Patents by Inventor Charles A. Howell
Charles A. Howell 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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Publication number: 20240096473Abstract: A care system includes a mobile communication device, a remote server, and a patient support system that is in communication with either or both of the mobile communication device and the remote server. The mobile communication device may operate as a user interface for the patient support system. The remote server may provide computing power for the patient support system for resource intensive computing tasks.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Eric D. Agdeppa, Steven A. Dixon, Charles A. Howell, Thomas M. Gillis, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
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Patent number: 11869649Abstract: A care system includes a mobile communication device, a remote server, and a patient support system that is in communication with either or both of the mobile communication device and the remote server. The mobile communication device may operate as a user interface for the patient support system. The remote server may provide computing power for the patient support system for resource intensive computing tasks.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Eric D. Agdeppa, Steven A. Dixon, Charles A. Howell, Thomas M. Gillis, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
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Patent number: 11786427Abstract: A siderail assembly for a person support apparatus comprises a siderail body, a grip portion, and a power communication device. The siderail body includes a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extending between the front surface and the back surface. The side surface defines a perimeter of the siderail body. The grip portion includes a siderail opening through a portion of the siderail body. The grip opening has an upper grip opening portion that cooperates with the side surface to define a grip. The power communication device is configured to communicate power to a device.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
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Patent number: 11764831Abstract: Patient care equipment includes a wireless coupler that transfers power and/or data between an architectural unit and the patient care equipment. The patient care equipment may also include additional wireless couplers that transfer power and/or data between first and second components of the equipment. The second component may be movable relative to the first component. A structure or hot swapping batteries is also disclosed, the swapped battery being charged on an inductive charging mat.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Charles A. Howell, William G. Pittenger, Michael S. Hood, Edward J. Koors, Steven A. Dixon, Richard J. Schuman, Matthew D. Morgan, Laurie Lee Gutzwiller, Kelly F. Walton
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Publication number: 20230000701Abstract: A siderail assembly for a person support apparatus comprises a siderail body, a grip portion, and a power communication device. The siderail body includes a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extending between the front surface and the back surface. The side surface defines a perimeter of the siderail body. The grip portion includes a siderail opening through a portion of the siderail body. The grip opening has an upper grip opening portion that cooperates with the side surface to define a grip. The power communication device is configured to communicate power to a device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
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Patent number: 11464693Abstract: A siderail assembly for a person support apparatus comprises a siderail body, a grip portion, and a power communication device. The siderail body includes a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extending between the front surface and the back surface. The side surface defines a perimeter of the siderail body. The grip portion includes a siderail opening through a portion of the siderail body. The grip opening has an upper grip opening portion that cooperates with the side surface to define a grip. The power communication device is configured to communicate power wirelessly to a device in communication therewith.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2021Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
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Publication number: 20220249297Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus 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. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Steven Alan Dixon, Laetitia Gazagnes, Timothy A. Lane, II, David Lance Ribble, Varad Narayan Srivastava, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Michael Scott Hood, Charles A. Howell, Kirsten M. Emmons
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Patent number: 11331227Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus 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. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2021Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Steven Alan Dixon, Laetitia Gazagnes, Timothy A. Lane, II, David Lance Ribble, Varad Narayan Srivastava, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Michael Scott Hood, Charles A. Howell, Kirsten M. Emmons
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Publication number: 20210212872Abstract: A siderail assembly for a person support apparatus comprises a siderail body, a grip portion, and a power communication device. The siderail body includes a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extending between the front surface and the back surface. The side surface defines a perimeter of the siderail body. The grip portion includes a siderail opening through a portion of the siderail body. The grip opening has an upper grip opening portion that cooperates with the side surface to define a grip. The power communication device is configured to communicate power wirelessly to a device in communication therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
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Publication number: 20210186773Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus 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. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2021Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Steven Alan Dixon, Laetitia Gazagnes, Timothy A. Lane, II, David Lance Ribble, Varad Narayan Srivastava, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Michael Scott Hood, Charles A. Howell, Kirsten M. Emmons
