Bruce Alan Phillips

US Patent:

6442780, Sep 3, 2002

Filed:

Mar 9, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/522145

Inventors:

Bruce Phillips - San Antonio TX
Blane Sanders - San Antonio TX

Assignee:

KCI Licensing, Inc. - San Antonio TX

International Classification:

A47C 2714

US Classification:

5730, 5734, 5740, 5738

Abstract:

A foam core cushion mattress assembly provides semi-independent foam pillars on the upper surface of the mattress. The mattress may be unitary, or comprise three cushioning components: a base, a body support cushion, and a foot cushion insert. A removable fabric cover envelops the mattress assembly. The body support cushion is constructed from a flat, rectangular solid, foam element whose upper surface is cut into an array of rectangular solid pillars, preferably by a hot wire cutting method. The array of rectangular solid pillars is grouped into a central array comprising pillars with generally square top surfaces and edge rows of rectangular solid pillars having rectangular top surfaces. The depth of the hot wire cuts into the surface of the body support cushion is preferably approximately one-half the overall thickness of the body support cushion or approximately three fourths of the length of the shortest face of the pillar. A zippered fabric cover removably envelops the assembled cushioning components. The resultant structure defines a plurality of semi-independently compressible pillars, which supports a reclining, or in the supine, position on the mattress.

US Patent:

6536056, Mar 25, 2003

Filed:

Nov 17, 1997

Appl. No.:

08/972209

Inventors:

John H. Vrzalik - San Antonio TX 78263
Alan Bartlett - New Braunfels TX 78132
Bruce Phillips - San Antonio TX 78232
Michael Stenberg - San Antonio TX 78240
Glenn C. Stroh - Marion TX 78123
Daniel A. Woehr - San Antonio TX 78249
Dan G. Dimitriu - San Antonio TX 78230

International Classification:

A61G 700

US Classification:

5615, 5624, 5618, 5613

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 beds 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.

US Patent:

6591437, Jul 15, 2003

Filed:

Apr 15, 1996

Appl. No.:

08/632601

Inventors:

Bruce Phillips - San Antonio TX

Assignee:

KCI Licensing, Inc. - San Antonio TX

International Classification:

A47C 2708

US Classification:

5713, 5706, 5708, 5710

Abstract:

A decubitus mattress includes an inflatable cell surrounded by foam with a built-in low-voltage (AC) air pump assembly for controlling the air cells inflation. In some embodiments, a mattress includes a plurality of inflatable cells, one or more of which (particularly at the foot end of the mattress) can be selectively deflated with valves that are located along the side of the mattress, in corresponding positions.

US Patent:

6874185, Apr 5, 2005

Filed:

Jun 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/588513

Inventors:

Bruce Phillips - San Antonio TX, US
Blane Sanders - San Antonio TX, US
Chris Niederkrom - San Antonio TX, US

Assignee:

KCI Licensing, Inc. - San Antonio TX

International Classification:

A47C027/15
A61G007/057

US Classification:

5730, 5740, 5734, 5727

Abstract:

A foam core cushion mattress assembly provides semi-independent foam pillars on the upper surface of the mattress. The mattress may be unitary, or comprise multiple cushioning components, possibly base, body support and foot cushions. The body support cushion is constructed from a flat, rectangular solid, foam element whose upper surface is cut into an array of rectangular solid pillars, preferably by a hot wire cutting method. The array of rectangular solid pillars is grouped into a central array comprising pillars with generally square top surfaces and edge rows of rectangular solid pillars having rectangular top surfaces. The depth of the hot wire cuts into the surface of the body support cushion is preferably approximately one-half the overall thickness of the body support cushion or approximately three fourths of the length of the shortest face of the pillar. A zippered fabric cover removeably envelops the assembled cushioning components. The resultant structure defines a plurality of semi-independently compressible pillars that support a reclining, or supine patient.

US Patent:

6904631, Jun 14, 2005

Filed:

Jan 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/351711

Inventors:

John H. Vrzalik - San Antonio TX, US
Alan L. Bartlett - New Braunfels TX, US
Bruce Phillips - San Antonio TX, US
Michael Stenberg - San Antonio TX, US
Glenn C. Stroh - Marion TX, US
Daniel A. Woehr - San Antonio TX, US
Dan G. Dimitriu - San Antonio TX, US
Felipe Gonzalez - San Antonio TX, US

Assignee:

KCI Licensing, Inc. - San Antonio TX

International Classification:

A61G007/00

US Classification:

5615, 5624, 5618, 5613

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.

US Patent:

7328469, Feb 12, 2008

Filed:

Jun 16, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/869121

Inventors:

John H. Vrzalik - San Antonio TX, US
Bruce Phillips - San Antonio TX, US
Cesar Lina - Universal City TX, US

Assignee:

KCI Licensing, Inc. - San Antonio TX

International Classification:

A47B 7/00
A47B 7/02
A47B 1/00

US Classification:

5607, 5609, 5629

Abstract:

A patient support system particularly suited for pediatric twin separation surgery. The patient support system includes a frame coupled to a swing circle that has a plurality of holes about the perimeter. A patient support structure is coupled to the swing circle, and disposed in a fixed relationship to the frame after rotation of the swing circle relative to the frame. A chain-and-sprocket mechanism is coupled to the frame and swing circle and positioned within the frame. At least one support leg depends from the frame, and may extend or retract relative to the frame. A drape cage is coupled to the frame for supporting a surgical drape thereon. At least one support wheel is connected to the support leg, and adapted to be interchangeably fixed in a static position and rotatable to move the frame. A substantially identical second frame may be connected in series to the frame for operative procedures.

US Patent:

7346945, Mar 25, 2008

Filed:

Jun 13, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/151042

Inventors:

Bruce Phillips - San Antonio TX, US
John H. Vrzalik - San Antonio TX, US
Alan Bartlett - New Braunfels TX, US
Felipe Gonzalez - San Antonio TX, US
Glenn C. Stroh - Marion TX, US
Michael Stenberg - San Antonio TX, US
Daniel A. Woehr - San Antonio TX, US
Dan G. Dimitriu - San Antonio TX, US

Assignee:

KCI Licensing, Inc. - San Antonio TX

International Classification:

A61G 7/018

US Classification:

5616, 5617

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.

US Patent:

7444704, Nov 4, 2008

Filed:

Feb 15, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/355679

Inventors:

Bruce L. Phillips - San Antonio TX, US
Juan L. Gonzalez - San Antonio TX, US
Kevin W. Bendele - Cibolo TX, US
Michael R. Oliva - San Antonio TX, US

Assignee:

KCI Licensing, Inc. - San Antonio TX

International Classification:

A47C 27/10

US Classification:

5713, 5710, 5706

Abstract:

A system and method for maintaining an air inflation mattress configuration sufficient for patient support and comfort. Infrared illumination levels are measured within individual or groups of inflated mattress chambers. A staggered approach to illumination monitoring of chambers or sections to eliminate crosstalk between the infrared sensors is carried out. Distributed microprocessor controllers established in a network configuration utilizing controller network protocols reduces the wiring and connections necessary for the assembled system. Various mattress cushion construction techniques, such as sewing and or RF welding methods, are used for the creation of individual chambers utilizing specific types of IR translucent, transparent or reflective materials. The construction of the cushions and bladders in the system includes the use of various types of fabrics with low to high air loss qualities as required. The overall mattress assembly, including the control systems and the methodologies associated with such control systems, provide a unique approach to the maintenance of a consistently comfortable patient support surface.