U.S. patent application number 09/982528 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-24 for medical servicing system.
Invention is credited to Brown, David C., Ehrenreich, Kevin J., Geiselhart, Edward, Hand, Barry, Kendall, James W., Reding, Andrew, Tesluk, Christopher.
Application Number | 20030076015 09/982528 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25529256 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030076015 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ehrenreich, Kevin J. ; et
al. |
April 24, 2003 |
Medical servicing system
Abstract
One embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a servicing
system appropriate for many environments, including medical
environments. The servicing system may be used to position,
organize, support, and move commonly used equipment and services in
a desired area of a facility. The servicing system may include a
suspension system, a service module, a detachable equipment support
assembly, and a mobile platform for decoupling, docking,
supporting, and moving the equipment support assembly to and from
the service module. The suspension system may be fixedly secured to
structural reinforcement members in a ceiling, the service module
may be attached at a distal end of the suspension system, and the
equipment support assembly may be removably attached to the service
module.
Inventors: |
Ehrenreich, Kevin J.;
(Birnamwood, WI) ; Kendall, James W.; (Mount
Prospect, IL) ; Hand, Barry; (Mt. Pleasant, SC)
; Geiselhart, Edward; (Chicago, IL) ; Tesluk,
Christopher; (Providence, RI) ; Brown, David C.;
(Chicago, IL) ; Reding, Andrew; (Mt. Pleasant,
SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow,
Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P.
1300 I Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20005-3315
US
|
Family ID: |
25529256 |
Appl. No.: |
09/982528 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/209 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 50/13 20160201;
A61B 50/10 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/209 |
International
Class: |
A47B 081/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A servicing system comprising: a suspension system connected to
an overhead support structure and providing a path for at least one
of an electric line, fluid line, or data line; a service module
coupled to the suspension system and comprising at least one
connector for allowing access to electricity, fluid, or data from
said at least one electric line, fluid line, or data line; and an
equipment support assembly removably coupled to the service module
for supporting equipment.
2. A servicing system according to claim 1, wherein the suspension
system provides a path for at least one electric line, at least one
fluid line, and at least one data line, and the service module
comprises at least one connector for each said at least one
electric line, at least one fluid line, and at least one data
line.
3. A servicing system according to claim 2, wherein the service
module comprises a plurality of panels and at least one of the
panels comprises a plurality of said connectors.
4. A servicing system according to claim 1, wherein the service
module comprises at least one handle member.
5. A servicing system according to claim 4, wherein the service
module comprises at least one control panel for at least partially
controlling a movement of the suspension system.
6. A servicing system according to claim 1, wherein the equipment
support assembly comprises a support column.
7. A servicing system according to claim 1, wherein the equipment
support assembly further comprises at least one shelf member
coupled to the support column.
8. A servicing system according to claim 7, wherein the at least
one shelf member comprises an adjustable clamping assembly for
assisting the at least one shelf member in supporting
equipment.
9. A servicing system according to claim 8, wherein the adjustable
clamping assembly comprises at least two spaced apart, movable
clamp plates that approximately define a width of the at least one
shelf member.
10. A servicing system according to claim 9, wherein the at least
two vertically extending clamp plates are coupled together to move
in unison.
11. A servicing system according to claim 7, wherein the at least
one shelf member comprises a coupling assembly for attaching the at
least one shelf member to the support column.
12. A servicing system according to claim 11, wherein the coupling
assembly comprises at least two shelf arms.
13. A servicing system according to claim 11, wherein the coupling
assembly comprises an adjustment mechanism for allowing adjustment
of the position of the at least one shelf member along the support
column.
14. A servicing system according to claim 7, wherein the at least
one shelf member comprises an elastomeric bumper element.
15. A servicing system according to claim 7, wherein the at least
one shelf member comprises a control panel for at least partially
controlling movement of the suspension system.
16. A servicing system according to claim 7, wherein the at least
one shelf member comprises at least one electric, fluid, or data
connector for allowing access to electricity, fluid, or data from
said at least one electric line, fluid line, or data line.
