Lower Body Portion Patents (Class 5/624)
  • 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: 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: 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: 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
  • 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
  • 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: 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: 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: 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
  • Patent number: 7171708
    Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, and a mattress. The bed further includes a plurality of foot-operated controls configured to control features of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene E. Osborne, John W. Koening, Glenn C. Suttman, Matthew Visca, Jack Wilker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7171709
    Abstract: A patient support with a removable foot section is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew W. Weismiller
  • Patent number: 7152261
    Abstract: A modular, multi-articulated patient support system includes independently adjustable columns connected by an adjustable base and supporting a patient support structure. Each column includes rotation, angulation and separation adjustment structure. The patient support may be raised, lowered and rotated about a longitudinal axis in either horizontal or tilted orientation. The patient support includes a body support rotatably coupled with right and left leg supports disengageable at the outboard ends, that can be tilted, rotated and locked in place. An intermediate brace engages the base when the outboard ends of the leg supports are disengaged. The patient support structure may include two pairs of patient supports, each attached at the outboard end of a column and having a free inboard end. A coordinated drive system raises, lowers, tilts and rotates the patient supports, which may be positioned in overlapping relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7137160
    Abstract: A bed (10) includes a base (12) and a frame assembly (14). A head end support assembly (16) and a foot end support assembly (18) are coupled between the base (12) and the frame assembly (14). The frame assembly (14) includes first and second side frame members (80, 82) located above the base (12). The bed (10) also includes a plurality of latch mechanisms (160) coupled to the first and second side frame members (80, 82), and a patient support surface (162) configured to be coupled to the first and second side frame members (80, 82) by the plurality of latch mechanisms (160). A rotational drive mechanism (130) is coupled to the foot end support assembly (18) to rotate the frame assembly (14) about its longitudinal axis to a prone position. A proning surface (250) is coupled to the frame assembly (14) to support a patient in the prone position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Hand, Richard Robinson, Matthew R. Cavanaugh, Jack J. Brooks, Vincent L. Babson, Steven J. Doehler, Eric Weidner
  • Patent number: 7127756
    Abstract: A foot support and abduction assembly includes an abductor configured for pivotal attachment proximate a foot end of a maternity bed. The foot support is configured for locating in a stowed position below the abductor, and a calf support is attached to an undersurface of the foot support. An upright assembly has a first end that is secured to the abductor for longitudinal movement along a length of the abductor, a second end to which the foot support is movably mounted, and a locking mechanism for selectively securing the upright assembly in one of a plurality of positions along the length of the abductor. The upright assembly is further configured for movement from a deployed position to a stowed position, and the locking mechanism is unlocked when the upright assembly is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Brophy, Andras Kupfermann, Arlene Krecow, Todd Trevor Andres, Chad Allen Wolf, Richard Anthony Derenne
  • Patent number: 7103930
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for the calibration and standardization of the rotation and movement of a patient's hip. More particularly the present invention relates to a device for the calibration and standardization of the rotation and movement of the hip for use in connection with improving the reproducibility and accuracy of a diagnostic procedure such as, for example, bone density measurement using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University
    Inventor: Vicki Addesso-Dodd
  • Patent number: 7083355
    Abstract: An indexer for positioning a limb extension bar used with an examination table. The indexer permits a selective fixed position in the forward and backward directions and a selective fixed position with respect to rotational movement. The indexer consists of a housing and a translator that sits within the housing. A locking member sits within the translator. The locking member has meshing teeth that mate with a similar structure located on the housing to selectively fix the extension bar in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: The Brewer Company, LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Jensen, John E. Habermann
  • Patent number: 7073221
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a patient support and a removable section. A locking mechanism includes interactive members supported by the patient support and the removable section for releasably securing the removable section to the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Goodwin, Matthew W. Weismiller
  • Patent number: 7000272
    Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    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, Denis R. Zwink
  • Patent number: 6986181
    Abstract: The patient positioning device of this invention relates to an apparatus used to assist a patient into a supine position and additionally through which traction is applied to the spine, such as physical therapy and chiropractic treatment. The patient positioning device is preferably a stand alone portable device that can be readily transported and adapted to almost any horizontal surface, such as a treatment table. A primary application of the leg support of this invention is in raising and supporting a patient's lower legs during before, during, and after traction is applied to a patient. The device includes a lower support frame, vertical supports, and a leg support coupled to a top frame. The patient positioning device may also have a motor which powers the leg support to rotate from a lowered position, in which a patient's lower legs rest on the leg support, to an elevated position in which a patient's lower legs are elevated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: GES Company
