And Lower Body Portions Of User Supported By Adjustable Section Patents (Class 5/618)
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Publication number: 20030061662Abstract: A spatially-adjustable patient positioning surface (1) of an operating table, for example, is connected to at least two hydraulic cylinders (2, 3, 3′, 24) which are separately controllable by two control elements. The control elements are combined in at least one rotary distributor (26, 27) that is adjustable by means of one common adjustment arrangement (25).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2002Publication date: April 3, 2003Inventors: Georg Strobel, Konrad Christ
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Patent number: 6539566Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base frame (10) supporting radius arms (15) on either side. The radius arms (15) support an upper frame (20), via cross tubes (16). Linear actuators (30, 31) act on the cross tubes (16) to raise, lower or tilt the upper frame (20). Further linear actuators (32, 33) are provided to profile platform sections (41, 42, 43). The actuators, their control systems, power and other functions e.g. patient weighing, air pumps, lights are all mounted centrally on the upper frame and housed within a single housing located almost entirely within the upper frame. The location of the actuators and housing provide a very low minimum height of the patient support apparatus, the single housing eliminating trailing cables and wires and ensuring easy cleaning and maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Huntleigh Technology PLCInventor: Stephen Hayes
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Patent number: 6536056Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 1997Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Alan Bartlett, Bruce Phillips, Michael Stenberg, Glenn C. Stroh, Daniel A. Woehr, Dan G. Dimitriu
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Patent number: 6526611Abstract: A stretcher comprised of a roller base, a scissor-type lift frame having a lower end rotatably connected to the base, a tubular undercarriage rotatably and slidably connected to an upper end of the frame, a foldable rigid support positionable over the undercarriage, a soft, foldable cushion positionable over the support and connected thereto to prevent disassociation therefrom, and first and second side-arm supports rotatably connected to the undercarriage. The undercarriage includes first and second longitudinal frame members and first and second movable end extensions. Internal to each of the longitudinal frame members is a releasably locking mechanism to lock the stretcher at a predetermined height. The internal locking mechanism is releasable allowing the stretcher to be vertically adjusted by either one or two thumb triggers, located at one of the movable end extensions.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey T. Flynn, Christopher S. High, Jerry L. Taylor
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Patent number: 6523198Abstract: A mattress system includes a mattress unit having a plurality of self-contained mattress modules supported on a frame unit that is accommodated on an electric bed unit. The mattress modules are interchangeable, removable and replaceable whereby a bed can be customized for the particular needs of a patient and can also be changed as required for patient care and comfort. Also included in the mattress system is a bedpan, located beneath the central mattress modules. The bedpan can be utilized by removing the center mattress module.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Inventor: Barbara E. Temple
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Patent number: 6516480Abstract: A system for producing adjustable articulated beds. These beds use measurements taken from a particular human form applied to the bed construction. All beds made using this system have the following in common: a standard distance of four inches from the top of the intended user's head to the head end of the mattress; a mattress that increases in length as the bed is articulated upward and decreases in length when returning to supine position thus matching the change that occurs to the posterior length of the user with no slippage; standardized articulating mechanisms, to articulate the thighs and legs plus and increases the length of the thigh supporting sections when articulated upward, thus matching the movement of the human form; and standardized orbiculators to articulate the torso.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Inventor: Franklin E. Elliott
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Patent number: 6516479Abstract: A rehabilitation bed for obese persons is provided that has a center frame section with first and second ends. A transport assembly is coupled to the center frame section that has at least one pair of transport wheels depending downwardly from the center frame section. A head base frame is pivotally coupled to the one end of the center frame section and a foot base frame is pivotally coupled to the other end of the center frame section. A patient support surface is coupled to the center frame section, the head base frame, and the foot base frame and is adapted to provide support for a mattress for the bed. The bed may thus be unfolded for use by a person with the head base frame, center frame section and the foot base frame located in substantially the same plane. The head base frame and foot base frame may also be pivoted upwardly relative to the center frame section leaving the transport wheels in contact with the ground so that the bed is easily transportable from room to room.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Burke Mobility Products, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey D. Barbour
