Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Kappel

Thomas F. Kappel 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: 6241756
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an upper body blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes an integrally formed head cover and integrally formed tie straps. By providing a blanket with a head cover, heat loss from the head area of the patient can be significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Kappel
  • Patent number: 6156058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket is sized to accommodate pediatric patients. The blankets according to the present invention may be used both over or under the patient, thereby facilitating use in the operating room or outside the operating room. The present invention also relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems which is nonflammable and laser resistant. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of prevention hypothermia and hyperthermia and to a method of making a blanket for use with forced air convection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kappel, Dennis S. Chivetta, Scott D. Dikerhoff, Philip M. Metzler
  • Patent number: 6013098
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket is sized to accommodate pediatric patients. The blankets according to the present invention may be used both over or under the patient, thereby facilitating use in the operating room or outside the operating room. The present invention also relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems which is nonflammable and laser resistant. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of prevention hypothermia and hyperthermia and to a method of making a blanket for use with forced air convection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kappel, Dennis S. Chivetta, Scott D. Dickerhoff, Philip M. Metzler
  • Patent number: 5974605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes multiple inlet ports. By providing a blanket with multiple inlets, the user has the choice of positioning the air supply or blower unit and the supply hose on either side of the patient. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet ports are resealable, thus allowing the user to switch inlets during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Dickerhoff, Thomas F. Kappel, Robert A. Virag
  • Patent number: 5839133
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes multiple inlet ports. By providing a blanket with multiple inlets, the user has the choice of positioning the air supply or blower unit and the supply hose on either side of the patient. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet ports are resealable, thus allowing the user to switch inlets during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Dickerhoff, Thomas F. Kappel, Robert A. Virag
  • Patent number: 5792216
    Abstract: The present invention relates a method of preventing hypothermia utilizing to an upper body blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes an integrally formed head cover and integrally formed tie straps. By providing a blanket with a head cover, heat loss from the head area of the patient can be significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Mallincrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Kappel
  • Patent number: 5749109
    Abstract: The present invention relates to blankets for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blankets include means to provide air through selective areas of the lower sheet of the blanket. In particular, perforations are provided through the lower sheet of the blanket over only selective areas, such that air exits toward only those portions of a patient which are covered by areas of the blanket having perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Kappel
  • Patent number: 5735890
    Abstract: The present invention relates to blankets for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blankets allow for access to portions of a patient's body before, during or after surgery. In addition, the blankets according to the present invention allow versatility in use by providing access to portions of the patient's body before, during, or after surgery, but which may also completely cover the patient after the surgical procedure is complete. To accomplish these purposes, the blankets according to the present invention include seals or separation lines which extend into the interior of the blanket and which may be separated to allow access to portions of the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kappel, Philip M. Metzler
  • Patent number: 5716387
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket is sized to accommodate pediatric patients. The blankets according to the present invention may be used both over or under the patient, thereby facilitating use in the operating room or outside the operating room. The present invention also relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems which is nonflammable and laser resistant. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of prevention hypothermia and hyperthermia and to a method of making a blanket for use with forced air convection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kappel, Dennis S. Chivetta, Scott D. Dickerhoff, Philip M. Metzler
  • Patent number: 5683441
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes an airflow deflector internal to the blanket and located near the air inlet port of the blanket. By providing a blanket with an airflow deflector, better distribution of air within the confines of the blanket may be achieved, which helps to reduce and eliminate problems associated with hot and cold spots within the blanket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Dickerhoff, Thomas F. Kappel
  • Patent number: 5675848
    Abstract: The present invention relates to blankets for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blankets include perforations formed through the lower sheet of the blanket. In particular, the perforations are provided in a number of different sizes, such that a greater transfer of air may be provided in areas of the blanket which will directly cover portions of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Kappel
  • Patent number: 5643337
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket is sized to accommodate pediatric patients. The blankets according to the present invention may be used both over or under the patient, thereby facilitating use in the operating room or outside the operating room. The present invention also relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems which is nonflammable and laser resistant. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of prevention hypothermia and hyperthermia and to a method of making a blanket for use with forced air convection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kappel, Dennis S. Chivetta, Scott D. Dickerhoff, Philip M. Metzler
  • Patent number: 5640727
    Abstract: The present invention relates to blankets for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blankets are sealed together at a plurality of spot welds and may be contoured for comfort and versatility. The contoured profile of the blanket is provided by varying the density pattern of the spot welds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Kappel
  • Patent number: 5632769
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket is sized to accommodate pediatric patients. The blankets according to the present invention may be used both over or under the patient, thereby facilitating use in the operating room or outside the operating room. The present invention also relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems which is nonflammable and laser resistant. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of prevention hypothermia and hyperthermia and to a method of making a blanket for use with forced air convection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kappel, Dennis S. Chivetta, Scott D. Dickerhoff, Philip M. Metzler
  • Patent number: 5514169
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes multiple inlet ports. By providing a blanket with multiple inlets, the user has the choice of positioning the air supply or blower unit and the supply hose on either side of the patient. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet ports are resealable, thus allowing the user to switch inlets during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Dickerhoff, Thomas F. Kappel, Robert A. Virag
  • Patent number: 5384924
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes multiple inlet ports. By providing a blanket with multiple inlets, the user has the choice of positioning the air supply or blower unit and the supply hose on either side of the patient. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet ports are resealable, thus allowing the user to switch inlets during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Dickerhoff, Thomas F. Kappel, Robert A. Virag
  • Patent number: 5360439
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for warming a patient with a blanket used with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes multiple inlet ports. By providing a blanket with multiple inlets, the user has the choice of positioning the air supply or blower unit and the supply hose on either side of the patient. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet ports are resealable, thus allowing the user to switch inlets during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Dickerhoff, Thomas F. Kappel, Robert A. Virag
  • Patent number: 5343579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes multiple inlet ports. By providing a blanket with multiple inlets, the user has the choice of positioning the air supply or blower unit and the supply hose on either side of the patient. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet ports are resealable, thus allowing the user to switch inlets during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Dickerhoff, Thomas F. Kappel, Robert A. Virag
  • Patent number: 4264856
    Abstract: In a generating system having a shunt-type regulator for exciting the field of a generator during normal operating conditions, circuitry is provided for supplying voltage to a field winding to maintain excitation of the generator during excessive output current conditions. This circuitry senses the low voltage indicative of a fault or overload condition and in response boosts the field of the field winding during such an excessive output current condition an amount sufficient to maintain generator excitation during that particular condition. It does this by impressing a voltage, supplemental to that supplied by the regulator, upon the field winding during the condition. As a result the excitation of the generator is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Assignee: Basler Electric Company
    Inventors: Waldo J. Frierdich, Thomas F. Kappel