And Lower Body Portions Of User Supported By Adjustable Section Patents (Class 5/618)
  • Publication number: 20120198628
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a removable deck section supported on a support structure that acts as a step for a patient as they egress from the patient support apparatus when the removable deck section is removed. The support structure is pivotable relative to a section of the patient support apparatus between a raised position supporting the removable deck section and a lowered position where the step is positioned for use during egress from the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Sandy M. RICHARDS
  • Publication number: 20120198625
    Abstract: 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. Primary and secondary elevators and a failsafe locking system are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20120174319
    Abstract: A patient support includes a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    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, John W. Koenig, Matthew Visca, Gregory W. Branson, Bruce E. Dickman, JR., Dean M. Valvano, Robert A. Kinker, JR., William L. Jacques, II, Francis C. Ganance
  • Publication number: 20120144587
    Abstract: A siderail assembly includes a guide, a support coupled to the guide to move relative to the guide, and a barrier coupled to the guide. The barrier is movable between a lowered position, wherein the barrier is situated substantially below a frame of a patient support apparatus, and a raised position, wherein the barrier is situated substantially above the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Kirill Andrienko
  • Publication number: 20120137437
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a user in a selected position includes a tiltable frame assembly, a body support supported thereon, and a foot support extending transversely across the foot end of the body support. Either the foot support or the body support is movable relative to the other such that: (a) in the horizontal position of the apparatus the foot support is spaced away from the foot end of the body support and from the bottom surfaces of the user's feet supported thereon, and (b) when the tiltable frame assembly is tilted towards the vertical position, either the foot support or the body support moves relative to the other in the direction to cause the foot support to engage the bottom surfaces of both feet of the user to prevent siding of the user on the body support and thereby to facilitate exiting of the user from the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Ohad PAZ, Ofer Parezky
  • Publication number: 20120137438
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus is convertible between a conventional bed position, having a generally horizontal sleeping surface upon which a person lies in a supine position, and a chair egress position, allowing a person to exit the support from a sitting position. The patient support comprises a deck and a foot panel removably coupled to the deck. The foot panel may allow a low seated height while the bed is in the chair egress position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Turner, David W. Hornbach, Darrell L. Metz
  • Publication number: 20120137439
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus is convertible between a horizontal bed position, having a generally horizontal sleeping surface upon which a person lies in a supine position, and a chair egress position, allowing a person to exit the support from a sitting position. The patient support comprises a deck and a footboard pivotably coupled to the deck. The foot panel may engage the floor and allow a low seated height while the bed is in the chair egress position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Publication number: 20120137440
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a mattress having a seat and a leg portion which are deflatable during movement of the patient support apparatus. The mattress includes a covering that is generally air impermeable so that a negative pressure can be developed inside of the covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Sandy M. RICHARDS
  • Publication number: 20120124745
    Abstract: A hospital bed includes a base, an upper frame supported above the base, and a deck supported on the upper frame. The deck has head, seat, thigh, and foot sections. The deck is movable between a horizontal position to support a patient in a supine position and a chair egress position to support the patient in a sitting position. The hospital bed further has a seat section actuator to articulate the seat section relative to the upper frame about an axis located adjacent a foot end of the seat section such that a head end of the seat section lifts upwardly relative to the upper frame to facilitate egress of the patient from the deck when the deck is in the chair egress position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Jonathan D. Turner
  • Publication number: 20120124746
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a deck supported by the frame and capable of moving relative to the frame. The patient support apparatus further includes a utility apparatus coupled to the deck and configurable to assume one of a storage mode and a use mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Kirill Andrienko, Robert Mark Zerhusen, Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Publication number: 20120110741
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus is movable between a conventional bed position, having a generally horizontal sleeping surface, and a chair egress position, allowing a patient to exit the support from a sitting position. The patient support comprises a deck and a foot panel removably coupled to the deck. The foot panel is configured to reduce tipping moments applied to cantilevered portions of the deck while the patient support apparatus is in the conventional bed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Brian E. Mears, Jonathan D. Turner
  • Publication number: 20120102649