17. A servicing system according to claim 7, wherein the at least
one shelf member comprises a rotatable and tiltable platform.
18. A servicing system according to claim 6, wherein the equipment
support assembly further comprises an arm assembly coupled to the
support column at one end and having a video display monitor
coupled at another end.
19. A servicing system according to claim 1, further comprising a
mobile platform for receiving the equipment support assembly upon
decoupling of the equipment support assembly from the service
module.
20. A servicing system according to claim 19, wherein the mobile
platform comprises one of an engaging element and engaging element
receiver and the equipment support assembly comprises the other of
the engaging element and engaging element receiver, and decoupling
of the equipment support assembly from the service module requires
mating of the engaging element and the engaging element
receiver.
21. A servicing system according to claim 20, wherein said engaging
element comprises at least one vertical spine and said engaging
element receiver comprises at least one cavity sized to securely
fit said at least one vertical spine.
22. A servicing system according to claim 21, wherein said mobile
platform comprises the at least one spine and the equipment support
assembly comprise the at least one cavity.
23. A servicing system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile
platform comprises a vertically adjustable base member for
supporting the equipment support assembly after the equipment
support assembly has been decoupled from the service module.
24. A servicing system according to claim 23, wherein the base
member is an upper base member, and the upper base member is
coupled to a lower base member by at least one cross link assembly,
and the upper base member is adjusted vertically by one of a
pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuator.
25. A method of decoupling an equipment support assembly from an
overhead suspension system comprising: positioning a mobile
platform underneath the equipment support assembly; raising a
portion of the mobile platform vertically into engagement with the
equipment support assembly; and moving the mobile platform and
equipment support assembly away from the overhead suspension
system.
26. A method of decoupling an equipment support assembly according
to claim 25, further comprising operating one of an pneumatic,
hydraulic, or electric actuator to raise said portion of the mobile
platform.
27. A method of decoupling an equipment support assembly according
to claim 25, further comprising, prior to the raising of said
portion of the mobile platform, detaching any electric, fluid, or
data lines connected between the equipment support assembly and the
suspension system.
28. A method of decoupling an equipment support assembly according
to claim 25, further comprising locking the equipment support
assembly to the mobile platform after said engagement with the
equipment support assembly.
29. A shelf for a service system comprising: a shelf length
dimension and a shelf width dimension; a shelf base member
extending generally in a direction of the shelf length dimension; a
clamping assembly coupled to the shelf base member and extending
generally in a direction of the shelf width dimension; and a
coupling assembly attached to the shelf base member for coupling
the shelf to the service system.
30. A shelf according to claim 29, wherein the service system
comprises an overhead suspension system.
31. A shelf according to claim 29, wherein the clamping assembly is
adjustable for assisting the shelf in supporting equipment of
varying sizes.
32. A shelf according to claim 29, wherein the clamping assembly
comprises at least two spaced apart, movable clamp plates that
approximately define the width dimension of the shelf.
33. A shelf according to claim 32, wherein the at least two
vertically extending clamp plates are coupled together to move in
unison.
34. A shelf according to claim 29, wherein the coupling assembly
comprises an adjustment mechanism for allowing adjustment of the
position of the shelf along the service system.
35. A shelf according to claim 29, further comprising an
elastomeric bumper element.
36. A shelf according to claim 29, further comprising a control
panel for at least partially controlling movement of the service
system.
37. A shelf according to claim 29, further comprising at least one
electric, fluid, or data connector for allowing access to
electricity, fluid, or data from at least one electric line, fluid
line, or data line of the service system.
38. A shelf according to claim 29, further comprising a pivotable
platform coupled to the shelf base member.
39. A shelf assembly for a service system comprising: a support
column having at least a front portion, a rear portion and a bottom
portion; a coupling arrangement for assisting in attaching and
detaching the shelf assembly to the service system; and at least
one shelf member for supporting equipment.
40. A shelf assembly according to claim 39, wherein the service
system comprises an overhead suspension system.
