Patents by Inventor Eric D. Benz

Eric D. Benz 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: 20260074060
    Abstract: A system for remote diagnostics of medical devices in a healthcare network includes at least one medical device having an associated serial number. A service platform is in communication with the at least one medical device. A manufacturer database is in communication with the service platform. A remote service system is in communication with the service platform. The at least one medical device stores unique device credentials. The remote service system identifies the at least one medical device based on the unique device credentials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2025
    Publication date: March 12, 2026
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Benz, Nicholas Comparone, Barbara Crawford, Steven V. McCaig, Unnati Ojha, Tudor Robaciu, Vijay Aditya Tadipatri
  • Publication number: 20250372247
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus for inferring a patient's future behavior tracks data related to patient bed exits from the patient support apparatus. A controller may be in communication with the patient support apparatus. The controller may include a processor and a non-transitory memory device. The memory device may include instructions that, when executed by the processor, acquire data related to patient bed exits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2025
    Publication date: December 4, 2025
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Aziz A. Bhai, Nicholas Comparone, John D. Christie, John Goewert, Bryan Weidman, John G. Byers, Unnati Ojha, Eric D. Benz
  • Patent number: 12465295
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a sensor capable of detecting vital signs, setting acceptable limits for the vital signs, and includes structures for monitoring the vital signs and providing local and/or remote indications to caregivers if the vital signs fall outside of acceptable limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2025
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zerhusen, Dan R. Tallent, Brandon P. Fisk, Aziz A. Bhai, Eric D. Benz, Robert D. Weitz, John Goewert, Frank Sauser, Nicholas C. Batta, Edward J. Koors, Jonathan D. Turner, Richard H. Heimbrock, John G. Byers, Nicholas A. Mann, Daniel McCoy
  • Publication number: 20250288483
    Abstract: A therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2025
    Publication date: September 18, 2025
    Inventors: Eric D. Benz, John G. Byers, Scott M. Corbin, Kenneth L. Lilly, Joseph T. Canter, James L. Walke, Richard J. Schuman, Richard H. Heimbrock, Bradley T. Smith, John V. Harmeyer, Lori Ann Zapfe, Mekashia Chenault, Kimberly Tuinstra, Michael A. Knecht, Robert M. Zerhusen
  • Patent number: 12350211
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base frame, lift mechanism supporting an upper frame relative to the base frame, a load frame, and a plurality of deck sections, a patient support surface, and a number of barriers positioned about the patient supporting surface. The patient support apparatus includes a notification system for visually notifying a caregiver of a condition or status of a component of the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zerhusen, Richard H. Heimbrock, Arpit Shah, Aziz A. Bhai, Bradley T. Smith, Catherine M. Wagner, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Clay G. Owsley, Dan R. Tallent, Daniel Nachtigal, David L. Bedel, David J. Brzenchek, David J. Hitchcock, David P. Lubbers, Douglas A. Seim, Douglas E. Borgman, Eric D. Benz, Florin Iucha, Frank E. Sauser, Gavin M. Monson, James W. Pascoe, James L. Walke, Jared Rude, John G. Byers, John D. Christie, Jonathan D. Turner, Joshua A. Williams, Karen Lanning, Kathryn R. Smith, Kirsten M. Emmons, Mary Kay Brinkman, Michael Buccieri, Nathaniel W. Hixon, Neal Wiggermann, Richard J. Schuman, Sr., Scott M. Corbin, Sravan Mamidi, Todd P. O'Neal, Todd S. Ventrola, Travis Pelo, Unnati Ojha, John Goewert
  • Patent number: 12329717
    Abstract: A therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Benz, John G. Byers, Scott M. Corbin, Kenneth L. Lilly, Joseph T. Canter, James L. Walke, Richard J. Schuman, Richard H. Heimbrock, Bradley T. Smith, John V. Harmeyer, Lori Ann Zapfe, Mekashia Chenault, Kimberly Tuinstra, Michael A. Knecht, Robert M. Zerhusen
  • Publication number: 20250186279
