Hospital Patents (Class 340/286.07)
  • Patent number: 10437960
    Abstract: A method, system, computer program product and apparatus related to managing and disseminating information in a health care facility is disclosed. The system may comprise a plurality of input devices, a processor connected to the input devices and a plurality of electronic output devices connected to the processor. The output devices may include a master patient information display, an electronic patient room information display, a master precaution display, a patient hourly rounding display and an individual room precaution display. The method may comprises receiving from at least one input device data associated with a plurality of patients, and displaying for each patient the information, based on the data received, that is associated with each patient, and then updating on each output device the information when it changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: SHELDON INVESTMENT GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Sheldon, Sonne DeVries, Clare Cooke, Dennis Bednar, William Bock, Randall Karlsen, Noel Wolbing, Saad Yusuf
  • Patent number: 10420688
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, recliner, operating table, stretcher, or the like, includes a control panel with multiple controls for controlling functions of the patient support apparatus. A control system disables at least a first control and changes an illumination state of a backlight when the patient support apparatus is in a particular state. In some embodiments, the particular state is the arming of an exit detection system and/or the deactivation of a brake on the patient support apparatus. The particular state may also or alternatively be tied to a particular mode of the patient support apparatus, such as a diagnostic mode, a maintenance mode, and/or a normal mode. The control system may also never illuminate a first icon on the patient support apparatus if it was initially configured in a particular manner, such as being intended for sale in a particular geographic market.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Douglas Furman, Cory Patrick Herbst, Anish Paul
  • Patent number: 10420517
    Abstract: The present invention includes a healthcare system for capturing and maintaining patient healthcare records and employing information in the records to proactively alert hospital workers to a condition that places patient health at risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Richard C. Mayoras, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10402926
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for multidevice collaboration are provided. In embodiments, indications are provided on a device that a wrong chart is open for a location. A clinician is prompted to synchronize a chart with a dashboard associated with the location. Control of the dashboard is transferred to the clinician utilizing the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: CERNER INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Lisa Kelly, Amanda Buckley, Stephanie L. Rogers, Robert Farr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10368806
    Abstract: An autonomous smart car includes a bio-signal sensing unit sensing a bio-condition of a person in the autonomous smart car; a communication unit supporting wireless communication between the autonomous smart car and an external of the autonomous smart car; a memory unit storing basic data of the person in the autonomous smart car, general bio-signal data, bio-signal data sensed by the bio-signal sensing unit, and hospital information data; an autonomous driving unit autonomously driving the autonomous smart car to a destination; an emergency handling unit enabling the autonomous smart car to inform that an emergency patient is in the autonomous smart car to outside when the bio-condition of the person in the autonomous smart car indicates an emergency; and a control unit analyzing a current condition of the person by comparing a bio-signal sensed by the bio-signal sensing unit with the data stored in the memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignees: HANCOM, INC.