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, a deck supported by the frame and capable of moving relative to the frame, and a siderail assembly movable between a raised position above the deck and a first lowered position below the deck. The patient support apparatus further includes a siderail mover coupled to the deck to move the siderail assembly from the first lowered position to a second lowered position in response to movement of the deck relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher R. O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 8161587
    Abstract: A therapy mat table has an upper surface and removable mat. A portion of the mat and a separate plate is rotatably mounted within the flat top so as to be capable of being selectively raised and lowered to form a seat back for a patient reclining or sitting on the pad on an elongated side edge of the table. The table may also include transfer bars which help to move a patient on and off the table or when moving to a standing position or while simply standing. The table may further include a stowable foot stop, which prevents backward movement of the patient's feet when the patient is standing between the transfer bars. The table may also include a knee blocker, which helps to limit or prevent buckling of the patient's knees when the patient is standing between the transfer bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Therapeutic Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Estrada, Laszo Bayer
  • Publication number: 20120084922
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a deck supported by the frame and capable of moving relative to the frame. The patient support apparatus further includes an egress unit coupled to the deck to move between an egress position and a storage position relative to the barrier. The egress unit may include electronic controls to limit movement of various portions of the egress unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Turner
  • Patent number: 8151387
    Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, a mattress, a pair of head end siderails, and a pair of foot end siderails. The bed further includes a controller configured to be coupled to the head and foot end siderails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene E. Osborne, John W. Koenig, Glenn C. Suttman, Matthew C. Visca, John B. Wilker, Jr., Jeffrey R. Welling, Gregory W. Branson, Kenneth L. Kramer, Bruce E. Dickman, Jr., Dean M. Valvano, Robert A. Kinker, Jr., William L. Jacques, II, James K. Findlay, Francis C. Ganance
  • Patent number: 8146188
    Abstract: An adjustable bed having an adjustable bed frame and a first actuator and a second actuator each attached to the frame. A mattress platform is secured to the bed frame. The first and second actuators are secured to the mattress platform. The mattress platform is constructed from chemical free material, whereby the adjustable bed is environmentally safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lynn Hibler
  • Patent number: 8146189
    Abstract: A patient alignment device includes a table and a rotatable member positioned to rotate relative to the table. The rotatable member may be a head-support plate or a board which supports substantially all of a patient's body. A motor moves the board or plate so as to align the patient's body, or a part of the body, in a desired direction. The board may be formed in two segments, the segments being selectively connectable to each other, the segments also being selectively connectable to the table by pins, at various possible pivot points. Positioning of the pins determines the mode of rotation of the board. The invention allows an operator to align the patient's body with precision, by remote control, and without interrupting the medical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventors: Jun Yang, Jing Feng
  • Publication number: 20120073053
    Abstract: A bed frame 36 disclosed herein includes a calf section 72 with a foot end 74 and an upper end 76 longitudinally spaced from the foot end, an upper body section 54 with a head end 56 and a lower end 58 longitudinally spaced from the head end, and a medial section 66 longitudinally intermediate the calf and upper body sections. The bed frame is capable of assuming a chair state and a chair egress state. The upper body section and medial section define a sacral corner 68, and the calf section and medial section define a popliteal corner 70 spaced from the sacral corner by an intercorner distance. The intercorner distance is smaller in the chair egress state than in the chair state. A mattress 100 disclosed herein includes an upper body segment 102, a calf segment 116, and a medial segment 124 The lower end 106 of the upper body segment cooperates with the upper end 120 of the calf segment to define an intersegment distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Turner, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Eric R. Meyer, Richard H. Heimbrock, David W. Hornbach, Kirill Andrienko
  • Publication number: 20120073054
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a mattress support deck coupled to the frame. The mattress support deck is movable between a horizontal position to support a patient in a lying position and a chair egress position to support the patient in a sitting position. The patient support apparatus has at least one actuator coupled to the mattress support deck and operable to move the mattress support deck between the horizontal position and the chair egress position. Control circuitry is coupled to the at least one actuator and is operable to command operation of the at least one actuator. In response to the control circuitry receiving a chair lockout signal, the at least one actuator is prevented from being operated to move the mattress support deck into the chair egress position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher R. O'Keefe, Jason A. Penninger
  • Patent number: 8143846
    Abstract: A charging system comprises an accessory module and a charging system. The accessory module includes a housing with a coupling portion and a power source. The coupling portion includes an engagement surface and a coupler configured to removably couple the accessory module to a person-support apparatus. The power source is positioned within the housing and includes a recharging assembly. The charging station includes a docking portion configured to receive the accessory module and a charging assembly configured to communicate power to the recharging assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Herman, Thomas F. Heil, Charles A. Howell, Michelle Kovach, Timothy Stanley
