Lower Body Portion Patents (Class 5/624)
  • Patent number: 7705845
    Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for clipping graphics primitives are described. In one embodiment, a graphics processing apparatus includes a clipping engine and an output unit connected to the clipping engine. The clipping engine is configured to clip an input graphics primitive with respect to a set of clipping planes to derive spatial attributes of new vertices. The output unit is configured to identify a subset of the new vertices that defines an output graphics primitive, and the output unit is configured to derive non-spatial attributes of the subset of the new vertices to produce the output graphics primitive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Vimal S. Parikh, Henry Packard Moreton, Andrew J. Tao
  • Patent number: 7685659
    Abstract: A patient support is disclosed as including a frame and a foot section having an upper surface, the foot section operatively coupled to the frame and movable between a use position for providing support for a patient and a lowered position for storage. The patient support is also disclosed as having an onboard storage location for the foot section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, David W. Hornbach
  • Patent number: 7676868
    Abstract: A limb support coupled to a patient-support apparatus comprises a frame having a pair of locks to block vertical and horizontal pivoting of the limb support in relation to the patient-support apparatus. The lock release actuator is configured to be coupled to the frame to simultaneously unlock both the vertical and horizontal rotation locks. The limb support includes a stowable leg support configured to provide support to the leg of a patient during obstetric delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome E. Reckelhoff
  • Patent number: 7669262
    Abstract: An accessory has a substantially radiolucent frame, a floor-supported base, and a support structure extending between the base and one end of the frame. A second end of the frame is coupleable to a surgical table in a manner that permits the frame to articulate relative to the surgical table. The support structure is extendable and retractable to change the height at which the first end of the frame is supported above the base. The support structures is able to tilt front to rear and side to side relative to the base and the frame is able to tilt front to rear and side to side relative to the support structure. The frame is movable to a compact storage position having the second end of the frame supported on the base. A set of wheels are provided on the base to permit the accessory to be wheeled from one location to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Skripps, George T. Wong, Paul A. Licari, David Warburton, Edward J. Daley, II
  • Patent number: 7669259
    Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis C. Ganance, Robert Cooks, Kenneth L. Kramer, Jerome E. Reckelhoff, Peter M. Wukusick, Robert M. Zerhusen, Mark E. Haufler, Darrell L. Metz, Kenneth Q. Rudolf, Stephen M. Holl, Richard W. Chance, David W. Hornbach, John P. Biondo, James K. Findlay, David W. Hensley
  • Patent number: 7669263
    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: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    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, 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
  • Patent number: 7665167
    Abstract: Generally described the invention relates to methods and apparatuses for aligning the lower extremities of a patient with a mechanical axis. More specifically, the present invention provides an exoskeleton or external framework that positions a patient's leg into a desired mechanical axis in preparation for surgery or other medical treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Alexander Sattler, Jr., Fredrik Westin
  • Patent number: 7657953
    Abstract: A limb support coupled to a patient-support apparatus includes a multi-axis pivot mount having a first joint mounted to the patient-support apparatus, an arm coupled to the first joint on a first end for pivotable movement thereabout, and a second joint coupled to a second end of the arm for pivotable movement thereabout. A cushion assembly is mounted to the second joint for pivotable movement of the cushion assembly in relation to the second joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome E. Reckelhoff, Kenneth L. Kramer, Francis C. Ganance, Christian H. Reinke
  • Patent number: 7654974
    Abstract: A traction table (200) include a frame having a base-frame portion (202) rotabably coupled to a top-frame portion (250) at a pivot point 214, a seat back portion (208) coupled to the top frame portion, and a seat-bottom (204) slidably coupled to the frame top portion. The seat-bottom can rotate about a pivot point (262) and tilt about at least one axis (260 and/or 264). The seat-bottom can further slide forwards or backwards relative to the top frame portion. The traction table can include an optional neck piece (210) coupled to the top frame portion that can move parallel relative to the seat back portion and constructed to rotate, tilt side to side or forward and backward. The traction table can include at least one actuator motor (245 or 244) for moving the seat-bottom or neck piece relative to the top-frame portion and a controller (212) for controlling such actuator(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: David B. Bass
  • Patent number: 7636969
    Abstract: A system and method for occluding potential entrapment zones in a bed. The system includes a head-end assembly with a head-end cover enclosing a head-end pad, and a torso assembly with a pair of covers each enclosing a pair of pads. The system also includes a leg assembly with a cover enclosing pads and a foot-end assembly with covers enclosing pads. The system further includes multiple sets of coupling members that couple the covers together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Long, Maria T. Tejeda, John Hanke, Olga Garibay
