Lower Body Portion Patents (Class 5/624)
  • Patent number: 6895616
    Abstract: An epidural patient support includes an upper body support and a foot support. The upper body support extends outwardly from the patient support to support a patient's upper body with the patient's back arched forwardly. The foot support extends outwardly from the patient support to support the patient's feet. According to another illustrative embodiment, an epidural patient support is provided for placing a patient in a prone position for an epidural procedure with the patient's back arched upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Patent number: 6880189
    Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a deck and/or a mattress having an adjustable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Welling, Gregory W. Branson
  • Patent number: 6874182
    Abstract: An operating table including a patient support; a block for supporting a patient's lower back which is moveable in relation to the patient support between a retracted position and a deployed position; an actuator having a first end portion linked to the patient support; and at least one mechanism for adjusting the block between the retracted and deployed positions including a first connecting rod articulatable relative to the patient support, the connecting rod being connected to a second end portion of the actuator for angular displacement and to the block for displacement of the block between the retracted position and the deployed position, and wherein the adjustment mechanism essentially rectilinear displaces the block between the retracted position and the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: FHSurgical
    Inventors: Jean-Marie L'Hegarat, Pierre Rager
  • Patent number: 6874184
    Abstract: A leg support apparatus is herein provided for use in the health care industry for the treatment and rehabilitation of persons having leg injuries. The apparatus includes a vertical support member having a base and a clamp which is slideably positionable on the vertical support member. The clamp is pivotably coupled to at least one cradle having a sling member. The sling member is independently pivotally coupled to the cradle permitting the sling member to tilt in an arc up and down, depending of the need of the patient. The adjustability of the vertical support assembly further provides for greater positioning thereby increasing the general comfort of the patient while providing for the patient's medical needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Donald Chandler
  • Patent number: 6874179
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed, in particular a hospital bed, fitted with a plurality of adjacent individual barrier elements along at least one of its longitudinal sides, the barrier elements extending vertically and each occupying a fraction of the length of the bed. It is essentially characterized by the fact that there are at least two of said barrier elements (5, 5?) and they are hinged relative to each other about an axis (XX?) that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bed so that in an overlapping position they are contiguous relative to each other and occupy, transversely, substantially the same space as a single element, whereas in the deployed position, they extend in parallel and substantially in line with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom S.A.S.
    Inventors: David W. Hensley, Sébastien Gemeline, Yann Dollo
  • Patent number: 6857153
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a head portion, a foot portion, a seat portion, and a light assembly supported by the foot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Ruehl, Jeffrey R. Welling, Brian Wiggins, Matthew W. Weismiller, Sandy Richards, Brent Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6854145
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a patient support portion supported by the frame. The patient support portion includes a storage area configured to receive a light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Ruehl, Jeffrey R. Welling, Brian Wiggins, Matthew W. Weismiller, Sandy Richards, Brent Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6826794
    Abstract: A patient positioning device and method of operation that is simple in construction, is easy to install, is positioned outside the sterile operating field, yet permits the surgeon to readily position, adjust, and re-position a patient during a surgical procedure is provided and includes a support adapted to be positioned against a predetermined portion of a patient's body, a drive mechanism for moving the support along a generally linear path, a source of power for the drive mechanism, a bracket for mounting the drive mechanism to an operating table, and a remote device for actuating the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Surgical Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ormonde Martin Mahoney, Donald Edward Templeman, Jr., Jack Dean Deweese, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040226092
    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: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Goodwin, Matthew W. Weismiller
  • Publication number: 20040226094
    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: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Jonathan D. Turner
  • Publication number: 20040221391
    Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    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, Dennis R. Zwink
  • Patent number: 6791460
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient comprises a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a patient position detection system including an alarm and at least one sensor configured to detect a position of the patient relative to the mattress. The patient position detection system has at least three different modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Dixon, Douglas J. Menkedick, William L. Jacques, James W. Jones, James K. Findlay, Carl W. Riley
