Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Heil
Thomas F. Heil 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).
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Patent number: 12138142Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus 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. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2022Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: HILL-ROM SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Steven Alan Dixon, Laetitia Gazagnes, Timothy A. Lane, II, David Lance Ribble, Varad Narayan Srivastava, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Michael Scott Hood, Charles A. Howell, Kirsten M. Emmons
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Publication number: 20240096473Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Eric D. Agdeppa, Steven A. Dixon, Charles A. Howell, Thomas M. Gillis, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
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Patent number: 11872052Abstract: A therapeutic support apparatus includes a user support surface extending along a longitudinal axis. The user support surface has a head section and a torso section. Each of the head section and the torso section are operable to angle relative to the longitudinal axis. An elevation unit is operable to position at least one of the head section and torso section at angles relative to the longitudinal axis. A monitor acquires data related to a user while sleeping on the user support surface. An alarm is operable to activate based on the data acquired by the monitor.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David L. Ribble, Kirsten M. Emmons, Craig M. Meyerson, Thomas F. Heil
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Patent number: 11869649Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 11786427Abstract: A siderail assembly for a person support apparatus comprises a siderail body, a grip portion, and a power communication device. The siderail body includes a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extending between the front surface and the back surface. The side surface defines a perimeter of the siderail body. The grip portion includes a siderail opening through a portion of the siderail body. The grip opening has an upper grip opening portion that cooperates with the side surface to define a grip. The power communication device is configured to communicate power to a device.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
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Publication number: 20230000701Abstract: A siderail assembly for a person support apparatus comprises a siderail body, a grip portion, and a power communication device. The siderail body includes a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extending between the front surface and the back surface. The side surface defines a perimeter of the siderail body. The grip portion includes a siderail opening through a portion of the siderail body. The grip opening has an upper grip opening portion that cooperates with the side surface to define a grip. The power communication device is configured to communicate power to a device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
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Patent number: 11470978Abstract: A head elevation apparatus configured to be positioned under a mattress may include a base panel and a top panel positioned on the base panel. The top panel may include a center panel hingedly coupled to the base panel. An upper flap may be hingedly coupled to the center panel. A lower flap may be hingedly coupled to the center panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2021Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Ibne Soreefan, David L. Ribble, Kirsten M. Emmons, Craig M. Meyerson, David Quinn, Thomas F. Heil
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Patent number: 11464693Abstract: A siderail assembly for a person support apparatus comprises a siderail body, a grip portion, and a power communication device. The siderail body includes a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extending between the front surface and the back surface. The side surface defines a perimeter of the siderail body. The grip portion includes a siderail opening through a portion of the siderail body. The grip opening has an upper grip opening portion that cooperates with the side surface to define a grip. The power communication device is configured to communicate power wirelessly to a device in communication therewith.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2021Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell
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Patent number: 11452650Abstract: Person support apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment, a person support apparatus comprises a base frame and a primary support frame supported on the base frame. A carriage is freely translatable at least between a head end of the primary support frame and a foot end of the primary support frame. A support surface is supported on the carriage such that the support surface translates with the carriage. The support surface includes a support section which is collapsible in a length direction of the support surface. The support section may include an air bladder and a control valve fluidly coupled to the air bladder that regulates air pressure within the air bladder. The control valve has a normally closed position and a vent position, wherein the person support apparatus comprises an exercise configuration wherein the control valve is in the vent position and the air bladder is vented to atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Glenn C. Suttman
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Publication number: 20220249297Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus 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. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Steven Alan Dixon, Laetitia Gazagnes, Timothy A. Lane, II, David Lance Ribble, Varad Narayan Srivastava, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Michael Scott Hood, Charles A. Howell, Kirsten M. Emmons
