Patents by Inventor Kenneth L. Kramer

Kenneth L. Kramer 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: 10251797
    Abstract: A patient support includes a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L Kramer, Eugene E Osborne, James K Findlay, Glenn C Suttman, Jeffrey R Welling, Robert A Kinker, Jr., John W Koenig, Matthew C Visca, John B Wilker, Jr., Gregory W Branson, Bruce E Dickman, Jr., Dean M Valvano, William L Jacques, II, Francis C Ganance, Douglas J Menkedick, Robert Mark Zerhusen, David A Albersmeyer, Roger S Philbeck, Aziz A Bhai, Nicholas C Batta, Terry L Richter, Thomas F Riggs, Kenith W Chambers, Steven J Schwartz, Matthew R Knue, Steven A Dixon, Joshua W Shenk, Brent E Goodwin, Andrew F Skinner, Gregory J Figel, James R Stolpmann, Brian J Hoffman, Irvin J Vanderpohl, III, David W Hornbach, Paul R Weil, Eric R Meyer, David P Lubbers, Roberta M Murnyack, Cami S Bright
  • Publication number: 20190059601
    Abstract: Adjustable mattress foundations generally include a mattress support surface including a head and back section hingedly connected to an intermediate seat section at one end and a leg and foot section hingedly connected to the intermediate seat section at another end. The intermediate seat section includes spaced apart upper and lower panels, wherein the lower panel is hingedly connected to the head and back section and slideably engaged with side frame members of the foundation, and wherein the upper panel is stationary and hingedly connected to the leg and foot section. A linear actuator is operatively coupled to a linkage assembly to independently effect inclination or declination of the head and back section relative to the intermediate seat section and is further operative to effect an increase or decrease in a length of the intermediate seat section by movement of the lower panel relative to the upper panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Jeffrey M. Woodall, Francis Jan, Brian Wiggins
  • Patent number: 10111530
    Abstract: Adjustable mattress foundations generally include a mattress support surface including a head and back section hingedly connected to an intermediate seat section at one end and a leg and foot section hingedly connected to the intermediate seat section at another end. The intermediate seat section includes spaced apart upper and lower panels, wherein the lower panel is hingedly connected to the head and back section and slideably engaged with side frame members of the foundation, and wherein the upper panel is stationary and hingedly connected to the leg and foot section. A linear actuator is operatively coupled to a linkage assembly to independently effect inclination or declination of the head and back section relative to the intermediate seat section and is further operative to effect an increase or decrease in a length of the intermediate seat section by movement of the lower panel relative to the upper panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: DREAMWELL LTD
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Jeffrey M. Woodall, Francis Jan
  • Publication number: 20180256423
    Abstract: Adjustable mattress foundations generally include a mattress support surface including a head and back section hingedly connected to an intermediate seat section at one end and a leg and foot section hingedly connected to the intermediate seat section at another end. The intermediate seat section includes spaced apart upper and lower panels, wherein the lower panel is hingedly connected to the head and back section and slideably engaged with side frame members of the foundation, and wherein the upper panel is stationary and hingedly connected to the leg and foot section. A linear actuator is operatively coupled to a linkage assembly to independently effect inclination or declination of the head and back section relative to the intermediate seat section and is further operative to effect an increase or decrease in a length of the intermediate seat section by movement of the lower panel relative to the upper panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Jeffrey M. Woodall
  • Patent number: 10051970
    Abstract: Height adjustable mattress assemblies generally include a foundation frame including side frame members and transverse frame members attached at respective ends by a corner bracket to define a generally rectangular shape. A deck is supported by the foundation frame and adjustable support legs are coupled to each one of the corner brackets. Each of the adjustable support legs includes an outer tubular member fastened to an interior facing portion of the corner bracket and a differential driven linear actuator including an extendible portion. The assemblies further include a single or dual actuator assembly mechanically engaged with the differential driven linear actuators in each one of the adjustable support legs to extend or retract the extendible portion so as to change an elevation of the foundation frame relative to ground upon actuation thereof. Also disclosed are processes for adjusting a height of a mattress assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Jeffrey M. Woodall, Francis Jan, Brian Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20180027980