  • Publication number: 20040168253
    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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: 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: 6772764
    Abstract: The transport and securing system of the present invention is utilized in conjunction with a wrist and ankle mechanical restraint system applied to a subject, which releasably secures the restrained subject to the transport and securing system, to easily and quickly transport the restrained subject and secure the subject to an ordinary bed, or any other stationary structure, without removing the subject's mechanical restraints. A instant release mechanism enables a single staff member to immediately disconnect the transport and securing system from the stationary structure so that the restrained subject may me quickly transported into another location without releasing the subject from the mechanical restraint system. The inventive transport and securing system includes optional releasable chest and stomach straps to supplement the mechanical restraint system. Alternately, the inventive transport and securing system may be configured to utilize an upper body protection and face shield system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Handle With Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Chapman
  • Publication number: 20040148705
    Abstract: A bed having a base, a pedestal oriented between a top side of the base and a patient support deck to facilitate elevational movement of the support deck. The patient support deck includes a seat section which includes a deck plate. A pair of laterally spaced support brackets are provided on the patient support deck. Coupling elements are supported on each of the support brackets. Separate patient supporting devices are configured to operatively connect to a selected one of the two coupling elements is provided. A guideway is provided on each of the support brackets, the guideway supporting a frame and having a track thereon. A receptacle is mounted on the track and for movement relative to the frame, the receptacle being stowable beneath the deck plate and deployable so that the receptacle is oriented immediately below the perineal edge of the seat section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Stryker, Mike Hernandez, William Bleeker, Jeff Lewandowski
  • Patent number: 6766547
    Abstract: A wheeled patient support assembly that allows a patient and at least one medical attendant to be moved while the medical attendant(s) administer medical treatment to the patient comprising a patient support surface, rolling mechanisms or other means for moving the assembly over the floor, at least one attendant support platform(s) built into or connected with the assembly and constructed to support the weight of one or more attendant(s) and being positioned so the attendant(s) can safely stand on the platform section(s) and treat the patient while the assembly is being moved, and including safety railings to prevent the attendant(s) from falling off the assembly. Further, the assembly is designed and constructed to be stable to prevent it from tipping, leaning or becoming unstable while in use. The object of the invention is to allow a patient to be moved simultaneously while emergency medical care is administered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Paul J. Lagassey
  • Publication number: 20040133983
    Abstract: A patient-support apparatus, such as a surgical table, includes a longitudinally-extending base supported on a floor and a longitudinally-extending deck supported above the base by first and second lift assemblies. The deck is articulatable to support a patient in selected positions. The lift assemblies are extendible in a vertical direction. The base is extendible in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: David C. Newkirk, Richard L. Borders, Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Publication number: 20040133979
    Abstract: According to an aspect of this disclosure, a surgical table is convertible from a general-purpose surgical table to an orthopedic surgical table. The surgical table includes a base module and a number of modular attachments that couple to the base module to configure the surgical table for various types of orthopedic surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: David C. Newkirk, Richard L. Borders, Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Patent number: 6757924
    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: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Goodwin, Matthew W. Weismiller
  • Patent number: 6754923
    Abstract: A surgical table apparatus is provided for supporting a patient before, during, or after a surgical procedure. The surgical table apparatus includes a base and a table top. The table top includes a body support section adapted to support the body of a patient and a leg support section adapted to support the legs of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Borders, Mark Graham, David C. Newkirk, Gary S. Siegle
  • Patent number: 6725479
    Abstract: A bed having a base, a pedestal oriented between a top side of the base and a patient support deck to facilitate elevational movement of the support deck. The patient support deck includes a seat section which includes a deck plate. A pair of laterally spaced support brackets are provided on the patient support deck. Coupling elements are supported on each of the support brackets. Separate patient supporting devices are configured to operatively connect to a selected one of the two coupling elements is provided. A guideway is provided on each of the support brackets, the guideway supporting a frame and having a track thereon. A receptacle is mounted on the track and for movement relative to the frame, the receptacle being stowable beneath the deck plate and deployable so that the receptacle is oriented immediately below the perineal edge of the seat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Stryker, Mike Hernandez, Steve Smargiasso, William Bleeker, Jr., Jeff Lewandowski