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Patent number: 6505365Abstract: A mechanism for raising and lowering the height of a patient support surface of a bed which includes a threaded shaft upon which a pulley support is raised and lowered and a chain and pulley system which transfers vertical displacement of the pulley support to the patient support surface. An articulating perimeter frame for supporting a patient on a bed frame which includes a plurality of extruded elongate members which are coupled together by hinges and corner members. The perimeter frame receives and supports inserts which receive head, seat and foot mattress sections. A pivotal push handle/tray combination that is pivotally coupled to the end posts of a bed and includes a mechanism for locking the handle/tray combination into one of a plurality of positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Hanson, John P. Biondo, Darrell L. Metz, Dennis E. Geiling, James J. Saar
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Patent number: 6499163Abstract: An apparatus convertible to a chair or table comprises a support structure; first and second pairs of wheels rotatably supporting the support structure; and a platform supported by the support structure. The platform includes a seat support and a back support. The platform is positionable between a chair configuration and a table configuration. The first pair of wheels have inboard and outboard positions. The first pair of wheels are in the inboard position when the platform is in the table configuration. The first pair of wheels are in the outboard position when the platform is in the chair configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Inventor: Harold Stensby
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Patent number: 6499161Abstract: An adjustable bed having an upper frame mounted to translate with respect to a lower frame. A center support is connected to the upper frame and has a head support pivotally connected to one end thereof. A thigh support is pivotally connected to the other end of the center support and a foot support is connected to the other end of the thigh support. The bed includes an improved mounting for a massage motor in which a resonator board is mounted on resilient spacers on an upper surface of a support platform.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Robert G. Godette
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Patent number: 6499162Abstract: The present invention relates to a power-driven bed comprising a base, a sliding frame, a power-driven motor, a first, a second, a third, and a fourth bedplate frames, and a first, a second, and a third link bars. The lateral side of the top of such base has a sliding frame, and a power driven motor is mounted on the base; the piston rod of the power-driven motor can be coupled to the sliding frame. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth bedplate frames are aligned horizontally in order, such that these four bedplate frames are coupled at their corresponsive mutual intersections, and the first, the third, and the fourth bedplate frames and both lateral sides of the vase are separately coupled to the first, the second, and the third link bars. A lateral side of the top of the sliding frame is coupled to a lateral side of the second bedplate frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Inventor: Yung-Hsiang Lu
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Patent number: 6496993Abstract: A bed having a foot prop on an adjustable length deck foot section and a mattress with a length and thickness adjustable foot section and a thickness adjustable heel section. The adjustability of the deck and the mattress allows sizing of the bed to the occupant as well as heel management. The foot prop is also adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: E. David Allen, Kenneth L. Kramer, Peter M. Wukusick, Eric R. Meyer, Gregory W. Branson, David J. Ulrich, James M. C. Thomas, Paul M. McDaniel, III, Dennis R. Zwink
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Publication number: 20020189015Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable bed of the type comprising a bed base frame, having a lead end, a foot end, opposed longitudinal members connecting same end foot members attached to the base frame normally being in contact with a floor surface, an articulated moving upper frame mounted on a carriage having leg support portions and upper body support portions articulated to each other and supported on the carriage for longitudinal shifting of the support portions relative to the base frame; and motor means for raising the upper body support portion and/or the leg support portions the led further comprising at least one wheeled leg member operationally connected to the motor, the at least one leg member being displaceable from a first elevated position to a second deployed position, wherein in the second deployed position the at least one wheeled leg member is brought it in contact with the floor surface and a rolling element supported at the leg member free extremity applies a force to the floor surface sType: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Applicant: Hollandia The Sleep Engineering Center - Investment (1992) LTDInventor: Isaac Barssessat
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Patent number: 6494538Abstract: The adjustment of the angular setting is provided between the parts (R, S, F) in a reclining or sealing article of furniture, which has two or more mutually adjustable, articulated parts which together form the frame of the article, and where the frame is mounted in a support member (A) by of transverse axes or axis journals (2, 3, 5), the back member's (R) axis (2) is securely mounted in a pivot bearing (11). The axes (3, 5) of the remaining part(s) (s/ or S and F respectively) are movably mounted in the support member's longitudinal direction. The back member's (R) axis (2) is mounted at a distance from the joint connection (1) of the seat member (S).Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Inventor: Kjartan Alvestad
