Tiltable Along A Transverse Axis Patents (Class 5/610)
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Publication number: 20110000021Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the frame, and a push handle that is coupled to the frame and that is gripable to maneuver the patient support apparatus along a floor. The patient support apparatus also has a brake handle that is coupled to the push handle and that is movable to brake at least one of the casters. A pedal arrangement for the patient support apparatus is also disclosed. The pedal arrangement includes first and second side pedals and a center pedal supported by the first and second side pedals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventors: Gregory J. Figel, Kenneth Q. Rudolf, David A. Albersmeyer, Richard Henry Heimbrock, James L. Walke, Brian P. Michael, Glenn C. Suttman, Jonathan D. Turner, Brian T. Wiggins, Martin D. Weiler
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Patent number: 7849539Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck having a head deck section, seat deck section, and foot deck section each of which is supported on a frame. The head deck section pivots and translates relative to the frame when driven. The drive systems of the deck sections are configured such that movement of links driving the deck sections occurs above the lowest point on the frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: David W. Hornbach, Darrell L. Metz, Terry J. Stratman
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Patent number: 7833188Abstract: A patient angle sensor is employed in conjunction with gastric feeding devices to shut off or to reverse the flow of fluid in the tube when the angle of a bed ridden patient becomes sufficient to allow gastric juices to percolate up through the esophagus and into the patient's lungs. In this way incidents of aspirational pneumonia in hospitalized patients is significantly reduced or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventor: Allen Gerber
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Patent number: 7818839Abstract: In a patient bed for an operating table, comprising a plurality of bed portions (18, 32, 70, 72), of which a middle portion (18) is designed for connection to the supporting column of the operating table and which are coupled releasably to one another via interfaces (30, 68), at least one bed portion (70, 72) being adjustable in relation to an adjacent bed portion (32) in the region of an interface (68), the middle portion (18) of the bed (16) is connectable at at least one of its ends, via a first interface (30), to the one end of an intermediate portion (32) which is connectable at its other end, via a second interface (68), to a further bed portion (70, 72), the first interface (30) having two first coupling elements (34, 36) which engage positively one in the other for a rigid connection and which have transmission elements coming into contact with one another during interengagement and intended for the transmission of signals and/or energy, and the second interface (68) comprising two second coupling eleType: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Maquet GmbH & Co. KGaAInventors: Guido Koch, Heiko Kottmann, Markus Bürstner
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Patent number: 7805784Abstract: A patient bed includes a base, a patient support, and an elevation mechanism for raising or lowering the patient support relative to the base. The elevation mechanism comprises a first pair of arms and a second pair of arms, with both the pairs of arms mounted relative to the patient support and the base. The first pair of arms and the second pair of arms have pivot connections at the patient support, with the pivot connections of at least one pair of the pair of arms moving in a sinusoidal path when the patient support is raised or lowered with respect to the base.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventors: Guy Lemire, Marco Morin, Richard Paré
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Patent number: 7802331Abstract: A piece of furniture includes a deck or seat assembly that is supported by a base assembly. The base assembly includes a tilting actuator assembly. The base assembly is coupled to the deck or seat assembly so that the deck or seat assembly can be tilted from a prone or sitting position to an upright position. The base assembly and the deck or seat assembly are coupled so that there are no easily accessible pinch points therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Transitions Industries, Inc.Inventors: Bobby Brown, Randy Holloway, Donny Hicks, Larry Hambrick
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Publication number: 20100223728Abstract: A bed 14 has a base frame 32, an elevateable frame 34 and a telescopable column 36 having a base segment 36a connected to the base frame 32 and a terminal segment 36e connected to the elevateable frame 34. Each column circumscribes a lift chain assembly 100 which includes a magazine 102 and a lift chain 160 with a terminal link 240. The magazine 102 is connected to either the base frame 32 or the elevateable frame 34 and the terminal link 240 is connected to the other of the base frame 32 and the elevateable frame 34. The magazine 102 comprises left and right magazine covers 104, 106 each having an outer face and an inner face 112, 114 with grooves 120. The lift chain 160 has left and right rollers 238 that project into the grooves. The lift chain assembly 100 also includes a gear train 320 extending from a gear train drive shaft 334 to a gear train output shaft 338 and a motor 278 having an output shaft 314 connected to the gear train drive shaft 334.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Stephen E. Hutchison, David W. Hornbach, Darrell L. Metz
