Patents by Inventor Nathan W. Matheny

Nathan W. Matheny 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: 20250009575
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus operable by a user for transporting a patient along stairs. A seat section is coupled to a support structure supporting a track assembly having a belt. A motor selectively generates torque to drive the belt. A user interface is arranged for engagement by the user, and has a direction input control for selecting a drive direction of the motor, and an activation input control for operating the motor to drive the belt. A controller in communication with the motor and the user interface is configured to limit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control preceding engagement of the direction input control to prevent driving the belt, and to permit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control following engagement of the direction input control to drive the belt in a selected drive direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Isaac A. Schaberg, Daniel V. Brosnan, Cory P. Herbst, Nathan W. Matheny, Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Kelly Sandmeyer, Melvin Gottschalk, JR., Jason Anthony Vanderplas, Erik P. Eagleman, Jeffrey R. Staszak, John Wallace, Scott Zufall
  • Patent number: 12115111
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus operable by a user for transporting a patient along stairs. A seat section is coupled to a support structure supporting a track assembly having a belt. A motor selectively generates torque to drive the belt. A user interface is arranged for engagement by the user, and has a direction input control for selecting a drive direction of the motor, and an activation input control for operating the motor to drive the belt. A controller in communication with the motor and the user interface is configured to limit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control preceding engagement of the direction input control to prevent driving the belt, and to permit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control following engagement of the direction input control to drive the belt in a selected drive direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Isaac A. Schaberg, Daniel V. Brosnan, Cory P. Herbst, Nathan W. Matheny, Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Kelly Sandmeyer, Melvin Gottschalk, Jr., Jason Anthony Vanderplas, Erik P. Eagleman, Jeffrey R. Staszak, John Wallace, Scott Zufall
  • Publication number: 20240285457
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus (100) for transporting a patient along stairs. A seat section (104) is coupled to a support structure (102) supporting a track assembly (154) having a belt. A motor selectively generates torque to drive the belt. An upper area light module (335) is configured to illuminate light directed at floor surfaces in a rearward direction and constrained to a rearward volume to prevent the light from obstructing a view of a user engaging an upper handle assembly (132). A user interface (204) including an activation input control (214) for controlling the motor and an area light input control (334) for controlling the upper area light module (335) is arranged for engagement by the user. A controller (212) is configured to permit operation of the motor based on the activation input control and to operate the upper area light module in a first or second state based on user engagement of the area light input control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan W. Matheny, Cory P. Herbst, Daniel V. Brosnan, Brian J. Tessmer, Joshua Buck, Isaac A. Schaberg, John Wallace
  • Publication number: 20240285452
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus including a support structure movable between a chair configuration for traversing floor surfaces and a stowed configuration for storage. A seat section is pivotably coupled to the support structure. A caster assembly includes a pin coupled to the support structure and defining a swivel axis, a caster frame arranged to pivot about the swivel axis between a plurality of caster orientations, a wheel coupled to the caster frame and arranged for engagement with the floor in the chair configuration, and a biasing mechanism interposed between the caster frame and the pin. The biasing mechanism urges the caster frame toward a stowed caster orientation in response to disengagement between the wheel and floor surfaces occurring as the support structure moves from the chair configuration to the stowed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Nathan W. Matheny, Patrick Grossman, Adam Kammers
  • Publication number: 20240238136
    Abstract: A track assembly for a patient transport apparatus, comprising a rail defining a first end and a second end, an axle defining an axis, a roller supported about the axis, and a belt engaging roller and arranged for movement relative to the rail in response to rotation of the roller. A guide supports the axle for movement. A keeper coupled to the axle is operable between a disengaged configuration to permit movement of the axle, and an engaged configuration to restrict movement. A brace is operatively attached to the rail adjacent to the guide. A tensioning cam coupled to the axle defines a plurality of relief catches arranged for engagement with the brace. The relief catches are each shaped to remain in selective engagement with the brace effected by concurrent movement of the axle and the tensioning cam to tension the belt against the roller in the disengaged configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2024
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Tessmer, Nathan W. Matheny
  • Publication number: 20240225929
    Abstract: A patient transport system is provided. The patient transport system includes a patient transport apparatus, which includes a seat section and a back section for supporting the patient, and a patient containment system. The patient containment system includes a lower strap, an upper strap having a front end coupled to the lower strap and a back end, and a coupling system to facilitate releasable attachment of the patient containment system to the patient transport apparatus. The coupling system includes a latch coupled to the back end of the upper strap, a coupling bracket configured for removable attachment to the back section of the patient transport apparatus, and a keeper operatively attached to the coupling bracket and configured to removably receive the latch to retain the upper strap together with the latch relative to the coupling bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: James Robert Tumavich, Jr., Nathan W. Matheny, Cory P. Herbst, Brian J. Tessmer
  • Publication number: 20240189164