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Publication number: 20020178502Abstract: A bed, couch or trolley platform arrangement consists of a back section (2), seat section (14), thigh section (15) and calf section (18). The backrest (14) and thigh section (15) are pivotally connected to the bed frame (4) for raising and lowering the hack section (14) and thigh section (15). The backrest and thigh section pivots are longitudinally displaceable along the frame away from each other as the back section and thigh section are raised from a horizontal to a raised potition. Bridging plates (13, 20) cover the gaps resulting from the displacement of the hack (14) and thigh (15) sections respectively. The back section also has an additional panel (6) which is arranged to slide upwards along the back section as the back section is raised causing the platform surface to lengthen by the same amount as the contact path length of skin of a person during sitting thereby resulting in prevention of pelvic compression and shearing of tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Michael Beasley, Stephen Hayes, Stephen Hollyoak
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Publication number: 20020174487Abstract: A bed comprises a frame and a deck coupled to the frame. The deck includes a back section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section. An actuator is coupled to the back section to move the back section from a horizontal position to an elevated position relative to the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, David W. Hornbach, David A. Albersmeyer, Gerald D. Eckstein, Michael W. Hamilton
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Patent number: 6484334Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a mattress supported by the frame and positioned to lie above the frame to support a patient. The mattress has at least one bladder configured to receive a medium. The apparatus also includes a power pack pivotably coupled to and supported by one of the base, the frame and the mattress and configured to supply the medium to the at least one bladder of the mattress.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Borders, David C. Newkirk
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Publication number: 20020170116Abstract: A surgical table apparatus is provided for supporting a patient before, during, or after a surgical procedure. The surgical table apparatus includes a base and a table top. The table top includes a body support section adapted to support the body of a patient and a head support section adapted to support the head of a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Richard L. Borders, Mark Graham, David C. Newkirk, Christian H. Reinke, Gary S. Siegle, Stephen R. Hamberg
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Publication number: 20020162170Abstract: Motor-driven, adjustable supporting device for the upholstery of seating and/or reclining furniture, e.g. a mattress or a bed, has a first supporting part and at least a second supporting part for the support of a mattress over its surface. The first supporting part and the second supporting part are jointedly connected to one another and are pivotable relative to one another by a drive. The drive may have at least one electromotive drive which is disposed on the first supporting part in such a way that an output element of the drive is disposed between an upper limiting plane and a lower limiting plane of the first supporting part.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventor: Eckhart Dewert
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Publication number: 20020157185Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a deck carried on the frame. The deck includes longitudinally-spaced apart and transversely-extending back, seat, thigh and foot sections, with at least the back, thigh and foot sections articulated relative to the frame. A back section drive is coupled to the back section to raise and lower the back section. A thigh section drive coupled to the back section and the thigh section to initially raise and then lower the thigh section as the back section is raised.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Jonathan D. Turner, Kenneth W. Meyer, Bernard F. Voegele
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Publication number: 20020152552Abstract: An adjustable padding device for a piece of furniture used for sitting and/or lying upon. The device comprises at least one flat elastically deformable padding element and at least one adjustable supporting device with a base body for supporting the padding element in a flat manner. Adjusting element(s) are provided on the supporting device that are used to adjust the inclination and/or height of at least one part of the supporting device, whereby the padding element is attached to the supporting device and to the adjusting element(s) to form a unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventor: Eckhart Dewert
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Publication number: 20020148044Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base frame (10) supporting lifting arms (15) on either side. The lifting arm (15) at on end of the base frame (10) is connected by a pivoting and sliding joint (8) and the lifting arm (15) at the other end by a pivoting joint (7). The lifting arms (15) support an upper frame (20), via pivoting and sliding joints (16). Stabilizing links (5, 6) are connected to the middle of each lifting arm and to the upper frame. Linear actuators (30, 31) act on the top ends (16) of the lifting arms (15) to raise, lower or tilt the upper frame (20). The mechanism achieves an exceptionally low minimum height whilst still maintaining hoist clearance under the base frame (10). The upper frame (20) may be moved to a variety of working heights and achieves high angles of Trendelenburg tilts.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventors: Stephen Hayes, Stephen Hollyoak
