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).

  • Publication number: 20220208318
    Abstract: A mobility management system receives movement data from sensors that detect movements of a patient resting in a patient support apparatus and movement data from one or more mobility detection devices that detect movement of the patient when the patient exits the patient support apparatus. The system determines a mobility status based on at least the movement data received from the patient support apparatus and the one or more mobility detection devices, and adjusts a care protocol for the patient based on the mobility status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: Sinan Batman, Karrie Browne, Michael Hood, Susan Kayser, Georg Köllner, Dee Kumpar, Mary Markham-Feagins, Dana Peco, Mary L. Pfeffer, Kelli F. Rempel, Eugene Urrutia, Neal Wiggermann, Lori Ann Zapfe
  • Publication number: 20220151855
    Abstract: A limb support comprises a spar, a limb rest, and a coupler. The spar is configured to be supported from a patient support apparatus and adjustable relative to the patient support and has a longitudinal axis. The coupler includes a release that is selectively actuable to release locking mechanisms to permit adjustment of the limb rest relative to the spar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Timothy A. LANE, II, Joshua J. MORIARTY, David C. NEWKIRK, Neal WIGGERMANN, David J. HITCHCOCK, Zachary S. THEOHARIDIS, Jessica PIMENTAL, Michael DIODATO, Michael NORDLING, Hung NGUYEN, Martin HAENEL
  • Publication number: 20220151847
    Abstract: An occupant support includes a framework with a frame and an orientation adjustable deck section that is supported by the frame. A lockable gas spring includes a piston assembly coupled to one of the frame and the deck section and a cylinder coupled to the other of the frame and the deck section. The piston assembly includes a piston and a connecting rod. The piston divides the interior of the cylinder into isolated and non-isolated compartments. The non-isolated compartment has an inlet and an outlet. An outflow check valve operates to resist fluid flow out of the non-isolated compartment and to admit ambient fluid into the non-isolated compartment. An inflow check valve operates to resist fluid flow into the non-isolated compartment and to enable fluid flow out of the non-isolated compartment. A turbine receives fluid that flows out of the non-isolated compartment. An electrical generator is coupled to the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal Wiggermann
  • Patent number: 11324650
    Abstract: A patient repositioning apparatus includes a mounting frame configured to couple to an underside of a bed frame. A motor housing is rotatably coupled to the mounting frame for rotation about an axis. The motor housing carries a motor and a winch. The motor is operable to turn the winch. A strap is coupled to the winch and configured to be wound around the winch by the motor. The strap has at least one coupling mechanism configured to couple to a bed sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jie Zhou, Neal Wiggermann
  • Patent number: 11282365
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a support surface, and a sensor. The frame cooperates with the support surface to support a patient. The sensor is coupled to one of the frame and the support surface and is configured to provide an input signal indicative of a characteristic associated with the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal Wiggermann, Robert M. Zerhusen, Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Patent number: 11241348
    Abstract: An occupant support includes a framework which includes a frame, an orientation adjustable deck section supported by the frame, and a lockable gas spring whose components include a piston assembly coupled to one of the frame and the deck section and a cylinder coupled to the other of the frame and the deck section. The piston assembly includes a piston and a connecting rod. The piston divides the interior of the cylinder into an isolated compartment and a non-isolated compartment. The non-isolated compartment has an inlet and an outlet. An outflow check valve resists fluid flow out of the non-isolated compartment and admits ambient fluid into the non-isolated compartment. An inflow check valve resists fluid flow into the non-isolated compartment and enables fluid flow out of the non-isolated compartment. A turbine receives fluid which flows out of the non-isolated compartment. An electrical generator is coupled to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal Wiggermann
  • Patent number: 11234885
    Abstract: A limb support comprises a spar, a limb rest, and a coupler. The spar is configured to be supported from a patient support apparatus and adjustable relative to the patient support and has a longitudinal axis. The coupler includes a release that is selectively actuable to release locking mechanisms to permit adjustment of the limb rest relative to the spar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Lane, II, Joshua J. Moriarty, David C. Newkirk, Neal Wiggermann, David J. Hitchcock, Zachary S. Theoharidis, Jessica Pimental, Michael Diodato, Michael Nordling, Hung Nguyen, Martin Haenel
  • Publication number: 20220023122
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base frame, lift mechanism supporting an upper frame relative to the base frame, a load frame, and a plurality of deck sections, a patient support surface, and a number of barriers positioned about the patient supporting surface. The patient support apparatus includes a notification system for visually notifying a caregiver of a condition or status of a component of the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Robert M. ZERHUSEN, Richard H. HEIMBROCK, Arpit SHAH, Aziz A. BHAI, Bradley T. SMITH, Catherine M. WAGNER, Charles A. LACHENBRUCH (Deceased), Clay G. OWSLEY, Dan R. TALLENT, Daniel NACHTIGAL, David L. BEDEL, David J. BRZENCHEK, David J. HITCHCOCK, David P. LUBBERS, Douglas A. SEIM, Douglas E. BORGMAN, Eric D. BENZ, Florin IUCHA, Frank E. SAUSER, Gavin M. MONSON, James W. PASCOE, James L. WALKE, Jared RUDE, John G. BYERS, John D. CHRISTIE, Jonathan D. TURNER, Joshua A. WILLIAMS, Karen LANNING, Kathryn R. SMITH, Kirsten M. EMMONS, Mary Kay BRINKMAN, Michael BUCCIERI, Nathaniel W. HIXON, Neal WIGGERMANN, Richard J. SCHUMAN, Sr., Scott M. CORBIN, Sravan MAMIDI, Todd P. O'NEAL, Todd S. VENTROLA, Travis PELO, Unnati OJHA, John GOEWERT
