Patents by Inventor Neal Wiggermann

Neal Wiggermann 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: 11950968
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for augmented reality in surgical environments include an optical lens, which may be wearable by the user, and an augmented reality control system for generating an augmented reality presentation in the optical lens. The augmented reality presentation can depict the surgical area of the patient while artificially omitting one or more obstructions from the user's view point of the surgical area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: TRUMPF MEDIZIN SYSTEME GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventor: Neal Wiggermann
  • Publication number: 20230359953
    Abstract: A system for assigning nursing tasks determines a staff shortage in a clinical care environment exists. The system categorizes tasks based on skill level. The tasks are categorized into a first group of tasks for completion by a first type of personnel, and into a second group of tasks for completion by a second type of personnel. The second type of personnel have a skill set different from that of the first type of personnel. The system routes a task of the second group to a member of the second type of personnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Neal Wiggermann, Craig M. Meyerson
  • Publication number: 20230329931
    Abstract: A patient proning system includes a surface assembly configured to be positioned on a frame of a support apparatus. The surface assembly includes a pneumatic system that includes bladders arranged in multiple zones and a pump in fluid communication with the bladders. The pump is configured to adjust the bladders between deployed and non-deployed conditions. A controller is configured to selectively control the pneumatic system in at least one of a standard mode and a prone mode based on a patient support position. A control panel is communicatively coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to generate at least one prone aid notification to be displayed on a graphical user interface of the control panel. The prone aid notification provides at least one of a reminder, instruction, alert, or information for assisting a caregiver in positioning a patient for the prone mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Marlene Petton, Kathryn R. Smith, Bryan Weidman, Neal Wiggermann, Robert Mark Zerhusen, Jie Zhou
  • Publication number: 20230301858
    Abstract: A method of rotating a subject includes arranging a lifting aid underneath the subject such that a midline of the subject is off center from a centerline of the lifting aid in a direction opposite of the rotation direction. The lifting aid includes a first loop extending in the rotation direction and a second loop extending in the opposite direction. The method further includes connecting the loops to a sling bar coupled to an overhead lift and directing the overhead lift to raise, where the subject rotates towards the direction of rotation due to the off center location of the subject. The method further includes repositioning the subject when the subject has rotated to a lateral recumbent position and directing the overhead lift to lower, thereby causing the subject to continue rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: LIKO RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Neal Wiggermann, Michael Buccieri, Alejandro Noe Conejo Castaño, Morgan Dreyer, Jie Zhou, Lori Ann Zapfe
  • Publication number: 20230268058
    Abstract: A system for detecting and monitoring lines in a healthcare setting includes a medical device positioned in a healthcare facility. A line extends from the medical device. At least one imaging device is positioned in the healthcare facility to identify the line. A computer determines whether an unwanted condition of the line has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Neal WIGGERMANN, Nicholas A. MANN, Gene J. WOLFE, Robert M. Zerhusen
  • Patent number: 11717457
    Abstract: A lift system includes a hoist module, a support assembly which is movable relative to the hoist module, and a control system. The control system is adapted to enable a user to a) issue an operational command which causes the support assembly to move to an operational destination, and b) issue a stowage command which causes the support assembly to move to a stowage destination. The control system is also adapted to A) disregard the stowage command provided at least one condition is satisfied and/or B) encumber issuance of the stowage command Equivalently, the control system adaptation is to A1) disregard the stowage command provided at least one stowage contraindication condition is satisfied or A2) not disregard the stowage command provided at least one stowage noncontraindication condition is satisfied and/or B) encumber issuance of the stowage command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Liko Research & Development AB
    Inventors: Neal Wiggermann, James Ledwith, Jessica Cushman, Sravan A. Mamidi, Jesse Newman
  • Patent number: 11717452
    Abstract: An incontinence detection system monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. The system has a pad that includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. Portions of the system are included in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin M. Monson, Todd P. O'Neal, David Lance Ribble, Dan R. Tallent, John D. Christie, Kirsten M. Emmons, Yongji Fu, Michael Scott Hood, Douglas A. Seim, Ryan S. Severns, James D. Voll, Gregory Wiley, Steven Alan Dixon, Bryan Weidman, Eric David Benz, Brett Knittle, Marwan Nusair, Neal Wiggermann, John V. Harmeyer, Joshua A. Williams
  • Patent number: 11707393
    Abstract: A method of rotating a subject includes arranging a lifting aid underneath the subject such that a midline of the subject is off center from a centerline of the lifting aid in a direction opposite of the rotation direction. The lifting aid includes a first loop extending in the rotation direction and a second loop extending in the opposite direction. The method further includes connecting the loops to a sling bar coupled to an overhead lift and directing the overhead lift to raise, where the subject rotates towards the direction of rotation due to the off center location of the subject. The method further includes repositioning the subject when the subject has rotated to a lateral recumbent position and directing the overhead lift to lower, thereby causing the subject to continue rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: LIKO RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Neal Wiggermann, Michael Buccieri, Alejandro Noe Conejo Castaño, Morgan Dreyer, Jie Zhou, Lori Ann Zapfe
  • Patent number: 11707388
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11648163