  • Publication number: 20090307845
    Abstract: A shoulder surgery attachment for a surgical table having an articulated leg section with accessory attachment rails on opposite sides. An upright chair back assembly is supported at its base or bottom end thereof for attachment to the accessory attachment rails and the chair back assembly includes a headrest assembly positioned above a back support. The headrest assembly includes a removable neck support and a head fixation assembly. The headrest assembly is adjustably moveable up and down the chair back assembly. The neck support is positioned below the head fixation assembly and protrudes from the front of the headrest assembly for engagement with the back of the patient's neck. The head fixation assembly includes a forward protruding U-shaped forehead clamp having two distal rearwardly extending free ends that are adjustably secured to the headrest assembly whereby the head clamp may be adjusted for engaging the forehead of the patient to clamp the patient's head against the headrest assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Sudhir B. Rao, Keith J. Harper
  • Patent number: 7624737
    Abstract: A support device and associated appurtenances, which support a user's torso while in a forward leaning position. The device includes a rest the user can lean his/her torso on while working in a forward leaning position, and support structure adapted which can adjust the angle, height, and/or lateral position of the rest. A support device includes support structure, and a rest supported by the support structure, from a base. The rest can support the torso of a user, from the base, as the user leans his/her torso against the rest. Transport structure can be used to move the support structure back and forth along the base. One or more pivotations can be used from base to rest. The invention is useful anywhere a user leans forward for an extended time, such as dentists, working over a desk, over a drafting table, or over a manufacturing line or assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Pilgrim Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt W. Klemm
  • Patent number: 7600281
    Abstract: A body-support apparatus comprises a support assembly including two couplers and a cross-member and a plurality of body-support portions supported on the support assembly and moveable relative to the support assembly. The body-support apparatus is configured to be mounted on a patient-support apparatus which has generally parallel spaced apart members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas K. Skripps
  • Publication number: 20090252301
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of a positioning system are described to position an upper-half of a body relative to a head-end of a couch. The positioning system may be a patient positioning system and may include a treatment couch, a leg rest coupled to the treatment couch, and a drive mechanism coupled to the leg rest. The patient positioning system may also include a treatment couch, having a base portion of a treatment couch and plurality of detachable portions of the treatment couch. The plurality of detachable portions to adjust a height of the treatment couch to accommodate differing heights of patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: ACCURAY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael J. Saracen, Aaron W. Carrano, John W. Allison, Gopinath R. Kuduvalli
  • Publication number: 20090235457
    Abstract: A patient foot and leg support system which may be easily and quickly attached to and replace exam-type supports on a standard GYN exam table. The boot-type supports of the present invention are configured and positioned to provide maximum patient comfort over the prolonged periods demanding of certain medical procedures which would not otherwise be possible using the exam-type foot and leg supports typically used with GYN exam tables. As such, a doctor may easily convert their existing GYN exam table into a procedure table within their office as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: William J. Harvey
  • Patent number: 7581266
    Abstract: A foot support and abduction assembly includes an abductor-mounted foot support configured for pivotal attachment proximate a foot end of a maternity bed. A calf support assembly, for mounting to the foot support, includes a housing for removably attaching the calf support to the foot support. The housing includes a spring-biased pin for releasably securing the housing to the foot support and at least one mounting stud configured for insertion into a keyhole aperture on the foot support. A calf support portion is adjustably mounted to the housing by a ball-type pivot mount. An adjustment mechanism is provided for selectively fixing the position of the calf support portion relative to the housing. The adjustment mechanism includes a slidable sleeve for locking the ball-type pivot, and a threaded rod or a cam shaft arranged to shift the slidable sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Arlene Krecow, John Zerbel, Cory P. Herbst, Andras Kupfermann, Joseph T. Brophy
  • Patent number: 7546650
    Abstract: A surgical table includes a horizontal patient support with a base extending therefrom and supporting the patient support at a desired height. The surgical table also includes an adjustment platform positioned upon the patient support. The adjustment platform includes a plurality of expansion members adapted to selectively adjust the relative position of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventor: James J. Yue
  • Patent number: 7536734
    Abstract: A stirrup apparatus for use on a birthing bed is provided. The support apparatus has a bracket configured to be coupled to the birthing bed, an adjustable length member, and a foot support. The bracket is pivotable in a plurality of axes to allow the support apparatus to be adjusted. The stirrup apparatus may provide lateral support for a leg of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Publication number: 20090119844