    Inventor: Sang Cheol Kim
  • 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: 10251490
    Abstract: A method and system may include transmitting a signal to a pump of an air mattress to set the pressure of the air mattress to an initial pressure; receiving, at a central controller, a user preference condition for an automatic adjustment of the pressure in the air mattress; receiving, at the central controller, an indication that the air mattress is empty; and based on determining that the user preference condition has been met and receiving the indication: detecting a change in the pressure of the air mattress beyond a threshold value; and based on the detection, adjusting the pressure of the air mattress to the initial pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignees: Sleep Number Corporation, Select Comfort Retail Corporation
    Inventors: Rob Nunn, Wade Daniel Palashewski, Steven Jay Young, Carl Hewitt
  • Patent number: 10241591
    Abstract: A system and keypad interface is disclosed that allows users to communicate with non-verbal cues. Embodiments include an optimal key pattern(s) to minimize human time using the control interface. Aspects of the system block the natural reading process and rely on pattern recognition, thus users can enter and respond to messages more quickly without the cognitive upset of reading messages that rely solely on left to right or vice versa. The grouping of the keys optimizes or minimizes the time a human uses the control system based on how the human brain interprets visual information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: L. Alford Frost
  • Patent number: 10206837
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig McNeely, Richard H. Heimbrock, Carl W. Riley, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, Paul J. McDaniel, Williams F. Collins, Jr., Oscar A. Manguiat, Terry L. Tincher
  • Patent number: 10171935
    Abstract: Method, systems, and computer-readable media for receiving, from an application instance operating on a client device, healthcare information that indicates a client device identifier, a wireless proximity beacon identifier, and a proximity of the identified client device to the identified wireless proximity beacon. From the received healthcare information, a determination is made whether the proximity of the identified client device to the identified wireless proximity beacon satisfies a threshold proximity. Based at least on the determination, an action is determined that the application instance operating on the identified client device is permitted to perform while the proximity of the identified client device to the identified wireless proximity beacon satisfies the threshold proximity. Healthcare information is transmitted to the identified client device that enables the application instance operating on the identified client device to perform the action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: MicroStrategy Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin Reyes, Hugh Owen, Jose Nocedal de la Garza
  • Patent number: 10169964
    Abstract: A system and method for signaling users including a control device electrically connected to a transceiver. The transceiver has a specified frequency. A first mobile signal device being activated by a first user and electrically communicating with a first transmitter having a selectable signal frequency. The first transmitter electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. A second signal device includes a second receiver for receiving an activation signal from the transceiver. The second receiver electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. The second signal device is activated by the activation of the first mobile signal device using the transceiver for alerting other persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Delia, Wayne M. Delia, Edward E. Kelley
  • Patent number: 10109180
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a wireless transceiver and a processor. The wireless transceiver may be configured to communicate wirelessly via a wireless network with an annunciator remotely located from the apparatus and a plurality of call light boxes remotely located from the apparatus. The processor may be configured to (i) control reception of an alarm message from one or more of the call light boxes in response to an event, (ii) illuminate a hall indicator in response to reception of the alarm message, (iii) receive a cancellation message from at least one of (a) one or more of the call light boxes and (b) the annunciator that cancels the event, and (iv) extinguish the hall indicator in response to cancellation of the event. The hall indicator may change color over time until the event is canceled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: David L. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 10102730
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus includes a detector and a notifying unit. The detector detects, based on an image obtained by capturing an image of a space in which a monitoring target acts, an act which is likely to cause the monitoring target to be exposed to danger. The notifying unit sends, in accordance with the act and an exercise ability of the monitoring target, a notification indicating that the monitoring target is likely to be exposed to danger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Honda, Takanori Ozawa, Kazuaki Morito, Manabu Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10070789