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Publication number: 20210184729Abstract: Patient care equipment includes a wireless coupler that transfers power and/or data between an architectural unit and the patient care equipment. The patient care equipment may also include additional wireless couplers that transfer power and/or data between first and second components of the equipment. The second component may be movable relative to the first component. A structure or hot swapping batteries is also disclosed, the swapped battery being charged on an inductive charging mat.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2021Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Charles A. HOWELL, William G. PITTENGER, Michael S. HOOD, Edward J. KOORS, Steven A. DIXON, Richard J. SCHUMAN, Matthew D. MORGAN, Laurie Lee GUTZWILLER, Kelly F. WALTON
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Patent number: 11007097Abstract: Dynamic support surface technologies configure a person support surface in various ways, including configurations in which the person support surface at least temporarily assumes an apnea therapy position, such as a progressive lateral tilt or a ramp-like position.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David L. Ribble, Michael S. Hood, Charles A. Howell, Eric D. Agdeppa
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Patent number: 10987263Abstract: A siderail assembly for a person support apparatus comprises a siderail body, a grip portion, and a power communication device. The siderail body includes a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extending between the front surface and the back surface. The side surface defines a perimeter of the siderail body. The grip portion includes a siderail opening through a portion of the siderail body. The grip opening has an upper grip opening portion that cooperates with the side surface to define a grip. The power communication device is configured to communicate power wirelessly to a device in communication therewith.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Fred J. Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
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Patent number: 10973701Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus 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. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2020Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Steven Alan Dixon, Laetitia Gazagnes, Timothy A. Lane, II, David Lance Ribble, Varad Narayan Srivastava, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Michael Scott Hood, Charles A. Howell, Kirsten M. Emmons
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Patent number: 10938446Abstract: Patient care equipment includes a wireless coupler that transfers power and/or data between an architectural unit and the patient care equipment. The patient care equipment may also include additional wireless couplers that transfer power and/or data between first and second components of the equipment. The second component may be movable relative to the first component. A structure or hot swapping batteries is also disclosed, the swapped battery being charged on an inductive charging mat.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Charles A. Howell, William G. Pittenger, Michael S. Hood, Edward J. Koors, Steven Alan Dixon, Richard Joseph Schuman, Matthew D. Morgan, Laurie Lee Gutzwiller, Kelly F. Walton
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Publication number: 20200360207Abstract: A sleep apparatus, such as a mattress, comprises a head support surface sized to support a person's head, and a torso support surface sized to support a person's torso. The head support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from a first side toward a second side of the mattress, and the torso support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from the first side toward the second side. In some embodiments, the lateral slope of the head support surface is at least about 15°, the lateral slope of the head support surface is greater than the lateral slope of the torso support surface, and/or, the sleep apparatus slopes in the longitudinal direction as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: Michael Scott Hood, David L. Ribble, Laetitia Gazagnes, Pierre Deguignet, Aziz A. Bhai, Eric D. Agdeppa, Neal Wiggermann, Charles A. Howell, Varad N. Srivastava, Jason A. Penninger
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Publication number: 20200306101Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus 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. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Steven Alan Dixon, Laetitia Gazagnes, Timothy A. Lane, II, David Lance Ribble, Varad Narayan Srivastava, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Michael Scott Hood, Charles A. Howell, Kirsten M. Emmons
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Patent number: 10682263Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus 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. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2019Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Steven Alan Dixon, Laetitia Gazagnes, Timothy A. Lane, II, David Lance Ribble, Varad Narayan Srivastava, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Michael Scott Hood, Charles A. Howell, Kirsten M. Emmons
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Patent number: 10660807Abstract: A sleep apparatus, such as a mattress for example, is provided in one embodiment. The apparatus comprises a head support surface sized to support a person's head, and a torso support surface sized to support a person's torso. The head support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from the first side toward the second side, and the torso support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from the first side toward the second side. In some embodiments, the lateral slope of the head support surface is at least about 15°, the lateral slope of the head support surface is greater than the lateral slope of the torso support surface, and/or, the sleep apparatus slopes in the longitudinal direction as well.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David Ribble, Charles A. Howell, Neal Wiggermann, Michael Scott Hood, Travis Pelo, Kirsten M. Emmons, Eric D. Agdeppa
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Publication number: 20200050750Abstract: A care system includes a mobile communication device, a remote server, and a patient support system that is in communication with either or both of the mobile communication device and the remote server. The mobile communication device may operate as a user interface for the patient support system. The remote server may provide computing power for the patient support system for resource intensive computing tasks.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Eric D. Agdeppa, Steven A. Dixon, Charles A. Howell, Thomas M. Gillis, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III