    Abstract: A patient containment system for securing a patient to a patient transport apparatus, comprising a first lower strap and a second lower strap. Each of the first lower strap and the second lower strap have a thigh region, a waist region, and a connection region arranged between the thigh region and the waist region. A first connector is coupled to the connection region of the first lower strap. A second connector is coupled to the connection region of the second lower strap, and is configured to releasably attach to the first connector to at least partially limit movement of the first lower strap relative to the second lower strap. The connection region defines a connection width, and the thigh region defines a thigh width larger than the connection width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2024
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Brosnan, Melvin Gottschalk, JR., Zachary Baker, Scott I. Biba, Erik P. Eagleman, Cory P. Herbst, Nathan W. Matheny, Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Kelly Sandmeyer, Jeffrey R. Staszak, John Wallace, James K. Galer, James Robert Tumavich, JR., Kevin M. Patmore, Scott Zufall
  • Patent number: 12005009
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus including a support structure movable between a chair configuration for traversing floor surfaces and a stowed configuration for storage. A seat section is pivotably coupled to the support structure. A caster assembly includes a pin coupled to the support structure and defining a swivel axis, a caster frame arranged to pivot about the swivel axis between a plurality of caster orientations, a wheel coupled to the caster frame and arranged for engagement with the floor in the chair configuration, and a biasing mechanism interposed between the caster frame and the pin. The biasing mechanism urges the caster frame toward a stowed caster orientation in response to disengagement between the wheel and floor surfaces occurring as the support structure moves from the chair configuration to the stowed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Nathan W. Matheny, Patrick Grossman, Adam Kammers
  • Patent number: 11963916
    Abstract: A track assembly for a patient transport apparatus, comprising a rail defining a first end and a second end, an axle defining an axis, a roller supported about the axis, and a belt engaging roller and arranged for movement relative to the rail in response to rotation of the roller. A guide supports the axle for movement. A keeper coupled to the axle is operable between a disengaged configuration to permit movement of the axle, and an engaged configuration to restrict movement. A brace is operatively attached to the rail adjacent to the guide. A tensioning cam coupled to the axle defines a plurality of relief catches arranged for engagement with the brace. The relief catches are each shaped to remain in selective engagement with the brace effected by concurrent movement of the axle and the tensioning cam to tension the belt against the roller in the disengaged configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Tessmer, Nathan W. Matheny
  • Patent number: 11938067
    Abstract: A patient containment system for securing a patient to a patient transport apparatus, comprising a first lower strap and a second lower strap. Each of the first lower strap and the second lower strap have a thigh region, a waist region, and a connection region arranged between the thigh region and the waist region. A first connector is coupled to the connection region of the first lower strap. A second connector is coupled to the connection region of the second lower strap, and is configured to releasably attach to the first connector to at least partially limit movement of the first lower strap relative to the second lower strap. The connection region defines a connection width, and the thigh region defines a thigh width larger than the connection width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Brosnan, Melvin Gottschalk, Jr., Zachary Baker, Scott I. Biba, Erik P. Eagleman, Cory P. Herbst, Nathan W. Matheny, Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Kelly Sandmeyer, Jeffrey R. Staszak, John Wallace, James K. Galer, James Robert Tumavich, Jr., Kevin M. Patmore, Scott Zufall
  • Publication number: 20230277393
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus operable by a user for transporting a patient along stairs. A seat section is coupled to a support structure supporting a track assembly having a belt. A motor selectively generates torque to drive the belt. A user interface is arranged for engagement by the user, and has a direction input control for selecting a drive direction of the motor, and an activation input control for operating the motor to drive the belt. A controller in communication with the motor and the user interface is configured to limit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control preceding engagement of the direction input control to prevent driving the belt, and to permit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control following engagement of the direction input control to drive the belt in a selected drive direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Isaac A. Schaberg, Daniel V. Brosnan, Cory P. Herbst, Nathan W. Matheny, Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Kelly Sandmeyer, Melvin Gottschalk, JR., Jason Anthony Vanderplas, Erik P. Eagleman, Jeffrey R. Staszak, John Wallace, Scott Zufall
  • Patent number: 11696860
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus for transporting patients in a stair configuration and in a chair configuration. A multiple mode handle assembly is provided for user engagement, and is movable between a first handle configuration, a second handle configuration, and a third handle configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Cory P. Herbst, Nathan W. Matheny, Conor McCarrey, Daniel V. Brosnan, Kelly Sandmeyer, John Wallace, Melvin Gottschalk, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230201053
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus including a support structure movable between a chair configuration for traversing floor surfaces and a stowed configuration for storage. A seat section is pivotably coupled to the support structure. A caster assembly includes a pin coupled to the support structure and defining a swivel axis, a caster frame arranged to pivot about the swivel axis between a plurality of caster orientations, a wheel coupled to the caster frame and arranged for engagement with the floor in the chair configuration, and biasing mechanism interposed between the caster frame and the pin. The biasing mechanism urges the caster frame toward a stowed aster orientation in response to disengagement between the wheel and floor surfaces occurring as the support structure moves from the chair configuration to the stowed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Nathan W. Matheny, Patrick Grossman, Adam Kammers