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Publication number: 20100206160Abstract: A fluid control system for use with a patient support apparatus is moveable from a first height to a second height. The system includes a lift arm and a substantially upright cylinder. A first end of the lift arm is pivotably coupled to a base member and a second end of the lift arm is coupled to a chair structure. The cylinder assembly has a base portion and an extendable member configured to contact and support the lift arm. The cylinder assembly includes a bypass valve having a first end in fluid contact with an upper reservoir and a second end in fluid contact with a lower reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventor: Henry Warn Jackson
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Patent number: 7774876Abstract: A bed includes a deck assembly that is supported by a base assembly. The base assembly includes a tilting actuator assembly. The base assembly is coupled to the deck assembly so that the deck assembly can be tilted from a prone position to an upright position. The base assembly and the deck assembly are coupled so that there are no easily accessible pinch points therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Stand-Up Bed CompanyInventors: Bobby Brown, Randy Holloway, Donny Hicks, Larry Hambrick
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Patent number: 7741623Abstract: The invention relates to a patient-positioning device for positioning a patient in an irradiation position in a radiation therapy arrangement, in particular in a particle radiation therapy arrangement comprising a patient supporting module, which is provided with a patient supporting device for holding the patient in a body holder where the irradiation is to be carried out, wherein, said patient supporting device is mounted on a base unit in such a way that it is rotatable about an axis by means of a bearing, said base unit is provided with a coupling element, the inventive device is also provided with a positioning arm, which comprises several joints and a coupling point for coupling the coupling element and for freely positioning the patient in any predefined irradiation position by adjusting the angle of rotation of the patient supporting module.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Andres Sommer
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Patent number: 7716762Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a patient support structure supporting a patient support surface that comprises separately adjustable torso and hip support structures. Lifting mechanisms are provided to elevate the torso and hip support structures to substantially reduce pressure on the sacral area of a patient resting on the patient support surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Bedlab, LLCInventors: Rodolfo W. Ferraresi, Eduardo Rene Benzo, Mario Cesar Eleonori
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Patent number: 7694366Abstract: In an operating table comprising a table column (10) with a column foot (14) and with a column head (16) and also a patient bed (12) which is connectable to the column head (16) and which is pivotable in relation to the table column (10) about at least one axis parallel to the bed plane, the column head (16) has provided on it a guide track (42) which is curved continuously about an axis of curvature and on which a saddle coupleable to the bed (12) is mounted such that it can be adjusted along the guide track (42) by means of a saddle drive.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Maquet GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Guido Koch, Matthias Kobuβ, Heiko Kottmann, Jan Donat Olszewski
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Patent number: 7654974Abstract: A traction table (200) include a frame having a base-frame portion (202) rotabably coupled to a top-frame portion (250) at a pivot point 214, a seat back portion (208) coupled to the top frame portion, and a seat-bottom (204) slidably coupled to the frame top portion. The seat-bottom can rotate about a pivot point (262) and tilt about at least one axis (260 and/or 264). The seat-bottom can further slide forwards or backwards relative to the top frame portion. The traction table can include an optional neck piece (210) coupled to the top frame portion that can move parallel relative to the seat back portion and constructed to rotate, tilt side to side or forward and backward. The traction table can include at least one actuator motor (245 or 244) for moving the seat-bottom or neck piece relative to the top-frame portion and a controller (212) for controlling such actuator(s).Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Inventor: David B. Bass
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Publication number: 20090300845Abstract: A multi-position support apparatus including a foot support, a tilting element, and a moving frame. The foot support is coupled to the tilting element, and the moving frame is configured to move in relation to the tilting element and below the foot support. Optionally, the moving frame supports a mattress. When the moving frame moves, the mattress supported by the moving frame moves also, thereby achieving a relative movement between the foot support and the mattress. The multi-position support apparatus is capable of changing its height and angle in relation to the ground and moving from an approximately vertical position to an approximately horizontal position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Ohad Paz, Ofer Parezky