  • Patent number: 6725481
    Abstract: A device for positioning a patient for medical imaging comprising an inclined surface comprising a radiotranslucent low end segment and a high end segment. The inclined surface comprises a concave-shaped recess for supporting the patient's torso at the low end segment and legs at the high end. The low end and high end of the inclined surface form an obtuse angle with respect to each other. The device also comprises at least one inclined surface support that may be attached to the inclined surface at the low end or, alternatively, to the high end. The support supports the inclined surface such that the high end has a height greater than the low end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Mabel E. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20040068798
    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: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew W. Weismiller
  • Patent number: 6715169
    Abstract: A mechanism to center a patient on a patient support platform of a therapeutic bed is provided comprising a threaded rod that has left-hand threads on one end and right-hand threads on the other; first and second mounts threadably engaged with the left-hand and right-hand threads, respectively, of the threaded rod; and first and second patient support accessories mounted to the first and second mounts, respectively. The rod, when rotated, is operable to move the first and second patient support accessories in opposite directions, either toward or away from the patient. In one embodiment, a manually operable handle is connected to the threaded rod for effecting rotation of the threaded rod to produce symmetric movement of the first and second patient support accessories. In another embodiment, a motor-driven actuator is operably connected to the threaded rod for effecting rotation of the threaded rod to produce symmetric movement of the first and second patient support accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 6704959
    Abstract: An adjustable position limb support for surgical tables consisting of a support arm pivotally mounted at one end to a base which is attachable to the table and an externally powered position actuator pivotally mounted to the support arm and the base at positions spaced apart from the support arm pivot. The actuator is extendable and retractable and may be powered either electrically, hydraulically, or by compressed air. The actuator is controlled by a suitable device within the actuator or remote from it and an appropriate appliance for holding the limb is provided on the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Schuerch
  • Patent number: 6698044
    Abstract: A medical stirrup device includes a base adapted for fixed securement to an associated support member. The device further includes a gooseneck shaft member having a proximal end connected to the base and a distal end spaced from the base. The gooseneck shaft member is selectively manually bendable by an end-user into a curvilinear operative shape between an unbent linear position and a bendable limit of the gooseneck shaft member. A fastener is located at the distal end of the gooseneck shaft member. The fastener is adapted to engage a mating fastener of an associated limb support member to connect the associated limb support member to the shaft. In one version of the development, the shaft member includes first and second co-axial spiral-wound tubular members. In another version, the shaft has adjustable rigidity and is defined from a series of articulated links. A method of positioning a human limb for a medical procedure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventors: Saul P. Greenfield, Julian H. Wan, Clifford P. Limpert
  • Publication number: 20040034936
    Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a deck and/or a mattress having an adjustable length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Welling, Gregory W. Branson
  • Patent number: 6694548
    Abstract: A hospital bed is provided for support of a patient. The hospital bed includes a base, a patient support coupled to the base, and a walker dockable to the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Dale Foster, Ryan Anthony Reeder, John David Vogel
  • Patent number: 6684419
    Abstract: A bedside lower extremity lifting apparatus is comprised of a support frame coupled to a platform. The support platform can be selectively raised and lowered by an actuator assembly coupled between the support frame and the platform. The lifting apparatus is configured to be positioned adjacent a conventional patient support structure such as a mattress-type bed or patient table and can be properly used and operated in conjunction with the bed with or without modification thereto. When the platform is in its lowered position, the platform and support frame have a relatively low profile so as to allow a user to comfortably sit on the edge of the bed. A user control is provided to allow the user to selectively raise and lower the platform as desired. By sitting on the edge of the bed and raising the platform to a sufficiently elevated position, the user is able to raise his or her legs to a height that allows the user to more comfortably maneuver their legs onto the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Frank W. Perla
  • Patent number: 6684427
    Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    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: 6684095
