Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02614658 2008-01-10
MEDICAL DEVICE INTERFACE SYSTEM
This application is divided from Canadian Patent Application Serial Number
2,390,517 filed November 19, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to a medical device interface system, and more
particularly, to an interface for securing a medical device to a mounting
device such
as a rail or a pole. The invention further relates to instrument docking
devices
providing power and electrical communications between an instrument,
associated
with the interface, and an external device.
In today's hospital environment, it is common for multiple medical devices,
e.g., syringe pumps, infusion pumps, vital signs monitoring devices, to be
simultaneously used to treat and monitor an individual patient. In such
situations the
instruments are typically secured to a mounting device positioned near the
patient. A
commonly used mounting device is a mounting rail or bar having standard height
and
depth dimensions. Typically, such rails are mounted to the walls of a hospital
room at
various heights and run the entire length of the room. The rails are spaced
outward
from the wall on spacers to allow for the placement of a fastening device
between the
wall and the back of the rail. A typical device for securing a medical device
to a
mounting rail is an L-bracket and a screw clamp. The L-bracket is mounted to
the
back of an instrument near the top and positioned such that when the
instrument is
mounted to the rail the bracket rests on the top and extends downward behind
the
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back of the rail. The screw clamp is located on the rear of the instrument and
is
positioned such that when tightened the screw clamps against the back of the
rail.
This mounting device is somewhat inconvenient in that it requires the turning
of a
clamp screw in space that is typically too small to comfortably accommodate
hand
movement.
Another common mounting device is a pole, such a free-standing pole or one
associated with the patient's bed. Pole clamps have commonly been used and
have
been rigidly mounted to the backs of medical devices. However, unless they are
configured to be movable out of the way, they can interfere with other
mounting
arrangements of the instrument. Such stationary clamps can also cause
inconvenience
in handling and storage of the instrument due to the protrusion of the clamp.
Hence
those skilled in the art have recognized a need for a more versatile pole
clamp.
Once the medical devices are properly secured to a mounting device the
instruments must be connected to a power outlet. To this end, each individual
power
cord of each individual instrument is plugged into a power outlet located in
the wall
or in a power strip extension cord having multiple power outlets. Providing
power
connections in this manner may be problematic in that cables may become
tangled
thus rendering the tracing of an individual cable to its associated outlet and
the
subsequent movement of an individual instrument difficult. Safety issues also
arise in
that the use of a power strip extension cord to accommodate multiple
instruments may
cause a power outlet to be overloaded. Furthermore, the more cables that are
laying on
a hospital floor, the higher the risk of entanglement with a patient or care
provider. In
addition to the power cords, most medical devices also require or can
accommodate a
data communications connection to an external device such as a computer. The
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connection of individual data communications cables to each device further
increases
the forgoing problems and difficulties.
Hence, those skilled in the art have recognized a need for an interface
capable
of mounting an instrument to either a mounting rail or a pole. The need has
also been
recognized for a docking station capable of accepting a plurality of
instruments and
providing power and communications signals to the instruments through the
docking
station instead of through individual cables. The present invention fulfills
these needs
and others.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly and in general terms, the invention is directed to a device interface
system for securing a medical device to a mounting device such as a rail or a
pole.
The invention is further directed to an instrument docking device for
providing power
and electrical communications between an instrument, associated with the
interface,
and an external device.
The present invention provides a docking station for accepting at least one
instrument having a housing having a rail cam and a recess and at least one
signal
port, said docking station comprising: a casing having a plurality of
fastening bars
recessed a distance from the front of the casing; a docking tile secured to
the fastening
bars; a rail mounted on the docking tile and spaced a distance therefrom, the
mounting
rail dimensioned to fit within the housing recess and the rail cam; and at
least one
signal port secured to the tile, a portion of the port protruding forward
therefrom and
aligned to couple with the at least one housing signal port when the mounting
rail is
within the housing recess and rail cam, the signal port further having a
portion
protruding rearward therefrom for interfacing with a signal source.
In a detailed aspect, the fastening bars comprise channels running the length
of
the casing and the docking tile may be adjustably positioned along the length
of the
channels. In another detailed facet, the docking station further includes an
electrical
circuit mounted to the rear of the docking tile. The electrical circuit
provides electrical
communication between the at least one tile signal port and an external
electrical
device. In yet another detailed aspect, a plurality of docking tiles are
positioned
adjacent each other along the length of the casing. The docking tiles are
spaced apart
to allow for the mounting of a plurality of instruments having a standard
height. In a
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more detailed aspect, the docking station further includes spacing plates
positioned
between adjacent docking tiles to thereby provide a docking station capable of
accepting instruments of non-standard height. In still another detailed
aspect, the
docking station further comprises a base tile for providing signals to each of
the
plurality of docking tiles.
