Patents by Inventor Stephen R. Schulte

Stephen R. Schulte 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: 8146191
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a mattress having a plurality of vertically-oriented inflatable bladders and a pneumatic box located inside the mattress. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a plurality of pressure sensors positioned underneath the bladders. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes one or more filler portions that are selectable so that the patient support may conform to bed frames having different deck configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Bobey, Gregory W. Branson, Colin Clarke, Rachel Hopkins King, David Lokhorst, Eric R. Meyer, Jonathan H. Mueller, Todd P. O'Neal, Robert Petrosenko, Stephen R. Schulte, Andrew F. Skinner, Michael Z. Sleva, Sohrab Soltani, Richard B. Stacy, Daniel K. Stevens, Mayur Yermaneni
  • Patent number: 8117701
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a control unit for a patient support, such as a mattress. One embodiment of the control unit includes a base portion and a display portion pivotably coupled to the base portion. The control unit may also include one or more communication ports for sending or receiving data from one or more remote devices over a network. The control unit may also include a memory port into which memory may be removably inserted. The control unit may also include a visual indicator configured to be activated by a triggering event, such as a patient exiting the mattress. The display unit may include a touchscreen user interface. The display unit may also be configured to display audiovisual material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Bobey, Stephen L. Douglas, Eric R. Meyer, Jonathan H. Mueller, Robert Petrosenko, Stephen R. Schulte, Andrew F. Skinner, Michael Z. Sleva, Richard B. Stacy, Daniel K. Stevens, Mayur Yermaneni
  • Patent number: 8108957
    Abstract: A patient support surface including a cover defining an interior region, a layer of three dimensional material, located at the interior region, and an air circulation device disposed adjacent the layer of three dimensional material. The patient support surface includes at least one of a percussion device and a vibration device, located at the interior region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Bradley T. Wilson, Kenith W. Chambers, Mayur Yermaneni, Gregory W. Branson, Michael Z. Sleva, Karen M. Gove, Andrew F. Skinner, Stephen R. Schulte, Todd P. O'Neal, Rachel Hopkins King, Teresa M. Mirabella, Paula M. Cooper, Eric R. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20120016281
    Abstract: A patient support surface including a cover defining an interior region, a layer of three dimensional material, located at the interior region, and an air circulation device disposed adjacent the layer of three dimensional material. The patient support surface includes at least one of a percussion device and a vibration device, located at the interior region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Bradley T. Wilson, Kenith W. Chambers, Mayur Yermaneni, Gregory W. Branson, Michael Z. Sleva, Karen M. Gove, Andrew F. Skinner, Stephen R. Schulte, Todd P. O'Neal, Rachel Hopkins King, Teresa M. Mirabella, Paula M. Cooper, Eric R. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20100095462
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a mattress having a plurality of vertically-oriented inflatable bladders and a pneumatic box located inside the mattress. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a plurality of pressure sensors positioned underneath the bladders. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes one or more filler portions that are selectable so that the patient support may conform to bed frames having different deck configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: JOHN A. BOBEY, GREGORY W. BRANSON, COLIN CLARKE, RACHEL HOPKINS KING, DAVID LOKHORST, ERIC R. MEYER, JONATHAN H. MUELLER, TODD P. O'NEAL, ROBERT PETROSENKO, STEPHEN R. SCHULTE, ANDREW F. SKINNER, MICHAEL Z. SLEVA, SOHRAB SOLTANI, RICHARD B. STACY, DANIEL K. STEVENS, MAYUR YERMANENI
  • Patent number: 7698765
    Abstract: This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented or substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a plurality of pressure sensors positioned underneath the bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes one or more filler portions that are selectable so that the patient support may conform to bed frames having different deck configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Bobey, Gregory W. Branson, Colin Clarke, Rachel Hopkins King, David Lokhorst, Eric R. Meyer, Jonathan H. Mueller, Todd P. O'Neal, Robert Petrosenko, Stephen R. Schulte, Andrew F. Skinner, Michael Z. Sleva, Sohrab Soltani, Richard B. Stacy, Daniel K. Stevens, Mayur Yermaneni
  • Publication number: 20090316445
    Abstract: This invention pertains to the control of high voltage power, and in particular to control of high voltage power from low voltage sources while reducing unwanted self resonance in the windings of a self oscillating flyback converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew E. Mowrer, James E. Dvorsky, James J. Lind, Stephen R. Schulte
  • Publication number: 20090237264
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a control unit for a patient support, such as a mattress. One embodiment of the control unit includes a base portion and a display portion pivotably coupled to the base portion. The control unit may also include one or more communication ports for sending or receiving data from one or more remote devices over a network. The control unit may also include a memory port into which memory may be removably inserted. The control unit may also include a visual indicator configured to be activated by a triggering event, such as a patient exiting the mattress. The display unit may include a touchscreen user interface. The display unit may also be configured to display audiovisual material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: HILL-ROM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Bobey, Stephen L. Douglas, Eric R. Meyer, Jonathan H. Mueller, Robert Petrosenko, Stephen R. Schulte, Andrew F. Skinner, Michael Z. Sleva, Richard B. Stacy, Daniel K. Stevens, Mayur Yermaneni
  • Patent number: 7568246
    Abstract: A bed including a frame, a deck coupled to the frame and a communication network located on the bed has at least two modules connected to the network, at least one of those modules being able to provide an alarm message to the bed communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Brad Wilson, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Philip Palermo, Stephen R. Schulte, Jay Butterbrodt
  • Publication number: 20090192421