  • Publication number: 20220000678
    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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    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
  • Publication number: 20210338167
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus may include a frame and a patient support surface positioned on the frame. A plurality of force sensors may be coupled to at least one of the frame and the patient support surface. Each of the plurality of force sensors may be configured to detect a force applied to the respective force sensor. A user interface may include a display and at least one user input. A controller may be in communication with each of the plurality of force sensors. The controller may include a processor and a memory device. The memory device may include instructions that, when executed by the processor, process data signals from the plurality of force sensors to determine a mobility score of a patient supported on the patient support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy J. RECEVEUR, Stephen R. EMBREE, Neal WIGGERMANN, William J. KNOUSE
  • Publication number: 20210330531
    Abstract: Support straps having features to aid in positioning and rotating a horizontally laying subject on a support surface, systems including the support straps, and kits of parts including the support straps are described herein. A support strap includes a body having first and second ends spaced a distance apart, at least one first loop extending from the first end, at least one second loop extending from the second end, and indicia on the body, the first loop, and/or the second loop. The indicia indicates an arrangement of the support strap with respect to the subject such that a centerline of the subject is not aligned with a true line of symmetry of the support strap when the first loop is coupled to a first end of a sling bar and the second loop is coupled to a second end of the sling bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Neal Wiggermann, Michael Buccieri, Jacqueline Burris, Alejandro Noe Conejo Castaño, Morgan Dreyer, Jie Zhou
  • Patent number: 11147719
    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: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    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: 11135110
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base frame, lift mechanism supporting an upper frame relative to the base frame, a load frame, and a plurality of deck sections, a patient support surface, and a number of barriers positioned about the patient supporting surface. The patient support apparatus includes a notification system for visually notifying a caregiver of a condition or status of a component of the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zerhusen, Richard H. Heimbrock, Arpit Shah, Aziz A. Bhai, Bradley T. Smith, Catherine M. Wagner, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Clay G. Owsley, Dan R. Tallent, Daniel Nachtigal, David L. Bedel, David J. Brzenchek, David J. Hitchcock, David P. Lubbers, Douglas A. Seim, Douglas E. Borgman, Eric D. Benz, Florin Iucha, Frank E. Sauser, Gavin M. Monson, James W. Pascoe, James L. Walke, Jared Rude, John G. Byers, John D. Christie, Jonathan D. Turner, Joshua A. Williams, Karen Lanning, Kathryn R. Smith, Kirsten M. Emmons, Mary Kay Brinkman, Michael Buccieri, Nathaniel W. Hixon, Neal Wiggermann, Richard J. Schuman, Sr., Scott M. Corbin, Sravan Mamidi, Todd P. O'Neal, Todd S. Ventrola, Travis Pelo, Unnati Ojha, John Goewert
  • Publication number: 20210282887
    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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventor: Neal WIGGERMANN
  • Publication number: 20210251834
    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: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: LIKO RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Neal Wiggermann, Michael Buccieri, Alejandro Noe Conejo Castaño, Morgan Dreyer, Jie Zhou, Lori Ann Zapfe
  • Publication number: 20210244575
    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: April 28, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    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: 11083636
    Abstract: An incontinence detection system includes an incontinence detection pad underneath a patient's pelvic area for detecting an incontinence event. The incontinence detection system further includes a moisture detection sensor, a gas detection sensor, and a reader. The moisture detection sensor is embedded in the incontinence detection pad for detecting a presence of moisture in incontinence detection pad. The gas detection sensor is positioned near the incontinence detection pad for detecting a presence of targeted gas, such as methane. The reader is communicatively coupled to the moisture detection sensor and the gas detection sensor to receive moisture data and gas data, respectively. The reader is configured to determine a type of the incontinence event based on the received moisture data and the gas data and transmit a signal indicative of the type of incontinence event to a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Potter, Neal Wiggermann, Gavin M. Monson, Dan R. Tallent, Charles A. Lachenbruch
  • Patent number: 11020284
    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: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    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: 20210121348
    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: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: Liko Research & Development AB
    Inventors: Karin Olsson, Roger Karlsson, Neal Wiggermann, John Christie, Elin Dovervik, Jean-Bernard Duvert, Johan Lyckestig, Clementine Pirio
  • Publication number: 20210121346
    Abstract: A patient repositioning apparatus includes a mounting frame configured to couple to an underside of a bed frame. A motor housing is rotatably coupled to the mounting frame for rotation about an axis. The motor housing carries a motor and a winch. The motor is operable to turn the winch. A strap is coupled to the winch and configured to be wound around the winch by the motor. The strap has at least one coupling mechanism configured to couple to a bed sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Jie Zhou, Neal Wiggermann