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: 20190224060
    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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: David L. Ribble, Michael S. Hood, Charles A. Howell, Eric D. Agdeppa
  • Publication number: 20190209391
    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 19, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    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: 10299968
    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: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    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: 10292881
    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: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Ribble, Michael S. Hood, Charles A. Howell, Eric D. Agdeppa
  • Patent number: 10290071
    Abstract: A care system includes a mobile communication device, a remote server, and a patient support system in communication with either or both of the mobile communication device and the remote server. The mobile communication device operates as a user interface for the patient support system. The remote server provides computing power for the patient support system for resource intensive computing tasks. A system for use in a healthcare facility includes patient care devices located in a patient room. The system also includes an application server located remotely from the patient room. The application server stores application software associated with each patient care device. The system further includes a universal caregiver interface situated in the patient room and in communication with the application server. The universal caregiver interface receives application software from the application server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Eric D. Agdeppa, Steven A. Dixon, Charles A. Howell, Thomas M. Gillis, Benjamin E. Howell, Christian Saucier, Kelli F. Rempel, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, Andrew S. Robinson, Mary L. Butler, Bryan J. Bello, Michael S. Hood, Frederick C. Davidson, David M. Girardeau
  • Patent number: 10231891
    Abstract: An occupant support includes at least one non-fluidizable module 100 having a support structure for supporting the non-fluidizable module on a ground surface 76 and at least one fluidizable module 66 also having a support structure for supporting the fluidizable module on the ground surface. The fluidizable and non-fluidizable modules cooperate with each other to support an occupant. The support for the non-fluidizable module bears less than all the weight of the fluidizable module and, in the limit bears none of the weight. An alternative occupant support includes at least one non-fluidizable module and at least one fluidizable module cooperable with the fluidizable module to support an occupant. The fluidizable module is sized to support no more than about 50 percent of the length of an adult human body and most preferably no more than about 30 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A Howell, Scott Peer
  • Publication number: 20190076311
    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: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Fred J. HERMAN, Thomas F. HEIL, Charles A. HOWELL
  • Publication number: 20190007102
    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: September 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    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
  • Patent number: 10123925
    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: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20180296401
    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: June 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    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: 10075214
    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: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    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
  • Patent number: 10022277
    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: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    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: 20170319412
    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: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20170065464
    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: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    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: 9375374
    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: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20160120716
    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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: David L. Ribble, Michael S. Hood, Charles A. Howell, Eric D. Agdeppa
  • Publication number: 20160013837
    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: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: 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: 20150136146
    Abstract: A method comprises determining a person's level of risk for developing an adverse condition; selecting a care protocol based on the level of risk; displaying a proposed configuration of a person support structure corresponding to the care protocol for a caregiver to approve; and upon approval by the caregiver, implementing the configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: HILL-ROM SERVICES, INC.
    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
  • Patent number: D779236
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ribble, Charles A. Howell, Neal Wiggermann, Michael Scott Hood, Travis Pelo, Kirsten M. Emmons, Eric D. Agdeppa
  • Patent number: D860685
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ribble, Charles A. Howell, Neal Wiggermann, Michael Scott Hood, Travis Pelo, Kirsten M. Emmons, Eric D. Agdeppa