In further additional facets of the docking station, the base tile includes a
power inlet for receiving external power to be provided to each of the
plurality of
docking tiles and the base tile includes a data communication port for
interfacing each
of the plurality of docking tiles with an external computer system.
The present invention also provides a docking tile for accepting an instrument
having a housing having a rail cam and a recess and at least one electrical
port, said
docking tile comprising: a plate; a rail mounted on the plate and spaced a
distance
therefrom, the rail dimensioned to fit within the housing recess and the rail
cam; and
at least one signal port secured to the plate, a portion of the port
protruding forward
therefrom and aligned to couple with the at least one housing signal port when
the rail
is within the housing recess and the rail cam, the port further having a
portion
protruding rearward therefrom for interfacing with a signal source.
In a detailed aspect, the docking tile further includes an electrical circuit
for
providing electrical communication between the at least one tile signal port
and an
external electrical device. In more detailed facets, the at least one tile
signal port is a
power inlet. In yet another detailed aspect, the electrical circuit includes a
magnetic
relay for feeding power to the power outlet when activated. In additional
facets, the at
least one tile electrical port is a data communications port and the data
communications port is an IR port.
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These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which
illustrate by way of example the features of the invention.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a medical interface system in accordance
with the invention showing a plurality of medical devices, each of which is
secured to
a docking station by a medical device interface;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the docking station of FIG. 1 with the medical
devices removed and having a casing with a plurality of docking tiles recessed
therein
and a base tile;
FIG. 3 is an isometric rear view of a medical device having a medical device
interface located at the rear of the instrument, the medical device interface
having a
rail cam assembly, a pole clamp assembly, power connector, IR communications
port,
and an instrument alignment member;
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FIG. 4a is an isometric view of the medical device of FIG. 3 secured to a
mounting rail by the rail cam assembly with portions of the rail cut away for
clarity;
FIG. 4b is a plan view of the operation of the alignment mounting member at
the back of the medical device of FIG. 3 interacting with the alignment recess
of the
docking station casing to properly and automatically align the power and
communications devices of the instrument with those of the docking tile.
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FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the medical device of FIG. 3 secured to a pole
by the pole clamp assembly;
FIG. 6 is a front view of the base tile of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of one of the docking tiles of FIG. 2;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the docking tile of FIG. 7 showing a mounting rail,
power connector, signal ports and a circuit card mounted to the back of the
tile;
FIG. 9 is a diagram of the circuit card of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a portion of the casing of FIG. 2;
FIG. 11 is a plan view of the casing of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 depicts an alternate configuration of a docking station showing three
docking tiles and a base tile;
FIG. 13 depicts another alternate configuration of a docking station showing
two vertical casings and an interconnecting horizontal casing located at and
engaged
with the tops of the vertical casings;
FIG. 14 depicts another alternate configuration of a docking station having a
stand;
FIG. 15 depicts a docking station having a bag support for holding infusion
fluid for use by one or more medical devices that may be mounted to the
docking
station;
FIG. 16 is a view of the medical device interface of FIG. 3 as viewed from the
outside of the medical device with portions of the rail cam cut away for
clarity;
FIG. 17 is a view of the medical device interface of FIG. 3 as viewed from the
inside of the medical device showing interconnection of the rail cam to an
externally
located cam control lever, and also showing the spring bias on the rail cam;
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FIGS. 18a and 18b are isometric views of the rail cam of FIG. 3;
FIGS. 18c through 18e are a plan view, a front view and a side view,
respectively, of the rail cam of FIGS. 18a and 18b;
FIG. 19a is an isometric view of the pole clamp assembly of FIG. 3 in an
opened position;
FIG. 19b is an isometric view of the pole clamp assembly of FIG. 3 in a closed
position;
FIG. 19c is a top view of the pole clamp assembly of FIG. 19a; and
FIG. 19d is a top view of the pole clamp assembly of FIG. 19b.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to
designate like or corresponding elements among the several figures, in FIGS. 1-
3
there is shown a medical device interface system 10 (FIG. 1) used with a
plurality of
individual medical devices 12, such as syringe infusion pumps 14 and
peristaltic
infusion pumps 16. Other types of medical devices not shown in FIG. 1 may be
incorporated into the system. Such as blood pressure and oxygen monitoring
devices.
Each of the medical devices 12 is removably secured to a docking station 18
(FIG. 2)
by a medical device interface 48 (FIG. 3) located at the rear of each device.