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Publication number: 20020144350Abstract: An electric folding bed comprises a front bed frame, a rear bed frame, a pivoting structure for pivoting the front bed frame and the rear bed frame, and four adjustable legs for supporting the front bed frame and the rear bed frame on a surface. The adjustable legs are provided with an extensible rod and a drive device for driving the extensible rod to extend. The extensible rods are driven to extend simultaneously or independently so as to keep the bed frames in various positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventor: Long Time Shih
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Patent number: 6446287Abstract: A surgical table apparatus includes a base and an upper support frame coupled to the base to support a person. The surgical table apparatus also includes a pair of foot support portions coupled to the upper support frame to support the person's feet.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Borders
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Publication number: 20020116760Abstract: A hospital bed is provided for support of a patient. The hospital bed includes a base, a patient support coupled to the base, and a walker dockable to the patient support.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventors: L. Dale Foster, Ryan Anthony Reeder, John David Vogel
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Publication number: 20020116764Abstract: A bed with adjustable positions comprises head, foot and central units. The head and foot units include respectively an upper and lower structure and a linear actuator for elevating or lowering the upper structure with respect to the lower structure. Two opposite upper structures can be elevated simultaneously or separately. The central unit is provided with a central platen to which a pair of side platens is hinged. A rotation subassembly is located in head and foot units respectively and is intended to turn the central unit, while an inclination subassembly is used to incline the side platens, so as to prevent the patient from sliding during rotation. A pneumatic bag subassembly is formed from upper and lower sections, which can be independently inflated or deflated. A reaction board, having a width slightly narrower than central platen and a length substantially equal to the upper section, is placed on the latter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2002Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventors: Stephen B. Plummer, Mike Jillings, J. Anthony Penny
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Publication number: 20020092096Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a deck coupled to the frame. The frame includes a storage portion. The deck includes a head section, a seat section and first and second laterally spaced apart outer leg support sections adjacent the seat section. The seat section and the first and second outer leg support sections being configured to define a central opening therebetween. The apparatus also includes a removable center leg support configured for movement between a first position located within the central opening and coupled to the deck to provide a portion of the deck and a second storage position detached from the deck and located in the storage portion of the frame and below the deck.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2002Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Jonathan T. Turner
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Patent number: 6412126Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a deck coupled to the frame. The frame includes a storage portion. The deck includes a head section, a seat section and first and second laterally spaced apart outer leg support sections adjacent the seat section. The seat section and the first and second outer leg support sections being configured to define a central opening therebetween. The apparatus also includes a removable center leg support configured for movement between a first position located within the central opening and coupled to the deck to provide a portion of the deck and a second storage position detached from the deck and located in the storage portion of the frame and below the deck.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Jonathan D. Turner
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Publication number: 20020078505Abstract: A bed frame includes a base frame, an articulated support decks, an intermediate frame positioned between the base frame and the articulated support deck, and an auto-contour mechanism. The articulated support deck includes head, seat and foot deck portions. When engaged, the auto-contour mechanism adjusts the elevation of the seat deck portion and the foot deck portion in response to an adjustment of the head deck portion. The auto-contour mechanism is easily engaged/disengaged by manipulating a control lever. The bed frame can include siderails which are provided with a latching mechanism. The bed frame can also include a caster assembly that allows casters to be pivoted in an engaged position in which the bed frame rests on the casters, and a disengaged position in which the bed frame rests on legs.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Jason C. Brooke, Kendall O. Shows, William S. Larisey, Robert E. Anderson, Daniel C. Hillenbrand, Joe D. McGuinness
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Patent number: 6396224Abstract: A hand-held controller is used to control an apparatus that supports a person. The hand-held controller includes a display that displays graphical images pertaining to functions of the apparatus. An illustrative apparatus comprises a frame and a mattress supported by the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence E. Luff, Ryan A. Reeder
