Electrically Operated Patents (Class 5/616)
  • Publication number: 20090264788
    Abstract: A nursing system of a visual evoked brain wave control device, measuring a brain wave signal induced by the user when gazing at one optical display region, for controlling external devices is designed. The optical flash generating device receives an outer signal to flash the optical display region therein. A brain wave signal measurement device is used to measure a brain wave signal induced by users when gazing at the optical display region. A programmable chip is used to analyze the relation between the brain wave signal and the optical flash generating device, and control a selected option of the optical display region gazed by the users (for example, raising/falling of first, second or third portion of the hospital bed, volume adjustment of radio, channel adjustment, etc.), for improving the independence capability and the life quality of the users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Kuo-kai SHYU, Po-lei Lee, Ming-huan Lee, Chi-hsun Wu, Jyun-jle Sie
  • Patent number: 7596820
    Abstract: An actuator for beds, slatted beds or chairs of the type accommodating, in a cabinet, two drive units based on a spindle and a spindle nut configured as an adjustment element, cooperating with an arm of a rotary shaft for a backrest section and a legrest section, respectively, in the bed, the mattress support or the chair. The two spindles are rotational interconnected and are driven by a common reversible electric motor. By having just one motor and one transmissions, as well as no switching mechanism between the two spindles, a simple and inexpensive structure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventors: Jens J. Nielsen, Norbert Klinke
  • Publication number: 20090241262
    Abstract: A mobile veterinary surgical table incorporating a dental operatory, the mobile veterinary surgical table having a base member having a mobility means, a support pedestal member mounted to the base frame member allowing height adjustment of the support surface of the veterinary surgical table, the veterinary surgical support being bifurcated so as to be angularly oriented from the horizontal to a V-shape, the veterinary support member being tiltable at a desired angle and having a runoff tray positioned beneath the support surface for the disposition of fluids, there being positioned at one end of the support surface a dental tray, there being positioned on the base frame beneath the support surface a dental operatory, including all of the tools required for the operation of the dental operatory for performing dental treatment of the animal while its head is positioned on the dental tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Frank Jehn
  • Patent number: 7594450
    Abstract: A quick-releasing linear actuator suitable for electric hospital beds includes a motor, a transmission device, a clutch device and a pulling arm device. With the pulling of the pulling arm of the pulling arm device, a clutch and a clutch base of the clutch device can be disengaged, such that the screw of the transmission device will not be impeded by the worm gear. When a force is exerted to the telescopic rod of the transmission device, the screw can rotate by itself to rapidly lower the telescopic rod, thereby to achieve the rapid releasing of the hospital beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignees: Jaeger Industrial Co., Ltd., AB SKF
    Inventors: Chou-Hsin Wu, Francois Ducourant, Guillaume Besnouln
  • Publication number: 20090235456
    Abstract: A pivoting device for pivoting of segments (4) which are pivotable relative to one another of a bearing construction (2), providing a bearing surface (3) for a mattress, a cushioning element or the like, of an item of furniture for sitting and/or lying on, in particular a bed. In order to produce a pivoting device which requires a comparatively small installation space while also having safe operation, the invention proposes a pivoting device which includes an electromotive drive device (13) which is arranged on the end face between two neighboring segments (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Klaus Bock
  • Patent number: 7581264
    Abstract: A patient table, modified with a fixed-base design thereby allowing for heavy patients, providing tilting and cantilevering capabilities, table top extension (i.e. providing head to toe coverage), and overall stability, is described. The operating room table re-design includes incorporation of utility sources into the architecture of the table, so that utilities, such as wiring, vacuum, and gas hoses, arise from the table itself. The source of all utilities to the table (as opposed to those emanating from the table) may come from an underground connection. Further, the table is interchangeable with tables customized for a specific procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Optimus Services, LLC
    Inventor: John R. Mangiardi
  • Publication number: 20090177327
    Abstract: An bedding apparatus is provided that allows a user the ability to control a bedroom environment using one selectable control. The apparatus includes an adjustable bedding unit and a computing unit coupled to the adjustable bedding unit. A number of controllable electronic appliances, having an effect on the bedroom environment, are electrically coupled to the computing unit. These electronic appliances are capable of being controlled by the computing unit. A user interface control unit is coupled to the computing unit. The user interface presents the user with a number of user-selectable settings that cause an adjustment in the position of the adjustable bed and at least one of the electronic appliances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: JASON TURNER, NIELS S. MOSSBECK, ANDY SCHEMBS, RYAN CHACON, MARK A. QUINN, THOMAS W. WELLS
