Patents by Inventor Frank E. Sauser
Frank E. Sauser 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).
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Patent number: 11938072Abstract: A patient immersion sensor includes a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) apparatus to determine a time of flight (TOF) of a RADAR pulse and a reflected signal that is reflected by a patient or by a portion of a patient support surface supporting the patient. The TOF is indicative of an immersion depth or a distance toward bottoming out of a patient supported on the patient support surface, such as a mattress or a pad. The RADAR apparatus emits pulses of very short duration so as to be able to detect objects, such as a patient or a portion of a mattress or pad, at very close distances. The RADAR apparatus may use time-of-flight (TOF) between transmission of the pulse and receipt of a reflected signal to determine a distance toward bottoming out by the patient, thereby to determine if the patient is properly immersed into the patient support surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Frank E. Sauser, Steven D. Baker
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Patent number: 11918331Abstract: A movement detection device includes a signal transmission device configured to transmit a radar signal transmission toward a target area and to receive reflected radar signals, and a signal analysis device configured to analyze the reflected radar signals to detect a movement in the target area that is indicative of micro-shivering. In response to detecting the micro-shivering, the movement detection device generates an alarm.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Baker, Jennifer Bergstrom, Heinz-Hermann Dalbert, Brandon P. Fisk, Yongji Fu, Michael S. Hood, Charles A. Lachenbruch, John A. Lane, Kenzi L. Mudge, Matthew O'Neal, Frank E. Sauser, Douglas A. Seim, Gregory J. Shannon
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Patent number: 11826185Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a mattress positioned on the frame. The mattress has an electronic component positioned within an interior of the mattress. An inductive power transmitter is coupled to the frame. An inductive power receiver is positioned within the interior of the mattress and electrically coupled to the electronic component.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Frank E. Sauser, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Kathryn R. Smith, Jnanesha Ramegowda, Jason B. Grace, Douglas E. Borgman, Nolan D. Wanner, Steven D. Baker, Douglas A. Seim
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Patent number: 11707388Abstract: An absorbent article has one or more fluid filter layers to inhibit electrode traces from being exposed to low volumes of fluid to reduce the number of false positives that are indicated by an RFID tag of the incontinence detection pad. An antenna inlay has a sacrificial trace portion to permit testing for proper operation of an RFID chip electrically coupled to the antenna inlay. After testing, the sacrificial trace portion is severed. A fluid barrier layer blocks fluid from reaching portions of electrode traces that are located on a backsheet outside a periphery of an absorbent core of an incontinence detection pad. The power at which an antenna transmits to wirelessly energize a passive RFID tag of an incontinence detection pad is controlled to reduce the number of false positives indicated by the RFID tag.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2022Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Ryan S. Severns, James D. Voll, Brett A. Knittle, Gavin M. Monson, John V. Harmeyer, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Frank E. Sauser, Joseph T. Canter, Yongji Fu, Kirsten M. Emmons, David L. Ribble, Neal Wiggermann, John D. Christie, Dan R. Tallent, Marwan Nusair, Edward J. Koors
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Publication number: 20230107717Abstract: A modular patient support apparatus includes linkages which provide advanced kinematics for moving portions of the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus includes a cantilevered lift system supporting an upper frame, the cantilevered lift system including a linkage configured to raise the upper frame in a substantially vertical direction, a telescopic cylinder engaged with the linkage, the telescopic extension and retraction of the cylinder causing the linkage to move, and a lift assist assembly, the lift assist assembly being loaded as the cantilevered lift system is lowered to impart a force on the linkage to reduce the load on the telescopic cylinder. The lift system includes an actuation system that operates manually or with power.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventors: David C. NEWKIRK, Brian GUTHRIE, Jeff S. JELINEK, Dennis P. LALOGE, Frank E. SAUSER, Jonathan D. TURNER
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Publication number: 20230095213Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support surface including a topper. An opening is formed in a side of the support surface. A cavity extends from the opening into the support surface. An inlet port is positioned within the cavity and fluidly coupled to the topper. A pneumatic blower is configured to removably position within the cavity and has an outlet port that couples to the inlet port.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Darrell L. Borgman, Douglas E. Borgman, Arpit Shah, Wui Hsien Wong, Keith Moores, Jason M. Gilreath, Michael R. Montini, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Eric R. Meyer, Frank E. Sauser, Catherine M. Wagner, Rachel L. Williamson, Brandon P. Fisk, Jason B. Grace, Brian Guthrie, Nicole Johannigman, Gregory J. Shannon, David C. Newkirk, Michael Churilla, Jnanesha Ramegowda, Taylor Franklin, Kathryn R. Smith, John G. Byers, Frederick K. Schultz, Andrew R. Wager, Sridhar Karimpuzha Seshadri, Gary R. Gibbons, Scott M. Corbin, John Goewert, Thomas L. Simpson, Faron L. Blessing, James D. Voll, Kin Meng Choi, Stephen S. Amrhein, Herve Gautier, Jean-Francois Lellig, Philippe Kaikenger, Matthieu Guetta
