Patents by Inventor Williams F. Collins

Williams F. Collins 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: 8169304
    Abstract: A user station configurable for use in a healthcare communication system, such as a nurse call system, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Schuman, Sr., Erik Edward Roehl, Williams F. Collins, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120092135
    Abstract: A system includes a unit having associated therewith first identification (ID) data. The unit is mountable to a room wall and has a first transmitter that transmits the first ID data wirelessly. The system also includes a hospital bed having associated therewith second ID data. The hospital bed is spaced from the unit and has a wireless receiver that receives the first ID data transmitted by the unit. The hospital bed has a second transmitter that transmits the first ID data and the second ID data wirelessly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, JR., James Maurice Allen, Keith A. Huster, Carl W. Riley, Patricia Anne Glidewell, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, Richard J. Schuman, Christopher A. Mathura
  • Publication number: 20120072238
    Abstract: A system and method for collecting, communicating, displaying, and/or analyzing data from multiple medical devices is disclosed. The system includes a local data collection module and a number of medical device adapters. The medical device adapters are coupled to respective medical devices via hardwired connections to receive data from the respective medical devices. The medical device adapters wirelessly transmit the data to the local data collection module. The local data collection module communicates the data received from the medical device adapters to an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system for automatic entry of at least some of the data in the electronic medical record of a patient associated with the medical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, JR., Michael D. Gallup
  • Patent number: 8121856
    Abstract: A method and system for remote diagnostic monitoring of a healthcare device, for example, a patient support system. The system includes a communication device configured to transmit sensor data received from a sensor system coupled to the patient support system and configured to generate sensor data relating to diagnostic information of the healthcare device. The communication device can also be configured to receive configuration data for configuring at least one of the healthcare device and the sensor system. The monitoring device is located geographically distant from the healthcare device, is coupled to the communication adapter by a datalink, for example, a telecommunication network, and is configured to receive the sensor data. The monitoring device is configured to determine, based on the received data, whether service or replacement of the healthcare device or a portion thereof is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Huster, Patricia A. Glidewell, James M. Allen, Williams F. Collins, Jr., Carl William Riley
  • Patent number: 8120471
    Abstract: A system includes at least one computer device coupled to a hospital Ethernet, the hospital Ethernet having at least one wired access point and at least on wireless access point. The system also includes a hospital bed and a network interface unit (NIU) that facilitates communications from the hospital bed to the at least one computer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, Jr., James M. Allen, Keith A. Huster, Carl W. Riley, Patricia A. Glidewell, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, Richard J. Schuman, Christopher A. Mathura
  • Patent number: 8082160
    Abstract: A system and method for collecting, communicating, displaying, and/or analyzing data from multiple medical devices is disclosed. The system includes a local data collection module and a number of medical device adapters. The medical device adapters are coupled to respective medical devices via hardwired connections to receive data from the respective medical devices. The medical device adapters wirelessly transmit the data to the local data collection module. The local data collection module communicates the data received from the medical device adapters to an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system for automatic entry of at least some of the data in the electronic medical record of a patient associated with the medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, Jr., Michael D. Gallup
  • Publication number: 20110210833
    Abstract: A system for use with a hospital bed having circuitry and a standard AC power outlet spaced from the hospital bed is provided. The system includes a cable assembly couplable to the circuitry of the hospital bed. The cable assembly has power conductors and at least one data conductor. The cable assembly also has a plug including a first power coupler coupled to the power conductors and a first data coupler coupled to the at least one data conductor. The system also includes a second data coupler mountable adjacent the standard AC power outlet. The second data coupler is configured to couple to the first data coupler when the first power coupler is coupled to the standard AC power outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Craig A. McNEELY, Richard H. HEIMBROCK, Carl William RILEY, Keith A. HUSTER, Irvin VANDERPOHL, III, Paul J. McDANIEL, III, Williams F. COLLINS, JR., Oscar A. MANGUIAT, Terry L. TINCHER
  • Publication number: 20110074571
    Abstract: A hospital bed has wireless communication circuitry operable to transmit wirelessly bed status data. A surface supported by the bed has wireless communication circuitry operable to transmit wirelessly surface status data. The wireless communication circuitry of the hospital bed and the wireless communication circuitry of the surface communicate with a network independently. A hospital bed with an integrated surface has wireless communication circuitry operable to transmit wirelessly bed status data and surface status data. The wireless bed status data and the wireless surface status data are received by wireless access points of a network of a healthcare facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, JR., James M. Allen, Keith A. Huster, Carl W. Riley, Patricia A. Glidwell, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, Richard J. Schuman, Benjamin E. Howell, Timothy D. Wildman
  • Patent number: 7907053
    Abstract: A combined locating, tracking and communications system (10), including a server (12), a plurality of area transceivers (14) configured to communicate with the server (12) and having an associated reception range (34), a plurality of zone transceivers (16) configured to communicate with the area transceiver (14), a plurality of tags (18) configured to communicate with the area transceiver (14) and the plurality of zone transceivers (16), and a plurality of portable communicators (20) configured to communicate with the area transceiver (14) and the plurality of zone transceivers (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Wildman, William F. Collins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7852208
