Patents by Inventor John W. Wilkinson

John W. Wilkinson 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: 5652985
    Abstract: A pressure relief support system utilizes a self-adjusting approach to maintaining generally constant pressure in fluid support bladders. A constant force, such as from a constant force linear spring or from a counterweight system, is applied directly to a fluid support bladder or to a reservoir in fluid communication with such bladder. Plural self-adjusting arrangements may be provided in a single device for fabricating a support body with sectionalized support. Such arrangements may be incorporated into mattress support systems or into seating arrangements or other alternative uses. By appropriately selecting system components, such as the amount of the constant force applied, the original volume of fluid to which the force is applied, and the reservoir size, pressure dispersion for a patient or supported object of any type may be controlled at a predetermined generally constant point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Wilkinson, Richard W. Raburn, Thomas S. Hargest
  • Patent number: 5649331
    Abstract: A pressure relief support system utilizes a self-adjusting approach to maintaining generally constant pressure in fluid support bladders. A constant force, such as from a constant force linear spring or from a counterweight system, is applied directly to a fluid support bladder or to a reservoir in fluid communication with such bladder. Plural self-adjusting arrangements may be provided in a single device for fabricating a support body with sectionalized support. Such arrangements may be incorporated into mattress support systems or into seating arrangements or other alternative uses. By appropriately selecting system components, such as the amount of the constant force applied, the original volume of fluid to which the force is applied, and the reservoir size, pressure dispersion for a patient or supported object of any type may be controlled at a predetermined generally constant point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Wilkinson, Richard W. Raburn, Thomas S. Hargest
  • Patent number: 5487196
    Abstract: Automated pressure relief mattress support system including method and apparatus for supporting a bed patient comprising an air mattress construction having a plurality of longitudinally extending flexible air compartments or tubes which are connected to a pressurized air source and uniformly pressurized to an optimum air pressure to minimize interface surface pressure between a patient and the mattress. The system is of simplified economical construction and can be operated both passively and actively to minimize patient/mattress interface pressures and to roll a patient to right and left side positions, typically to selected angles of up to about 30 degrees for preselected times, with roll position air pressure set points in the mattress air tubes for particular roll angles of the patient being automatically established, based on patient body weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Span America Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Wilkinson, Richard W. Raburn
  • Patent number: 5412821
    Abstract: The pressure relief support system contains longitudinal air cylinders having wood slats extending across the air cylinders along the length of the air cylinders forming the shape of a mattress. Foam strips may be included on each of these slats to provide an improved pressure relief mattress system for optimal patient comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5070560
    Abstract: The pressure relief support system contains longitudinal air cylinders having wood slats extending across the air cylinders along the length of the air cylinders forming the shape of a mattress. Foam strips may be included on each of these slats to provide an improved pressure relief mattress system for optimal patient comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Healthflex, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Wilkinson