    Abstract: There is provided a foldable, portable, trauma treatment and monitoring patient platform. The patient platform includes an upper housing body including a top surface and an upper patient support surface. The patient platform also includes a lower housing body including a rear surface and a lower patient support surface. The upper and lower patient support surfaces are cooperative to collectively support a patient. The lower housing and upper housing are in pivotal communication to enable selective articulation about a pivoting axis between a closed orientation and an open orientation. In the closed orientation, the upper patient support surface is substantially flush with the lower patient support surface. In the open orientation, the upper patient support surface and lower patient support surface are substantially co-planar. A bay capable of receiving at least one medical monitoring/treatment unit is located within at least one of the upper and lower housing bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Andrew Barnett, Todd Douglas Kneale, Steven Bruce Alexander, Terrance Paul Domae
  • Patent number: 7520006
    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: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    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, 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
  • Patent number: 7520005
    Abstract: A rotating and sitting-up bed includes a height-adjustable base and a support frame, which is connected to the base by means of a rotating articulated element. The support frame can be rotated by 90 degrees relative to the vertical axis with the help of the rotating articulated element. The support frame is divided into a back section, a center section, a thigh section, and a lower-leg section. In the rotated position, the support frame can fold into a Z shape, wherein the back part projects upwards starting from the center section and the lower-leg part hangs downwards from the thigh part. In addition, a crank mechanism ensures that the thigh part is raised by a few cm at its front edge, which is adjacent to the back of the knee of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Barthelt
  • Patent number: 7520008
    Abstract: A surgical table extension features a patient support structure, a large area base, and a support leg. A first joint having at least two degrees of freedom is located between the patient support structure and the support leg. A second joint also having at least two degrees of freedom is located between the base and the support leg. There is a stop limiting the range of motion of the support leg such that a portion of the base area is constrained to be below the first joint irrespective of the position of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems
    Inventors: George T. Wong, Paul A. Licari, David Warburton, Edward J. Daley, II, Thomas K. Skripps
  • Patent number: 7496979
    Abstract: A vertically moveable patient table is provided with a footrest extension that may be locked in either an operative, extended position or a stowed position beneath an adjacent leg section of the table. In the stowed position the footrest extension actuates a switch which permits the table to be moved freely up and down. However, when the footrest extension is in any position other than stowed, movement of the table is restricted to prevent accidental contact of the footrest extension with a floor or other supporting surface as the table is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventor: James Christopher Hempker
  • Patent number: 7481751
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of providing therapy and exercise to the leg, ankle, and foot of a patient/occupant preferably laying down on a bed. The device can include a clamp that attaches about a footboard/headboard of a bed, with an elongated member extending out from the clamp. Pivotally attached to the end of the member can be a backward L-shaped bar, and a foot pad can be pivotally attached to the lower horizontal leg of the L-shaped bar. Springs can pull the top of the L-shaped bar toward the clamp. The user can push their foot and pivot the footpad so that the springably biased pivotally attached L-shaped bar constantly pushes back against the foot. The ankle can be rotated and the leg extended and the foot moved for therapy and exercise. An additional spring can hold the foot pad in a pivoted position so that an ankle can be further exercised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Floyd Arnold
  • Patent number: 7464421
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a patient support and a removable section. A locking mechanism includes a moveable handle to lock the removable section to the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Goodwin, Matthew W. Weismiller
  • Patent number: 7458119
    Abstract: A hospital bed including a frame, head and foot supports, and a deck coupled to the frame. The deck includes a lowerable foot portion disposed between the head and foot supports in a first position and outside the head and foot supports in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Hornbach, Virgil J. Niese
  • Patent number: 7454806
    Abstract: The invention relates to a leg support arrangement for operating tables comprising two leg supports, connected to a base element of an operating table such that, the above are adjustable between a base position, lying adjacent to each other parallel to the longitudinal mid-axis of the operating table and a spread position with a separation from the longitudinal mid-axis, whereby each leg support is connected to the base element by means of a parallelogram joint, the joint axes (36, 52, 44, 54) of which are arranged perpendicular to the plane of the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Maquet GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Guido Koch, Bernhard Katzenstein
  • Patent number: 7441291
