Patents by Inventor Christopher T. Niederkrom

Christopher T. Niederkrom 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).

  • Patent number: 12121479
    Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus, such as a proning type bed or table, may include a plurality of support packs. The support packs may be disposed on support assemblies or arms that may be extended across the patient's body and connected so as to help support the patient during rotation. To connect the support assemblies together the assemblies may comprise securement straps and a connector. The support assemblies may further comprise a release lever so as help relax tension in a securement strap so as to help a user quickly release the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: Turn Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin S. Wilson, Eric W. Barta, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 12042440
    Abstract: A therapeutic bed includes stowable prone packs and lateral side supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Turn Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin S. Wilson, Eric W. Barta, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 11826296
    Abstract: Support assemblies for supporting the head of a patient during rotation are described. A head support can be tilted so as to orient a patient for intubation. For example, the head support may include a tilt frame that is configured to position a patient's airway automatically and efficiently to an orientation suitable for patient airway intubation. In some embodiments, a tilt frame may allow for automatic positioning of a patient's airway to a predetermined orientation generally deemed suitable for patient airway intubation and allow for easy adjustment of the angle of the tilt frame so as to particularly orient an individual patient's airway as needed for a medical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Turn Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin S. Wilson, Eric W. Barta, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 7472440
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a therapeutic bed is provided which comprises a base frame, a patient support frame having a support for supporting a patient in a prone position, said patient support frame being rotationally mounted on the base frame, such that the patient support frame is capable of rotating with respect to the base frame for repositioning said patient between a supine position and a prone position. In various embodiments, the therapeutic bed includes a control member having an engaged, disengaged, and neutral position. In such embodiments, each of the engaged disengaged, and neutral position controls at least one of an electrical rotation of the bed and a mechanical rotation of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Bartlett, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Publication number: 20080209630
    Abstract: A system and method for repositioning a patient. The system comprises a first layer that is liquid impermeable and vapor permeable. The system also comprises a second layer that has a tensile strength that is greater than the first layer. The tensile strength of the second layer is sufficient to allow the system to lift a person being repositioned. The system also comprises a plurality of handles distributed around the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: KCI LICENSING, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Kazala, Kenneth R. Smith, Bruce Phillips, Eric Barta, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 7219379
    Abstract: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a patient support therapeutic bed comprising a base frame and a patient support platform rotatable relative to the base frame is illustrated and described. The patient support platform is also rotatable between a supine position and a prone position. The therapeutic bed includes a head support positionable relative to the patient support platform to support the head of a patient supported by said patient support platform. The head support includes a head restraint independently positionable relative to the patient support platform for engaging a front surface of the head. The head restraint is movable in a direction generally perpendicular to the body of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Wladyslaw H. Krywiczanin, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 7017211
    Abstract: A mechanism to support the head of a patient is provided for therapeutic beds, including prone positioning therapeutic beds. In one embodiment, a head restraint apparatus is provided comprising a casing having a closed bottom end, an open top end, and an open front end. The casing encloses a cavity for receiving a person's head resting in a supine position and substantially encompasses the back and sides of a person's head. A face piece removably attached to the open top end of the casing is configured to restrain at least a portion of the front of a person's head. In another embodiment, a head restraint is slidably mounted on a transversely oriented rail of the patient support platform. A manually operable clamp is provided to fix the position of the head restraint with respect to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Wladyslaw H. Krywiczanin, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 6934986
    Abstract: A direct electrical signal and power interface is provided to the patient support platform of a therapeutic bed that allows for a complete rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. In one embodiment, an electrical signal and/or power cable is housed within a chain-like cable carrier that is disposed within an annular channel attached to the patient support platform. In another embodiment, a flexible ribbon cable is disposed within the annular channel. The cable carrier or ribbon cable is long enough to allow a full 360 degrees of rotation of the patient support platform in either direction from 0 degrees supine flat while maintaining a direct electrical signal or power connection. To ensure that the electrical signal and power connection is not articulated beyond its physical limit as a result of manually rotating the bed in the emergency backup mode, a mechanical stop is provided to limit rotation of the patient support platform to about 730 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Wladyslaw H. Krywiczanin, Christopher T. Niederkrom, Mark Beard, David Whyte
  • Patent number: 6728983