41. A shelf assembly according to claim 39, wherein the coupling
arrangement is located at the rear portion of the support
column.
42. A shelf assembly according to claim 41, wherein the coupling
arrangement comprises pegs of the service system and mating
recesses in the support column.
43. A shelf assembly according to claim 39, wherein the coupling
arrangement is a first coupling arrangement and the shelf assembly
further comprises a second coupling arrangement for assisting in
attaching the shelf assembly to a mobile platform.
44. A shelf assembly according to claim 43, wherein second coupling
arrangement is located at the bottom portion of the support
column.
45. A shelf assembly according to claim 44, wherein the second
coupling arrangement comprises one of an engaging element and
engaging element receiver and the mobile platform comprises the
other of the engaging element and the engaging element receiver,
and coupling of the shelf assembly to the mobile platform requires
mating of the engaging element and the engaging element
receiver.
46. A shelf assembly according to claim 45, wherein said engaging
element comprises at least one vertical spine and said engaging
element receiver comprises at least one cavity sized to securely
fit the at least one vertical spine.
47. A shelf assembly according to claim 46, wherein said mobile
platform comprises the at least one spine and the support column
comprises the at least one cavity.
48. A floor located mobile support device comprising: a vertically
adjustable base member for supporting an equipment support assembly
of a service system; and a coupling arrangement located on the base
member for coupling the mobile support device to a bottom portion
of the equipment support assembly.
49. A floor located mobile support device according to claim 48,
wherein the service system comprises an overhead suspension
system.
50. A floor located mobile support device according to claim 48,
wherein the coupling arrangement comprises one of an engaging
element and engaging element receiver and the equipment support
assembly comprises the other of the engaging element and the
engaging element receiver, and coupling of the equipment support
assembly to the mobile support device requires mating of the
engaging element and the engaging element receiver.
51. A floor located mobile support device according to claim 50,
wherein said engaging element comprises at least one vertical spine
and said engaging element receiver comprises at least one cavity
sized to securely fit the at least one vertical spine.
52. A floor located mobile support device according to claim 51,
wherein said mobile support device comprises the at least one spine
and the equipment support assembly comprises the at least one
cavity.
53. A floor mounted mobile support device according to claim 48,
wherein the vertically adjustable base member is an upper base
member and the mobile support device further comprise a lower base
member connected to the upper base member.
54. A floor mounted mobile support device according to claim 53,
wherein the upper base member is coupled to a lower base member by
at least one cross link assembly, and the upper base member is
adjusted vertically by one of a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric
actuator.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to medical servicing systems
and, more particularly, to an improved ceiling or wall mounted
medical servicing system having a detachable equipment support
assembly. The invention is particularly applicable for use in
operating rooms during surgical procedures or the like and will be
described with reference thereto. However, it is to be understood
that the present invention is useful in a variety of situations,
environments, and applications wherever electrical, pneumatic, or
other equipment is needed, including non-medical uses and
environments such as industrial and commercial applications.
[0003] 2. Background of the Invention
[0004] One challenge facing medical practitioners and hospitals
involves reducing the time required to safely perform medical
procedures. This time reduction is beneficial to the patient by
reducing the possibility of surgical complications, and beneficial
to the hospital by allowing more procedures to be preformed in a
given day. Accordingly, there is a need to find ways to make an
operating room as efficient as possible before, during, and after a
medical procedure. In this regard, the efficiency of an operating
room can be improved by properly positioning, organizing,
supporting, connecting, and moving commonly used medical equipment
and services required in the operating room. Technological
advances, however, have made it difficult to safely and centrally
position and organize all of the medical instruments now used by
medical practitioners. For example, most operating rooms are not
properly configured to easily and centrally locate devices such as
display monitors (that require connection with data lines feeding
video) with other pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrically driven
equipment. Further, many new medical products require additional
electrical, fluid, and data connections. Efficiently and safely
positioning, organizing, supporting, and moving these types of
equipment, and other conventional medical equipment, remains a
challenge in the operating room.