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Patent number: 7624463Abstract: A patient support includes a lower frame, an upper frame supported above the lower frame, an equipment carrier coupled to the upper frame, and an actuator operable to adjust the orientation of the equipment carrier to compensate for the upper frame changing its orientation between the Trendelenberg and reverse Trendelenberg positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Graham, David C. Newkirk, Jonathan D. Turner, Christian H. Reinke, Stephen R. Hamberg
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Patent number: 7621007Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for braking in a patient positioning system. The system includes a patient positioning surface for supporting a patient, a first brake for affecting motion of the patient positioning surface, and a second brake for affecting motion of the patient positioning surface. In an embodiment, the first brake is a power-off brake that is active when power is removed from the brake. The second brake is a power-on brake that is active when power is applied to the brake. Power may be applied and/or removed from the first and second brakes to affect the motion of the patient positioning surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company LLCInventor: Baskar Somasundaram
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Patent number: 7610637Abstract: A lift system for a hospital bed is disclosed. The lift system includes lift arms that support a frame over a base frame. The lift arms are moved to raise and lower the frame relative to the base frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Douglas J. Menkedick, Eugene E. Osborne, Robert M. Zerhusen, David A. Albersmeyer, Roger S. Philbeck, Aziz Ali Bhai, Nicholas C. Batta, Terry L. Richter, Tom Riggs, Kenith W. Chambers, Steven J. Schwartz, Matthew R. Knue, Steve A. Dixon, Joshua W. Shenk, Brent Goodwin, Andrew F. Skinner, Gregory J. Figel, James R. Stolpmann, James K. Findlay, Glenn C. Suttman, Brian J. Hoffman, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, David W. Hornbach, Paul R. Weil, Kenneth L. Kramer, Jeffrey R. Welling, Eric R. Meyer, Jack Wilker, Jr., David P. Lubbers, Roberta M. Murnyack, Cami S. Scheele
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Patent number: 7565708Abstract: A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
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Publication number: 20090151073Abstract: A bed having a frame and a deck is disclosed. The deck has at least a horizontal position and a chair position. The deck has an adjustable-length foot section.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2009Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventor: Kenneth L. Kramer
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Patent number: 7540877Abstract: A therapeutic table construction which isolates a first portion of the patient's body to a fixed table portion and a second portion of the patient's body to a moveable table portion, and applies a distraction force to the moveable portion of the patient's body while positioning the portion of the patient's spine that is to be treated at an angle so as to isolate the portion of the patient's spine which receives the distraction force.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventor: Timothy R. Emsky
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Patent number: 7533429Abstract: A lift system for a hospital bed is disclosed. The lift system includes lift arms that support a frame over a base frame. The lift arms are moved to raise and lower the frame relative to the base frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Douglas J. Menkedick, Eugene E. Osborne, Aziz Ali Bhai, Kenith W. Chambers, Steven A. Dixon, Joshua W. Shenk, Andrew F. Skinner, James F. Findlay, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, Jeffrey R. Welling, John B. Wilker, Jr., Robert M. Zerhusen, David A. Albersmeyer, Roger S. Philbeck, Nicholas C. Batta, Terry L. Richter, Tom Riggs, Steven J. Schwartz, Matthew R. Knue, Brent Goodwin, Gregory J. Figel, James R. Stolpmann, Glenn C. Suttman, Brian J. Hoffman, David W. Hornback, Paul R. Weil, Kenneth L. Kramer, Eric R. Meyer, David P. Lubbers, Roberta M. Murnyack, Cami S. Scheele
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Patent number: 7530412Abstract: A patient support apparatus has a lower frame and an upper supported above the lower frame and movable relative to the lower frame. A plurality of casters are coupled to the lower frame. A wheel is movable relative to the lower frame between a lowered position engaging the floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. A drive assembly is coupled to the wheel and is operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor. A foot pedal is coupled to the lower frame and is movable to raise and lower the wheel relative to the floor.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, John D. Vogel, Thomas M. Webster
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Publication number: 20090094746Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a patient support structure supporting a patient support surface that comprises separately adjustable torso and hip support structures. Lifting mechanisms are provided to elevate the torso and hip support structures to substantially reduce pressure on the sacral area of a patient resting on the patient support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Rodolfo W. Ferraresi, Eduardo Rene Benzo, Mario Cesar Eleonori
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Publication number: 20090077747Abstract: Disclosed are an articulating bed and methods of operating the bed. The articulating bed includes a top frame and one or two underlying frames. The top frame includes a first side section and a second side section. One of the side sections is configured to slide in a lateral direction of the bed so as to vary a width of the bed. Further, the sections are configured to hingedly rotate. Various methods include sliding and hingedly rotating the side sections. Further, the methods includes sitting up a person lying on the bed and changing liners while the person is staying on the bed, using the sliding and hinged rotation features.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: WILLIE W. KIM