The docking station 18, as shown in FIG. 2, includes a plurality of docking
tiles 20 and a base tile 22, each mounted to a casing 24. Each docking tile 20
includes
a mounting rail 26 mounted to a plate 28. The mounting rail 26 has standard
height
and depth dimensions. Also mounted to the plate 28 are a power outlet 30 and a
data
communications port 32 for interfacing with complementary power and data
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communications components located on the rear of the medical devices 12 (FIG.
3).
The docking tiles 20 include a fastener 34 in each corner of the plate 28 for
mounting
the docking tile to the casing 24.
The base tile 22 includes a main power inlet 36 and a main on/off switch 38
for connecting each of the docking tiles 20 with an external power source. In
some
embodiments, the base tile 22 further includes a data communications port 40
for
connecting each of the docking tiles 20 with an external data communications
device,
such as a computer. The base tile 22 is secured to the casing 24 via front
panel
fasteners 42. The inside region of the casing 24 and the docking tile plate 28
are
lo dimensioned such that the plate fits within the casing.
With reference to FIG. 3, a medical device interface (MDI) 48 which in this
case forms part of a medical device 12 housing is located at the rear of the
device. The
mounting case 50 of the instrument has a back panel 76 on which is located the
MDI
48. The MDI includes an instrument alignment mounting member 51, the purpose
of
which is to automatically align the other components of the MDI with
complementary
components of the docking station or of another station. In this embodiment,
the
instrument alignment mounting member 51 has a first portion 52 and a second
portion
54, each protruding rearward from the back panel. The first protruding portion
52
includes a first recess 56 while the second protruding portion 54 includes
second
recess 58. Each recess 56, 58 is dimensioned to receive the mounting rail 26
(FIG. 2)
of a docking tile 20.
The MDI 48 (FIG. 3) further includes a rail cam 60 that is positioned within
the first recess 56 and mounted therein for rotation. The rail cam 60 is
biased to a
closed/lock position. The rail cam 60 includes two opposing arms 62, each
having a
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base 78 and a guiding portion 64 on top of the base. Each guiding portion 64
has a
sloping surface having a portion 80 that extends out over the base 78 of the
arm. The
arm bases 78 are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the height of a
mounting
rail, such that the mounting rail fits between the arms. The space between the
tips of
the extension portions 80 is less than the height of the mounting rail.
The guiding portion 64 is sloped to receive the force of a mounting rail 26
during mounting and to induce rotation of the rail cam 60 against its spring
bias to an
open/receive position during which the mounting rail slips into the space
between the
arm bases 78. Once the mounting rail 26 is positioned within the rail cam 60,
the rail
cam rotates back to its closed/lock position. In the closed/lock position of
the rail cam
60, the extension portions 80 of the arms 62 are located behind the mounting
rail 26,
thereby retaining the mounting rail within the rail cam and the first and
second
recesses 56, 58.
The MDI 48 also includes a lever 66 positioned at the top of the mounting
case 50. The lever 66 rotates the rail cam 60 from its closed/lock position
against its
spring bias to an open/release position during which the medical device 12 may
be
removed from the mounting rail 26. The open/release position and the
open/receive
position are identical. This position is sometimes referred to as the
open/receive/release position. The MDI 48 further includes a power inlet 68
and a
data communication port 70 which are aligned to communicate with complementary
power and data communications components located on the docking tiles 20 (FIG.
2).
Also included in the MDI 48 is a pole clamp assembly 72 which may be
extended for purposes of securing the medical device 12 to a pole. The pole
clamp
assembly 72 includes an arm 82 and a threaded post 84. The arm 82 is pivotally
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mounted to the back panel 76 and moves between open and closed positions. The
post
84 is attached to the arm 82 and threadably mounted thereto for movement along
the
axis of the post. The pole clamp assembly 72 is positioned relative the first
and
second portions 52 and 54 such that when the pole clamp assembly is closed the
post
84 is positioned in a recess between the two portions. When the pole clamp
assembly
72 is opened, the post 84 is substantially perpendicular to the back panel 76.
In this
position, the post 84 may be rotated to tighten against a pole placed between
the tip of
the post and the back pane176.