    Abstract: A profiling bed or similar support surface having a back section, seat section, thigh and calf section convertible to a chair configuration. The back section is mounted on an angled slide to retract as it is rotated. The angle of the slide also provides upward lift of the back section as it is retracted and rotated. This combination of movements mimics the way a person's tissues stretch when they move to a sitting position, reducing pressure and shear. At the same time, the thigh section can be rotated to an incline and the calf section either raised into a horizontal configuration or lowered to a chair configuration during movement of the thigh section. In another embodiment the thigh section is also mounted on a slide to retract towards the foot end as it is rotated to an incline, providing reduction of abdominal strain and increased comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Huntleigh Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Hayes, Stephen Hollyoak
  • Patent number: 7426930
    Abstract: A dual compression foam pad arrangement for use with surgical postioner devices is formed from a single pair of cloverleaf-shaped foam pieces. The foam piece in contact with the patient is more porous than the foam piece in contact with the positioner support plate for greater patient comfort. A solid plastic connector clip connects the pad arrangement with the surgical postioner support in press-fit relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: IMP Inc.
    Inventors: James Bailey, Alan Wasley, Martin Taylor
  • Publication number: 20080214976
    Abstract: Leg-holding traction device (57), especially for hip operations, comprising a rail (31), that contains a circular arc-shaped guide, and is rotatable about a turning axis (71) running perpendicular to the circular arc-shaped guide, and a leg holder (75) that is adjustably supported on the rail (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Memminger
  • Publication number: 20080209636
    Abstract: A two step platform elevates a standing patient upon a horizontally located chamber for examination of the foot and ankle by radiological methods. The chamber receives a slide that carries an x-ray film beneath a foot of a standing patient. Additionally, the patient stands upon a visually and radiologicaly transparent deck. The deck has one slot for upright positioning and a chamber for horizontal positioning of a radiological film cartridge. The platform of the present invention allows a radiologist to take a radiological image of a patient's foot and ankle from both the side and above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas J. Riley
  • Patent number: 7412739
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support having a first patient support deck, a removable section having a second patient support deck, the removable section being configured for movement to a first position wherein the removable section is coupled to the patient support, a second position wherein the removable section is adjacent to but spaced from the first position and a third position spaced apart from the patient support. A handle support mechanism is mounted on one of the patient support and the removable section. A handle is movably mounted on the handle support mechanism and is supported thereby for movement between a first handle position and a second handle position. The handle support mechanism is configured to facilitate movement of the handle from the first handle position toward the second handle position only when the removable section is oriented at and between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Derenne, Christopher Gentile
  • Bed
    Publication number: 20080189862
    Abstract: The bed is equipped with a back lift mechanism and comprises a thigh support mechanism for supporting only the thighs of a user. The bed further comprises cooperative means for performing a thigh lifting action of said the thigh support mechanism in cooperation with the back lift mechanism in back lifting action. The thigh support mechanism has a thigh support member, which has one end, proximal to the waist section of the bed, pivotally mounted on the bed frame to support only the thighs. The thigh support member has a width smaller than that of the bed frame and is provided only at the central region of the width of the bed frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: MOLTEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoichiro Matsuura, Maki Mimura
  • Publication number: 20080172791
    Abstract: A surgical arm rest or leg rest for supporting a patient's limb has concave tray or trough supported on a post member that extends downward. An elongated rod member situated below the tray with clamp member adjustably supports the post of the tray. A clamp member permits the rotation angle and tilt angle of the support post to be adjusted. An L-shaped support arm has a vertical arm portion adapted to be received into a support clamp mounted on the surgical table, and a horizontal arm that holds a sleeve member which supports the rod member. A locking lever on the sleeve member locks the rod member in place in the sleeve member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen L. Walczyk
  • Patent number: 7386899
    Abstract: A medical examination table has a step that is movable between a stowed position within the base of the table, to an extending position for use by persons mounting or dismounting the table. Slide members are coupled to the step inboard from the lateral sides of the step, so that the slide members are hidden from view even when the step is placed in the extended position. The step is suspended above a floor surface by the slide members and lower support members provided on a bottom side of the step, to facilitate movement of the step between the stowed and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7380299
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a first lever is employed to secure a surgical knee positioner unit to the operating table and a second lever is employed to positionally adjust the surgical knee positioner, per se.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: IMP Inc.