  • Patent number: 8127380
    Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Piedmont Global Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Byron Wade Wurdeman
  • Publication number: 20120042451
    Abstract: An examination table includes a support surface movable with respect to a base. The support surface includes a seat portion and a backrest portion. A first motor drives the support surface with respect to the base, and a second motor drives the backrest portion pivotally with respect to the seat portion. A control system includes a control panel and first and second Hall-effect sensors for detecting rotations of the respective first and second motors to determine the current positions of the support surface and the backrest portion. The control system executes a movement algorithm for moving the support surface and the backrest portion to a desired position from the current position. The control system also executes a calibration algorithm for calibrating position tracking of the support surface and the backrest portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: MIDMARK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chris Jones, Rodney Hyre
  • Patent number: 8117696
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an articulated bed arrangement having a patient support platform 2 comprising at least a head section 4, a seat section 6 and a foot section 8 connected to each other in an articulated manner so that the bed arrangement is convertible at least from a bed configuration to a chair configuration. The platform has a length and a width whereupon the platform is projecting an area onto the floor when said sections are horizontally arranged. The bed arrangement is further provided with a leg arrangement comprising four legs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d that are pivotable in the vertical direction in relation to the longitudinal direction of the platform about their articulated connection points 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d to the platform in order to change the height from the floor to the surface of the platform. Each leg is provided so that said leg is positioned outside said projected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: SHL Group AB
    Inventors: Björn Wernqvist, Göran Wernqvist, Peter Svensson, Susanne Wedbjer
  • Patent number: 8117695
    Abstract: A bed featuring a movable foot support. When the user wishes to stand up from lying down or sitting, the movable foot support moves toward the head of the bed. When the user is brought into a standing position, the movable foot support starts to come down so that the feet of the user are in close proximity to floor level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: Ohad Paz, Ofer Parezky
  • Publication number: 20120036638
    Abstract: A bed for use with a patient coupled to a medical device via at least one patient care line is provided. The bed includes a frame including at least one movable patient support section and an actuator coupled to the movable patient support section. The actuator is operable to move the movable patient support section. The bed also includes control circuitry that is coupled to the actuator to command operation of the actuator. The control circuitry ceases operation of the actuator in response to receiving a signal indicative of an unwanted condition of the at least one patient care line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Jason A. Penninger, David W. Hornbach, Christopher R. O'Keefe
  • Publication number: 20120036639
    Abstract: A hospital bed includes a frame including connected first and second sections, a head plate connected to the first section of the frame, a tail plate connected to the second section of the frame, a first lifting unit for lifting and lowering the first section of the frame relative to the head plate, a second lifting unit for lifting and lowering the second section of the frame relative to the tail plate, an axle connected to the first lifting unit, a crank connected to the second lifting unit, a hanger for hanging the axle to the floor, and a gear assembly for connecting the axle to the crank so that the crank is operable to spin the axle to actuate the first and second lifting units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Shiou-Jhen Wu
  • Patent number: 8104121
    Abstract: A combination ambulance cot and chair is disclosed. The invention includes a support frame, and a segmented patient support pivotally mounted to the support frame for movement at least between a chair position and a fully-reclined position. The segmented patient support has a seat segment. A securing device is connected functionally to the support frame and the seat segment, and configured to releasably secure the combination ambulance cot and chair in at least the fully-reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Elroy Edwin Bourgraf, Irvin Pollock
  • Patent number: 8104120
    Abstract: A bed includes a base frame 14 having a head end and a foot end, an elevatable frame 16 also having a head end and a foot end, a lift assembly 76 or 78 comprising an actuation system connected to one of the frames, a push chain 106 having an actuator end 124 driven by a lead screw 86 and a distal end 126 connected to the other of the frames. Rotary motion of the lead screw changes elevation of the elevating frame relative to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: David W Hornbach, John K Heidlage
  • Patent number: 8104123
    Abstract: A multi-position support apparatus including a base for supporting the apparatus on a flat horizontal surface, a tiltable frame assembly tiltably supported on the base in a selected position; a body supporting member supported on the tiltable frame assembly; and a feet-engaging member engageable with the bottom surface of the user's feet. The feet-engaging member is coupled to the tiltable frame assembly, and the body supporting member is configured to move in relation to the tiltable frame assembly and below the feet engaging member. Optionally, the body supporting member supports a mattress. When the body supporting member moves, the mattress supported by the it moves also, thereby achieving a relative movement between the feet-engaging member and the mattress and thereby to prevent sliding of the user's body with respect to the tiltable frame assembly when the body supporting member is moved to a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Ohad Paz, Ofer Parezky