In operation, as shown in FIG. 4a, a medical device 12 is secured to a
mounting rail 26 by visually aligning the first recess 56 and the second
recess 58 with
the mounting rail. Once aligned, the rail cam 60 is pushed against the
mounting rail
26. The force of the mounting rail 26 against the guiding portions 64 of the
rail cam
60 induces rotation of the rail cam such that the mounting rail slides into
the space
between the arm bases 78. Once the mounting rail 26 is positioned within the
rail cam
60, the cam returns to its closed/lock position and the extension portions 80
of the
arms 62 hold the device 12 to the rail. If the mounting rail 26 is part of a
docking
station 18 (FIG. 2), the power inlet 68 (FIG. 4) of the medical device 12 and
the
power outlet 30 (FIG. 2) of the docking tile 20 interconnect. Likewise, the
data
communications ports 32, 70 of the two structures interface. To remove the
medical
device 12 from the rail cam, the lever 66 is activated to cause the rail cam
to rotate to
its open/release position during which time the extension portions 80 no
longer retain
the device to the mounting rail 26. Likewise, as shown in FIG. 4b, a medical
device
12 is secured to a docking tile 20 by visually aligning the alignment mounting
member 51 of the device with the recess formed by the casing 24. Once aligned,
the
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rail cam 60 is pushed against the mounting rail 26 and secured thereto as just
described with reference to FIG. 4a.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the medical device 12 may be mounted to a
pole 74 using the pole clamp assembly 72. In order to do so, the arm 82 of the
pole
clamp assembly 72 is pivoted to its open position. The medical device 12 is
placed on
the pole 74 such that the pole lies in the area between the first and second
portions 52,
54 of the MDI 48. The threaded post 84 is then rotated until the tip of the
post
contacts the pole, thereby clamping the instrument 12 to the pole 74.
Following are further detailed descriptions of the docking station 18 (FIG. 2)
and medical interface device 48 (FIG. 3).
Docking Station
As previously mentioned with reference to FIG. 2, the docking station 18
includes a plurality of docking tiles 20 and a base tile 22, each mounted to a
casing
24. The base tile 22 is typically positioned near the bottom of the docking
station to
provide for easy connection with power and data communications cables. The
docking tiles 20 are positioned adjacent each other, one on top of the other
or in a
side-by-side arrangement. The docking tile 20 are dimensioned such that when
assembled they are spaced apart a distance sufficient to accept a medical
device 12 of
standard height and/or width dimensions. Tile spacers (not shown) may be
positioned
between adjacent docking tiles 20 in order to increase the distance there
between to
allow for acceptance of non-standard dimensioned medical devices 12 without
physical interference between the devices. The docking station 18 may either
be a
"dumb" station, i.e., one which provides only power to the medical devices 12,
or a
"smart" station, i.e., one which provides both power and data communications
to the
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medical devices. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the docking station 18
includes
a vertical casing 44 and a horizontal casing 46. The casings 44, 46 are joined
together
by a T-piece 47 that fits within the top of the vertical casing 44 and is
fastened to the
back of the horizontal casing 46. At each end of the horizontal casing 46 is a
removable end cap 49.
As shown in FIG. 6, the base tile 22 includes a main power inlet 36 and an
on/off switch 38 for interfacing each of the docking tiles 20 with an external
power
source. Power is provided to each docking tile 20 in a daisy chain manner
through
connection provided by adjacent tiles, as described further below. The base
tile 22
includes a connection port through which an earth connection is made with the
back
of the casing 24. In a smart docking station, the base tile 22 further
includes a data
communications port 40 for interfacing each of the docking tiles 20 with an
external
data communications device, such as a computer. The base tile 22 coordinates
data
communications with all individual docking tiles 20 located in the docking
station.
Such communications may take the form of a central hospital computer
monitoring
the status or location, or both, of an individual medical device mounted at
the docking
station. In a preferred embodiment, the base tile 22 includes Ethernet
circuitry for
interfacing with an Ethernet system. Alternatively, the base tile 22 may
include the
necessary interface for communicating with other devices through an RS-232 bus
or
other similar bus configurations.
As shown in FIGS. 7-9, each docking tile 20 includes a standard size
mounting rail 26 mounted to a symmetrical shaped plate 28. In a preferred
embodiment, the plate 28 is square, although other shapes are possible, such
circular.
The mounting rai126 has a standard height and depth. In a preferred
embodiment, the
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mounting rail 26 has a height of approximately 25mm and a depth of
approximately
10mm. The mounting rail 26 is spaced a distance from the plate 28 by a
plurality of
spacers 100. The spacers 100 are dimensioned to position the mounting rail 26,
relative the plate 28, such that during mounting, the plate does not contact
the back
surface of the first and second portions 52, 54 (FIG. 3). The spacers 100 thus
ensure
that the plate 28 does not inhibit movement of the mounting rail 26 into the
first and
second recesses 56, 58 and the rail cam 60.
Also mounted to the plate 28 (FIG. 7) are a plurality of signal ports, e.g.,
power outlet 30 and a data communications port 32. The power outlet 30 is
positioned
on the plate 28 to align with a complementary power inlet 68 (FIG. 3) located
on the
rear of a medical device. During installation of a medical device 12 to a
docking tile
(FIG. 7), the complementary power components interconnect. Likewise, the data
communications port 32 is positioned on the plate 28 to align with a
complementary
data communications component 70 (FIG. 3) located on the rear of a medical
device
15 12. In a preferred embodiment, the complementary data communication
components
are infrared ("IR") ports. Alternatively, the communications components may be
mechanical in nature, such as pin connectors or telephone connectors.