    Inventor: Edward N. DeMayo
  • Patent number: 7373677
    Abstract: A nursing bed is provided that has a height adjustable base, in which a rotary hinge is attached in a substantially countersunk arrangement. The rotary hinge connects the base to an intermediate frame on which the actual reclining frame is installed. In this way, a bed framework is obtained, which, after subtracting the height of support feet, has a very small structural height, so that in the lowest position, the distance from top edge of the mattress from the floor corresponds to the length of a lower leg, while simultaneously there is still space underneath the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Barthelt
  • Publication number: 20080086820
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes devices, methods, and systems for leg elevation. The leg elevating device includes a leg support platform, a base platform positioned adjacent the leg support platform, and a first and second lift positioned between and coupled to the leg support platform and the base platform. The leg support platform can have a first horizontal position relative the base platform when the first and second lift are in a first position, an angled position relative the base platform when the first lift is in a second position and the second lift is in the first position, and a second horizontal position relative the base platform when the first and second lift are in a second position. Also, the leg support platform can be a predetermined height above a floor surface when in the first horizontal position, such that the leg elevating device is locatable under furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy Brenner
  • Patent number: 7350249
    Abstract: A leg rest assembly for an examination table that is adaptable to extend the length of the table or to act as a kneeler section is disclosed. The extension section of the assembly has an efficient design that allows for the assembly to be easily changed from an extension section to a kneeler. A latching mechanism to hold the assembly in an extended position outwardly from the table is designed separately from the guide mechanism that move the assembly into a kneeler configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: The Brewer Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry J. Jacobs, Jack A. DeBraal, Mark E. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7337483
    Abstract: A surgical positioning apparatus can be secured to a floor of an operating room or directly to an operating room table. The surgical positioning apparatus supports a limb of a patient using a telescoping strut mounted on a spherical joint. A disposable cradling device is coupled to the strut to secure the limb in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Boucher, Kip Van Steenburg, Paul J. Skavicus, David Warburton
  • Patent number: 7328055
    Abstract: The present invention provides a patient support apparatus for use during a medical procedure. The patient support apparatus is configured to receive and support a body of a patient on a base member. The base member includes a top surface having a plurality of adjustable members, wherein each of the adjustable members is configured to support a different portion the body of the patient. A plurality of actuation mechanisms are operably connected to both the base member and one each of the plurality of adjustable members, such that each of the plurality of adjustable members is separately, selectively positionable with respect to the base member. A control device operably connected to the actuation mechanism to selectively control the position of each of the adjustable members and the corresponding body portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Marctec, LLC
    Inventor: Peter M. Bonutti
  • Patent number: 7316040
    Abstract: A system to facilitate surgical operations by optimally positioning limbs of patients lying on a surgery table. The system comprises a surgery table and a converter. The converter comprises five sub-systems with varying degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Medacta International S.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Siccardi, Frederic Laude, Mattia Berguglia
  • Patent number: 7290302
    Abstract: An apparatus that transforms the surface of a commonly used operating table into a dedicated platform configured to support a patient in a prone position (lying facedown) for back surgery or other medical procedures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame configured to rest on top of the surface of an operating table and support members attached to the frame, configured to support the patient in a prone position. Thus, the apparatus converts commonly used operating tables into a dedicated back surgery. The apparatus also eliminates the use of various improvised support structures (such as pillows, bedding, rolls, padding) stuffed underneath the patient to provide support while in a prone position on the operating table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Lewis Sharps
  • Patent number: 7275796