  • Publication number: 20090151074
    Abstract: A bottom adjusting action control system for an adjustable bed is provided that facilitates adjustment of the adjustable bottom sections of the bed via a predetermined path of angular adjustment in reaching final set positions for the back and knee bottom sections. In particular, the control system of the present invention provides a means of adjusting the angular positions of adjustable bottom sections of the bed to predetermined final positions via preset bottom coordinative action patterns carried out by a controller means. The preset bottom coordinative action patterns raise and lower adjustable back and knee bottom sections of the bed in a coordinated manner, so as to adjust the bottom sections of the bed to the chosen angular positions without causing the user to slide relative to the bed, and without exerting uncomfortable abdominal pressure on the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: PARAMOUNT BED CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nagaoka, Masao Horitani, Satoru Inoue
  • Publication number: 20090126115
    Abstract: A remote controller for an adjustable support apparatus for supporting a patient includes an input device configured to accept control commands for adjusting a support apparatus for supporting a patient, at least one sensor configured to detect a pick-up of the remote controller by a user, and a transmitter device configured to transmit the control commands to the support apparatus for supporting a patient. The detection of the pick-up of the remote controller by the user activates the remote controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: TRUMPF MEDIZIN SYSTEME GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Doering, Steffen Loeser
  • Patent number: 7533591
    Abstract: A fast-releasing controlling device of an actuator includes a clutching means, a turning means and a pulling means. The clutching means is accommodated within a base of the actuator, and includes a fixing base and a clutch. The turning means is accommodated within the casing of the actuator and includes a swinging arm pivoted to the base. One end of the swinging arm is arranged to correspond to the clutch so as to control clutching action of the clutch relative to the fixing base. The pulling means includes a pulling rod assembly. One end of the pulling rod assembly is accommodated within the casing and connected to the swinging arm, and the other end thereof penetrates out of the casing and is joined with a connecting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: T-Motion Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Jung Wang
  • Patent number: 7530125
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a stationary base having side rails with channels. A frame movable relative to the base has rollers which ride in these channels. An articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together is supported by the frame when horizontal. A plurality of links pivotally secured to brackets secured to the head and leg deck boards and pivotally secured to the base limit travel of the head and leg deck boards. Additional links pivotally secured to brackets secured to the foot deck board and to the movable frame limit movement of the foot deck board. An actuator assembly is operatively coupled to the frame and includes a linear actuator. Activation of the actuator inclines the deck boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Jacob J. Neuenswander
  • Publication number: 20090100599
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable bed handheld remote control that may include a handheld housing, a touch sensor on a front face of the handheld housing, a transmitter and the like. The touch sensor may be presented in a slider form and may be adapted to facilitate a user in adjusting a frame position of an adjustable bed. The transmitter may be electrically coupled to a processor and may receive input from the touch sensor, for communication control signals to the adjustable bed in accordance with the input received from the touch sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
  • Patent number: 7522062
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a stationary frame, a first head deck mattress support member supported by the frame, a second seat deck mattress support member supported by the frame and pivotally coupled to the head deck mattress support member, a sensor assembly adapted to detect a sound associated with human snoring, and a motorized drive assembly operatively coupled to the sensor assembly and to the first mattress support member. The adjustable bed may be such that detection of the snoring sound actuates the motorized drive assembly thereby causing relative movement of the first mattress support member with respect to the second mattress support member. The sensor assembly may further be adapted to recognize a sound associated with snoring of a particular person and actuation of the motorized drive assembly may move the first mattress support member between an inclined position and a horizontal flat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: L&P Property Managment Company
    Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Publication number: 20090049612