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base frame, lift mechanism supporting an upper frame relative to the base frame, a load frame, and a plurality of deck sections, a patient support surface, and a number of barriers positioned about the patient supporting surface. The patient support apparatus includes a notification system for visually notifying a caregiver of a condition or status of a component of the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zerhusen, Richard H. Heimbrock, Arpit Shah, Aziz A. Bhai, Bradley T. Smith, Catherine M. Wagner, Charles A. Lachenbruch (Deceased), Clay G. Owsley, Dan R. Tallent, Daniel Nachtigal, David L. Bedel, David L. Brzenchek, David J. Hitchcock, David P. Lubbers, Douglas A. Seim, Douglas E. Borgman, Eric D. Benz, Florin Iucha, Frank E. Sauser, Gavin M. Monson, James W. Pascoe, James L. Walke, Jared Rude, John G. Byers, John D. Christie, Jonathan D. Turner, Joshua A. Williams, Karen Lanning, Kathryn Smith, Kirsten M. Emmons, Mary Kay Brinkman, Michael Buccieri, Nathaniel W. Hixon, Neal Wiggermann, Richard J. Schuman, Sr., Scott M. Corbin, Sravan Mamidi, Todd P. O'Neal, Todd S. Ventrola, Travis Pelo, Unnati Ojha, John Goewert
  • Publication number: 20250152110
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a sensor capable of detecting vital signs, setting acceptable limits for the vital signs, and includes structures for monitoring the vital signs and providing local and/or remote indications to caregivers if the vital signs fall outside of acceptable limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zerhusen, Dan R. Tallent, Brandon P. Fisk, Aziz A. Bhai, Eric D. Benz, Robert D. Weitz, John Goewert, Frank Sauser, Nicholas C. Batta, Edward J. Koors, Jonathan D. Turner, Richard H. Heimbrock, John G. Byers, Nicholas A. Mann, Daniel McCoy
  • Patent number: 12165767
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a visual indicator in connection with a portion of the patient support apparatus. The visual indicator is configured to output a first indication and a second indication. The support apparatus also includes a communication circuit configured to communicate via a wireless communication interface and a controller configured to communicate with a service unit via the wireless communication interface. The controller is configured to activate the first indication in response to the service unit detected within a detection range, and in response to enabling a remote access to the service unit, the controller is configured to activate the second indicator. The activation of the second indicator identifies the controller of the patient support apparatus in communication with the service unit via the wireless communication interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan R. Tallent, Eric D. Benz, Aziz Ali Bhai, Unnati Ojha, Nicholas Comparone
  • Patent number: 12042451
    Abstract: A system and method of patient bed communication and bed-to-room association in a healthcare facility having a network with at least one wireless access point (WAP) and a nurse call system is provided. A handheld unit is moved to a position within a pairing distance of a pairing zone of a patient bed so that the handheld unit and the bed are paired using a first wireless communication technology. A second wireless communication technology is used to send bed identification data (ID) to the handheld unit after the pairing operation has been completed. The bed ID is transmitted from the handheld unit to the nurse call system via a wired connection to establish a bed-to-room association between the patient bed and a room in which the patient bed is located. A third wireless communication technology is used to send bed status data and the bed ID to the WAP of the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan R. Tallent, Richard J. Schuman, Eric D. Benz, Unnati Ojha, Frederick Collin Davidson, Darren S. Hudgins, Jason M. Williams
  • Publication number: 20240197555
    Abstract: A therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Eric D. BENZ, John G. BYERS, Scott M. CORBIN, Richard H. HEIMBROCK, Michael A. KNECHT, Bradley T. SMITH, Lori Ann ZAPFE, Robert M. ZERHUSEN, Kenneth L. LILLY, Jonathan D. TURNER, James L. WALKE, Joseph T. CANTER, Richard J. SCHUMAN, John V. HARMEYER
  • Publication number: 20240180499
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a sensor capable of detecting vital signs, setting acceptable limits for the vital signs, and includes structures for monitoring the vital signs and providing local and/or remote indications to caregivers if the vital signs fall outside of acceptable limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Robert M. Zerhusen, Dan R. Tallent, Brandon P. Fisk, Aziz A. Bhai, Eric D. Benz, Robert D. Weitz, John Goewert, Frank Sauser, Nicholas C. Batta, Edward J. Koors, Jonathan D. Turner, Richard H. Heimbrock, John G. Byers, Nicholas A. Mann, Daniel McCoy
  • Patent number: 11974964
    Abstract: A therapy system that includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Turner, James L. Walke, Eric D. Benz, Joseph T. Canter, Robert M. Zerhusen, Michael A Knecht
  • Patent number: 11931312
    Abstract: A therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Benz, John G. Byers, Scott M. Corbin, Richard H. Heimbrock, Michael A. Knecht, Bradley T. Smith, Lori Ann Zapfe, Robert M. Zerhusen, Kenneth L. Lilly, Jonathan D. Turner, James L. Walke, Joseph T. Canter, Richard J. Schuman, Sr., John V. Harmeyer