    Abstract: A therapy system is operable to deliver at least one respiratory therapy to a patient. For example, therapy system may be operable to deliver any one or more of the following therapies: a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy, a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy, a nebulizer therapy, an intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) therapy, a cough assist therapy, a suction therapy, a bronchial dilator therapy, and the like. The therapy system is contained in a housing supported by a mobile stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Keith A. Huster, Gregory W. Branson, Todd P. O'Neal, Mayur Yermaneni, Daniel G. Chase, Karen M. Gove, Timothy J. Ikeler, Stephen R. Schulte, Rachel Hopkins King, Teresa Maria Mirabella
  • Patent number: 7480951
    Abstract: A bed having a frame, a deck, and a communication network and at least one module. The at least one module includes a charting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Peter M. Wukusick, Gregory W. Branson, Kenneth L. Kramer, Stephen R. Schulte, Philip D. Palermo, James M. C. Thomas, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Jay T. Butterbrodt, David J. Ulrich, David A. Albersmeyer, Jason C. Brooke, Eric R. Meyer, John D. Miller, John W. Ruehl
  • Publication number: 20090013470
    Abstract: A patient support surface including a cover defining an interior region, a layer of three dimensional material, located at the interior region, and an air circulation device disposed adjacent the layer of three dimensional material. The patient support surface includes at least one of a percussion device and a vibration device, located at the interior region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Bradley T. Wilson, Kenith W. Chambers, Mayur Yermaneni, Gregory W. Branson, Michael Z. Sleva, Karen M. Gove, Andrew F. Skinner, Stephen R. Schulte, Todd P. O'Neal, Rachel Hopkins King, Teresa M. Mirabella, Paula M. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7213279
    Abstract: A bed having a frame, a deck, and a siderail. The deck having a head seat and foot sections. The head, seat, and foot sections movable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Peter M. Wukusick, Gregory W. Branson, Kenneth L. Kramer, Stephen R. Schulte, Philip D. Palermo, James M. C. Thomas, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Jay T. Butterbrodt, David J. Ulrich, David A. Albersmeyer, Jason C. Brooke, Eric R. Meyer, John D. Miller, John W. Ruehl
  • Patent number: 7017208
    Abstract: A method is provided for permitting a module which is configured to perform a dedicated function on a bed to use a graphical interface. Graphic format data used by the module is downloaded, if necessary, and stored in a memory of the graphical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Kenneth L. Kramer, Stephen R. Schulte, Philip D. Palermo, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6886200
    Abstract: A patient support is provided comprising a support surface, a base, and a lift assembly positioned to support the support surface above the base. The lift assembly includes an actuator configured to adjust the height of the support surface. The actuator includes a housing formed to include first and second cylinders. The actuator further includes a first piston positioned in the first cylinder and a second piston positioned in the second cylinder. The first piston includes a first fluid passage therein. The second piston includes a second fluid passage therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Blyshak, Greg Figel, Gary S. Siegle, Jon Tekulve, Mark Haufler, Paul Weil, Stephen R. Schulte, David C. Newkirk, David W. Hornbach, Richard L. Borders
  • Publication number: 20020144349
    Abstract: A patient support is provided comprising a support surface, a base, and a lift assembly positioned to support the support surface above the base. The lift assembly includes an actuator configured to adjust the height of the support surface. The actuator includes a housing formed to include first and second cylinders. The actuator further includes a first piston positioned in the first cylinder and a second piston positioned in the second cylinder. The first piston includes a first fluid passage therein. The second piston includes a second fluid passage therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: William Blyshak, Greg Figel, Gary S. Siegle, Jon Tekulve, Mark Haufler, Paul Weil, Stephen R. Schulte, David C. Newkirk, David W. Hornbach, Richard L. Borders
  • Patent number: 6439264
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a patient support having a mattress including a bladder comprises an interior housing formed to include a supply chamber, an exhaust chamber, a plenum, and an exterior housing surrounding the interior housing. A supply valve and an exhaust valve are located in the interior housing and connect the supply chamber and the exhaust chamber, respectively, to the plenum. A supply solenoid and an exhaust solenoid are coupled to the interior housing and covered by the exterior housing. The supply solenoid and the exhaust solenoid are coupled to the supply and exhaust valves respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenith W. Chambers, Scott McCormick, Steven D. DeRidder, W. Layne Carruth, Stephen R. Schulte
  • Publication number: 20020059679
    Abstract: A method is provided for permitting a module which is configured to perform a dedicated function on a bed to use a graphical interface. Graphic format data used by the module is downloaded, if necessary, and stored in a memory of the graphical interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Peter M. Wukusick, Gregory W. Branson, Kenneth L. Kramer, Stephen R. Schulte, Philip D. Palermo, James M.C. Thomas, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jay T. Butterbrodt, David J. Ulrich, David A. Albersmeyer, Jason C. Brooke, Eric R. Meyer, John D. Miller, John W. Ruehl
  • Publication number: 20020023681
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a patient support having a mattress including a bladder comprises an interior housing formed to include a supply chamber, an exhaust chamber, a plenum, and an exterior housing surrounding the interior housing. A supply valve and an exhaust valve are located in the interior housing and connect the supply chamber and the exhaust chamber, respectively, to the plenum. A supply solenoid and an exhaust solenoid are coupled to the interior housing and covered by the exterior housing. The supply solenoid and the exhaust solenoid are coupled to the supply and exhaust valves respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenith W. Chambers, Scott McCormick, Steven D. DeRidder, W. Layne Carruth, Stephen R. Schulte
  • Patent number: 6302145
    Abstract: A valve assembly for an air mattress having a common actuator on a manifold between opposed supply and exhaust valves moving the valves along actuating axes. The system includes a plurality of actuator/valve combinations for different portions of the air mattress. A pulsating valve is provided which includes a housing having therein supply and exhaust valves each directly controlled by supply and exhaust solenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenith W. Chambers, Scott McCormick, Steven D. DeRidder, W. Layne Carruth, Stephen R. Schulte