    Abstract: A hospital bed has wireless communication circuitry operable to transmit wirelessly bed status data. A surface supported by the bed has wireless communication circuitry operable to transmit wirelessly surface status data. The wireless communication circuitry of the hospital bed and the wireless communication circuitry of the surface communicate with a network independently. A hospital bed with an integrated surface has wireless communication circuitry operable to transmit wirelessly bed status data and surface status data. The wireless bed status data and the wireless surface status data are received by wireless access points of a network of a healthcare facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, Jr., James M. Allen, Keith A. Huster, Carl W. Riley, Patricia A. Glidwell, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, Richard J. Schuman, Benjamin E. Howell, Timothy D. Wildman
  • Publication number: 20100217618
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for initiating actions in a healthcare environment are disclosed. Illustrative embodiments receive identification data from tags assigned to healthcare resources via local positioning sensors. The illustrative embodiments also determine proximity of the healthcare resources based upon the identification data received via local positioning sensors. The embodiments also determine that an event has occurred in response to the proximity of the healthcare resources satisfying a relational condition of the event that relates the healthcare resources, and the healthcare resources satisfying a status condition of the event. The embodiments further initiate an action associated with the event in response to determining that the event has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Charles J. Piccirillo, Timothy D. Wildman, Carl William Riley, Christopher Andrew Mathura, Williams F. Collins, JR., Karl Eric Harper, David E. Beuning, James Richard Jester, Katherine Vigneron
  • Patent number: 7746218
    Abstract: A system that monitors various conditions of a plurality of hospital beds located in different rooms of a healthcare facility is provided. Alternatively or additionally, other types of equipment may be monitored by the system. Various configurations of network interface units that are coupleable to or integrated into a hospital bed are also disclosed. The system receives data from the hospital beds and/or other equipment and initiates a communication to a wireless communication device of at least one designated caregiver in response to the received data being indicative of an alarm condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, Jr., James M. Allen, Keith A. Huster, Carl W. Riley, Patricia A. Glidewell, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, Richard J. Schuman, Christopher A. Mathura
  • Publication number: 20100079276
    Abstract: A system includes at least one computer device coupled to a hospital Ethernet, the hospital Ethernet having at least one wired access point and at least on wireless access point. The system also includes a hospital bed and a network interface unit (NIU) that facilitates communications from the hospital bed to the at least one computer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, JR., James Maurice Allen, Keith A. Huster, Carl W. Riley, Patricia Anne Glidewell, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, Richard J. Schuman, Christopher A. Mathura
  • Publication number: 20090214009
    Abstract: An indicator apparatus is configurable for use in a healthcare communication system, such as a nurse call system. The indicator apparatus includes a visual indicator. The visual indicator is operable to selectively display one or more colors in response to calls received by the healthcare communication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Richard J. Schuman, SR., Williams F. Collins, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090212925
    Abstract: A user station configurable for use in a healthcare communication system, such as a nurse call system, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Schuman, SR., Erik Edward Roehl, Williams F. Collins, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090112630
    Abstract: A system and method for collecting, communicating, displaying, and/or analyzing data from multiple medical devices is disclosed. The system includes a local data collection module and a number of medical device adapters. The medical device adapters are coupled to respective medical devices via hardwired connections to receive data from the respective medical devices. The medical device adapters wirelessly transmit the data to the local data collection module. The local data collection module communicates the data received from the medical device adapters to an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system for automatic entry of at least some of the data in the electronic medical record of a patient associated with the medical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, JR., Michael D. Gallup
  • Patent number: 7450024
    Abstract: An activity based monitoring system is disclosed, the activity based monitoring system being configured to monitor a plurality of badges associated with a plurality of assets within a healthcare facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Wildman, Thomas M. Fleck, Carl W. Riley, Richard J. Schuman, Williams F. Collins
  • Publication number: 20080224861
    Abstract: A system is provided for use with a pre-existing hospital bed and a nurse call system. The system includes a first apparatus that is coupleable to a data port of the hospital bed and a second apparatus that is spaced from the hospital bed, that is spaced from the first apparatus, and that is coupleable to the nurse call system. A transmitter of the first apparatus is operable to transmit data received at the data port to a receiver that is operable to wirelessly receive data transmitted by the wireless transmitter of the first apparatus. The first apparatus and second apparatus are used in lieu of a cable that is otherwise usable to connect the hospital bed to the nurse call system via a hard-wired connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Craig A. McNeely, Richard H. Heimbrock, Carl William Riley, Keith A. Huster, Irvin Vanderpohl, Paul J. McDaniel, Williams F. Collins, Oscar A. Manguiat, Terry L. Tincher
  • Patent number: 7399205
    Abstract: A plug and a communication module communicate wirelessly. The plug includes prongs that couple to sockets of a power outlet to receive power for a device associated with the plug. The plug carries circuitry that communicates wirelessly with circuitry of the communication module. The communication module is located near the power outlet in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. McNeely, Richard H. Heimbrock, Carl William Riley, Keith A Huster, Irvin Vanderpohl, III, Paul J. McDaniel, III, Williams F. Collins, Jr., Oscar A. Manguiat, Terry L. Tincher
  • Patent number: 7319386
    Abstract: A system that monitors various conditions of a plurality of hospital beds located in different rooms of a healthcare facility is provided. Alternatively or additionally, other types of equipment may be monitored by the system. Various configurations of network interface units that are coupleable to or integrated into a hospital bed are also disclosed. The system receives data from the hospital beds and/or other equipment and initiates a communication to a wireless communication device of at least one designated caregiver in response to the received data being indicative of an alarm condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, Jr., James Maurice Allen, Keith A. Huster, Carl W. Riley, Patricia Anne Glidewell, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, Richard J. Schuman, Christopher A. Mathura