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a lower frame, a lift mechanism, a drive mechanism, and an upper frame. The lower frame includes a lift drive configured to at least one of expand and contract the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is pivotably coupled with the lower frame to rotate about a rotational axis. A drive mechanism is coupled between the lift mechanism and the lower frame. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the lift mechanism about the rotational axis. The upper frame is supported on the lift mechanism and responsive to the rotation of the lift mechanism to rotate a patient about the rotational axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: David W. Hornbach, Darrell L. Metz, Jonathan D. Turner, Terry J. Stratman
  • Publication number: 20090044340
    Abstract: A linear actuator for a piece of furniture, namely a bed or chair comprising a housing (8) of plastic consisting of two parts (8a, 8b) with a joining edge (8c) in the longitudinal direction of the housing. In both ends of the housing there is a transverse through aperture (10) for receiving a pivot shaft in the piece of furniture, and with an openable cover (9) for mounting the actuator on the shafts. In connection with the apertures there is a drive comprising a reversible motor, which over a transmission drives a spindle, and where a spindle nut fixed against rotation and constructed as a sliding element is mounted on said spindle. The pivot shaft in the piece of furniture has an arm which rests loosely against the end of the spindle nut when the actuator is mounted on the piece of furniture so that the pivot shaft is rotated for raising of a section in the piece of furniture in one direction of movement of the spindle and for lowering the section under its weight in the other direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jens Jorgen. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20090038074
    Abstract: The invention provides a hospital bed with two driving motors that are used in the vertically adjustable jack in order to increase the hoisting power of the bed so as to be able to lift heavy patients. The two driving motors are mounted so as to mechanically operate in parallel. In order to obtain a symmetric load distribution among the two motors, the motors are electrically connected in series and are supplied from a joint voltage source as a serial connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Barthelt
  • Publication number: 20090031498
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, or the like, includes a support deck having a plurality of pivotable sections adapted to support a patient thereon. A head section of the support deck generally supports a patient's torso and is movable between a generally horizontal orientation and a raised orientation. A CPR drop assembly allows the head section to be pivoted relatively quickly to the horizontal orientation in order to allow CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to be administered to the patient. The drop assembly may include a foot pedal having both a mechanical and electrical link to an actuator. The drop assembly may also be configured to operate in different manners depending upon the angular orientation of the head section at the time the drop assembly is initially activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Girard, Jean Bizouard, Marco Morin
  • Patent number: 7484254
    Abstract: A bed arrangement (10) has an articulated mattress support (30), a support frame (40) for the articulated mattress support, and a power assembly (50) for raising and lowering flexible sections (30b, 30c, 30d) of the articulated mattress support. The support frame (40) is adjustably mounted in a stationary outer frame (20) and has a size smaller than the articulated mattress support (30). The power assembly (50) is mounted on the support frame (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hilding Anders International AB
    Inventors: Rikard Eriksson, Mikael Johansson
  • Publication number: 20080282471
    Abstract: A patient bed including a deck, supported by a base, and a patient support supported by the deck. The patient support includes a pneumatic device and at least one pressure sensor located within the patient support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Kenith W. Chambers, Bradley T. Wilson, Reza Hakamiun, Thomas Uzzle
  • Publication number: 20080282472
    Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient is provided. The patient support includes a frame and a deck. The deck includes first and second ends and longitudinal sides extending therebetween. The deck also includes a first portion and a second portion that is configured to extend laterally from the deck to widen the deck. An actuator is coupled to the deck and configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: David W. Hornbach, Gregory W. Branson
  • Patent number: 7451506
    Abstract: A bed, including a bedframe to support a mattress. The bed includes an electrical communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hil-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Kummer, Gregory W. Branson, Eric R. Meyer, Brad Wilson, Tanya Taber, Ken Chambers, Mike Frondorf, John Vodzak, Jim Stolpmann, Roger Dalton, Ken Smith, Jeffrey A. Heyser
  • Publication number: 20080271246