  • Patent number: 11896406
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a sensor capable of detecting vital signs, setting acceptable limits for the vital signs, and includes structures for monitoring the vital signs and providing local and/or remote indications to caregivers if the vital signs fall outside of acceptable limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zerhusen, Dan R. Tallent, Brandon P. Fisk, Aziz A. Bhai, Eric D. Benz, Robert D. Weitz, John Goewert, Frank Sauser, Nicholas C. Batta, Edward J. Koors, Jonathan D. Turner, Richard H. Heimbrock, John G. Byers, Nicholas A. Mann, Daniel McCoy
  • Publication number: 20220415493
    Abstract: A system for remote diagnostics of medical devices in a healthcare network includes at least one medical device having an associated serial number. A service platform is in communication with the at least one medical device. A manufacturer database is in communication with the service platform. A remote service system is in communication with the service platform. The at least one medical device stores unique device credentials. The remote service system identifies the at least one medical device based on the unique device credentials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Eric D. Benz, Nicholas Comparone, Barbara Crawford, Steven V. McCaig, Unnati Ojha, Tudor Robaciu, Vijay Aditya Tadipatri
  • Publication number: 20220168156
    Abstract: An incontinence detection pad for detecting incontinence events includes a moisture absorbent layer that has non-embossed areas and embossed areas. The non-embossed areas have a first density of fibers of the layer, and the embossed areas have a second density of fibers of the layer that is greater than the first density. The incontinence detection pad further includes a plurality of electrodes positioned beneath the moisture absorbent layer and a transmitter connected to the plurality of electrodes and configured to transmit a signal indicative of a status of the moisture absorbent layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Eric D. Benz, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Gavin M. Monson, Ryan S. Severns, Dan R. Tallent, Bryan Weidman, Josh A. Williams
  • Patent number: 11278457
    Abstract: An incontinence detection pad for detecting incontinence events includes a moisture absorbent layer that has non-embossed areas and embossed areas. The non-embossed areas have a first density of fibers of the layer, and the embossed areas have a second density of fibers of the layer that is greater than the first density. The incontinence detection pad further includes a plurality of electrodes positioned beneath the moisture absorbent layer and a transmitter connected to the plurality of electrodes and configured to transmit a signal indicative of a status of the moisture absorbent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Benz, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Gavin M. Monson, Ryan S. Severns, Dan R. Tallent, Bryan Weidman, Joshua A. Williams
  • Publication number: 20220071571
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a sensor capable of detecting vital signs, setting acceptable limits for the vital signs, and includes structures for monitoring the vital signs and providing local and/or remote indications to caregivers if the vital signs fall outside of acceptable limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Robert M. ZERHUSEN, Dan R. TALLENT, Brandon P. FISK, Aziz A. BHAI, Eric D. BENZ, Robert D. WEITZ, John GOEWERT, Frank SAUSER, Nicholas C. BATTA, Edward J. KOORS, Jonathan D. TURNER, Richard H. HEIMBROCK, John G. BYERS, Nicholas A. MANN, Daniel MCCOY
  • Publication number: 20220054337
    Abstract: A system and method of patient bed communication and bed-to-room association in a healthcare facility having a network with at least one wireless access point (WAP) and a nurse call system is provided. A handheld unit is moved to a position within a pairing distance of a pairing zone of a patient bed so that the handheld unit and the bed are paired using a first wireless communication technology. A second wireless communication technology is used to send bed identification data (ID) to the handheld unit after the pairing operation has been completed. The bed ID is transmitted from the handheld unit to the nurse call system via a wired connection to establish a bed-to-room association between the patient bed and a room in which the patient bed is located. A third wireless communication technology is used to send bed status data and the bed ID to the WAP of the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Dan R. Tallent, Richard J. Schuman, Eric D. Benz, Unnati Ojha, Frederick Collin Davidson, Darren S. Hudgins, Jason M. Williams