Patents by Inventor Steven A. Dixon

Steven A. Dixon 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: 20240096473
    Abstract: A care system includes a mobile communication device, a remote server, and a patient support system that is in communication with either or both of the mobile communication device and the remote server. The mobile communication device may operate as a user interface for the patient support system. The remote server may provide computing power for the patient support system for resource intensive computing tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Eric D. Agdeppa, Steven A. Dixon, Charles A. Howell, Thomas M. Gillis, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
  • Patent number: 11869649
    Abstract: A care system includes a mobile communication device, a remote server, and a patient support system that is in communication with either or both of the mobile communication device and the remote server. The mobile communication device may operate as a user interface for the patient support system. The remote server may provide computing power for the patient support system for resource intensive computing tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Eric D. Agdeppa, Steven A. Dixon, Charles A. Howell, Thomas M. Gillis, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
  • Patent number: 11764831
    Abstract: Patient care equipment includes a wireless coupler that transfers power and/or data between an architectural unit and the patient care equipment. The patient care equipment may also include additional wireless couplers that transfer power and/or data between first and second components of the equipment. The second component may be movable relative to the first component. A structure or hot swapping batteries is also disclosed, the swapped battery being charged on an inductive charging mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Howell, William G. Pittenger, Michael S. Hood, Edward J. Koors, Steven A. Dixon, Richard J. Schuman, Matthew D. Morgan, Laurie Lee Gutzwiller, Kelly F. Walton
  • Publication number: 20210184729
    Abstract: Patient care equipment includes a wireless coupler that transfers power and/or data between an architectural unit and the patient care equipment. The patient care equipment may also include additional wireless couplers that transfer power and/or data between first and second components of the equipment. The second component may be movable relative to the first component. A structure or hot swapping batteries is also disclosed, the swapped battery being charged on an inductive charging mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Charles A. HOWELL, William G. PITTENGER, Michael S. HOOD, Edward J. KOORS, Steven A. DIXON, Richard J. SCHUMAN, Matthew D. MORGAN, Laurie Lee GUTZWILLER, Kelly F. WALTON
  • Patent number: 11011267
    Abstract: Systems and methods of associating beds and/or rooms and/or patients are provided. One system and method involves using a signature of emitted light to determine a location of a patient bed in a healthcare facility. Another system and method involves reading a bar code from an array of redundant bar codes. Still another system and method involves manually entering location information on a graphical user interface of a patient bed for subsequent transmission. A further system and method involves sending bed ID and location ID along parallel paths from two independent circuits on a patient bed for receipt by two different transceivers and ultimately by two different remote computers that cooperate to associate the bed ID with the location ID. Still a further system and method involves using circuitry on a bed to mutate a received location ID and a bed ID into a single unique mutated ID such as by adding the location ID and bed ID and then performing a hashing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Dixon, Keith A. Huster, Michael A. Hood, James M. Allen, John D. Christie, Jack Barney Sing, Dan R. Tallent, Umesh J. Rajani, Clay G. Owsley, Thomas F. Heil, Richard Joseph Schuman, Sr., Timothy D. Wildman
  • Patent number: 10646379
    Abstract: One embodiment of a method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support comprises the steps of A) providing a moisture responsive sensor in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensor being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for a center frequency response from the sensor; D) comparing the center frequency response to an expected center frequency response; and E) if the center frequency response compares favorably to an expected center frequency response, issuing a first output consistent with the favorable comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Steven A. Dixon, Laetitia Gazagnes, Timothy A. Lane, David L. Ribble, Varad N. Srivastava
  • Publication number: 20200050750
    Abstract: A care system includes a mobile communication device, a remote server, and a patient support system that is in communication with either or both of the mobile communication device and the remote server. The mobile communication device may operate as a user interface for the patient support system. The remote server may provide computing power for the patient support system for resource intensive computing tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Eric D. Agdeppa, Steven A. Dixon, Charles A. Howell, Thomas M. Gillis, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
  • Patent number: 10500105
    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 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin M. Monson, Todd P. O'Neal, David L. Ribble, Dan R. Tallent, John D. Christie, Kirsten M. Emmons, Yongji Fu, Michael S. Hood, Douglas A. Seim, Ryan S. Severns, James D. Voll, Gregory Wiley, Steven A. Dixon, Bryan Weidman, Eric D. Benz, Brett Knittle, Marwan Nusair, Neal Wiggermann, John V. Harmeyer
  • Patent number: 10420690
    Abstract: A monitoring system comprises a lift assembly configured to lift a patient; a control system configured to control operation of the lift system; and a reporting system in communication with the control system and configured to receive operational information for the lift assembly. The reporting system compares the operational information to a predetermined set of values to determine if the operation of the lift is in compliance with the protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Liko Research & Development AB
    Inventors: Steven A. Dixon, David Ribble
  • Patent number: 10395769
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a system includes a patient support device and a power line network for communicating data, such as patient identifying information. The patient support device locally indicates information about an assigned patient. A patient care apparatus is communicatively connected to the power line network to receive data and to provide a local indication of the data received. The local indication of the device and the apparatus includes respective lights that flash substantially synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Ribble, Steven A. Dixon