A circuit card 102, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, is mounted on the rear of the
plate 28. The circuit card 102 carries a plurality of circuit components for
connecting
20 the signal ports 30, 32 of individual docking tiles 20 to the corresponding
signal ports
on the base tile 22. With regard to power connections, each docking tile 20
receives
power through the base tile 22.
Power lugs 104 located on the circuit card receive power from the base-tile
power source via power cables 106. Adjacent docking tiles 20 are
interconnected in a
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daisy chain manner through the power cables 106. This power is provided to the
power inlet 30 via relay 110. A cable 108 provides an earth connection to the
casing
24 (FIG. 2). The circuit card 102 also includes a relay 110 that is activated
by a
magnet 342 (FIG. 17) positioned within the medical device. When the medical
device
12 is mounted on the docking tile 20, the magnet 342 activates a reed switch
122
which activates the relay 110 to allow for the application of power through
the power
outlet 30. Activation of the relay 110 is indicated by illumination of a red
LED 120
located on the circuit board 102 and visible at the front of the docking tile
20 (FIG. 7).
The LED 120 illuminates when the relay is activated. The relay 110 acts as a
safety
feature by blocking the power signal from the power outlet 30 in the absence
of a
medical device. Should the relay 110 fail and stick in the activated position,
even
upon removal of the medical device 12 from the docking tile 20, the LED 120
indicates the presence of power at the outlet 30.
In a dumb docking station, the relay 110 is powered by a 12 volt dc signal
provided by power connectors 126. These power connectors 126 receive power
from
the base tile 22. The power signal is passed through adjacent docking tiles 20
in a
daisy chain manner. In a smart docking station the circuit card 102 further
includes
data communication connectors 112. These connectors 112 provide the dc power
signal to power the relay 110. These connectors 112 also communicate with a
data
cable 114 to provide an interface between the IR port 32 and the main data
communications port 40 of the base tile 22. Adjacent docking tiles 20 are
daisy
chained together via connectors 112 to provide communication between each
docking
tile and the communications device connected to the base tile 22.
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Each docking tile 20 is individually mounted to the docking station casing 24
(FIG. 2) by fasteners 34 located in each corner of the plate 28. Each fastener
34
includes a screw 116 and a square nut 118. The square nut 118 fits within the
a square
fastener channel located in the casing 24, as described further below.
Docking tiles 20 may also be mounted directly to a wall or bed instead of
being included as part of a docking station 18. When mounted as such, power
and
data communications are typically provided directly to the tile, instead of
through a
base tile 22. Power may be provided by a wall outlet while data communications
may
be provided by a data cable such as an RS-323 cable or a telephone line.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the docking station casing 24 includes two sides
200. In a preferred embodiment, the casing 24 is formed of aluminum. This
provides
structural rigidity to the casing and electromagnetic capability (EMC)
shielding, e.g.,
electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection, as well as weight reduction.
The
casing may, however, be made of a non-metallic material and EMI screening
mounted
to the inside to result in the same level of EMI protection as if the casing
were made
of metal. Each side 200 is substantially semi-circular in shape and is hollow
along its
entire length. These hollow sides 200 provide rigidity to the casing 24 while
at the
same time reducing the weight. An arced back panel 202 joins the two sides
200. At
the junctions 204 of the back panel 202 and side 200 is a rear channel bar 206
that
runs the entire length of the casing 24. Inserted within each of the rear
channel bars
206 is a channel plug strip 208 (FIG. 11). The channel plug strips 208, which
may be
formed of rubber, may be removed and a bracket (not shown) may be installed
across
the rear of the casing 24 for mounting the casing to a wall or other support
medium.
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On the inside of the casing 24 is a center channel bar 210. The center channel
bar 210 receives the earth cable 108 (FIG. 8) and thereby provides earth
bonding.
Also on the inside of the casing 24, near each of the sides 200 is a recess
channel bar
212 that runs the entire length of the casing 24. The recess channel bars 212
are
rectangular in cross section and are sized to receive the square nuts 118
(FIG. 7)
associated with the docking-tile fasteners 34, as previously described. The
casing 24
also includes a pair of threaded channels 222 which receive screws 224 (FIG.
2) for
securing the end cap 49 to the casing.