    Abstract: A device for facilitating a medical examination includes a movable body having a storage compartment therein and a door member movably mounted to the body for at least partially covering the storage compartment. A supporting unit is mounted to the body for supporting a foot of a patient during the performance of a medical examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventors: Ronnie Z. Bochner, Andrew Lewis Wright, Michael Stephen Rozewicz, Kris Douglas Eager
  • Patent number: 7246390
    Abstract: The repositioning apparatus of the invention includes a supporting bed for supporting at least a lower body of a patient, who needs repositioning therapy on his/her leg, a lower leg supporting bed for supporting a lower leg of the patient, a first movable table for allowing the lower leg supporting bed to move about a substantially horizontal axis, a first drive unit for driving the first movable table, a second movable table for moving the lower leg supporting bed in the substantially horizontal direction, and a second drive unit for driving the second movable table. Accordingly, the repositioning apparatus can make the lower leg of the patient perform a twisting action and a bending and stretching action, which are inevitable action for repositioning the patient's lower leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignees: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mamoru Mitsuishi, Toji Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 7234180
    Abstract: A dynamic surgical table system includes any one or combination of a head support system, support systems for each arm, a torso support system, and a leg support system mounted to a frame system to support a patient during surgery. Any one or combination of the support systems is movable relative to the other and to the frame system to facilitate patient repositioning during surgery. Such repositioning may be desirable, for example, to create flexion, extension or rotation of the spine to facilitate access to and surgical treatment of one or more vertebral bodies, disc spaces between vertebral bodies, or other anatomical structures adjacent the spine of the patient. Furthermore, individual support members of any one of the support systems can articulate to conform to the patient anatomy and facilitate repositioning of the particular portion of the patient's body being support thereon while minimizing stress on the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Horton, Matthew M. Morrison, Harold Sparr Taylor, Douglas Baker
  • Patent number: 7228579
    Abstract: A portable patient support includes a platform having a rigid platform received in an interior of an end cap. Elongated rails attached to side walls of the end cap receive accessories, such as stirrups for elevating a patient's legs during insertion of brachytherapy needles for treating prostate cancer and a leg support table for comfortable support of a patient's legs during transport. The portable patient support also has a transfer device including an inflatable mattress having micro-fenestrations in a bottom sheet or a semi-rigid sliding member located beneath the platform. The platform is preferably secured to the transfer device, using straps or by receipt of the platform in built-in pocket. Alternatively, the support may include a fenestrated lower tray attached to the platform by expandable connectors to contain the transfer device. A method of preparing a patient for prostate brachytherapy using the portable patient support is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas J. Tidwell
  • Patent number: 7216385
    Abstract: An inflatable cushion for use in a system and method in supporting the knees and legs of a person during surgery included an inflatable bladder that can move from a collapsed state to an expanded state. A bladder port communicates with a source of inflating gas. The system includes the source of pressurized gas and a valve assembly to switchably control the inflation and deflation of the bladder. The bladder may have a removable cover extending around the bladder, and the bladder may have side pleats to assist in expanding with the cover having corresponding accordion folds. The method involves placing a patient on a surgical table, decompressing the patient's spine to a flat back/drop knee position, interposing the bladder between the table and the patient's knees and advancing the knees to a full prone position by inflating the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Benjamin P. Hill
  • Patent number: 7216384
    Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    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 M. McDaniel, III, Dennis R. Zwink
  • Patent number: 7213279
    Abstract: A bed having a frame, a deck, and a siderail. The deck having a head seat and foot sections. The head, seat, and foot sections movable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Peter M. Wukusick, Gregory W. Branson, Kenneth L. Kramer, Stephen R. Schulte, Philip D. Palermo, James M. C. Thomas, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Jay T. Butterbrodt, David J. Ulrich, David A. Albersmeyer, Jason C. Brooke, Eric R. Meyer, John D. Miller, John W. Ruehl