    Inventors: Stephen P. Murphy, Edward T. Murphy, George W. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6983501
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Jonathan T. Turner
  • Patent number: 6978501
    Abstract: A bariatric hospital bed with full feature capability to enhance the care and treatment of bariatric patients. Among the features are fully adjustable and retractable siderails, bed raise-and-lower features, head-up and leg-down features for converting to a seated position, as well as Trendelenburg and reverse-Trendelenburg features. An integral scale assembly and radioluscent capabilities with a built'in X-ray tray are also provided together with redundant, easy-access controls on a pendant as well as in both siderails. An improved footboard is also provided for use as both a foot-rest and a step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Vrzalik
  • Patent number: 6969193
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an ankle and foot immobilizer has a base, a spine perpendicular to the base, and a shoulder perpendicular to both the base and spine. A foot cover is rotatably attached to the shoulder and engageable to the foot so that the sole is either resting upon the base to obtain a top view of the foot or so that the sole is resting against the spine to obtain a side-view of the foot. A vertical leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a vertical fashion. A horizontal leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a horizontal fashion. The base can have a cassette holder so that a separate cassette holder is not required. The immobilizer has an anchor that can be releasably secured to a standard x-ray table such as a suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Modern Way Immobilizers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy Pigg
  • Patent number: 6954951
    Abstract: A gurney is provided for a patient wearing a spica cast with a fixed bar extending between the legs. The gurney includes a base structure, a platform for holding the patient, and a bar support structure coupled to the platform. The platform is coupled to the base structure and is capable of being in at least one elevated position. The bar support structure supports the bar so as to support the patient when the platform is in the elevated position. In one embodiment, the gurney further includes a motorized elevation variance system coupled between the platform and the base structure for changing the elevated position of the platform, and the platform is rigid so as to always be substantially planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventors: Leonard Lieboff, John DelGardo
  • Patent number: 6948202
    Abstract: A foot section is provided for use with a patient support. The foot section includes a body and at least one support coupled to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew W. Weismiller
  • Patent number: 6932783
    Abstract: A patient with a dislocated hip lies on a planar pad having side rails along which slides a frame having upright members on each side of the pad and a horizontal member connecting the top of the upright members. A first winch mounted on an upright member controls cables connected to a mid-portion of a leg sleeve on the patient to lift the patient's leg. A second winch mounted on the same upright member controls cables connected to a top portion of the leg sleeve to pull the patient's hip outwardly to a normal position in the hip socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: James C. Donato
  • Patent number: 6915805
    Abstract: A molded plastic spine board having specialized padding strategically located in the board and stiffing members. The specialized padding reduces patient discomfort and aids perfusion in the regions that are in contact with the board while the patient is immobilized on the board thereby helping to prevent tissue ischemia and pressure ulcer formation. The stiffening members strengthen the board eliminating deflection of the board thereby keeping the patient immobilized while eliminating artifacts (shadows and interference) in x-rays thereby ensuring good x-ray examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: John Stuart Crutchfield
  • Bed
    Patent number: 6912746
    Abstract: This invention relates to a bed for accommodating heavy persons. The bed is particularly for use in hospitals, where heavy patients have to be treated. The invention provides a bed comprising a frame; a central support section mounted on the frame; two opposite end support sections, one being a head section and the other being a foot section, each mounted for pivoting movement relative to the central section; and drive means for driving the end support sections for pivoting movement relative to the central section; wherein the foot section has a platform which extends at an angle to the plane of the section, and the foot section can pivot to a position where the platform is substantially at ground level. In a particularly preferred embodiment the central section is mounted for pivoting movement about a pivot axis at or near to its edge adjacent the foot section and further comprises drive means for driving the central support section for pivoting movement about said pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Medi-Plinth Limited
    Inventor: Christopher John Grove
  • Patent number: 6910236
    Abstract: An articulated bed convertible to a chair position is described. The bed comprises a mattress formed by a backrest section, a seat rest section and a leg rest section. The mattress backrest section and seat rest section are secured to a support frame. Articulating linkages are secured to the frame to articulate the sections. The support frame is elevated from a floor surface by a frame assembly having legs or casters to engage with a floor surface. The leg rest section of the mattress is secured to a retractable support frame. The mattress has at least a compressible section formed of compressible material. Compressible interconnecting members compress the compressible material to shorten the length of the compressible section. The compressible material is restrained as it is compressed and decompressed when the support frames are displaced from a horizontal position to an articulated chair position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Pierre René
  • Patent number: 6904631
    Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Alan L. Bartlett, Bruce Phillips, Michael Stenberg, Glenn C. Stroh, Daniel A. Woehr, Dan G. Dimitriu, Felipe Gonzalez