    Abstract: Adjustable mattress foundations generally include a mattress support surface including a head and back section hingedly connected to an intermediate seat section at one end and a leg and foot section hingedly connected to the intermediate seat section at another end. The intermediate seat section includes spaced apart upper and lower panels, wherein the lower panel is hingedly connected to the head and back section and slideably engaged with side frame members of the foundation, and wherein the upper panel is stationary and hingedly connected to the leg and foot section. A linear actuator is operatively coupled to a linkage assembly to independently effect inclination or declination of the head and back section relative to the intermediate seat section and is further operative to effect an increase or decrease in a length of the intermediate seat section by movement of the lower panel relative to the upper panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Darrell L. Metz, Jeffrey M. Woodall
  • Publication number: 20170354265
    Abstract: An adjustable foundation and process includes a mattress support surface including a head and back section hingedly connected to an intermediate section at one end and a leg and foot section hingedly connected to the intermediate section at another end, wherein the intermediate section includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is hingedly connected to the head and back section and the second portion is hingedly connected to the leg and foot section. The intermediate or seat section is configured to increase in length upon articulation of the head and back section and/or the leg and foot section from a flat position or an increase in inclination of any section. Likewise, the intermediate or seat section is configured to decrease in length upon articulation of the head and back section and/or the leg and foot section from an inclined position to a flat position or a decrease in length upon declination of any section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Jeffrey M. Woodall, Francis Jan
  • Publication number: 20170333271
    Abstract: A coil spring mattress and adjustable foundation assembly includes a coil spring mattress; and an adjustable foundation including a mattress support surface including a head and back section hingedly connected to an intermediate section at one end and a leg and foot section hingedly connected to the intermediate section at another end, wherein the intermediate section includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is hingedly connected to the head and back section and the second portion is hingedly connected to the leg and foot section. The intermediate or seat section is configured to increase in length upon articulation of the head and back section and/or the leg and foot section from a flat position or an increase in inclination of any section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Jeffrey M. Woodall, Francis Jan
  • Publication number: 20170238716
    Abstract: An adjustable foundation and process includes a mattress support surface including a head and back section hingedly connected to an intermediate section at one end and a leg and foot section hingedly connected to the intermediate section at another end, wherein the intermediate section includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is hingedly connected to the head and back section and the second portion is hingedly connected to the leg and foot section. The intermediate or seat section is configured to increase in length upon articulation of the head and back section 18 and/or the leg and foot section 22 from a flat position or an increase in inclination of any section. Likewise, the intermediate or seat section 20 is configured to decrease in length upon articulation of the head and back section 18 and/or the leg and foot section 22 from an inclined position to a flat position or a decrease in length upon declination of any section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Kramer
  • Patent number: 9666061
    Abstract: A hospital monitoring system for monitoring hospital personnel, a plurality of patient locations for patients, and associated devices is configured to control the associated devices based on the presence of hospital personnel or alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Reeder, Kenneth L. Kramer, William L. Jacques, Carl William Riley, Richard J. Schuman
  • Publication number: 20160148489
    Abstract: A hospital monitoring system for monitoring hospital personnel, a plurality of patient locations for patients, and associated devices is configured to control the associated devices based on the presence of hospital personnel or alarms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Ryan A. Reeder, Kenneth L. Kramer, William L. Jacques, Carl William Riley, Richard J. Schuman
  • Patent number: 9230421
    Abstract: A hospital monitoring system for monitoring hospital personnel, a plurality of patient locations for patients, and associated devices is configured to control the associated devices based on the presence of hospital personnel or alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Reeder, Kenneth L. Kramer, William L. Jacques, Carl William Riley, Richard J. Schuman