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Patent number: 11400001Abstract: A mattress support includes a first section and a second section configured to be coupled to the first section. Each of the first section and the second section includes a base plate configured to be positioned on a box frame of a bed. A top plate is pivotable relative to the base plate. A bladder structure is positioned between the base plate and the top plate and inflatable to adjust a height of the top plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David L. Ribble, Craig M. Meyerson, Lori Zapfe, John V. Harmeyer, Xuan Teng, Jotpreet Chahal, Thomas F. Heil, Kirsten M. Emmons, David L. Bedel, Kenneth L. Lilly, Nicholas Mann, Andrew Robert Taylor, Alistair Andrew James Ward, Martyn Thomas Mitchell, Ibne Soreefan
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Patent number: 11367535Abstract: An apparatus for remote at-home care of a patient is disclosed. The apparatus monitors a patient with a deployable sensor system and communicates the data sensed by the sensor system to a patient care hub located within a patient's home. A patient interface and a caregiver controller are in wireless communication with each other and the patient care hub. The patient care hub generates an alert(s) in view of the sensed data and wirelessly communicates the alert(s) to the patient interface and/or the caregiver controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David L. Ribble, Craig M. Meyerson, Lori Zapfe, John V. Harmeyer, Xuan Teng, Jotpreet Chahal, Thomas F. Heil, Kirsten M. Emmons, David L. Bedel, Kenneth L. Lilly, Nicholas Mann
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Patent number: 11357682Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a bed assembly. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a bed assembly that is compatible with a traditional consumer bed and can enhance the traditional consumer bed so it provides features of a traditional hospital bed. The bed assembly of the present disclosure may include pneumatic components to move portions of the bed assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David L. Ribble, Craig M. Meyerson, Lori Zapfe, John V. Harmeyer, Xuan Teng, Jotpreet Chahal, Thomas F. Heil, Kirsten M. Emmons, David L. Bedel, Kenneth L. Lilly, Nicholas Mann
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Patent number: 11331227Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus 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. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2021Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Steven Alan Dixon, Laetitia Gazagnes, Timothy A. Lane, II, David Lance Ribble, Varad Narayan Srivastava, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Michael Scott Hood, Charles A. Howell, Kirsten M. Emmons
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Patent number: 11241347Abstract: A modular system is usable to vary the conditions around a bed in a home to provide various levels of support for patients who are at home and have varying acuity of medical complications. The modular system allows the home bed to be temporarily adapted for medical care.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David L. Ribble, Craig M. Meyerson, Lori Zapfe, John V. Harmeyer, Xuan Teng, Jotpreet Chahal, Thomas F. Heil, Kirsten M. Emmons, David L. Bedel, Kenneth L. Lilly, Nicholas Mann
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Patent number: 11229568Abstract: A mattress support includes a base plate configured to be positioned on a box spring of a bed. A bladder may be coupled to a top surface of the base plate. A top plate is coupled to a top surface of the bladder. A top surface of the top plate is configured to support a mattress. The bladder is inflatable to adjust a height of the top plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David L. Ribble, Craig M. Meyerson, Lori Zapfe, Xuan Teng, Jotpreet Chahal, Thomas F. Heil, Kirsten M. Emmons, David L. Bedel, Kenneth L. Lilly, Nicholas Mann
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Publication number: 20210361229Abstract: A therapeutic support apparatus includes a user support surface extending along a longitudinal axis. The user support surface has a head section and a torso section. Each of the head section and the torso section are operable to angle relative to the longitudinal axis. An elevation unit is operable to position at least one of the head section and torso section at angles relative to the longitudinal axis. A monitor acquires data related to a user while sleeping on the user support surface. An alarm is operable to activate based on the data acquired by the monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: David L. RIBBLE, Kirsten M. EMMONS, Craig M. MEYERSON, Thomas F. HEIL
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Patent number: 11109799Abstract: A therapeutic support apparatus includes a user support surface extending along a longitudinal axis. The user support surface has a head section and a torso section. Each of the head section and the torso section are operable to angle relative to the longitudinal axis. An elevation unit is operable to position at least one of the head section and torso section at angles relative to the longitudinal axis. A monitor acquires data related to a user while sleeping on the user support surface. An alarm is operable to activate based on the data acquired by the monitor.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2018Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David L. Ribble, Kirsten M. Emmons, Craig M. Meyerson, Thomas F. Heil
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Patent number: 11090208Abstract: A lateral rotation apparatus may include a person support surface having a head segment and a torso segment. An adjustable leg may have a head support positioned below the head segment. The adjustable leg may have a torso support positioned below the torso segment. The head support may be adjustable to rotate the head segment. The torso support may be adjustable to rotate the torso segment. A linkage assembly may be coupled to the head support and the torso support. The linkage assembly may have a sliding link that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The sliding link may also be rotatable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. An actuator is operable to move the sliding link.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David L. Ribble, Kirsten M. Emmons, Thomas F. Heil
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Publication number: 20210241894Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Steven Alan Dixon, Keith A. Huster, Michael S. Hood, James Maurice Allen, John D. Christie, Jack Barney Sing, Dan R. Tallent, Umesh Jairamdas Rajani, Clay Gerome Owsley, Thomas F. Heil, Richard Joseph Schuman, SR., Timothy D. Wildman