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Publication number: 20090055216Abstract: In a bed (home care equipment) 1, based on the switch operation, respective drive units of a head unit 12, a leg unit 13, and a height adjustment unit 14 are actuated by motor units 15a to 15c and actuator units 16a to 16c. The actuation state of the respective drive units are detected by the sensor units 17a to 17c, and a respective-unit-operation control means 21 figures out the actuation state of the drive units based on a detection signal, and stores the performance history of the drive units in the operation history storage unit 22 as operation history information. The operation history information in the operation history storage unit 22 is transmitted to a host computer 4 by a communication unit 7. The host computer 4 processes the received operation history information to data which can be displayed by the animation display, graph display, and accumulated time period display, and transmits thus processed data to a computer 5 etc. which is connected to the host computer 4 through the Internet line.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2006Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Mitsunori Inaba, Kuniaki Kawagoe, Yuichi Nagase, Hiroshi Nagaoka, Masato Shimokawa, Rika Matsumiya
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Patent number: 7480948Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a brake mechanism and a steer mechanism operated by a foot pedal. A gear reducer is coupled to the foot pedal. The gear reducer reduces the amount that the foot pedal is depressed to operate the brake mechanism and steer mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Hill-Rom Services , Inc.Inventors: Christian H. Reinke, Jonathan D. Turner, Richard H. Heimbrock
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Patent number: 7472441Abstract: A chiropractic table has a power-operated linkage that will simultaneously tilt the table as it is lowered from an elevated position and also return the table to a horizontal position as it is elevated. The table employs a modified, movable parallelogram type of linkage, as opposed to a scissors-type linkage, which when combined with an open center frame allows the table to be lowered to a height not attainable with the prior art tables. A patient footplate assembly includes additional linkage and is operated by the tilt actuator so that when the table is elevated, the footplate is rotated out of the way, and when the table is tilted and lowered, the footplate will be rotated upwardly into position so that the patient can easily step off the table.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Lloyd Table CompanyInventor: Lloyd A. Steffensmeier
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Publication number: 20080289108Abstract: A lift system for a hospital bed is disclosed. The lift system includes lift arms that support a frame over a base frame. The lift arms are moved to raise and lower the frame relative to the base frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Douglas J. Menkedick, Eugene E. Osborne, Robert M. Zerhusen, David A. Albersmeyer, Roger S. Philbeck, Aziz Ali Bhai, Nicholas C. Batta, Terry L. Richter, Tom Riggs, Kenith W. Chambers, Steven J. Schwartz, Matthew R. Knue, Steve A. Dixon, Joshua W. Shenk, Brent Goodwin, Andrew F. Skinner, Gregory J. Figel, James R. Stolpmann, James K. Findlay, Glenn C. Suttman, Brian J. Hoffman, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, David W. Hornbach, Paul R. Weil, Kenneth L. Kramer, Jeffrey R. Welling, Eric R. Meyer, Jack Wilker, JR., David P. Lubbers, Roberta M. Murnyack, Cami S. Scheele
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Publication number: 20080250559Abstract: A device for the transport and medical care of patients as well as for the provision of emergency medical care in an aircraft, which can be arranged and permanently installed inside the passenger cabin of an aircraft, and has a stretcher and medical care equipment, and screens the patient from the environment at least partially by means of lateral elements. The device is enveloped on all sides by lateral elements, and forms a separated compartment relative to the passenger cabin, the volume of which can be temporarily enlarged by shifting at least one lateral section between the first, emergency medical care mode, and a second, expanded mode for patient transport, wherein the stretcher can be horizontally arranged within the compartment in the first mode, and space is available for a medical assistant inside the compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicants: Airbus Deutschland GmbH, Hochschule fur Angewandte WissenschaftenInventors: Sarah Janboecke, Matthias Kierysch, Oliver Doebertin, Florian Schmidt, Werner Granzeier
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Publication number: 20080222812Abstract: A therapeutic method and apparatus intended for enhancing blood circulation, and lymph and neural fluid flow throughout a person's body. The person is placed supinely on a longitudinally pivoting support member or bed operated by a motor driven drive mechanism. In addition, an overhead pulley mounted towline is attached to the bed and affixed to the person's hands such that his or her upper extremities move in opposition to the upper end of the bed. The bed tilts cyclically like a seesaw to alternatively raise the person's upper torso and head above the upper and lower extremities, and vice-versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: VBPM, LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION (LLC)Inventor: Edward H. Phillips