[0005] Attempts at efficiently and safely positioning and
organizing medical equipment in an operating room include using
various types of medical servicing systems. Medical servicing
systems can be as simple as a mobile cart, or can be as complex as
a support unit that is movable horizontally and vertically by way
of a suspension system that is fixedly connected to a ceiling of an
operating room. One such suspended system is described in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,196,649 to Block et al. While suspended systems save valuable
space in the operating room, and are beneficial for many other
reasons, they are restricted by the sphere of movement permitted by
its suspension system. Further, these suspended systems can be
difficult to move to a desired location due to their weight and
degrees of freedom. Finally, shelves provided with conventional
support assemblies typically are not space efficient or readily
adaptable for different sized instruments or advances in medical
instrument technology.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a medical servicing system
that is easy to operate, is able to efficiently position, organize,
and support medical instruments and services, is adaptable to
support today's and tomorrow's technology, and allows efficient
movement of the supported instruments and services before, during,
and after a medical procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a servicing
system comprises a suspension system connected to an overhead
support structure and provides a path for at least one of an
electric line, fluid line, or data line; a service module coupled
to the suspension system and comprising at least one connector for
allowing access to electricity, fluid, or data from the at least
one electric line, fluid line, or data line; an equipment support
assembly removably coupled to the service module for supporting
equipment; and a mobile platform for receiving the equipment
support assembly upon decoupling of the equipment support assembly
from the service module.
[0008] Further in accordance with another aspect of the present
invention, a method of decoupling an equipment support assembly
from a suspension system comprises positioning a mobile platform
underneath the equipment support assembly; raising a portion of the
mobile platform vertically into engagement with the equipment
support assembly; and moving the mobile platform and equipment
support assembly away from the overhead suspension system.
[0009] Further in accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a shelf for a service system comprises a shelf length
dimension and a shelf width dimension; at least two arm members
extending generally in a direction of the shelf length dimension; a
clamping assembly coupled to the at least two arm members and
extending generally in a direction of the shelf width dimension;
and a coupling assembly attached to the arm members for coupling
the shelf to the service system.
[0010] Yet further in accordance with an aspect of the present
invention, a shelf assembly for a service system comprises a
support column having at least a front portion, a rear portion, and
a bottom portion; a coupling arrangement for assisting in attaching
and detaching the shelf assembly to the service system; and at
least one shelf member for supporting equipment.
[0011] Further in accordance with another aspect of the present
invention, a floor located mobile support device comprises a
vertically adjustable base member for supporting an equipment
support assembly of a service system, and a coupling arrangement
located on the base member for coupling the mobile support device
to a bottom portion of the equipment support assembly.
[0012] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part
will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice
of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will
be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one embodiment
of the invention and together with the description, serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the medical
servicing system according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the suspension
system and service module illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIGS. 3A-3D are right side, left side, front, and rear
views, respectively, of the service module illustrated in FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of a the equipment support assembly of
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the support column of the equipment
support assembly of FIG. 1
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top view of a shelf member of the equipment
support assembly of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a top view of a monitor shelf according to the
present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 8 is a front view of the support column and mobile
platform of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be
used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like
parts.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the medical
servicing system 10 in accordance with the present invention.
"Servicing system" as defined herein includes any system that
facilitates or assists in providing desired services, such services
including, but not limited to, positioning, organizing, supporting,
or moving equipment and delivering electricity, fluid, or data to a
desired location. Accordingly, medical servicing system 10 may be
used to position, organize, support, and move commonly used medical
equipment and to deliver electricity, fluid, or data to desired
locations in an operating room. Medical servicing system 10 may
include an overhead suspension system, generally indicated at 20, a
service module, generally indicated at 100, a detachable equipment
support assembly, generally indicated at 150, and a mobile platform
200 for decoupling and moving equipment support assembly 150 from
service module 100. Suspension system 20 may be fixedly secured to
structural reinforcement members in a ceiling 22, or to other
suitable supports, such as, for example, a wall of an operating
room or the like. Service module 100 may be attached at a distal
end of suspension system 20 and have attached thereto detachable
equipment support assembly 150.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, overhead suspension system 20 may
include a mount 24 for connecting suspension system 20 to ceiling
22. "Overhead" suspension system as defined herein includes any
type of suspension system that is not directly coupled to a floor
of the room or facility in which the suspension system is located.