  • Patent number: 11679045
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus operable by a user for transporting a patient along stairs. A seat section is coupled to a support structure supporting a track assembly having a belt. A motor selectively generates torque to drive the belt. A user interface is arranged for engagement by the user, and has a direction input control for selecting a drive direction of the motor, and an activation input control for operating the motor to drive the belt. A controller in communication with the motor and the user interface is configured to limit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control preceding engagement of the direction input control to prevent driving the belt, and to permit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control following engagement of the direction input control to drive the belt in a selected drive direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Isaac A. Schaberg, Daniel V. Brosnan, Cory P. Herbst, Nathan W. Matheny, Brandon David Naber, Kevin M. Patmore, Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Kelly Sandmeyer, Melvin Gottschalk, Jr., Jason Anthony Vanderplas, Scott Zufall, Erik P. Eagleman, Jeffrey R. Staszak, John Wallace
  • Publication number: 20230046297
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus for transporting a patient. A seat section is pivotably coupled to a support structure about a seat axis. A front wheel is operatively attached to a front strut of the support structure, and a carrier is arranged for movement relative to the support. The carrier includes a shaft defining a wheel axis, a rear wheel supported for rotation about the wheel axis, a track having a belt, and a hub supporting the shaft and the track for concurrent pivoting movement about a hub axis defined by a upright of the support structure. The hub axis extends through a plane intersecting the seat axis, fixed relative to the upright, and defining opposing first and second sides. Movement of the carrier from a chair configuration to a stair configuration simultaneously deploys the track and moves the wheel axis from the first side to the second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan W. Matheny, Daniel V. Brosnan, Melvin Gottschalk, Cory P. Herbst, Brandon David Naber, Kelly Sandmeyer, Scott Zufall, Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Patrick Grossman, Tyler Wright
  • Publication number: 20210196535
    Abstract: A patient containment system for securing a patient to a patient transport apparatus, comprising a first lower strap and a second lower strap. Each of the first lower strap and the second lower strap have a thigh region, a waist region, and a connection region arranged between the thigh region and the waist region. A first connector is coupled to the connection region of the first lower strap. A second connector is coupled to the connection region of the second lower strap, and is configured to releasably attach to the first connector to at least partially limit movement of the first lower strap relative to the second lower strap. The connection region defines a connection width, and the thigh region defines a thigh width larger than the connection width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Brosnan, Melvin Gottschalk, JR., Zachary Baker, Scott I. Biba, Erik P. Eagleman, Cory P. Herbst, Nathan W. Matheny, Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Kelly Sandmeyer, Jeffrey R. Staszak, John Wallace, James K. Galer, Issam Eddin Bourai, James Robert Tumavich, JR., Kevin M. Patmore, Isaac A. Schaberg, Scott Zufall
  • Publication number: 20210196538
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus for transporting patients in a stair configuration and in a chair configuration. A multiple mode handle assembly is provided for user engagement, and is movable between a first handle configuration, a second handle configuration, and a third handle configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Cory P. Herbst, Nathan W. Matheny, Conor McCarrey, Daniel V. Brosnan, Kelly Sandmeyer, John Wallace, Melvin Gottschalk, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210196537
    Abstract: A patient transport apparatus operable by a user for transporting a patient along stairs. A seat section is coupled to a support structure supporting a track assembly having a belt. A motor selectively generates torque to drive the belt. A user interface is arranged for engagement by the user, and has a direction input control for selecting a drive direction of the motor, and an activation input control for operating the motor to drive the belt. A controller in communication with the motor and the user interface is configured to limit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control preceding engagement of the direction input control to prevent driving the belt, and to permit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control following engagement of the direction input control to drive the belt in a selected drive direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Isaac A. Schaberg, Daniel V. Brosnan, Cory P. Herbst, Nathan W. Matheny, Brandon David Naber, Kevin M. Patmore, Trey Thomas Pfeiffer, Kelly Sandmeyer, Melvin Gottschalk, JR., Jason Anthony Vanderplas, Scott Zufall, Erik P. Eagleman, Jeffrey R. Staszak, John Wallace
  • Publication number: 20210196536
    Abstract: A track assembly for a patient transport apparatus, comprising a rail defining a first end and a second end, an axle defining an axis, a roller supported about the axis, and a belt engaging roller and arranged for movement relative to the rail in response to rotation of the roller. A guide supports the axle for movement. A keeper coupled to the axle is operable between a disengaged configuration to permit movement of the axle, and an engaged configuration to restrict movement. A brace is operatively attached to the rail adjacent to the guide. A tensioning cam coupled to the axle defines a plurality of relief catches arranged for engagement with the brace. The relief catches are each shaped to remain in selective engagement with the brace effected by concurrent movement of the axle and the tensioning cam to tension the belt against the roller in the disengaged configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Tessmer, Nathan W. Matheny
  • Patent number: D1053078
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Cory P. Herbst, Trey T. Pfeiffer, Nathan W. Matheny, Brian J. Tessmer, James R. Tumavich, Jr., Patrick Grossman