    Abstract: A hospital bed is programmable with new firmware that is downloaded to the bed over a network. The firmware is downloaded to the bed automatically from a remote computer device. The remote computer device receives a message from the hospital bed which includes data regarding the version number of the bed's current firmware, and if the version number indicates that the firmware is an outdated version, the remote computer device downloads a new version of the firmware to the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, Jr., James M. Allen, Keith A. Huster, Carl W. Riley, Patricia A. Glidewell, Irwin J. Vanderpohl, III, Richard J. Schuman, Benjamin E. Howell, Timothy D. Wildman
  • Patent number: 10028875
    Abstract: A device for attaching a digital device to a hospital bed side rail. The device includes a connector for attaching to the side rail, an arm connected to the connector, and an electronic device holder at an opposite end of the arm. The electronic device holder is configured to receive a digital device, such as a tablet, laptop computer, phone, or other electronic device. The arm is, in embodiments, articulating, flexible, rotatable, and/or otherwise configurable to allow positioning of the electronic device holder in a desired position relative to the patient. Thus, after the connector is attached to the side rail, the arm can be moved to position and support the electronic device holder relative to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: HATCHMED CORPORATION
    Inventor: Brian Hatch
  • Patent number: 10016325
    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: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    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
  • Patent number: 10007263
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, with the customer's permission, it may be detected by sensors that an occupant of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle is experiencing a medical emergency. A nearby medical facility may be determined based upon the vehicle location and the detected medical emergency. A route from the current vehicle location to the medical facility may be determined, and the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be automatically directed or routed to the medical facility. A message may also be generated and transmitted to the medical facility to alert them that a person in need of timely medical assistance is on the way. Life and auto insurance discounts may be generated for risk averse customers based upon their vehicles having the emergency response functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 10002503
    Abstract: A system and method for signaling users including a control device electrically connected to a transceiver. The transceiver has a specified frequency. A first mobile signal device being activated by a first user and electrically communicating with a first transmitter having a selectable signal frequency. The first transmitter electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. A second signal device includes a second receiver for receiving an activation signal from the transceiver. The second receiver electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. The second signal device is activated by the activation of the first mobile signal device using the transceiver for alerting other persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Delia, Wayne M. Delia, Edward E. Kelley
  • Patent number: 10002273
    Abstract: Described herein are various technologies pertaining to mobile computing devices that are communicatively coupled to barcode scanners. A mobile computing device is configured to provide feedback (visual and/or audible) pertaining to a scan of a barcode performed by a barcode scanner that is communicatively coupled to the mobile computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: ALLSCRIPTS SOFTWARE, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew David Dreselly Thomas, Wyatt Nordstrom, Ariel Noel Norton
  • Patent number: 9962487
    Abstract: An automatic sensing and warning device for placing an intravenous drip includes a transmitter unit, a blocking unit, a receiver unit, and a fixing device. The transmitter unit is attachable to an injection site on a patient's hand and is operable to transmit an identification signal. The receiver unit is arranged on the blocking unit and includes a drive circuit and a warning device. The fixing device supports the blocking unit and the receiver unit on the intravenous drip pole. The RF receiver is set at a predetermined vertical distance from a drip chamber and areas above and below the RF receiver are respectively defined as dangerous and safe areas. When the injection site is spaced from the drip chamber by a distance shorter than the predetermined distance, the RF receiver receives the identification signal from the RF transmitter and the drive circuit activates the warning device to issue warnings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignees: CATHAY GENERAL HOSPITAL, TZU-CHI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Ming-Chuan Kuo, Zu-Chun Lin, Chia-Hui Chu, Ping-I Li, Chia-Liang Lu
  • Patent number: 9942733
    Abstract: An alert message application running on a first mobile communication can be controlled to operate in a training mode and a normal mode of operation. In the training mode of operation, the application can receive over a short range wireless link a training message response uttered by a user of a second wireless communication device and associate audio information in the utterance with a response code that the user is prompted by the application to enter. In the normal mode of operation, the user can respond to an alert message played by the first wireless communication device with a verbal utterance, and if the response utterance matches the training message response utterance, the application generates and sends a response message to an event notification system that includes the response code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Globestar, Inc.