Mount 24 may include any suitable fastening arrangement, including,
for example bolts 26 for securing suspension system 20 to ceiling
22. A horizontal arm 28 may be rotatably coupled to mount 24 by way
of a vertical connector 30 coupled between horizontal arm 28 and
mount 24. Rotation of horizontal arm 28 is about axis 32, as
indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2. A distal end 34 of horizontal arm
28 may be connected to a further vertical connector 36. Vertical
connector 36 includes a lower portion 38 coupled to a distal arm 40
by way of a joint 42 that allows distal arm 40 to rotate about an
axis 44 and rotate in a vertical plane about joint 42. Motion of
distal arm 40 is indicated by arrows B and C in FIG. 2. Joint 42
and the coupling of vertical connector 30 to horizontal arm 28 may
be formed in any conventional manner as long as they provide the
required degrees of freedom, i.e. rotation of horizontal arm 28 and
rotation and vertical movement of distal arm 40. It will be
appreciated that stops may be included to prohibit horizontal arm
28 and distal arm 40 from rotating a full 360 degrees, which may
avoid detrimental twisting of components within suspension system
20. Further, each of the arms 28, 40 may be held in position in a
conventional manner using, for example, pneumatic brakes or the
like.
[0026] The vertical movement of distal arm 40 may be controlled by
a motor (not shown). Control of the motor may be provided on
service module 100, or at any other appropriate location on or
separate from the medical servicing system 10, such as, for
example, on a wall of the room where service system 10 is located.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, control of
suspension system 20 may be provided by a control panel 101 mounted
on a handle member 130 attached to service module 100. Control
panel 101 may include manually actuatable pushbuttons 102 and 104
that control pneumatic brakes, and a manually actuatable toggle
switch 106 for controlling the motorized vertical height of distal
arm 40. Pushbuttons 102 and 104 may be used to each respectively
control one of the pneumatic brakes of each of horizontal arm 28
and distal arm 40 to lock the arms at a desired rotational
position. As is well known in the art, the pneumatic brakes release
when the pushbuttons 102 and 104 are depressed. The toggle switch
106 may be a momentary type so that vertical motion is enabled only
when an operator presses and holds the switch in a downward or
upward position.
[0027] A distal end 46 of distal arm 40 may be connected to a
vertical coupling member 48 for coupling service module 100 to
suspension system 20. Vertical coupling member 48 may be of any
conventional configuration, for example a tubular or I-beam
configuration, and may allow relative rotational movement between
service module 100 and suspension system 20 about axis 50, as
indicated by arrow D in FIG. 2.
[0028] Horizontal arm 28, distal arm 40, and the connectors and
coupling members attached thereto (30, 36, and 48) of suspension
system 20 may define an internal conduit 52 (shown in dashed lines)
for allowing one or more electric lines 54, fluid lines 56, and
data lines 58 to run from ceiling 22 to service module 100. "Line"
as defined herein includes any type of pipe, cable, wire, conduit,
cord, or other appropriate structure that permits the desired flow
or transfer. Electric, fluid, and data lines 54, 56, and 58 deliver
electricity, fluid, and data to and from patients, medical
equipment or information systems during surgical procedures. For
example, low and high voltage can be carried along electric lines
54, a vacuum, gases such as NO.sub.2, O.sub.2, CO.sub.2, HeO.sub.2,
and N.sub.2, or liquid, may be supplied along fluid lines 56, and
video, telephone, or other data can be carried along data lines 58.