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in medical imaging simulate within an imaging coil normal movements of body parts such as joints, and improve imaging of soft tissue and bony parts as compared to a static system in which images are taken of a joint in only one position. A joint or body parts is moved into various positions in multiple planes within its range of motion while a series of images are taken of the joint in the different positions. The images are collated into a cine format to effectively show the joint in motion. A surface or volume coil may be coupled for movement with the joint or body part and maintained in the proper spatial relationship with the primary coil's electromagnetic field. The systems may be provided as mechanisms usable with existing imaging tables to reduce cost, or may be built into a new imaging table. It is possible to use a larger primary coil, allowing increased range of movement. Traction may be applied to a joint being imaged, in order to load the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Bonutti 2003 Trust-A
    Inventor: Peter M. Bonutti
  • Publication number: 20040003468
    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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Mamoru Mitsuishi, Toji Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6671905
    Abstract: A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis, a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame, and an upright end ring at the head of the bed with a central opening for routing patient care lines and a removable upper section for improved access to a patient's head. The patient support platform preferably has pivotally mounted side rails that fold underneath the patient support platform and straps with strap connectors that indicate whether the straps are sufficiently tensioned. A direct, wired electrical connection between the patient support platform and the base frame allows full rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. A manually operable lever disengages the patient support platform from the drive system to allow manual rotation of the patient support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Bartlett, Wladyslaw H. Krywiczanin, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 6662392
    Abstract: An epidural patient support includes an upper body support and a foot support. The upper body support extends outwardly to support a patient's upper body with the patient's back arched forwardly. The foot support extends outwardly to support the patient's feet. According to another illustrative embodiment, an epidural patient support is provided for placing a patient in a prone position for an epidural procedure with the patient's back arched upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Patent number: 6654974
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a head portion, a foot portion and a seat portion. The foot portion includes a removable foot section and laterally spaced foot supports configured to define a central opening therebetween. The foot supports are configured to move about a substantially vertical axis and about a substantially horizontal axis. A position adjustment mechanism is provided for locking the foot supports in desired positions relative to the frame. A light assembly is supported by the foot portion. Likewise, calf supports are coupled to the foot supports and are adjustable between storage and use positions. An actuator is provided to move the head portion relative to the seat and foot portions. A release system is coupled to the actuator to facilitate rapid lowering of the head portion of the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Ruehl, Jeffrey R. Welling, Brian Wiggins, Matthew W. Weismiller, Sandy Richards, Brent Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6634043
    Abstract: A medical table having a head end column and a pair of foot end columns, all of which are automatically and simultaneously extendable and retractable between upper and lower positions. A patient support system, which may include a body support and separate leg supports, is supported by the head and foot end columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Orthopedic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve R. Lamb, Russell E. Klein, Michael C. Demaria, Stephen L. Hoel
  • Patent number: 6629944
    Abstract: A limb-positioning device is adapted for use in an operating room and is attachable to an operating room table. The limb-positioning device includes a full motion arm, a patient-receiving surgical device and a tension controller. The full motion arm has a plurality of pivotally connected arms with a plurality of joints therebetween. One end of the full motion arm is adapted to be attached to an operating room table. The patient-receiving surgical device is attached to a block joint at the distal end of the full motion arm. There is a tension controller for each joint. Preferably the tension controller concurrently controls the tension in each joint. The patient-receiving surgical device may be a forearm tray, a lower leg tray, a distraction harness or a Chinese finger trap assembly. There is provided a method of using the limb-positioning device. In addition, a patient-receiving surgical device includes a patient-receiving portion and a bar attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth Thomas Smart
  • Publication number: 20030182726