    Abstract: A direct data and power interface is provided to the patient support platform of a therapeutic bed that allows for a complete rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. To ensure that the data and power interface is not articulated beyond its physical limit as a result of manually rotating the bed in the emergency backup mode, a mechanical stop is provided to limit rotation of the patient support platform to about 730 degrees. Sensors are provided to detect activation of the mechanical stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Bartlett, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 6715169
    Abstract: A mechanism to center a patient on a patient support platform of a therapeutic bed is provided comprising a threaded rod that has left-hand threads on one end and right-hand threads on the other; first and second mounts threadably engaged with the left-hand and right-hand threads, respectively, of the threaded rod; and first and second patient support accessories mounted to the first and second mounts, respectively. The rod, when rotated, is operable to move the first and second patient support accessories in opposite directions, either toward or away from the patient. In one embodiment, a manually operable handle is connected to the threaded rod for effecting rotation of the threaded rod to produce symmetric movement of the first and second patient support accessories. In another embodiment, a motor-driven actuator is operably connected to the threaded rod for effecting rotation of the threaded rod to produce symmetric movement of the first and second patient support accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Publication number: 20040010849
    Abstract: A direct data and power interface is provided to the patient support platform of a therapeutic bed that allows for a complete rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. In one embodiment, a data and/or power cable is housed within a chain-like cable carrier that is disposed within an annular channel attached to the patient support platform. In another embodiment, a flexible ribbon cable is disposed within the annular channel. The cable carrier or ribbon cable is long enough to allow a full 360 degrees of rotation of the patient support platform in either direction from 0 degrees supine flat while maintaining a direct data or power connection. To ensure that data and power connection is not articulated beyond its physical limit as a result of manually rotating the bed in the emergency backup mode, a mechanical stop is provided to limit rotation of the patient support platform to about 730 degrees. Sensors are provided to detect activation of the mechanical stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Wladyslaw H. Krywiczanin, Christopher T. Niederkrom, Mark Beard, David Whyte
  • Patent number: 6671905
    Abstract: A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis, a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame, and an upright end ring at the head of the bed with a central opening for routing patient care lines and a removable upper section for improved access to a patient's head. The patient support platform preferably has pivotally mounted side rails that fold underneath the patient support platform and straps with strap connectors that indicate whether the straps are sufficiently tensioned. A direct, wired electrical connection between the patient support platform and the base frame allows full rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. A manually operable lever disengages the patient support platform from the drive system to allow manual rotation of the patient support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Bartlett, Wladyslaw H. Krywiczanin, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Publication number: 20030140420
    Abstract: A mechanism to center a patient on a patient support platform of a therapeutic bed is provided comprising a threaded rod that has left-hand threads on one end and right-hand threads on the other; first and second mounts threadably engaged with the left-hand and right-hand threads, respectively, of the threaded rod; and first and second patient support accessories mounted to the first and second mounts, respectively. The rod, when rotated, is operable to move the first and second patient support accessories in opposite directions, either toward or away from the patient. In one embodiment, a manually operable handle is connected to the threaded rod for effecting rotation of the threaded rod to produce symmetric movement of the first and second patient support accessories. In another embodiment, a motor-driven actuator is operably connected to the threaded rod for effecting rotation of the threaded rod to produce symmetric movement of the first and second patient support accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Publication number: 20030140419
    Abstract: A direct data and power interface is provided to the patient support platform of a therapeutic bed that allows for a complete rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. To ensure that the data and power interface is not articulated beyond its physical limit as a result of manually rotating the bed in the emergency backup mode, a mechanical stop is provided to limit rotation of the patient support platform to about 730 degrees. Sensors are provided to detect activation of the mechanical stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Alan L. Bartlett, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Publication number: 20020138906
    Abstract: A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis, a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame, and an upright end ring at the head of the bed with a central opening for routing patient care lines and a removable upper section for improved access to a patient's head. The patient support platform preferably has pivotally mounted side rails that fold underneath the patient support platform and straps with strap connectors that indicate whether the straps are sufficiently tensioned. A direct, wired electrical connection between the patient support platform and the base frame allows full rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. A manually operable lever disengages the patient support platform from the drive system to allow manual rotation of the patient support platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Alan L. Bartlett, Wladyslaw H. Krywiczanin, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: D614284
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Paul Mormino, Christopher T. Niederkrom, Benjamin A. Pratt, Alexander G. Sammons, Tyler H. Simmons