Patents by Inventor Douglas B. Thatcher

Douglas B. Thatcher 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).

  • Medical table having a number of rollers which collectively define a bed surface and an associated method for moving a patient from a first position to a second position
    Patent number: 6131214
    Abstract: A medical table includes a base. The medical table also includes a number of rollers, supported by the base, which collectively define a bed surface for supporting a patient, wherein each roller of the number of rollers (1) defines a fluid impervious bag having a void therein, and (2) contains a plurality of beads within the void of the fluid impervious bag, and further wherein the number of rollers includes a prime roller having a shaft extending therefrom. The medical table further includes a motor mechanically coupled to the shaft of the prime roller. The medical table also includes a vacuum source in fluid communication with each void of the number of rollers. A method of moving a patient from a first position to a second position is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moenning, Donald M. Judy, Douglas B. Thatcher
  • Medical table and method for moving a patient from a first position to a second position
    Patent number: 5781943
    Abstract: A medical table includes a base. The medical table also includes a number of rollers, supported by the base, which collectively define a bed surface for supporting a patient, wherein each roller of the number of rollers (1) defines a fluid impervious bag having a void therein, and (2) contains a plurality of beads within the void of the fluid impervious bag, and further wherein the number of rollers includes a prime roller having a shaft extending therefrom. The medical table further includes a motor mechanically coupled to the shaft of the prime roller. The medical table also includes a vacuum source in fluid communication with each void of the number of rollers. A method of moving a patient from a first position to a second position is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moenning, Donald M. Judy, Douglas B. Thatcher