(19)
(11) EP 1 123 074 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication:
16.08.2001 Bulletin 2001/33

(21) Application number: 99956746.4

(22) Date of filing: 28.10.1999
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7A61G 7/057, A47C 27/10
(86) International application number:
PCT/US9925/311
(87) International publication number:
WO 0024/353 (04.05.2000 Gazette 2000/18)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30) Priority: 28.10.1998 US 105942 P

(71) Applicant: HILL-ROM, INC.
Batesville,Indiana 47006-9167 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • PRICE, James, H.
    Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (US)
  • TAYLOR, Geoffrey, Locke
    Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3P7 (CA)
  • THOMAS, James, Milton, Cherry
    Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (US)
  • STOLPMANN, James, R.
    Charleston, SC 29412 (US)
  • CALDWELL, Karl
    Summerville, SC 29485 (US)
  • REPIK, Marla
    Charleston, SC 29414 (US)
  • BRIES, Nick
    Charleston, SC 29414 (US)
  • MENSCHING, Kerry, J.
    Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (US)

(74) Representative: Findlay, Alice Rosemary 
Lloyd Wise, Tregear & Co.,Commonwealth House,1-19 New Oxford Street
London WC1A 1LW
London WC1A 1LW (GB)

   


(54) FORCE OPTIMIZATION SURFACE APPARATUS AND METHOD