The distance between the inner walls 214 of the sides 200 is selected to be
slightly greater than the width of a docking tile plate 28 (FIG. 7) so that
the tile can be
mounted in the recess 215 formed between the sides 200. The distance between
the
front of the recess channels 212 and the front 216 of the casing, i.e., the
docking
station depth, is selected to be slightly greater than the dimension by which
the first
and second portions 52, 54 (FIG. 3) of the alignment mounting member 51 of the
MDI 48 protrude from the back panel 76. The recess 215 between the sides 200
therefore forms an alignment mounting recess that functions to automatically
guide
the alignment mounting member 51 (FIG. 3) of the medical device 12 into proper
alignment with the interface components of the plate mounted in the recess,
such as
power, data communications, and the mounting rail. The curved configuration of
the
front 216 part of the casing assists in correctly and automatically aligning
the
components of the instrument with the components of the docking tile 20 as the
interface 48 of the instrument is pressed into the recess 215. This curved
configuration
tends to direct the interface 48 of the instrument into the recess 215.
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While the foregoing description of a docking station 18 has been made with
reference to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, alternate configurations may
be
assembled. Examples of alternate configurations are shown in FIGS. 12-14. FIG.
12
shows a docking station having three docking tiles 20 and a single base tile
22
mounted within a casing 24. The casing 24 is capped at the top and bottom and
with
such a configuration, the entire assembly is particularly suited to be mounted
to a wall
by means of a mounting bracket inserted in the rear channel bars 206 of the
casing
(see FIG. 11). With specific reference to FIG. 13, it is noted that the top
horizontal
portion of the docking station 18 includes the same casing as the vertical
portions.
During assembly, docking tiles 20 are simply rotated and secured to the casing
side-
by-side. This is possible due to the square dimensions of the docking tiles
plates 28.
As previously mentioned, docking stations 18 may be mounted to the wall
using brackets attached to the back of the casing. Alternatively, a docking
station 18
may include a stand 218, as shown in FIG. 14, which allows for placement of
the
docking station at a location distant from a wall. The stand shown in FIG. 14
can have
wheels mounted at the bottom of each foot so that the stand can accompany a
patient
who is being moved. The medical devices mounted in the docking station 18
include
battery backup power that allows the devices to continue operation during
movement.
As shown in FIG. 15, a docking station may also include accessories such as a
hook
apparatus 220 for hanging bags of infusion fluid. A clamp assembly 219 in this
arrangement is mounted to the end of the horizontal casing 46 instead of an
end cap
49 (FIG. 2). The clamp assembly 219 permits control over the height of the
hook
apparatus 220.
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Medical Device Interface
As previously mentioned with reference to FIG. 3, a medical device interface
(MDI) 48 forming part of a medical device housing or attached to the housing
is
located at the rear of the device. The MDI is usually made of plastic. The MDI
48
includes a rail cam 60 and pole clamp assembly 72. With reference to FIGS. 3,
16 and
17, the instrument alignment mounting member 51 forming part of the mounting
case
50 has a first portion 52 protruding rearward from the case a distance no
greater than
the depth of a docking station 20. The first portion 52 has a height no
greater than the
height of a docking tile 20 and a width no greater than the width of a docking
tile.
In the upper region 300 of the first portion 52, is a first recess 56. The
first
recess 56 includes a top region 302 and a bottom region 304. The top region
302 is
defined by two substantially planar top surfaces 306 and an arcuate top
surface 308.
The portion of the first recess 56 bounded by the arcuate top surface 308
defines an
arcuate top region 310. Likewise, the bottom region 304 is defined by two
substantially planar bottom surfaces 312 and an arcuate bottom surface 314.
The
portion of the first recess 56 bounded by the arcuate bottom surface 314
defines an
arcuate bottom region 316. The top and bottom planar surfaces 306, 312 are
substantially parallel to each other.
The first recess 56 has a height defined by the distance between the top and
bottom planar surfaces 306, 312. The height is slightly greater than the
height of a
mounting rail 26. The first recess 56 has a depth defined by the distance
between the
back surface 318 (FIG. 3) of the recess and the surface 320 of the first
portion. The
depth is greater than the depth of a mounting rail 26. Given the height and
depth of
the first recess 56, when a mounting rail is placed within the first recess
and
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positioned flush against the back surface 318 of the recess, the mounting rail
is
recessed relative the surface 320 of the first portion.
At the surface 320 of the first portion 52, in the lower region 322, is a
power
inlet 68, data communications port 70 and a potential equalization connector
324. The
power inlet 68 and the data communication port 70 are positioned on the
surface 320
of the first portion, relative the first recess 56, such that they align with
and interface
with the power outlet 30 (FIG. 2) and data communication port 32 of a docking
tile
when the mounting rail of the docking tile is placed within the first recess.
