Lower Body Portion Patents (Class 5/624)
  • 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: 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: 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
  • 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: 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
  • 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
  • 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