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Publication number: 20080214972Abstract: A therapeutic method and apparatus intended for enhancing blood circulation, and lymph and neural fluid flow throughout a person's body and particularly within the person's eyes. In addition, the therapeutic method and apparatus are also intended for enhancing intraocular fluid flow within the person's eyes. The person is placed supinely in a comfortable and relaxed state on a support member, such as a bed which is operated by a controllable motor driven drive mechanism. The support member tilts cyclically like a seesaw to alternatively raise the person's head about the lower extremities, and vice-versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: VBPM CorporationInventor: Edward H. Phillips
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Publication number: 20080134434Abstract: A face-down recovery apparatus for use in rehabilitation of patients, particularly vitreoretinal surgical patients. The apparatus has a base and a housing that is pivotally connected to the base by an actuator. A support is positioned contiguously on the housing for received a user in a face-down position. The apparatus is moveable between a substantially vertical, upright orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation. The apparatus is in a substantially upright vertical orientation when the support receives a user in a standing position. The face of a user is secured in a face-down position in a face support, and the rest of the user is secured to the support in a standing position in an unrestricted manner permitting mobility. As the housing is tilted into a horizontal position, the user is positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Paul J. Celauro
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Patent number: 7343635Abstract: A modular, multi-articulated patient support system includes independently adjustable columns connected by an adjustable base and supporting a patient support structure. Each column includes rotation, angulation, separation and lateral travel structure. The patient support may be raised, lowered and rotated about a transversely shiftable longitudinal axis in either horizontal or tilted orientation. The patient support includes a body support rotatably coupled with right and left leg supports disengageable at the outboard ends, that can be tilted, rotated and locked in place. An intermediate brace engages the base when the outboard ends of the leg supports are disengaged. The patient support structure may include two pairs of patient supports, each attached at the outboard end of a column and having a free inboard end. A coordinated drive system raises, lowers, tilts, rotates and laterally shifts the patient supports, which may be positioned in overlapping relation.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
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Patent number: 7302716Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and can be connected with an existing motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a gear box having first and second input shafts that are selectively covered by a movable cover. The bed end may include a frame having drain openings for draining water from the bed end when the bed end is washed. The bed end may also include an end cap that is fastened to the frame in a unique manner, and that helps to maintain a panel of the bed end cover in a curved or bowed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Steven Snyder, Howard Loewenthal, Andrew Spriegel, Gerold Goertzen, Robert Puckett, Kevin Wysocki
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Patent number: 7284626Abstract: A patient support apparatus has a lower frame and an upper supported above the lower frame and movable relative to the lower frame. A plurality of casters are coupled to the lower frame. A wheel is movable relative to the lower frame between a lowered position engaging the floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. A drive assembly is coupled to the wheel and is operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor. A foot pedal is coupled to the lower frame and is movable to raise and lower the wheel relative to the floor. Elevation adjust pedals are coupled to the lower frame and are movable to change an elevation of the upper frame relative to the lower frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Matt Webster, John Vogel
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Patent number: 7181793Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed to adjust a slope of the bed according to brain waves and a method thereby, to adjust the slope to generate the maximum alpha waves of brain waves which are generated by the change of the blood amount to be provided in a bed user's brain.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Inventor: Seung Jae Lee
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Patent number: 7152261Abstract: A modular, multi-articulated patient support system includes independently adjustable columns connected by an adjustable base and supporting a patient support structure. Each column includes rotation, angulation and separation adjustment structure. The patient support may be raised, lowered and rotated about a longitudinal axis in either horizontal or tilted orientation. The patient support includes a body support rotatably coupled with right and left leg supports disengageable at the outboard ends, that can be tilted, rotated and locked in place. An intermediate brace engages the base when the outboard ends of the leg supports are disengaged. The patient support structure may include two pairs of patient supports, each attached at the outboard end of a column and having a free inboard end. A coordinated drive system raises, lowers, tilts and rotates the patient supports, which may be positioned in overlapping relation.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
