indicia indicative of a characteristic of a mattress on the top surface of the second cover of the cover assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Tempur-Pedic Management, LLC
    Inventors: Ida T. Jensen, Elger Oberwelz, Thomas D. C. Overthun, Martin Schnitzer, Kara W. Johnson