    Abstract: An actuator for beds, slatted beds or chairs of the type accommodating, in a cabinet, two drive units based on a spindle and a spindle nut configured as an adjustment element, cooperating with an arm of a rotary shaft for a backrest section and a legrest section, respectively, in the bed, the mattress support or the chair. The two spindles are rotational interconnected and are driven by a common reversible electric motor. By having just one motor and one transmission as well as no switching mechanism between the two spindles, a simple and inexpensive structure is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jens Jorgen Nielsen, Norbert Klinke
  • Patent number: 7426759
    Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a stationary bed frame and a movable bed frame. A portion of the stationary bed frame is coupled to a portion of a plurality of actuator devices and a portion of the movable bed frame is coupled to a portion of the actuator devices. A power supply coupled to the actuator devices activates the actuator devices. At least one of the actuator devices comprises a safety switch to prevent unauthorized use of the actuator devices, and a toggle switch to elevate and lower at least one actuator of the actuator devices. A caregiver unlocks the safety switch, activates the actuator devices and guides a person transversely from one side of a mattress located on the movable bed frame to a second side of the mattress thereby permitting access to a portion of the person that was previously inaccessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Mary J. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 7421748
    Abstract: The present invention has a frame, two articulating structures, a drag link and a linear drive assembly. Each articulating structure has a rigid support, a serpentine support and a caster support. The rigid supports are pivotally connected to the frame and to the caster supports. The serpentine supports are pivotally connected to the frame, the rigid support and the caster support. The drag link makes the first and second articulating structures cooperate. The linear drive assembly is connected to the rigid support of one articulating structure and to the drag link. The linear drive assembly causes the bed to rise by acting in two directions, one to directly push the drag link in a first direction and the second to redirect the linear drive assembly force to indirectly push the drag link in the first direction by rotating the first rigid structure away from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Graham-Field Health Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Edgerton
  • Publication number: 20080172790
    Abstract: Described is a treatment table for patient treatment comprising a plurality of table elements and a positioning device for selectively setting the position of a respective table element, wherein the positioning device has a plurality of electrical switches or switching contacts with associated actuating portions with which selective positioning movements of the positioning device are controllable, wherein the positioning device is in the form of a foot switch (11) and has at least one actuating lever (1) whose movements which are predetermined in given directions by a guide device (2) can be transmitted to at least two switches (3) or at least two switching contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: BRUMABA KG
    Inventor: Herbert Brustmann
  • Publication number: 20080172789
    Abstract: A patient support includes a frame, a patient support surface supported at the frame, a display incorporated into the frame, and a user interface incorporated into the frame. The patient support frame includes a controller incorporated into the frame, which has a plurality of prompts stored therein. The user interface is in communication with the controller and may be used to select a selected prompt from the plurality of prompts stored in the controller. When a prompt is selected, the controller generates a display image or text associated with the selected prompt at the display in response to a passage of time or an input to provide a visual prompt to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Derick Elliot, David Mayen Moreno, Martin Plante, Chad Rohrer, David Kim Soui Wan Fong, Annie Desaulniers
  • Patent number: 7386901
    Abstract: Modular system for assembling a motorized adjustable support apparatus for the upholstery of a piece of furniture for one of sitting and lying includes a first support element including a first longitudinal rail assembly, and a second support element including a second longitudinal rail assembly. The first and second longitudinal rail assemblies are detachably connected by a connecting element to form a base of the support apparatus, in use. The assembled adjustable support apparatus includes the two support elements adjustable relative to one another for supporting the upholstery. A connecting shaft is provided for transmitting the rotation of a first pivot shaft connected to the first rail assembly to a third pivot shaft connected to the second rail assembly. Ends of the connecting shaft are detachably insertable into recesses defined in the first and third pivot shafts, and are securable against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Cimosys AG
    Inventors: Eckhart Dewert, Johannes Schneider
  • Publication number: 20080134435