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Patent number: 11583437Abstract: A warming device may include a batting layer having a phase change material. The batting layer may have a patient side and an upper side. A hot melt fabric adhesive may be applied to the patient side and upper side of the batting. A first fabric layer may be adhered to the hot melt fabric on the patient side of the batting. The first fabric layer may have a phase change material integrated coating. An insulation layer may be adhered to the hot melt fabric on the upper side of the batting. A second fabric layer may be coupled to the insulation layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Aspen Surgical Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Hood, Charles A. Lachenbruch, David L. Bedel, Robert J. Lawrence, Darrell L. Borgman, Varad N. Srivastava, Neal Wiggermann, Kirsten M. Emmons, Frank E. Sauser, Holly L. Bengel, Logan Cobler, Kayla Stevens, Justine Pringle, Ryan S. Severns, Yongji Fu
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Patent number: 11583449Abstract: A system for detecting potential for infection includes a wound dressing and an electronics component. The wound dressing includes a temperature sensing layer and a cover layer comprising a substrate and a backing layer. The electronics component includes a power source, an electronic control unit (ECU), and a communications interface positioned within a housing and removably coupled to the temperature sensing layer of the wound dressing. The electronics component is configured to receive a plurality of temperature readings from the temperature sensing layer, and provide an indication of potential infection of the wound based the plurality of temperature readings. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of temperature readings corresponds to a temperature of an area around a wound. Methods for preventing infections using the system are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David Lance Ribble, Craig Meyerson, Henry J. Smith, Kirsten Emmons, Yongji Fu, David E. Quinn, Frank E. Sauser
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Patent number: 11540964Abstract: A patient support apparatus may include a support surface configured to conduct air along a top face of the support surface so that heat and moisture from a patient lying on the support surface are drawn away from the top face of the support surface. An opening may be formed in a side of the support surface. A cavity may extend from the opening into the support surface. An inlet port may be positioned within the cavity and fluidly coupled to the top face. A blower assembly may be configured to position within the cavity. The blower assembly may have an outlet port that couples to the inlet port when the blower assembly is positioned within the cavity. The blower assembly may conduct air through the inlet port to the top face of the support surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Darrell L. Borgman, Douglas E. Borgman, Arpit Shah, Wui Hsien Wong, Keith Moores, Jason M. Gilreath, Michael R. Montini, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Eric R. Meyer, Frank E. Sauser, Catherine M. Wagner, Rachel L. Williamson, Brandon P. Fisk, Jason B. Grace, Brian Guthrie, Nicole Johannigman, Gregory J. Shannon, David C. Newkirk, Michael Churilla, Jnanesha Ramegowda, Taylor Franklin, Kathryn R. Smith, John G. Byers, Frederick K. Schultz, Andrew R. Wager, Sridhar Karimpuzha Seshadri, Gary R. Gibbons, Scott M. Corbin, John Goewert, Thomas L. Simpson, Faron L. Blessing, James D. Voll, Kin Meng Choi, Stephen S. Amrhein, Herve Gautier, Jean-Francois Lellig, Philippe Kaikenger, Matthieu Guetta
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Publication number: 20220362067Abstract: An absorbent article has one or more fluid filter layers to inhibit electrode traces from being exposed to low volumes of fluid to reduce the number of false positives that are indicated by an RFID tag of the incontinence detection pad. An antenna inlay has a sacrificial trace portion to permit testing for proper operation of an RFID chip electrically coupled to the antenna inlay. After testing, the sacrificial trace portion is severed. A fluid barrier layer blocks fluid from reaching portions of electrode traces that are located on a backsheet outside a periphery of an absorbent core of an incontinence detection pad. The power at which an antenna transmits to wirelessly energize a passive RFID tag of an incontinence detection pad is controlled to reduce the number of false positives indicated by the RFID tag.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Ryan S. Severns, James D. Voll, Brett A. Knittle, Gavin M. Monson, John V. Harmeyer, Charles A. Lachenbruch (Deceased), Frank E. Sauser, Joseph T. Canter, Yongji Fu, Kirsten M. Emmons, David L. Ribble, Neal Wiggermann, John D. Christie, Dan R. Tallent, Marwan Nusair, Edward J. Koors
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Patent number: 11478185Abstract: A system for detecting pressure sores includes an artificial skin configured to be coupled to a patient's skin. The artificial skin includes a substrate and a strain sensor configured to detect deformation of the substrate. A transmitter is configured to transmit signals indicative of the deformation of the substrate. A control system is configured to receive the signals from the transmitter. The control system includes a timer to track a period of time that the substrate is deformed.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Philippe Kaikenger, Michael Churilla, Frank E. Sauser, Charles A. Lachenbruch
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Patent number: 11478383Abstract: An absorbent article has one or more fluid filter layers to inhibit electrode traces from being exposed to low volumes of fluid to reduce the number of false positives that are indicated by an RFID tag of the incontinence detection pad. An antenna inlay has a sacrificial trace portion to permit testing for proper operation of an RFID chip electrically coupled to the antenna inlay. After testing, the sacrificial trace portion is severed. A fluid barrier layer blocks fluid from reaching portions of electrode traces that are located on a backsheet outside a periphery of an absorbent core of an incontinence detection pad. The power at which an antenna transmits to wirelessly energize a passive RFID tag of an incontinence detection pad is controlled to reduce the number of false positives indicated by the RFID tag.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Ryan S. Severns, James D. Voll, Brett A. Knittle, Gavin M. Monson, John V. Harmeyer, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Frank E. Sauser, Joseph T. Canter, Yongji Fu, Kirsten M. Emmons, David L. Ribble, Neal Wiggermann, John D. Christie, Dan R. Tallent, Marwan Nusair, Edward J. Koors