  • Patent number: 8104122
    Abstract: A patient support having a deck with an adjustable length. The patient support includes a portion configured to extend the length of the deck. The hospital bed is configured to support a bariatric, large, or obese patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandy Richards, Darrell Borgman
  • Patent number: 8099807
    Abstract: A patient support is provided having an onboard storage location for a foot section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H Heimbrock, David W Hornbach
  • Patent number: 8091165
    Abstract: A module bedding system comprises a universal base having removable mattress supporting panels, a headrest adjustable module and a footrest adjustable module. The universal base may be used with the removable panels in place to support a conventional non-adjustable mattress or the removable panels may be removed and the adjustable modules substituted to enable the base to support either a headrest adjustable mattress or a headrest and footrest adjustable mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Patent number: 8085146
    Abstract: There is described a monitoring system for monitoring an apparatus for raising and lowering a person, for example an item of adjustable furniture or a hoist. The monitoring system comprises a memory for recording information relating to the operational history of the monitored apparatus. Amongst other information the memory may record periods when power supplied to an actuator of the apparatus exceeds a pre-defined threshold, and the number of operations performed by the apparatus. When the number of operations reaches a pre-determined amount the system can inhibit operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignees: Joerns Healthcare Limited
    Inventor: John Christopher Rees
  • Patent number: 8069513
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a frame, at least one drop rail coupled to the frame and tiltable relative to the frame, a seat section supported by the at least one drop rail to tilt therewith, a thigh section coupled to the seat section, a head section coupled to the frame and coupled to the at least one drop rail, and a linkage coupled to the head section and coupled to the thigh section. Raising and lowering of the head section results in tilting of the at least one drop rail relative to the frame. The linkage has a first mode of operation in which the seat and thigh sections remain substantially parallel as the at least one drop rail tilts. The linkage has a second mode of operation in which the thigh section tilts relative to the seat section as the at least one drop rail tilts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Turner, Richard Henry Heimbrock
  • Patent number: 8069514
    Abstract: A variable width bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed has a frame, a deck supported on the frame, and a mattress on the deck. A portion of the mattress on one of head and seat deck sections expands to have an increased width. In an alternate embodiment, deck extender assemblies are provided at the sides of the bed. Each of the deck extender assemblies have supplemental mattresses connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kreg Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Poulos, Patrick Harris, Sohrab Soltani
  • Patent number: 8069512
    Abstract: An adjustable bed frame assembly includes a center frame comprising two substantially parallel side frame members connected by two substantially parallel connector frame members, a forward connector frame member and a rear connector frame member, wherein the two connector frame members are located within approximately a center one-third of the length of the side frame members. The adjustable bed frame assembly also includes a base frame that includes a plurality of legs for mounting on a floor is rigidly affixed to the center frame such that the center frame does not move with respect to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
  • Patent number: 8065764
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Kramer
  • Patent number: 8068924
    Abstract: A coordinative control method for adjusting the back and knee bottom sections of an adjustable bed or the like, and a computer program for implementing the method, are provided. Specifically, a method for adjusting the back and knee bottom section is provided, in which the angular positions thereof are adjusted according to a preset action pattern. The initial starting positions of the adjustable sections are taken into account, and adjusted to a position corresponding to the closest point on a curve representing angular movement of the sections during the adjustment process. Then, the sections are adjusted in a manner that prevents exertion of uncomfortable pressure upon the torso of a user, and prevents sliding of a user relative to the foot of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Paramount Bed Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nagaoka, Masao Horitani, Satoru Inoue
  • Patent number: 8065024
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nagaoka, Masao Horitani, Satoru Inoue
  • Patent number: 8056163
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, or cot, includes a patient support deck that is directly coupled to elevation adjustment mechanisms without the need for an intervening frame. The elevation adjustment mechanisms may be placed outside the perimeter of the support deck to allow the support deck to be lowered to a greater extent and provide room for attaching side rails to the support deck. The width of the patient support deck may be adjusted by way of extenders, and the sleep surface may also be adjusted by way of foldable strips. A jack type of actuator may be used to pivot the different sections of the support deck with respect to each other. The elevation adjustment mechanisms may include vertical threaded shafts that rotatingly engage threaded collars and raise or lower the collars when the shaft and the collar rotate with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Guy Lemire, Martin W. Stryker, Pascal Castonguay
  • Patent number: 8056160