It is appreciated that other types of lines useful in the given
environment can run through internal conduit 52 from ceiling 22 to
service module 100. Electric, fluid, and data lines 54, 56, and 58
may alternatively be run along the outside surface of suspension
system 20 to service module 100 instead of through internal conduit
52. It is appreciated that proper safeguards may be included to
properly separate any fluid lines 56 delivering combustible fluid
from any electric lines 54 of the system. For example, a physical
barrier may be included within mount 24, internal conduit 52, and
service module 100 to separate any nitrogen fluid lines from any
high and low voltage electric lines.
[0029] As an alternative embodiment of the suspension system 20
described above, distal arm 40 and vertical coupling member 48 may
be omitted so that vertical connector 36 is directly coupled to
service module 100. In this embodiment of the invention, vertical
connector 36 could be formed of an appropriate length to locate
service module 100 at an optimum height, or could be formed as a
telescoping type connector capable of varying length, thus allowing
for an adjustable height of service module 100. Further, service
module 100 may be connected to ceiling 22 or other support
structure by any number of support arms depending on the amount of
desired system movement. For example, service module 100 may be
directly coupled to ceiling 22 by a single vertical connecting
member.
[0030] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an embodiment of service module 100
in accordance with the present invention. "Service module" as
defined herein includes any structure or device that assists or
facilitates the providing of the desired service or services.
Service module 100 may be configured about vertical axis 50 (FIG.
3C) and include side panels 110, 112, a front face 114, and a rear
face 116. Front face 114 may include a recessed central portion 118
and two opposing angled panels 120, 122 connecting recessed central
portion 118 to side panels 110, 112. Similarly, rear face 116 may
include a central portion 124 and two opposing angled panels
126,128 connecting central portion 124 of rear face 118 to side
panels 110, 112. As mentioned above, service module 100 may include
a handle member 130 attached to one or both of side panels 110,
112. Handle members 130 enable a medical practitioner or assistant
to move service module 100 along the degrees of freedom provided by
suspension system 20. For example, service module 100 may be moved
into and out of the surgical field, toward or away from the
operating table or into any other position as desired. As noted
above in connection with FIG. 2, one handle member 103 may include
a control panel 101 for controlling the movement of suspension
system 20.
[0031] The service module 100 of the present invention could
alternatively be formed of any number of different shapes, such as
generally rectangular or elliptical. Further, service module 100
may be formed of any appropriate material that is capable of
supporting the required loads of system 10. One such material
includes aluminum.
[0032] Each side panel 110, 112, and angled panel 120, 122, 126,
and 128 may include one or more electrical connectors 132, fluid
connectors 134, or data connectors 136. Electrical, fluid, and data
connectors 132, 134, and 136 are coupled to their respective lines
54, 56, and 58 which extend from ceiling 22 and along or through
suspension system 20 to service module 100. Any combination of
electrical connectors 132, fluid connectors 134, or data connectors
136 may be provided on a respective side or angled panel 110, 112,
120, 122, 126, and 128 of service module 100. For example, as
illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, the connectors 132, 134, and 136 can be
arranged so that only one type of connector is located on any one
panel. Further, panels 110, 112, 120, 122, 126, and 128, and
central portion 124, may include further connectors or devices, for
example, a power switch 138, a phone connector (not shown), a
CO.sub.2 bottle holder, an arm member for a flat panel display, or
an air vent or filtering device (not shown). In accordance with the
present invention, panels 110, 112, 120, 122, 126, and 128 may be
interchangable about service module 100 and/or may include a hinge
for allowing easy access to a rear portion of the connectors.
[0033] Recessed central portion 118 of front face 114 of service
module 100 is adapted to receive an equipment support column 152.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate service module 100 with equipment support
column 152 attached thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, recessed
central portion 118 may include a plurality of pegs 140 extending
normal to the surface of recessed central portion 118. Pegs 140 may
be sized to dock with corresponding recesses formed in the rear
face of support column 152 and may include a distal portion 141
larger than a proximal portion 143 (shown in dashed lines in FIG.
3C). Recessed central portion 118 may include any number or size of
pegs 140 as long as they can maintain secure coupling of support
column 152 with service module 100 when equipment support assembly
150 is fully loaded. The details of the docking and undocking of
support column 152 with service module 100 are described in further
detail below.