    Abstract: A medical stirrup device includes a base adapted for fixed securement to an associated support member. The device further includes a gooseneck shaft member having a proximal end connected to the base and a distal end spaced from the base. The gooseneck shaft member is selectively manually bendable by an end-user into a curvilinear operative shape between an unbent linear position and a bendable limit of the gooseneck shaft member. A fastener is located at the distal end of the gooseneck shaft member. The fastener is adapted to engage a mating fastener of an associated limb support member to connect the associated limb support member to the shaft. In one version of the development, the shaft member includes first and second co-axial spiral-wound tubular members. In another version, the shaft has adjustable rigidity and is defined from a series of articulated links. A method of positioning a human limb for a medical procedure is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Saul P. Greenfield, Julian H. Wan, Clifford P. Limpert
  • Patent number: 6622324
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining a patient in a Trendelenburg position include positioning a patient on a patient support surface which is tiltable and includes a head end, a foot end and opposed sides which extend between the head end and the foot end, and engaging a top portion of the patient's hips on either side with padded hip braces configured to engage the top portion of the patient's hips and prevent the patient from sliding toward the head end of the tiltable patient support surface when tilted in the Trendelenburg position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip P. VanSteenburg, George T. Wong
  • Patent number: 6611979
    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 deck includes a retractable foot section. The mattress includes a foot portion positioned over the retractable foot section. The foot portion includes a calf support portion and a heel-pressure relief portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Welling, Gregory W. Branson
  • Publication number: 20030154550
    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: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen P. Murphy, Edward T. Murphy, George W. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6588020
    Abstract: A portable back support device for providing vertebrae decompression support and therapeutic heating and/or cooling while preventing pressure against an incision or injured portion of the back. The support device can be made adjustable to fit different size persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: The Idea People LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Stewart, III, Thomas Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20030088917
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a head portion, a foot portion, a seat portion, and a light assembly supported by the foot portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Ruehl, Jeffrey R. Welling, Brian Wiggins, Matthew W. Weismiller, Sandy Richards, Brent Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20030088920
    Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    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, Dennis R. Zwink
  • Patent number: 6553587
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient table comprising a patient support surface for supporting a patient during a medical procedure, a base supporting said patient support surface, a monitor displaying medical information relating to a medical procedure, and a support member mounted to said patient table for supporting said monitor, wherein said support member includes an adjustment linkage interconnecting said monitor and support member and providing movement of said monitor of the monitor relative to said support member in at least three degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Barker, Jeffrey W. Pattee, John Matthew Simmons
  • Patent number: 6550084
    Abstract: A retractable and self-supporting step for a medical examination table and a method for use. The step having a large top with a safety mat for ease of use and patient maneuverability can be selectively extended from a cavity located on a medical examination and returned when not in use. The step is self-supporting, thus providing enhanced stability and safety during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: The Brewer Company, LLC
    Inventors: Paul J. Siepmann, Michael J. Marchant, Edward A. Raleigh
  • Patent number: 6536056
    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: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Alan Bartlett, Bruce Phillips, Michael Stenberg, Glenn C. Stroh, Daniel A. Woehr, Dan G. Dimitriu
  • Patent number: 6532609
    Abstract: A physiotherapy bench includes a frame supported by legs in an elevated, use position, and an arcuate body supporting panel on the frame. The supporting panel includes a substantially horizontal front end for supporting the chest of a patient, and an inclined rear end for supporting the hips and the upper portion of the legs of a patient, whereby the spine is subjected to gentle traction. A headrest is resiliently connected to the front end of the frame for floating support of the head of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Gainsborough Accessories International Limited
    Inventors: Robert Taylor, Peter Herman
  • Patent number: 6526983
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of rigid shell extricators for immobilizing and transporting traumatized persons. An extricator (1) bears one or more niches (6) and (6a) obtained in the thickness of the extricator itself in correspondence with the occipital area and of the torso of the traumatized person. Each of said niches is provided with a lid, respectively (8) and (8a). Inside the niches (6) and (6a) are stowed the holding belts which can be extracted through openings (12) present peripherally in the thickness of said extricator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Spencer Italia SRL
    Inventor: Luigi Pizzi Spadoni
  • Publication number: 20030019039
    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: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Brent Goodwin, Matthew W. Weismiller