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).

  • Publication number: 20240096473
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Eric D. Agdeppa, Steven A. Dixon, Charles A. Howell, Thomas M. Gillis, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
  • Patent number: 11869649
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11786427
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
  • Patent number: 11764831
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20230000701
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
  • Patent number: 11464693
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20220249297
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    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
  • Patent number: 11331227
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20210212872
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20210186773
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    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
  • Publication number: 20210184729
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    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
  • Patent number: 11007097
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Ribble, Michael S. Hood, Charles A. Howell, Eric D. Agdeppa
  • Patent number: 10987263
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred J. Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
  • Patent number: 10973701
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 10938446
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20200360207
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20200306101
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    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
  • Patent number: 10682263
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 10660807
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ribble, Charles A. Howell, Neal Wiggermann, Michael Scott Hood, Travis Pelo, Kirsten M. Emmons, Eric D. Agdeppa
  • Publication number: 20200050750
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Eric D. Agdeppa, Steven A. Dixon, Charles A. Howell, Thomas M. Gillis, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III