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Patent number: 6393641Abstract: An articulating mechanism includes a drive pivotally connected at a first end to the upper body section about a first pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bed and pivotally connected at a second end to the base frame about a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis for translating the upper body section relative to the base frame, and a link pivotally connected at a first end to the upper body section about the first pivot axis and pivotally connected at a second end to the base frame about a third pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis such that translation of the upper body section relative to the base frame results in tilting of the upper body section.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventor: David W. Hensley
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Patent number: 6389623Abstract: A stretcher comprised of a roller base, a scissor-type lift frame having a lower end rotatably connected to the base, a tubular undercarriage rotatably and slidably connected to an upper end of the frame, a foldable rigid support positionable over the undercarriage, a soft, foldable cushion positionable over the support and connected thereto to prevent disassociation therefrom, and first and second side-arm supports rotatably connected to the undercarriage. The lift frame includes left and right side assemblies, each side assembly having a fixed-length leg member and a telescoping variable-length leg member, both of which are rotatably connected to the base, and rotatably and/or slidably connected to the undercarriage. The leg members of each side assembly are connected to one another at their respective mid-sections by a joint, and are rotatable with respect to one another along an axis of the joint, which is offset from the member's central axes.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey T. Flynn, Christopher S. High, Jerry L. Taylor
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Publication number: 20020053109Abstract: A system for producing adjustable articulated beds. These beds use measurements taken from a particular human form applied to the bed construction. All beds made using this system have the following in common: a standard distance of four inches from the top of the intended user's head to the head end of the mattress; a mattress that increases in length as the bed is articulated upward and decreases in length when returning to supine position thus matching the change that occurs to the posterior length of the user with no slippage; standardized articulating mechanisms, to articulate the thighs and legs plus and increases the length of the thigh supporting sections when articulated upward, thus matching the movement of the human form; and standardized orbiculators to articulate the torso.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventor: Franklin Eugene Elliott
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Patent number: 6381781Abstract: A reclinable ambulance cot used to load a patient into the back of an ambulance is provided. The cot includes a wheeled collapsible undercarriage carrying an articulated bed frame comprised of a leg segment, seat segment, and wheeled back segment. The articulated bed frame may be moved between an inclined, fully-reclined position, a chair position, and a plurality of positions therebetween. A lockable biasing device assists in the transition by urging the bed frame segments from the chair position to the fully-reclined position. The back segment further includes a pair of loading wheels at the ends of side extensions such that when the cot is in the inclined, fully-reclined position the loading wheels are at height sufficient to facilitate loading the reclined cot into the back of an ambulance, and in particular, into the back of an ambulance having a high transport deck.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.Inventors: Elroy Edwin Bourgraf, Ronald Duane Vance, Eugene VanDyne
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Patent number: 6374438Abstract: A mobile patient stretcher is provided and particularly adapted for additional use as a pain clinic treatment table designed to accommodate a C-arm of a fluoroscopic or like imaging apparatus. The stretcher litter top or patient support surface is radiolucent and includes selectively removable lateral side rail sections so that the litter top can be selectively converted into an hourglass shape without side rails as required for treatment procedures and/or C-arm access and imaging. On the other hand, with the lateral side rail sections in place, the stretcher includes a full-width patient support surface, and also includes a radiolucent fowler back rest, selectively deployable side rails, and a hydraulically or otherwise controlled conventional wheeled stretcher base that is adapted to place the patient support surface in a raised, lowered, Trendelenburg, or reverse Trendelenburg orientation.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Steris INCInventors: Michael D. Fox, Raymond A. Failor, Daniel J. Radden
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Patent number: 6363556Abstract: A linkage for an articulating bed comprises a first latch arm which extends from the knee section of an articulating bed. A latch bar is connected between the first latch arm and the back section of the articulating bed. The latch bar is displaceable between a first position and a second position. The latch arm is engageable with the latch bar when the latch bar is in the first position to maintain movement of the back section independent relative to the knee section. The latch arm is engageable with the latch bar when the latch bar is in the second position to interconnect the back section and the knee section.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.Inventors: Bernard J. Krauska, John L. Edgerton, Jr.