    Inventor: David Tavares
  • Patent number: 9904770
    Abstract: To provide a user-friendly information-gathering device enabling users to select buttons easily. An information-gathering device has a plurality of selection buttons, a communication module, and a cancel button. The communication module has an IC chip and a button cell. The IC chip has a storage which stores information for identifying the pressed selection button and information about the time of the press, in chronological order, a controller which performs control to store the information in the storage, and a wireless communication unit. When the cancel button is pressed, the controller stores, in the storage, information requesting to cancel press information about the selection button pressed immediately before the cancel button is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroko Takahashi, Takehiko Bizen
  • Patent number: 9861550
    Abstract: A method includes receiving an input indicative of at least one factor that contributes to the development of pressure ulcers; determining a risk score as a function of the input; comparing the risk score to a previous risk score; and at least one of activating a therapy configured to reduce the magnitude of the factor and notifying a caregiver if the risk score is greater than the previous risk score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ribble, Michelle McCleerey, Eric Agdeppa
  • Patent number: 9866797
    Abstract: Various embodiments concern a system for monitoring a patient in a bed, the system comprising a camera, a user interface comprising a screen, and a computing system. The computing system can be configured to monitor, with the camera, for motion within each of a plurality of zones, the plurality of zones comprising a one or more inner zones extending adjacent along the bed, one or more outer zones extending adjacent along the one or more inner zones, and one or more end zones. Motion within the inner zones can trigger a fall alert while motion within the outer or end zones can suspend one or more functions to prevent the fall alert from being issued. The end zones can comprise a bottom zone and one or more top zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CareView Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Clark, Derek del Carpio
  • Patent number: 9788800
    Abstract: The present invention includes a healthcare system for capturing and maintaining patient healthcare records and employing information in the records to proactively alert hospital workers to a condition that places patient health at risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Richard C. Mayoras, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9785892
    Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable media, and graphical user interfaces for automating displays based on admissions, transfers, and discharges are provided. In embodiments, admission notifications that patients have been admitted to rooms in a healthcare facility are received. Information is accessed for the patients admitted to the rooms. The information for the patients is automatically displayed, without user intervention, to clinicians in the corresponding rooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Kelly, Stephanie L. Rogers, Jared Wayne Fordham, Amanda Buckley, Robert Farr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9775519
    Abstract: A hospital bed is programmable with new firmware that is downloaded to the bed over a network. The firmware is downloaded to the bed automatically from a remote computer device. The remote computer device receives a message from the hospital bed which includes data regarding the version number of the bed's current firmware, and if the version number indicates that the firmware is an outdated version, the remote computer device downloads a new version of the firmware to the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    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, Benjamin E. Howell, Timothy D. Wildman
  • Patent number: 9747780
    Abstract: Techniques for automatically sending an emergency signal by means of a system of a vehicle are provided. According to one technique, an emergency situation is detected by evaluating signals of a number of sensors. A current position of the vehicle then determined, and a plurality of entries of emergency response services are received. A minimum cost is determined from the costs associated with respective entries of the plurality of entries to the current position of the vehicle, and a first-priority entry is determined from the minimum cost. An address for sending the emergency call signal is received, where the address is included in the first-priority entry. The retrieved address is used to start a setup of a connection to a device of the emergency response service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Lars Hansen
  • Patent number: 9741217
    Abstract: A system and method for signaling users including a control device electrically connected to a transceiver. The transceiver has a specified frequency. A first mobile signal device being activated by a first user and electrically communicating with a first transmitter having a selectable signal frequency. The first transmitter electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. A second signal device includes a second receiver for receiving an activation signal from the transceiver. The second receiver electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. The second signal device is activated by the activation of the first mobile signal device using the transceiver for alerting other persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Delia, Wayne M. Delia, Edward E. Kelley
  • Patent number: 9693691
    Abstract: A method for determining a spatial location of at least one patient data gathering device includes the steps of receiving at least one signal from a geolocation system and analyzing the at least one signal to determine the spatial location of the at least one patient data gathering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corpoaration
    Inventor: Guy Robert Johnson
  • Patent number: 9652960