  • Publication number: 20190231620
    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 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Douglas J. MENKEDICK, Steven A. DIXON, Irvin J. VANDERPOHL, III, John B. WILKER, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10363183
    Abstract: Catheter monitor integration with patient support systems, such as patient beds, and with other healthcare communication systems including hand hygiene systems is provided. A patient bed that transmits bed data and catheter monitor data is disclosed. When catheter tubing is connected to a catheter monitor integrated into a patient bed, the bed automatically implements a falls prevention protocol. A countdown timer pertaining to removal of catheter tubing from a patient is displayed on one or more display devices. Monitoring for caregiver handwashing compliance in connection with use of a catheter monitor or a catheter kit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Ribble, Nicholas A. Mann, Brian L. Lawrence, Kirsten M. Emmons, Eric D. Agdeppa, Michael S. Hood, Robert M. Zerhusen, Joshua P. Lingenfelser, Steven A. Dixon, Ryan S. Severns
  • Patent number: 10290071
    Abstract: A care system includes a mobile communication device, a remote server, and a patient support system in communication with either or both of the mobile communication device and the remote server. The mobile communication device operates as a user interface for the patient support system. The remote server provides computing power for the patient support system for resource intensive computing tasks. A system for use in a healthcare facility includes patient care devices located in a patient room. The system also includes an application server located remotely from the patient room. The application server stores application software associated with each patient care device. The system further includes a universal caregiver interface situated in the patient room and in communication with the application server. The universal caregiver interface receives application software from the application server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Eric D. Agdeppa, Steven A. Dixon, Charles A. Howell, Thomas M. Gillis, Benjamin E. Howell, Christian Saucier, Kelli F. Rempel, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, Andrew S. Robinson, Mary L. Butler, Bryan J. Bello, Michael S. Hood, Frederick C. Davidson, David M. Girardeau
  • 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: 20190091074
    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: November 28, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Gavin M. Monson, Todd P. O'Neal, David L. Ribble, Dan R. Tallent, John D. Christie, Kirsten M. Emmons, Yongji Fu, Michael S. Hood, Douglas A. Seim, Ryan S. Severns, James D. Voll, Gregory Wiley, Steven A. Dixon, Bryan Weidman, Eric D. Benz, Brett Knittle, Marwan Nusair, Neal Wiggermann, John V. Harmeyer
  • Patent number: 10176700
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing data communication and power to a device located in a room having a power outlet is disclosed. The power outlet may be a standard AC outlet, for example. The apparatus includes a cable extending from the device and having a plug comprising a plug body. Prongs extend from the plug body and couple to the power outlet to receive power. A first near field communication antenna is carried by the plug body. A communication module has a second near field communication antenna and is located in the room in proximity to the plug. At least one of the first near field communication antenna and the second near field communication antenna communicates data wirelessly to the other of the first near field communication antenna and the second near field communication antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A Dixon, Keith A Huster, Irvin J Vanderpohl, III, Thomas F Heil, Richard J Schuman, Christopher K Lack
  • Patent number: 10163322
    Abstract: A system comprises a patient bed having a reader to read wireless signals. In some embodiments a wound dressing has a transmitter that transmits wireless signals to the reader of the patient bed. In other embodiments, a garment has a transmitter that transmits wireless signals to the reader of the patient bed. In still further embodiments, other medical equipment has a transmitter that transmits wireless signals to the reader of the patient bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Ribble, David C. Newkirk, Michael S. Hood, Joshua P. Lingenfelser, Robert M. Zerhusen, Steven A. Dixon, Timothy D. Wildman
  • Patent number: 10159607
    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 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin M. Monson, Todd P. O'Neal, David L. Ribble, Dan R. Tallent, John D. Christie, Kirsten M. Emmons, Yongji Fu, Michael S. Hood, Douglas A. Seim, Ryan S. Severns, James D. Voll, Gregory Wiley, Steven A. Dixon, Bryan Weidman, Eric D. Benz, Brett Knittle, Marwan Nusair, Neal Wiggermann, John V. Harmeyer
  • Publication number: 20180322760
    Abstract: A system comprises a patient bed having a reader to read wireless signals. In some embodiments a wound dressing has a transmitter that transmits wireless signals to the reader of the patient bed. In other embodiments, a garment has a transmitter that transmits wireless signals to the reader of the patient bed. In still further embodiments, other medical equipment has a transmitter that transmits wireless signals to the reader of the patient bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: David L. Ribble, David C. Newkirk, Michael S. Hood, Joshua P. Lingenfelser, Robert M. Zerhusen, Steven A. Dixon, Timothy D. Wildman
  • Publication number: 20180296413
    Abstract: Catheter monitor integration with patient support systems, such as patient beds, and with other healthcare communication systems including hand hygiene systems is provided. A patient bed that transmits bed data and catheter monitor data is disclosed. When catheter tubing is connected to a catheter monitor integrated into a patient bed, the bed automatically implements a falls prevention protocol. A countdown timer pertaining to removal of catheter tubing from a patient is displayed on one or more display devices. Monitoring for caregiver handwashing compliance in connection with use of a catheter monitor or a catheter kit is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: David L. Ribble, Nicholas A. Mann, Brian L. Lawrence, Kristen M. Emmons, Eric D. Agdeppa, Michael S. Hood, Robert M. Zerhusen, Joshua P. Lingenfelser, Steven A. Dixon, Ryan S. Severns