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Patent number: 7125167Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for tilting in a patient positioning system. The system includes a tilt plate for tilting a patient positioning surface, a screw for moving the tilt plate, a nut for translating rotary motion into linear motion to drive the screw, and a motor for imparting rotary motion to the nut. In an embodiment, the screw is a ball screw. In an embodiment, the nut is a rotary nut. The system may also include a drive gear situated on the motor, a driven gear situated on the nut the meshes with the drive gear, and a brake gear that meshes with the driven gear. The system may also include a fail-safe brake preventing collapse of the tilt mechanism in the event of a component failure.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Shaji Alakkat
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Patent number: 7073222Abstract: A medical procedure table includes a base plate, a base column extending upwards from the base, a shuttle assembly telescopingly mounted to the base column, a carriage pivotably mounted to the shuttle assembly, and a main plate pivotably mounted to the carriage. A roll actuator subsystem includes a roll actuator mounted to the carriage and a piston pivotably connected to an arm, the arm pivotably connected to the main plate, and a linkage pivotably connected between the piston and the carriage.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventor: Thomas K. Skripps
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Patent number: 7028356Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for braking in a patient positioning system. The system includes a patient positioning surface for supporting a patient, a first brake for affecting motion of the patient positioning surface, and a second brake for affecting motion of the patient positioning surface. In an embodiment, the first brake is a power-off brake that is active when power is removed from the brake. The second brake is a power-on brake that is active when power is applied to the brake. Power may be applied and/or removed from the first and second brakes o affect the motion of the patient positioning surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Baskar Somasundaram
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Patent number: 7024711Abstract: A patient exam bed useful for sonograms including echocardiography exams has a mattress provided with one or more pop-up wedges as well as one or more access bays formed through a side edge of the mattress. The access bays provide reach up access to a patient from below a plane of the mattress top, and can be filled-in when not needed by movable or removable in-fill sections. The pop-up wedges act to chock or support a patient to hold steady in a specific angle-of-roll or attitude chosen from various angles of lying down on one's side. The mattress optionally might have one or more folding sections to convert the bed into more like a chair or reclining chair. Additionally, any of the various foregoing options may be enhanced with power equipment to drive the movable components through their movements.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Inventors: T. Glen Stasney, Jason K. Stasney
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Patent number: 7025421Abstract: A recliner is suited for airplane mechanics and the like who need seating and backrest support at various heights. A rectangular base has removable caster-type wheels. A rectangular table frame is supported above the base by a pair of scissor-type leg assemblies with adjustable height bracket, slot and pin subassemblies and/or lift assist assemblies. The table frame has a fixed seat cushion. A tiltable backrest can be supported by a slotted cam assembly or other mechanical and/or hydraulic assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Inventors: Richard L. Fowler, Sean J. Fowler
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Patent number: 7011527Abstract: A sleeping method for a participant having a foot end and a head end including 1)providing a sleeping surface having upper and lower ends, the sleeping surface inclined at least 10–25 degrees from the upper end to the lower end, 2)providing a predetermined unit of time having successive nightly sleep periods, and 3)the participant sleeping on the sleeping surface in a head down position for at least half or other portion of the successive nightly sleep periods, the head down position comprising the participant laying down on the sleeping surface with the legs and feet of the participant disposed toward the upper end of the sleeping surface and the head end of the participant disposed toward the lower end of the sleeping surface, in which the feet end of the participant is upward relative to the head end of the participant.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Inventor: Shu Li
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Patent number: 7000271Abstract: For the purpose of providing a method of keeping an iso-center at a fixed position regardless of the tilt of a table top, and a table system having such a function, an apparatus comprises a table top member; lifting means for moving the table top member up and down; forwarding/backing means for longitudinally moving the table top member forward and backward; tilting means for tilting the table top member from a horizontal state; and control means, and the table top member is tilted around an iso-center lying at a spatial position different from a mechanical center of tilt motion of the table top member by the control means controlling vertical displacement of the mechanical center and longitudinal displacement of the table top member according to a tilt angle.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Muthuvelan Varadharajulu