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Patent number: 6360386Abstract: A sickbed, comprising: a base frame; a main bed frame, having several tilting sections that are movable for having the patient sit up; a movable bed frame for lifting the body of the patient above the main bed frame, so as to relieve pressure from the main bed frame and to prevent bedsore; a left turning bed frame and a right turning bed frame for turning the body of the patient; a first link rod group, driving the tilting sections; a second link rod group, driving the movable bed frame; a power device, having a driving shaft, driving intermittent independent movements of the first and second link rod groups; a turning system driving the left and right turning bed frames; and a shaking device, generating an oscillatory movement of the left and right turning bed frames for massaging the patient.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Inventor: Paul Chuang
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Patent number: 6357065Abstract: A variable width bariatric bed including a frame having a modular configuration with front end, rear end and middle frame sections that are detachable from one another to facilitate storage, transport and relocation through narrow entrances. A series of electric motors carried by the frame apply pushing forces to raise a plurality of mattress support deck sections to adjust the contour of a mattress. Each of the mattress support deck sections has a pair of pull out extensions that are adapted to slide outwardly and in opposite directions from a retracted position to an extended position at which the mattress support deck sections have a relatively wide width to support a correspondingly wide (e.g. 48 inch) mattress. Such mattress includes a mattress body and a pair of (e.g. foam or air filled) mattress extensions that are releasably connected at opposite sides of the mattress body and seated upon the pair of pull out extensions of the mattress support deck sections.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Mellen Air Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Craig D. Adams
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Patent number: 6351861Abstract: A bed frame includes a base frame, an articulated support deck, an intermediate frame positioned between the base frame and the articulated support deck, and an auto-contour mechanism. The articulated support deck includes head, seat and foot deck portions. When engaged, the auto-contour mechanism adjusts the elevation of the seat deck portion and the foot deck portion in response to an adjustment of the head deck portion. The auto-contour mechanism is easily engaged/disengaged by manipulating a control lever. The bed frame can include siderails which are provided with a latching mechanism. The bed frame can also include a caster assembly that allows casters to be pivoted in an engaged position in which the bed frame rests on the casters, and a disengaged position in which the bed frame rests on legs.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Kendall O. Shows, William S. Larisey, Jr.
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Patent number: 6347420Abstract: A system for producing adjustable articulated beds. These beds use measurements taken from a particular human form applied to the bed construction. All beds made using this system have the following in common: a standard distance of four inches from the top of the intended user's head to the head end of the mattress; a mattress that increases in length as the bed is articulated upward and decreases in length when returning to supine position thus matching the change that occurs to the posterior length of the user with no slippage; standardized articulating mechanisms, to articulate the thighs and legs plus and increases the length of the thigh supporting sections when articulated upward, thus matching the movement of the human form; and standardized orbiculators to articulate the torso.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Inventor: Franklin E. Elliott
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Patent number: 6343392Abstract: An adjusting device for a seat, couch or a bed utilizes a rotatably mounted eccentric in a round disc connected to the motor via a gearing. The round disc has an external tooth system that meshes with an internal tooth system a ring. A rod is connected to the ring is adapted to transmit adjusting force to one of the base sections of the seat, couch or bed. The adjusting device provides a more compact adjustable drive with the feature of single-base drive.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Recticel International Bettsysteme GmbHInventors: Klaus Becker, RĂ¼diger Ostholt
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Patent number: 6336235Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided having a base and a patient support platform having a head portion and a seat portion. The patient support apparatus further includes a plurality of links configured to coordinate movement of the head portion of the patient support platform relative to the seat portion of the patient support platform.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventor: John W. Ruehl
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Patent number: 6320510Abstract: A bed includes a base, a support surface coupled to the base, and a controller configured to control at least one function. A control panel is coupled to the controller. At least one lockout switch is coupled to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventors: Douglas J. Menkedick, James K. Findlay, Jack Wilker, Jr., Eugene E. Osborne
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Patent number: 6315319Abstract: A chair for transporting a patient includes a base frame, a plurality of casters mounted to the base frame, a seat, and a push bar mounted to a back section of the seat for use when transporting the patient. A wheel is coupled to the base frame for movement between a downward brake-steer position, facilitating steering the chair during transport of the patient, and an upward neutral position. A brake mechanism brakes the casters when the brake mechanism is in a braking position and permits rotation of the casters when the brake mechanismn is in a releasing position. A brake-steer shaft is coupled to the brake mechanism. Movement of the shaft moves the brake mechanism between the braking position and the releasing position. The brake-steer shaft is pivotably coupled to the base frame. The brake-steer shaft is coupled to the wheel so that rotation of the brake-steer shaft moves the wheel between the brake-steer position and the neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Hanson, John D. Vogel, Steven V. McCaig, Jack C. Newkirk, Donald E. Smith, Jonathan D. Turner, Terence M. Duncan, Gary S. Siegle, Gregory J. Figel, Jeffrey A. Heyser, William M. Blyshak, Michael P. Bish