A roof 344,
positioned above the power inlet 68, serves to prevents fluid from entering
the power
lo inlet so that when the medical device 12 is used in a stand alone
configuration, i.e.,
not with a docking station, it reduces the risk of shorting out the electrical
power.
The back surface 318 of the first recess 56 includes a circular cutout
positioned such that the top and bottom portions of the cutout align with the
top and
bottom arcuate surfaces 308, 314. Positioned within the circular cutout is a
rail cam
60. As shown in FIGS. 18a-18e, the rail cam 60 includes a circular cam base
400 that
fits within the circular cutout such that the surface 402 of the circular cam
base is
substantially subflush with the back surface 318 of the first recess 56. By
"subflush" it
is meant that the cam base 402 is positioned a slight distance below the back
surface
318. This ensures that the mounting rail 26 contacts the back surface 318
rather than
the face of the cam base 402, thereby allowing the rail cam 60 to rotate
freely into the
closed/locked position without encountering any friction contact with the
mounting
rail 26. The cam base 400 is mounted for pivotal movement within the cutout.
Positioned near the periphery of the cam base 400 and projecting substantially
perpendicular relative the surface 402 of the cam base are a pair of opposing
arms 62.
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Each arm 62 includes an arm base 404 defining a lock surface 406. The arms
62 are positioned on the cam base 400 such that the distance between the two
opposite
lock surfaces 406 is slightly greater than the height of a mounting rail 26 to
allow for
placement of the mounting rail between the lock surfaces. Each arm 62 also
defines a
release surface 412. Each arm 62 further includes a guiding portion 64 located
at the
top of the arm base 404. The guiding portion 64 includes a first portion 408
sloping
downward from a first height near the outer periphery of the arm base 404 to a
second
height inward relative the outer periphery of the arm base. The second height
is less
than the first height.
The guiding portion 64 further includes a second portion 410 that is
contiguous with the first portion 408. The second portion 410 extends outward
from
the arm base 404 above the lock surface 406 and acts a lip for retaining a
mounting
rail 26. The arms 62 are dimensioned such that the distance between the
surface 402
of the cam base 400 and the bottom of the second portion 410 as best shown in
FIG.
18e is substantially equal to the depth of the mounting rail 26 and the
distance
between the ends of opposing second portions 410 as best shown in FIG. 18a, is
less
than the height of the mounting rail. Accordingly, the mounting rail 26 fits
within the
rail cam 60 and is retained within the rail cam by the second portions 410.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 16 the rail cam 60 is oriented within the cutout
such that the cam rotates between a closed/lock position and a
open/receive/release
position. In FIG. 3, the rail cam is shown in its closed/lock position. When
in this
position, the lock surface 410 (FIG. 18d) of each arm 62 is substantially
flush with the
top and bottom surfaces 306, 312 of the first recess, respectively and the
second
portion 410 of each arm extends into the space between the top and bottom
surfaces.
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When the rail cam is in its open/receive/release position, the release surface
412 of
each arm is substantially flush with the top and bottom surfaces 306, 312 of
the first
recess, respectively and the second portion 410 of each arm 62 is positioned
within
the top and bottom arcuate region 310, 316, respectively and thus is outside
the space
between top and bottom surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the rail cam 60 is
formed of plastic and is capable of supporting between 20 to 30 pounds (9 to
13.5
kilograms). To support heavier weights the rail cam may be made of metal.
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the MDI 48 further includes a lever assembly
326 coupled to the rail cam 60. The lever assembly 326 includes an external
release
lever 66 positioned on the exterior side of the MDI. The external release
lever 66 is
coupled to an internal release lever 328 positioned beneath the external
release lever
on the interior side of the MDI. The lever assembly 326 further includes a
rail cam
lever 330 coupled to the rail cam 60 and positioned on the interior side of
the MDI.
The rail cam lever 330 is biased in the closed/lock position by a spring 334.
The rail
cam lever 330 and internal release lever 328 are coupled together by a release
linkage
332. Rotation of the external release lever 66 induces rotation of the
internal release
lever 332 which in turn displaces the release linkage 332. Displacement of the
release
linkage 332 causes the rail cam lever 330 to rotate against the force of the
spring 334
which in turn rotates the rail cam 60. Movement of the lever 66 rotates the
rail cam 60
from its closed/lock position to its open/receive/release position.
With reference to FIGS. 3, 16 and 17, the mounting case 50 has a second
portion 54 protruding rearward from the case. The second portion 54 includes a
second recess 58 defined by a substantially planar top surface 336 and a
substantially
planar bottom surface 338. The second recess 58 has a height defined by the
distance
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between the top and bottom planar surfaces 336, 338. As with the first recess
56, the
height of the second recess 58 is slightly greater than the height of a
mounting rail 26.