    Abstract: A method for routing a medical alert to a selected staff member 151-153, the method comprising receiving an alert signal generated by an alert generation device 121-126, obtaining the current location and identity of multiple staff members from a location tracking system 141-146 configured to track the locations of the multiple staff members, upon receiving the alert signal, selecting from the multiple staff members a selected staff member by at least determining that the distance between a location of the alert generation device and the location of the selected staff member is shorter than the distance between the location of the alert generation device and the location of at least one of the multiple staff members other than the selected staff member, and sending an alert signal to an individually addressable mobile device associated with the selected staff member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Ingrid Christina Maria Flinsenberg, Roel Peter Geert Cuppen, Rosemarie Jolanda Elise Rajae-Joordens, Elke Marieke Lambert Daemen, Evert Jan Van Loenen
  • Patent number: 9649237
    Abstract: An electric motor furniture drive for a piece of furniture having at least one furniture part. The electric motor furniture drive includes a control unit, at least one adjustment drive, and at least one operating unit configured as a multifunction operating part connected via an adapter device to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: DEWERTOKIN GMBH
    Inventor: Steffen Loley
  • Patent number: 9646136
    Abstract: A device obtains a series of measurements of a physiological parameter of a monitored patient when the device is operating within a monitoring workflow. The device displays a monitoring workflow home screen when the device is operating within the monitoring workflow. The monitoring workflow home screen contains a representation of the physiological parameter of the monitored patient. In addition, the device obtains a measurement of the physiological parameter of each patient in a series of patients when the device is operating within a non-monitoring workflow. The device displays a non-monitoring workflow home screen when the device is operating within the non-monitoring workflow. The non-monitoring workflow home screen contains a representation of the physiological parameter of a given patient in the series of patients. The monitoring workflow home screen is different than the non-monitoring workflow home screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn C. St. Pierre, Esther N. Ahn, Eric J. Bailey, Michael D. Garrant, Roger W. Graves, Jennifer M. Kilian, Thomas A. Myers
  • Patent number: 9582974
    Abstract: A system and method for signaling users including a control device electrically connected to a transceiver. The transceiver has a specified frequency. A first mobile signal device being activated by a first user and electrically communicating with a first transmitter having a selectable signal frequency. The first transmitter electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. A second signal device includes a second receiver for receiving an activation signal from the transceiver. The second receiver electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. The second signal device is activated by the activation of the first mobile signal device using the transceiver for alerting other persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Delia, Wayne M. Delia, Edward E. Kelley
  • Patent number: 9562371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to doors for intensive care units and more particularly to an intensive care unit door control system. In particular, the invention relates to a door management system for an intensive care unit comprising at least one control unit configured to receive signals from at least one external device and to control the opening and closing of the automatic intensive care unit doors based on the received signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY ENTRANCE SYSTEMS AB
    Inventors: Michael McCaslin, Jeffrey A. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 9549675
    Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a frame and a support surface cooperating with the frame to support a person. The person support apparatus also has a sensor coupled to one of the frame and the support surface. The sensor detects at least one characteristic associated with the person. A controller is coupled to the sensor. In response to at least one of a condition of the frame, a condition of the support surface, a position of the person, or a condition of the person, the controller operates to control the sensor by at least one of changing a gain of the sensor and changing a manner in which a signal from the sensor is filtered. In some instances, the controller turns the sensor off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl W. Riley, Timothy J. Receveur, David L. Ribble
  • Patent number: 9513899
    Abstract: A hospital bed is programmable with new firmware that is downloaded to the bed over a network. The firmware is downloaded to the bed automatically from a remote computer device. The remote computer device receives a message from the hospital bed which includes data regarding the version number of the bed's current firmware, and if the version number indicates that the firmware is an outdated version, the remote computer device downloads a new version of the firmware to the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    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, Benjamin E. Howell, Timothy D. Wildman
  • Patent number: 9510999
    Abstract: A system includes a smartphone contained within a medication adherence case, the medication adherence case including a repository and a hinged access door to the repository, a wireless network linking the smartphone to a content data network (CDN), the CDN including a medication adherence server, and an application residing in the smartphone that sends data to a medical adherence process in the medical adherence server upon receiving a signal generated from a communication device residing in the hinged access door that indicates the hinged access door has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Healthbeacon, Inc.