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Patent number: 6311348Abstract: A method of upgrading a bed assembly from (a) a first configuration in which the bed assembly includes a foam mattress, an articulating frame for supporting the foam mattress, and a drive system for moving at least one section of the articulated frame, to (b) a second configuration in which the bed assembly includes an air mattress, the articulating frame, and the drive system, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of removing the foam mattress from the articulating frame, placing an air mattress that includes at least one air bladder on the articulating frame, coupling an air control module pneumatically to the at least one air bladder, and coupling the air control module electrically to the drive system so that command signals received by the drive system to adjust pressure of the at least one air bladder are routed from the drive system to the air control module to operate the air control module to adjust pressure of the at least one air bladder.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence E. Luff, Steven R. Westerfeld, Ryan A. Reeder
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Publication number: 20010032363Abstract: A system for producing adjustable articulated beds. These beds use measurements taken from a particular human form applied to the bed construction. All beds made using this system have the following in common: a standard distance of four inches from the top of the intended user's head to the head end of the mattress; a mattress that increases in length as the bed is articulated upward and decreases in length when returning to supine position thus matching the change that occurs to the posterior length of the user with no slippage; standardized articulating mechanisms, to articulate the thighs and legs plus and increases the length of the thigh supporting sections when articulated upward, thus matching the movement of the human form; and standardized orbiculators to articulate the torso.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventor: Franklin E. Elliott
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Publication number: 20010029629Abstract: In a multifunctional bed in which a variable bed that can be changed into a wheelchair form is fitted in a U-shaped fixed bed, when a seat back portion of the variable bed is laid or raised, the variable bed may assume an unstable position, thus hindering a smooth form change. The present invention provides a multifunctional bed comprising a variable bed 3 that can be changed into a wheelchair form and a fixed bed 2 in which the variable bed 3 can be removably fitted, wherein a holding member is provided between the fixed bed 2 and the variable bed 3, for holding a vertical position of the variable bed 3 relative to the fixed bed 2, and the holding member comprises a vertical pair of guide rails 141, 143 disposed on a left and right inner side surfaces of a notched recess portion 20a of the fixed bed 2 formed so as to appear substantially U-shaped, and guide rollers 131, 133 disposed on both sides of a seat back portion 34 of the variable bed 3.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Applicant: MURATA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi Tsuji, Hisashi Kataoka, Hiroshi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 6289537Abstract: A patient support having a frame supporting a patient supporting surface as well as supporting a pair of foot rest mechanisms thereon. The pair of foot rest mechanisms are each selectively movable from stowed positions beneath the patient supporting surface to deployed positions thereof which straddle a drop leaf foot section forming a part of the patient supporting surface. As the drop-leaf foot section is moved to a vertically upright position, a space between the two foot rest mechanisms is available for physician use. Further, as the drop leaf foot section is moved in the vertically upright position toward the floor, a mechanism is provided for preventing contact of the foot end of the drop leaf foot section with the floor.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventors: Christopher J. Hopper, Stanley Palmatier, Jeffrey C. Shiery, Jerry Wheeler, Rick McDaniel
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Patent number: 6289536Abstract: An apparatus for handling incapacitated patients is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as including a bed (1) having a base frame (2) which supports a central panel (5) for supporting the patient's bottom, a second panel (8) and a third panel (9) for supporting the upper and lower parts, respectively, of the patient's legs and a fourth panel (6) for supporting the patient's back, there being drive means for displacing the panels such that in one configuration their upper surfaces lie in a single horizontal plane and in another configuration adjacent panels are inclined with respect to each other, characterized in that the apparatus further includes a leg support (12) which is displaceable into and out of a position in which it forms a local widening of the bed (1), in which position it can support the lower parts of the patient's legs when the patient is in an attitude in which the legs are straight or are bent and the patient is lying on his side, andType: GrantFiled: June 4, 1998Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: Simon Betson
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Patent number: 6282738Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a deck coupled to the frame. The frame includes a storage portion. The deck includes a head section, a seat section and first and second laterally spaced apart outer leg support sections adjacent the seat section. The seat section and the first and second outer leg support sections being configured to define a central opening therebetween. The apparatus also includes a removable center leg support configured for movement between a first position located within the central opening and coupled to the deck to provide a portion of the deck and a second storage position detached from the deck and located in the storage portion of the frame and below the deck.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1998Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Jonathan T. Turner