The second recess 58 is aligned with the first recess such that a mounting
rail 26 may
be positioned within both recesses simultaneously. The first portions 52 and
second
portion 54 are spaced apart to allow for placement of a portion of the pole
clamp
assembly 72 there between. Positioned between the first portion 52 and the
second
portion 54 is a pole clamp recess 340. The pole clamp recess 340 has a
generally
arcuate surface and is dimensioned and orientated to receive a portion of the
pole
clamp assembly.
With reference to FIG. 19a-19d, the pole clamp assembly 72 includes a
bracket 500, a pivot member 502 and threaded post 504. The post 504 includes a
threaded stud 506 and a handle 508. The bracket 500 is typically mounted to
the back
panel 76 (FIG. 3) of the MDI 48 near the first and second portions 52, 54. The
pivot
member 502 is formed in a general L-shape to include a first leg 510 and a
second leg
512. The first leg 510 is pivotally mounted to the bracket 500 such that the
pivot
member 502 is moveable between an open position (FIGS. 19a and 19c) and a
closed
position (FIGS. 19b and 19d). The second leg 512 carries a threaded hole for
receiving the thread stud 506 and allowing for axial movement of the stud.
As shown in FIG 19c, the bracket 500 has a generally V-shaped cross section.
At the point of the V is a stud recess 514 having a semicircular cross section
and an
axis 516 associated therewith. The second leg 512 of the pivot member is
positioned
relative the first leg 510 to extend over the bracket 500 such that when the
pole clamp
assembly 72 is in the closed position, the axis of the stud is substantially
parallel with
the axis 516 of the stud recess. When the pole clamp assembly is in the closed
CA 02614658 2008-01-10
position, the axis of the post is substantially perpendicular to the axis 516
of the stud
recess.
The handle 508 is positioned at one end of the stud 506 and is formed to
include opposing curved sides 518 shaped to substantially match the curved
shape of
the arcuate surface of the pole clamp 340 (FIG. 3). The handle 508 is further
formed
to include opposing round ends 520. When the pivot member 502 is in a closed
position, a portion of the handle 508 and stud 506 lie within the pole clamp
recess 340
a portion of the stud resting within the stud recess 514. The pole clamp
assembly
components are made of metal and may be made by extrusion or casting.
As previously mention and shown in FIG. 4, a medical device 12 is secured to
a mounting rail 26 by visually aligning the first recess 56 and the second
recess 58
with the mounting rail. Once aligned, the rail cam 60 is pushed against the
mounting
rail 26. The force of the mounting rail 26 against the sloped guiding portions
64 of the
rail cam 60 induces rotation of the rail cam to its open/receive position. In
this
position the mounting rail is able to slide into the space between the arm
bases 404
comes to rest between the lock surfaces 406 the top and bottom surfaces of the
first
and second recesses 56, 58.
Once the mounting rail 26 is positioned within the rail cam 60, the cam
returns
to its closed/lock position and the second portions 410 the arms retain the
device 12 to
the rail. To remove the device 12 from the rail cam, the external release
lever 66 is
activated to cause the rail cam 60 rotate to its open/release position during
which the
second portions 410 the arms 62 move into the top and bottom arcuate regions
310,
316, thereby allowing for removal of the device from the mounting rail 26.
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During installation of a medical device 12 to a mounting rail 26 the handle
508
may be orientated such one of the rounded end 520 is facing the mounting rail.
Orientated as such, the handle 508 may initially interfere with the mounting
process
by contacting the mounting rail 26 as it is entering the recessed portions 56,
58.
However, because of the rounded configuration of the handle end 520, it easily
translates the force resulting from the contact between the rounded end 520
and the
mounting rail 26 into rotational motion of the handle. The rounded end slides
along
the surface of the mounting rail while rotating the handle 508 thereby
orientating the
handle such that one of the curved sides 518 of the handle generally aligns
with the
arcuate surface defining the pole clamp recess 340 (FIG. 3).
As previously mentioned and shown in FIG. 5, the medical device 12 may be
mounted to a pole 74 using the pole clamp assembly 72. In order to do so, the
arm 82
of the pole clamp assembly 72 is pivoted to its open position. The medical
device 12
is placed on the pole 74 such that the pole lies within the pole clamp
assembly recess
340 (FIG. 16) and the bracket 500 (FIG. 19a). The threaded post 84 is then
rotated
until the tip of the post contacts the pole, thereby clamping the instrument
12 to the
pole 74.
It will be apparent from the foregoing that while particular forms of the
invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be
made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it
is not
intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.
27