    Abstract: A panel segment is provided for a multipart patient supporting panel, with a radiotransparent support panel and at least one electrical connecting line, which extends at least over a partial region of the support panel. In order that the connecting lines cannot be seen as troublesome shading on x-ray images, the at least one connecting line is configured as a strip conductor that is disposed in a recess in the support panel. A patient supporting panel and an operating table with such a panel segment are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: TRUMPF MEDIZIN SYSTEME GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Stolze, Ivo Mueller
  • Publication number: 20080127419
    Abstract: An electrical actuator system, especially for hospital and care beds and patient beds, comprising a number of actuators (6,7; 10,11), a control box (12) with a mains-based power supply, and typically also a rechargeable battery package and a control unit with a microprocessor, a number of controls (15,16), an orientation light (17) for mounting under the bed. The system comprises at least one junction box (13,14) and the orientation lighting is, with its own control unit, located in this. This enables a flexible location of the lighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Svend Erik Knudsen Jensen
  • Publication number: 20080098526
    Abstract: A device and method for motorized support of patient positioning are provided. The position of a patient bed and the setting of an electric motor drive are recorded which may differ due to elasticity and/or flexibility of the bed drive. A control signal for the electric motor drive is generated depending on the position of the patient bed and the setting of the electric motor drive. The drive can thus be activated for servo-support in case the patient bed is manually displaced, whereby the control signal is generated depending on a change in position of the patient bed, which does not correspond to a simultaneous change in the setting of the electric motor drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Stefan Doleschal, Tobias Hoth
  • Publication number: 20080078030
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an intelligent bed robot. The intelligent bed robot includes a pressure sensor-provided mattress, an intelligent robot arm, transfer rails, and at least one gripper. The pressure sensor-provided mattress monitors the position, posture and motion of a user on a bed in real time, and assists the user. The intelligent robot arm includes vertical bars disposed on two opposite sides of the bed and configured to have a predetermined length, a horizontal bar configured to connect the vertical bars to each other, and torque sensors disposed at lower ends of the vertical bar, and measures horizontal and vertical forces applied by the user. The transfer rails guide the intelligent robot arm along a path of movement. The gripper is coupled to the horizontal bar of the intelligent robot arm, and is provided with a finger unit capable of picking up an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Ju Jang LEE, Kap Ho SEO, Chang Mok OH
  • Patent number: 7346945
    Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Phillips, John H. Vrzalik, Alan Bartlett, Felipe Gonzalez, Glenn C. Stroh, Michael Stenberg, Daniel A. Woehr, Dan G. Dimitriu
  • Patent number: 7346944
    Abstract: A system for monitoring bed or mattress operation including portable monitor having a memory, a wireless input in selective communication with the bed, a wireless output in selective communication with the bed, a processor programmed to maintain in the memory a data structure including an identification for the bed and a control data associated with the bed identification, and selectively link with the bed via the output and receive computer readable information from the bed via the wireless input to update control data stored in the data structure; and control a display to report the control data to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Shaw
  • Patent number: 7321811
    Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed that may include providing a plurality of values that may define a range of available positions for an adjustable bed; receiving a request to save a position of the adjustable bed as a user selected position; determining which of the plurality of values may represent a current position of the adjustable bed to provide a current position value; storing an association of the current position value with the user selected position, forming a store position value; receiving a request to return the adjustable bed to the user selected position; adjusting the adjustable bed to a position corresponding to the store position value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
  • Patent number: 7318625
    Abstract: A reclining element includes a pivotal backrest, a headrest, which is coupled in an articulated manner thereto, and optionally a footrest. These pivotal parts can be displaced by an electromotive adjusting device. The reclining element is so configured as to eliminate the need for the link lever fastened to the pivot shaft, whereby the forces required for adjusting can be transmitted by an appropriate kinematic system to the footrest or backrest. In order to raise the backrest, an articulated lever (20) is used, which is provided in the form of a toggle lever and which is connected to the adjusting element. A lever (20a) of the articulated lever (20) is coupled to the adjusting element (18). The other lever (20b) is coupled to the backrest (11) so that when the adjusting element travels out of the end position, the joint (21) executes a guided linear movement and a rotational movement that leads to a blocking of the articulated lever (20) in a particular blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Dewert Antriebs- und Systemtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Roither