    Abstract: A siderail assembly for a hospital bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed is a chair bed having a first deck section, a second deck section and a third deck section. The siderails are provided adjacent the third deck section. The siderails remains stationary relative to the third deck section during movement of the third deck section from a generally horizontal to a substantially vertical position. The siderails are configured to be gripped by a patient while the patient is entering and exiting the chair bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kreg Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Poulos, Patrick Harris, Sohrab Soltani
  • Patent number: 8056164
    Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a hospital bed frame chassis, an articulatable, multi-sectioned base platform mounted on the chassis, an adjustable patient support framework mounted on the base platform, and a patient support surface overlying the adjustable patient support framework and base platform. The adjustable patient support framework preferably includes two main parts: an adjustable torso support litter mounted on the articulatable torso-supporting section of the base platform; and an adjustable hip support litter mounted on the articulatable hip-supporting section of the base platform. Each of these support litters comprise a plurality of independently adjustable vertices or segments oriented at or near the periphery of the overlying patient support surface. Modulation of the patient support surface is accomplished through two conceptually distinct mechanisms—(1) articulation of the base platform and (2) movement of the vertices and/or segments of the adjustable patient support framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Bedlab, LLC
    Inventors: Eduardo Rene Benzo, Mario Cesar Eleonori
  • Patent number: 8051512
    Abstract: A patient treatment device includes a patient supporting table supported above a platform and having an auxiliary table segment pivotally coupled to a primary table segment, and a back support segment pivotally coupled to the primary table segment, an anchor assembly adjustably anchors the auxiliary table segment to the primary table segment at selected angular positions, and an anchoring mechanism adjustably anchors the back support segment to the auxiliary table segment at required angular positions. A frame is pivotally coupled to the primary table segment, and a latch mechanism adjustably anchors the frame to the primary table segment at the required angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Roger C. Teeter
  • Publication number: 20110258780
    Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a mattress assembly supported on a frame, the mattress assembly including a coverlet configured to provide low-airloss therapy to a patient supported on the patient-support apparatus. The patient-support apparatus is articulable to a number of positions and includes a control network which is responsive to movement of portions of the frame to alter operational parameters of the frame and mattress assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher R. O'Keefe, Bradley T. Wilson, Sandy M. Richards, Eric R. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8042210
    Abstract: A mechanism for activation of an articulating bed incorporates at least one mattress support plate and a pair of side rails. A rack is attached to each side rail and a torque tube extends between the side rails with a pinion gear at each end engaging a respective one of the racks. An actuator imparts translational motion to the torque tube perpendicular to its axis. Elevation bars connected to the torque tube and the support plate are angularly displaced by translation of the torque tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Alain Clenet
  • Patent number: 8037559
    Abstract: A variable posture bed includes a base rest located on a floor surface; a bed board arranged in a horizontal state above and opposite the base rest; a connection support portion disposed at the center of the base rest between the base rest and the bed board and that supports the bed board to be vertically movable in all directions around the center thereof; connection support portions disposed at four corners of the base rest and the bed board and that support the bed board to be vertically movable; and a drive control device that continuously moves the bed board in the vertical direction with a predetermined operation pattern and that limits the vertical movement of the head side of the bed board between the horizontal position and a predetermined upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventors: Toshihiro Niwa, Shoko Niwa
  • Patent number: 8039766
    Abstract: An article 12 includes at least one component 28, 52, 54, 56, 58 moveable with respect to a ground. A load path extends from the component to the ground and includes a force detector 34. If one of the moveable components is requested to move in a way considered to be risky, and if a force discrepancy is detected, an action is commanded. In one specific embodiment the action is a corrective action. In one application of the disclosed subject matter the article is a hospital bed, the moveable components are a weigh frame and various deck sections, and the force detector is a load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Flanagan
  • Patent number: RE43155
    Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: 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 J. McDaniel, III, Dennis R. Zwink
  • Patent number: RE43193
    Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck including a seat section and a foot section movable relative to the seat section. The bed further including a mechanism that control movement of the foot section relative to the seat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene E. Osborne, John W. Koenig, Glenn C. Suttman, Matthew Visca, John B. Wilker, Jr., Jeffrey R. Welling, Gregory W. Branson, Kenneth L. Kramer, Bruce E. Dickman, Jr., Dean M. Valvano, Robert A. Kinker, William L. Jacques, II, James K. Findlay, Francis C. Ganance
  • Patent number: RE43532
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: 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, 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, Steven J. Schwartz