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Patent number: 6986179Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for positioning a patient with a patient positioning system. The system includes a patient positioning surface for supporting a patient. The system also includes a lift subsystem for adjusting elevation of the patient positioning surface, a longitudinal subsystem for moving the patient positioning surface in a longitudinal direction, a lateral subsystem for moving the patient positioning surface in a lateral direction, a tilt subsystem for tilting the patient positioning surface, and a rotation subsystem for rotating the patient positioning surface. The system further includes a control subsystem for controlling operation of the patient positioning system and a base affixed to a floor for securing the patient positioning system. The control subsystem may perform iso-center tracking to maintain a region of interest of the patient in an image area during tilt. The control subsystem may also avoid collision with the ground and/or predetermined objects.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Muthuvelan Varadharajulu, Rajagopal Narayanasamy, Baskar Somasundaram, Shaji Alakkat
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Patent number: 6978501Abstract: A bariatric hospital bed with full feature capability to enhance the care and treatment of bariatric patients. Among the features are fully adjustable and retractable siderails, bed raise-and-lower features, head-up and leg-down features for converting to a seated position, as well as Trendelenburg and reverse-Trendelenburg features. An integral scale assembly and radioluscent capabilities with a built'in X-ray tray are also provided together with redundant, easy-access controls on a pendant as well as in both siderails. An improved footboard is also provided for use as both a foot-rest and a step.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventor: John H. Vrzalik
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Patent number: 6971131Abstract: A surgical table having a patient support member mounted at the upper end of a column, the support member having at least two sections along its length, the two sections being mounted with one another on opposite sides of the table by respective gear means, each gear means including respective drive means for rotating the gear means about a common transverse axis, and the table including means for controlling operation of the two drive means so that they rotate the respective gear means through the same angle.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Eschmann Holdings LimitedInventor: Grahame David Bannister
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Patent number: 6954951Abstract: A gurney is provided for a patient wearing a spica cast with a fixed bar extending between the legs. The gurney includes a base structure, a platform for holding the patient, and a bar support structure coupled to the platform. The platform is coupled to the base structure and is capable of being in at least one elevated position. The bar support structure supports the bar so as to support the patient when the platform is in the elevated position. In one embodiment, the gurney further includes a motorized elevation variance system coupled between the platform and the base structure for changing the elevated position of the platform, and the platform is rigid so as to always be substantially planar.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Inventors: Leonard Lieboff, John DelGardo
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Patent number: 6912746Abstract: This invention relates to a bed for accommodating heavy persons. The bed is particularly for use in hospitals, where heavy patients have to be treated. The invention provides a bed comprising a frame; a central support section mounted on the frame; two opposite end support sections, one being a head section and the other being a foot section, each mounted for pivoting movement relative to the central section; and drive means for driving the end support sections for pivoting movement relative to the central section; wherein the foot section has a platform which extends at an angle to the plane of the section, and the foot section can pivot to a position where the platform is substantially at ground level. In a particularly preferred embodiment the central section is mounted for pivoting movement about a pivot axis at or near to its edge adjacent the foot section and further comprises drive means for driving the central support section for pivoting movement about said pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Medi-Plinth LimitedInventor: Christopher John Grove
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Patent number: 6886199Abstract: A surgical table which includes a patient support surface 16 for receiving a patient, a vertically-movable support column connected to and supporting the patient support surface, and a pair of four-bar linkages for laterally tilting patient support surface relative to the support column. The support column includes a base that is mounted for vertical movement between a first position in which the surgical table is movable on rollers and a second position wherein the base contacts the floor to lock the position of the surgical table during a procedure. One or more trays may be pivotally connected to the patient support surface and selectively deployed to hold objects such as surgical instruments.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Reliance Medical Products, Inc.Inventor: Gary G. Schwaegerle