Patents by Inventor Greg W. Branson

Greg W. Branson 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).

  • Heel pressure management apparatus and method
    Patent number: 6351863
    Abstract: A sleep support surface includes a mattress having at least two bladders located adjacent a foot end. The bladders each have a predetermined, adjustable internal pressure. The pressure in at least one of the bladders is selectively and independently reduced to provide pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress. The pressure in a bladder located toward the head end of the mattress and adjacent the at least one bladder is increased. This pressure increase advantageously provides the lifting force under the calves of the patient to reduce further pressure on the patient's heels. A visual indication of the location each of the at least two bladders in the mattress is provided to facilitate selection of the at least one bladder in which to reduce pressure during the pressure reducing step, thereby providing pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, Greg W. Branson, Richard J. Schuman, David J. Ulrich
  • Heel pressure management apparatus and method
    Patent number: 6151739
    Abstract: A sleep support surface includes a mattress having at least two bladders located adjacent a foot end. The bladders each have a predetermined, adjustable internal pressure. The pressure in at least one of the bladders is selectively and independently reduced to provide pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress. The pressure in a bladder located toward the head end of the mattress and adjacent the at least one bladder is increased. This pressure increase advantageously provides the lifting force under the calves of the patient to reduce further pressure on the patient's heels. A visual indication of the location each of the at least two bladders in the mattress is provided to facilitate selection of the at least one bladder in which to reduce pressure during the pressure reducing step, thereby providing pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, Greg W. Branson, Richard J. Schuman, David J. Ulrich
  • Heel pressure management apparatus and method
    Patent number: 5666681
    Abstract: A sleep support surface includes a mattress having at least two bladders located adjacent a foot end. The bladders each have a predetermined, adjustable internal pressure. The pressure in at least one of the bladders is selectively and independently reduced to provide pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress. The pressure in a bladder located toward the head end of the mattress and adjacent the at least one bladder is increased. This pressure increase advantageously provides the lifting force under the calves of the patient to reduce further pressure on the patient's heels. A visual indication of the location each of the at least two bladders in the mattress is provided to facilitate selection of the at least one bladder in which to reduce pressure during the pressure reducing step, thereby providing pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, Greg W. Branson, Richard J. Schuman, David J. Ulrich