  • Patent number: 7251845
    Abstract: A patient bed and a method for reproducibly positioning and supporting a patient in a medical diagnosis or therapy apparatus, such as a CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus, involve supporting at least regions of the patient body in a desired position on the patient bed and using at least one positioning unit to position the regions of the patient body relative to the patient bed. The patient bed has a number of height-adjustable elements arranged like a matrix that are individually adjustable in terms of height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Schaller, Jürgen Simon
  • Patent number: 7246389
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a platform having a flexible surface, a flex mechanism adapted to flex the platform to form a flexion position that includes at least one of a sitting-up position and a knee break, and a tilt mechanism adapted to tilt the platform surface laterally, the flex and tilt mechanisms both being operable with the other mechanism in an operational state. Furthermore, the adjustable bed includes a side member disposed on a side of the platform, and a side-member lift mechanism adapted to raise the side member relative to the platform surface, the tilt mechanism tilting the platform surface toward the side member raised by the side-member lift mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Taguchi, Hiroshi Abe, Masashi Morikawa, Hideo Kawakami, Atsushi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7237287
    Abstract: A bed including a frame, a deck, a siderail, a communication network and a graphic caregiver interface module. The graphic caregiver interface module includes an input device, a control circuit, a memory, and a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Kenneth L. Kramer, Philip D. Palermo, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7197780
    Abstract: The universal hospital bed designed for nursing the immobile patients with additional bathing equipment” belongs to the category of the health equipment, intended for the health institutions, gerontology institutions and family households. The essence of the invention is in its constructive solution of the three-part bed, which using the mechanism for electrical and mechanical adjustment of the angles of the slope of the mobile parts of bed, could be converted into the form of (arm) chair. The belt holders and belts for fastening the patients are installed on the back part of the bed, and the antidecubitus mattress is placed along the whole bed, used as preventive protection of the patients against decubitus, or if patient already has it, for healing of the wounds. On the middle sitting part of the bed-mattress, part of the mattress is cut and the basic insert (41) is made of it, which if necessary, could be replaced with WC insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Dobrica Petric
  • Patent number: 7174586
    Abstract: An MPU sends pieces of information supplied by the input signals from a hand switch to a semiconductor memory device and the memory device stores these pieces of information. These pieces of information are: input points of an operation start signal and an operation end signal to a bottom drive unit; input points of a drive start signal of each bottom and a drive end signal of each bottom or a bottom drive time, information on lift-up or lift-down of each bottom; input points of a drive start signal and a drive end signal to a frame drive unit, information on lift-up or lift-down of a frame; and the type of an operated button of a hand switch. The data about bottoms is stored for both the back bottom and knee bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Paramount Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 7171708
    Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, and a mattress. The bed further includes a plurality of foot-operated controls configured to control features of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene E. Osborne, John W. Koening, Glenn C. Suttman, Matthew Visca, Jack Wilker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7103931
    Abstract: A drive system for a patient support table in a medical imaging apparatus is provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises at least one first drive means for driving a patient support surface in at least one first direction, at least one second drive means for driving the patient support surface in at least one second direction, wherein the at least first drive means and the at least second drive means are mounted on at least one common mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Baskar Somasundaram, Shaji Alakkat
  • Patent number: 7093312
    Abstract: An adjustable bed including a stationary frame is supported with legs above a floor. An articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together is spaced above the frame with connectors. The connectors include generally inverted U-shaped foot and seat tubes pivotally secured to the frame and secured to the seat and foot deck boards. A motorized drive assembly is operatively coupled to the head deck board and includes arms with are pivotally secured to the frame. Activation of the motorized drive assembly moves the deck boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Patent number: 7089612