    Inventors: James Joyce, David Shanahan
  • Patent number: 9489818
    Abstract: A bed status system includes a patient support apparatus having a status, a location unit configured to provide a location to the patient support apparatus, and a bed status module coupled to the location unit and the patient support apparatus to receive the status and the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
  • Patent number: 9466877
    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: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    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: 9449496
    Abstract: A device for processing alarms includes a processor and a computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform various operations. The operations include receiving a first alarm from a first diagnostic device and determining a location associated with a first user. When the location associated with the first user is determined to be proximate to a device, the operations further include presenting a first verbal alert indicating that the first diagnostic device is presenting the first alarm. When the location associated with the first user is determined to be not proximate to the device, the operations further include sending a first notification message to a first mobile device of the first user indicating that the first diagnostic device is presenting the first alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Sheldon Kent Meredith, Francisco Martinez, George Goehring
  • Patent number: 9408958
    Abstract: In general, a dialysis device includes a first processing device for monitoring dialysis functions of the dialysis device, a second processing device, a display device, and memory. The memory is configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the dialysis device to provide, on the display device, a first display region and a second display region, where the first display region is associated with the first processing device and the second display region is associated with the second processing device. At least a portion of the first display region cannot be obscured by the second display region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Fei Wang, Martin Joseph Crnkovich, Roland Levin, Michael Emmanuel Kotsos
  • Patent number: 9401085
    Abstract: A method and a device for determining what commands can be used to operate a receiving device (110) when a user operates a control device (105). After such a determination is made, a first command is transmitted to the receiving device from the control device (105) over a first communication interface and a second command is transmitted to the receiving device (110) over 5 a second communication interface. The communication interface that is selected depends on whether the control device can control the operation of the receiving device (110) with such a command directly or whether an intervening device (130/140) is required to translate the command from a first format to a second format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: THOMSON LICENSING
    Inventors: Stelian Markov, Brian Maso
  • Patent number: 9374523
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus and an imaging method supply an optimum amount of image data to another apparatus. When a PDA has a maximum transfer rate of 1.5 Mbps, a mobile phone determines that the maximum speed of communication with the PDA is low, reduces the amount of moving image data captured by a CCD of the mobile phone accordingly, and supplies the captured moving image data to the PDA. The PDA therefore displays a low-quality moving image on its display unit. When the PDA has a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbps, the CPU of the mobile phone leaves unchanged the amount of moving picture data captured by the CCD and supplies the captured moving image data to the PDA. The PDA then displays a high-quality moving image on its display unit. The foregoing may be advantageously applied to digital cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Chisato Yoshida, Osamu Date
  • Patent number: 9336672
    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: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    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: 9313761
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing registration at a remote site that may include, for example, a monitoring module that may communicate with a remote site. A registration protocol may be used by the monitoring module and the remote site in generating the messages communicated during the registration process. The monitoring module may gather and generate various identification information to be included in the registration protocol messages. The registration information provided by the monitoring module may be stored at the remote site in a database server having a database. A confirmation message may be communicated from the remote site to the monitoring module that may either acknowledge successful registration or report that an error occurred during the registration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Babak Rezvani, Edward B. Kalin, Jack L. Chen, Reza Jalili
  • Patent number: 9298881
    Abstract: A method and system for voice messaging at a point of care includes at least one point of care communication device configured to record voice messages and play back voice messages that have previously been created. The point of care communication device may be, among other things, a nurse call station or console. The recorded messages may be selectively transcribed and/or routed to other systems and/or point of care devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Wildman
  • Patent number: 9293026
    Abstract: The invention is an improved Bed Exit Night Light System designed to illuminate a hospital room if a patient leaves his bed, but automatically tracks medical personnel movement within the room and illuminates the room as appropriate to the medical tasks taking place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel R. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9286771
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to healthcare call bells. Specifically, this invention relates to a call bell system and method for providing a need specific service identifiers and requests based on one or more criteria identified by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Bruce Llewellyn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9280637
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for providing a multi-action button for mobile devices are provided. Alerts are received and multi-action buttons are determined corresponding to the alerts and clinicians associated with mobile devices. The multi-action buttons are displayed on the mobile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: CERNER INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jay Christopher Vaglio, Matt Ryan Anderson