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Publication number: 20220313182Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a mattress positioned on the frame. The mattress has an electronic component positioned within an interior of the mattress. An inductive power transmitter is coupled to the frame. An inductive power receiver is positioned within the interior of the mattress and electrically coupled to the electronic component.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Frank E. Sauser, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Kathryn R. Smith, Jnanesha Ramegowda, Jason B. Grace, Douglas E. Borgman, Nolan D. Wanner, Steven D. Baker, Douglas A. Seim
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Publication number: 20220304885Abstract: Person support systems, controllers, methods, and computer program products. A computer program product for controlling a person support surface includes program instructions stored thereon that cause a controller to receive an input corresponding to at least one selected sector of the person support surface and a selected air therapy, determine which of a plurality of zones of bladders of the person support surface are located within the selected sector, generate a control schedule that directs an inflation level of each of the zones of bladders within the selected sector based on the selected air therapy, and instruct an air supply and at least one air control box in accordance with the control schedule to adjust an internal air pressure of each of the plurality of bladders independently of one another while providing a different internal air pressure of each remaining bladder located outside the selected sector.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Applicant: HILL-ROM SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Kathryn Smith, Taylor Franklin, Frank E. Sauser
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Patent number: 11389120Abstract: A patient support apparatus may include a foam frame defining a space. A bladder assembly may be positioned in the space. The bladder assembly may include a plurality of foam filled bladders. Each of the foam filled bladders may be interconnected by a manifold. A plurality of mutually exclusively selectable pressure relief valves may be provided to release air from the bladder assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Frank E. Sauser, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Kathryn R. Smith, Jnanesha Ramegowda, Jason B. Grace, Douglas E. Borgman, Nolan D. Wanner, Steven D. Baker, Douglas A. Seim
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Publication number: 20220133562Abstract: A patient immersion sensor includes a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) apparatus to determine a time of flight (TOF) of a RADAR pulse and a reflected signal that is reflected by a patient or by a portion of a patient support surface supporting the patient. The TOF is indicative of an immersion depth or a distance toward bottoming out of a patient supported on the patient support surface, such as a mattress or a pad. The RADAR apparatus emits pulses of very short duration so as to be able to detect objects, such as a patient or a portion of a mattress or pad, at very close distances. The RADAR apparatus may use time-of-flight (TOF) between transmission of the pulse and receipt of a reflected signal to determine a distance toward bottoming out by the patient, thereby to determine if the patient is properly immersed into the patient support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2022Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Frank E. Sauser, Steven D. Baker
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Patent number: 11253411Abstract: A patient immersion sensor includes a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) apparatus to determine a time of flight (TOF) of a RADAR pulse and a reflected signal that is reflected by a patient or by a portion of a patient support surface supporting the patient. The TOF is indicative of an immersion depth or a distance toward bottoming out of a patient supported on the patient support surface, such as a mattress or a pad. The RADAR apparatus emits pulses of very short duration so as to be able to detect objects, such as a patient or a portion of a mattress or pad, at very close distances. The RADAR apparatus may use time-of-flight (TOF) between transmission of the pulse and receipt of a reflected signal to determine a distance toward bottoming out by the patient, thereby to determine if the patient is properly immersed into the patient support surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Frank E. Sauser, Steven D. Baker
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Publication number: 20220023122Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: 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 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
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Patent number: 11135110Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20210298643Abstract: One or more radar sensors can be used to monitor patients in a variety of different environments and embodiments. In one embodiment, radar sensors can be used to monitor a patient's movement, including movement in a patient bed and around a room. In another embodiment, a patient position can be monitored in a patient bed, which can be used as feedback for control of bladders of a patient bed. Additional embodiments are described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Steven D. Baker, Douglas A. Seim, Frank E. Sauser, Theodore Corsaro, Michael Churilla, Kathryn R. Smith, Eric R. Meyer, Gregory J. Shannon, Michael S. Hood, Brandon P. Fisk, Rachel L. Williamson