    Abstract: An operating table including at least three elements which are moveable in relation to each other; at least two actuators, each controlling displacement of two elements in relation to the other; a controller which drives each actuator; a sensor to detect a risk of collision of one of the elements with an obstacle when executing a displacement request of a first actuator; a controller which determines a corrective command order of a second actuator different from the first actuator upon detecting a risk of collision, wherein execution of the corrective command order by the second actuator causes cessation of the detected risk of collision upon subsequent execution of the displacement request of the first actuator; and a display to view the corrective command order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: FHSurgical
    Inventors: Philippe Rocher, Jean-Marie l'Hegarat
  • Patent number: 7058999
    Abstract: In (?, ?) coordinates defined by a back angle ? and a knee angle ?, a pattern that connects between a coordinate point (0, 0) at which each of a back bottom and a knee bottom is horizontal and a coordinate point (?0, ?0) which is a final reaching point for a back lift-up operation and at which the back bottom is lifted up by a plurality of points is set, an optimal pattern which provides less slipperiness and less oppressive feeling is acquired beforehand, and a control section moves the back bottom and the knee bottom along the optimal pattern. This reliably prevents a carereceiver from slipping, regardless of subjective judgment by an operator or a carer, at the time of performing a back lift-up operation and back lift-down operation of an electric bed. It is therefore possible to prevent pressure from being applied onto the abdominal region and chest region of the carereceiver, thus relieving the carereceiver and carer of the burden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Paramount Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Horitani, Hiroshi Nagaoka, Satoru Inoue
  • Patent number: 7058998
    Abstract: A foot control for controlling power-driven functions of a medical apparatus which positions a patient in a variety of examination and treatment positions. The foot control includes a membrane switch and a flexible keypad overlying the membrane switch. The flexible keypad is configured to actuate switch elements of the membrane switch in response to selective pressure applied on the keypad by a user's foot. Different configurations of keypads are interchangeable on the foot control to change the control functionality of the foot control while the membrane switch remains unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Diller, Randall H. Evers
  • Patent number: 7055195
    Abstract: An electrically activated emergency system for a patient bed comprises: an electrically powered linear actuator for driving a back rest of the patient bed from a lowered back rest position to a raised back rest position and operable to permit the back rest to lower from the raised back rest position to the lowered back rest position without being driven by the linear actuator; and, an independent emergency back rest lowering feature comprising an electrical activation means for activating the linear actuator to permit the back rest to lower from the raised back rest position to the lowered back rest position without being driven by the linear actuator, the electrical activation means not requiring continued operator attendance for continued lowering of the back rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Carroll Hospital Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard B. Roussy
  • Patent number: 7007327
    Abstract: To provide an adjustable bed that assists a user to turn comfortably in his or her sleep without mental stress. Once an automatic mode starts, measurement on the depth of sleep of the user lying on the bed is launched. The depth of sleep is measured by detecting biological information such as brain waves, heart rate, and respiratory rate of the user using electrode sensors or the like, and analyzing the biological information according to a polysomnography method or the like. If the depth of sleep is 0, i.e., the user is in REM sleep, and if one hour or more has passed since the measurement is launched or since an immediately preceding turn operation, a turn operation is performed to turn the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Ogawa, Hideo Kawakami, Yoshihisa Fujiwara, Hidetaka Sakai
  • Patent number: 6971131
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Eschmann Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Grahame David Bannister
  • Patent number: 6961971
    Abstract: Motor adjustable support device for the upholstery of a seat and/or of reclining furniture, especially suited for a bed mattress, including a base body having rails, and one adjustable support element adjustable relative to the base body. An adjusting device for the adjustment of the support device relative to the base body may be provided. One of the rails may be hollow or open on one side for receiving part of the adjusting device. The one adjustable element can be adjusted between a first adjustment position and a second adjustment position and that interacts with the support element, and that is received in the first adjustment position in a rail, or as viewed in a side view, for example, within the bounds of the rail, and that protrudes in the second adjustment position over the rail toward the support side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Cimosys AG
    Inventors: Johannes Schneider, Eckhart Dewert