    Abstract: A sling for supporting a subject such as a patient includes a panel assembly including a left flank with a left end, a right flank with a right end, and an interflank panel. The interflank panel has a left extremity permanently joined to the left end of the left flank and a right extremity permanently joined to the right end of the right flank. The sling also includes a left closure element and a right closure element which are securable to each other and releasable from each other to adjust an effective dimension of the sling. In another embodiment, the sling includes a frangible closure member which secures the left flank to the right flank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Liko Research & Development AB
    Inventors: Karin Olsson, Roger Karlsson, Neal Wiggermann, John Christie, Elin Dovervik, Jean-Bernard Duvert, Johan Lyckestig, Clementine Pirio
  • Publication number: 20230123333
    Abstract: Assistive control devices, provider assistance systems, systems incorporating the same, and methods for operating the same are disclosed. One system includes an assistive control device and audiovisual communications components communicatively coupled to the assistive control device. The audiovisual communications components are controllable to selectively capture image and audio within the care space and transmit audio. The system further includes subject care components communicatively coupled to the assistive control device. The one or more subject care components are operable locally and remotely. Upon initiation of a remote assistance session, the audiovisual communications components are operated via the assistive control device to move and capture images of a particular area of concern, provide two-way communications between the care space and the assistive control device, and provide indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: Liko Research & Development AB
    Inventor: Neal Wiggermann
  • Publication number: 20230057683
    Abstract: A system for managing caregiver communications in a healthcare facility is described. The system detects an interaction between a first caregiver and a second caregiver, and determines whether the second caregiver is a contact of the first caregiver. The system determines whether the first caregiver is permitted to receive the contact of the second caregiver based on at least the interaction in the healthcare facility. The system sends an invitation to a mobile device of the first caregiver, the invitation allowing the first caregiver to accept or decline adding the contact of the second caregiver when the first caregiver is permitted to receive the contact of the second caregiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventor: Neal Wiggermann
  • Patent number: 11583437
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20230034818
    Abstract: A heat exchange system includes a thermoelectric device operably coupled with a support apparatus. The thermoelectric device is configured to reduce a temperature at a first location and increase a temperature at a second location different than the first location. A fan is disposed adjacent to the thermoelectric device. The fan is configured to direct heat generated by the thermoelectric device toward the second location. A controller is communicatively coupled with the thermoelectric device and the fan. The controller is configured to activate the thermoelectric device and the fan to reduce the temperature at the first location and concurrently increase the temperature at the second location. The first location is configured to align with a first area on a patient and the second location is configured to align with a second area on the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Mark Zerhusen, Nicholas Mann, Neal Wiggermann, Frank Sauser, Kirsten Emmons, David Ribble, Darrell L. Borgman, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Yongji Fu
  • Publication number: 20230014078
    Abstract: An example patient scheduling system can include: at least one processor; and system memory encoding instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to: provide a schedule for a patient, the schedule defining care items associated with the patient; allow for acceptance of a patient care activity; and notify a caregiver and the patient of changes to the patient care activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Susan Kayser, Karrie Browne, Dee Anne Kumpar, Mary L. Pfeffer, Jennifer Marie Rizzo, Eugene Urrutia, Neal Wiggermann, Jie Zhou
  • Patent number: 11523956
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame. A vertical transport structure may be coupled with the frame. A grip is coupled with the vertical transport structure and at least one grip sensor is coupled to the grip on the vertical transport structure. A controller determines a vertical position of a user applied force applied to the at least one grip sensor and the controller activates a power drive mode upon determining that the push force has reached a threshold value corresponding to the vertical position of the user applied force and propel patient support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Mark Zerhusen, Jie Zhou, Neal Wiggermann
  • Publication number: 20220362067
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 11478383
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20220331180
    Abstract: A microclimate management system including a person support surface including one or more sensors, a fluid supply device coupled to an inlet of the person support surface and configured to supply fluid to an outlet the person support surface, and a controller configured to detect an inlet condition value at the inlet of the person support surface, detect an outlet condition value at the outlet of the person support surface, determine a difference between the inlet condition value and the outlet condition value, and transmit a first alert in response to determining that a rate of change of the difference between the inlet condition value and the outlet condition value is below a lower condition threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal Wiggermann, Kathryn Smith, Frank Sauser, Susan Kayser, Mary L. Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 11458052
    Abstract: An occupant support structure for supporting an occupant includes an orientation adjustable torso section, a lower body section, and a control system. The lower body section includes a heel region subsection which supports the heel region of an occupant of the occupant support. The control system is adapted to A) cause the heel region subsection to temporarily substantially disengage from the heel region of the occupant in response to a change of angular orientation of the torso section which begins at a time t0, and B) cause the heel region subsection to subsequently re-engage with the heel region of the occupant, the re-engagement occurring at a time tB which is later than t0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Lachenbruch, Neal Wiggermann, Darrell L. Borgman, Eric R. Meyer