  • Publication number: 20150305959
    Abstract: A gel cushion seating, back, and neck surface is attached to or integrated with the seat and/or back sections of a chair. The gel cushion seating surface of the chair has a plurality of gel cushion cylinders arranged in an array to provide a rhythmically changing support area at multiple points on the occupant's back, neck, or buttocks and thighs. This provides a comforting massage, which reduces stress on the body associated with prolonged seating. The gel cushion back surface of the chair has a plurality of gel cushion cylinders arranged in a grid that provide a rhythmically changing support at multiple points on the occupant's lumbar and center back, also including the spine and neck. Various “cams” translate torque into the specified motion of gel cushion cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: RFS INNOVATION LLC
    Inventors: Douglas E. Borgman, John D. Miller, Jeffrey L. Weisenbach, Kenneth L. Kramer, Catherine Wagner, Michael B. Verkley
  • Publication number: 20150224005
    Abstract: A patient support includes a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth L Kramer, Eugene E. Osborne, James K. Findlay, Glenn C. Suttman, Jeffrey R. Welling, Robert A. Kinker, JR., John W. Koenig, Matthew C. Visca, John B. Wilker, JR., Gregory W. Branson, Bruce E. Dickman, JR., Dean M. Valvano, William L. Jacques, II, Francis C. Ganance, Douglas J. Menkedick, Robert Mark Zerhusen, David A. Albersmeyer, Roger S. Philbeck, Aziz A. Bhai, Nicholas C. Batta, Terry L. Richter, Thomas F. Riggs, Kenith W. Chambers, Steven J. Schwartz, Matthew R. Knue, Steven A. Dixon, Joshua W. Shenk, Brent E. Goodwin, Andrew F. Skinner, Gregory J. Figel, James R. Stolpmann, Brian J. Hoffman, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, David W. Hornbach, Paul R. Weil, Eric R. Meyer, David P. Lubbers, Roberta M. Murnyack, Cami S. Bright
  • Patent number: 9009893
    Abstract: A patient support includes a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Eugene E. Osborne, James K. Findlay, Glenn C. Suttman, Jeffrey R. Welling, Robert A. Kinker, Jr., John W. Koenig, Matthew C. Visca, John B. Wilker, Jr., Gregory W. Branson, Bruce E. Dickman, Jr., Dean M. Valvano, William L. Jacques, II, Francis C. Ganance, Douglas J. Menkedick, Robert Mark Zerhusen, David A. Albersmeyer, Roger S. Philbeck, Aziz A. Bhai, Nicholas C. Batta, Terry L. Richter, Thomas F. Riggs, Kenith W. Chambers, Steven J. Schwartz, Matthew R. Knue, Steven A. Dixon, Joshua W. Shenk, Brent E. Goodwin, Andrew F. Skinner, Gregory J. Figel, James R. Stolpmann, Brian J. Hoffman, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, David W. Hornbach, Paul R. Weil, Eric R. Meyer, David P. Lubbers, Roberta M. Murnyack, Cami S. Scheele
  • Publication number: 20140320290
    Abstract: A hospital monitoring system for monitoring hospital personnel, a plurality of patient locations for patients, and associated devices is configured to control the associated devices based on the presence of hospital personnel or alarms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan A. Reeder, Kenneth L. Kramer, William L. Jacques, Carl William Riley, Richard J. Schuman
  • Patent number: 8766804
    Abstract: A hospital monitoring system for monitoring hospital personnel, a plurality of patient locations for patients, and associated devices is configured to control the associated devices based on the presence of hospital personnel or alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Reeder, Kenneth L. Kramer, William L. Jacques, Carl W. Riley, Richard J. Schuman
  • Patent number: 8662595
    Abstract: A chair with articulable support sections and an integrated lift system may have support sections mechanically linked such that a single actuation control device may articulate multiple sections. The chair includes configurable accessories directed to the comfort of an occupant of the chair. The support sections may include air cells to adjust firmness of support section surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Marshall S. Dahneke, Reed N. Wilcox, David T. Schwanemann, John P. Biondo, Francis C. Ganance, Scott A. Schultz, Russell L. Hardy, Troy D. Acton
  • Patent number: 8640287
    Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Wukusick, Kenneth L. Kramer, Jerome E. Reckelhoff, Francis C. Ganance, Robert Cooks, Jr., Robert M. Zerhusen, Mark E. Haufler, Darrell L. Metz, Kenneth Q. Rudolf, Stephen M. Holl, Richard W. Chance, David W. Hornbach, John P. Biondo, James K. Findlay, David W. Hensley
  • Publication number: 20130300558
    Abstract: A hospital monitoring system for monitoring hospital personnel, a plurality of patient locations for patients, and associated devices is configured to control the associated devices based on the presence of hospital personnel or alarms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Ryan A. REEDER, Kenneth L. Kramer, William L. Jacques, Carl W. Riley, Richard J. Schuman