[0034] Central portion 124 of rear face 116 may include further
connectors 132, 136, or 138 and a hinged or detachable door to
provide access to the interior of service module 100. Such access
to the interior of service module 100 allows for simplified
maintenance and repair of the interior components of service module
100.
[0035] Now referring to FIGS. 4-6, detachable equipment support
assembly 150 is configured to allow for compact storage of medical
devices and may include a support column 152 having a front face
154 and a rear face 156. One embodiment of rear face 156 of support
column 152 is illustrated in FIG. 5. "Equipment support assembly"
as defined herein includes any structure or device that assists or
facilitates supporting the weight of desired equipment. As
discussed above, rear face 156 of support column 152 may include
recesses 158 having large, lower openings 159 for receiving distal
portions 141 of pegs 140 and upper grooves 161 sized to receive
proximal portions 143 of pegs 140. Thus, as support column 152 is
positioned for docking with service module 100, the larger distal
portions 141 of pegs 140 are aligned with lower openings 159 and
urged into lower openings 159. Once pegs 140 are fully received
within lower openings 159, support column 152 may be lowered (or
service module 100 raised) so that smaller proximal portions 143 of
pegs 140 align with upper grooves 161 and travel upward to rest
against the top portion 163 of upper grooves 161. The location of
pegs 140 when properly docked with support column 152 are shown in
dashed lines in FIG. 5. It is understood that other types of
coupling arrangements of equipment support assembly 150 and service
module 100 may be practiced in accordance with this invention,
including providing rear face with 156 of support column 152 with a
downwardly tapering protrusion that would mate with a corresponding
tapered recess in central portion 118 of service module 100. In
this embodiment, lowering of support column 152 into the tapered
recess may serve to couple support column 152 and service module
100 together. In yet another embodiment, downwardly projecting claw
members could be provided on support member 152 for mating with
upwardly projecting claw members of service module 100. As with the
other embodiments, aligning then lowering of support column 152
relative to service module 100 may allow for docking.
[0036] Still referring to FIGS. 4-6, support column 152 may include
two vertical tracks or grooves 160, 162 (FIG. 6) formed within a
protruding portion 153 of front face 154. These vertical tracks
160, 162 can receive various different types of servicing
components to be described below. One type of servicing component
attachable to support column 152 includes a shelf member 164. Shelf
member 164 may include a shelf base formed with two horizontally
extending arms 168, 170. Horizontally extending arms 168, 170 are
connected at a distal end by a connecting plate 172 and at a
proximal end by a power module 174. Power module 174 may include
one or more service connectors 132, 134, or 136 located on a top,
bottom or side surface thereof and may be connectable to
appropriate electric, fluid, or data lines 54, 56, and 58 in any
conventional manner. A proximal end of power module 174 may be
formed in a generally C-shaped configuration to securely mate with
protruding portion 153 and tracks 160, 162 of support column 152.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the base of shelf
member 164 may be formed with a single element, rather than two (2)
horizontally extending arms 168, 170, with the single element
having a width equal to that formed by arms 168, 170.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 6, shelf member 164 may also include a
clamping assembly generally indicated at 176 for assisting in the
securing of a desired element on shelf member 164. Clamping
assembly 176 may be located approximately midway between the
proximal and distal ends of shelf member 164 and include two (2)
vertically extending clamp plates 178, 180, one on each side of
shelf member 164. Clamping assembly 176 may be adjustable to allow
clamp plates 178, 180 to move generally horizontally to increase or
decrease the distance between vertically extending clamp plates
178, 180. Movement of clamp plates 178, 180 can be achieved, for
example, by bracket sets 182, 184 that extend above horizontally
extending arms 168, 170 and into a bracket base 171 extending
between horizontally extending arms 168, 170. In order to ensure a
central support of desired equipment on shelf member 164, bracket
sets 182, 184 may be coupled together so that clamp plates 178 and
180 move in unison in the same direction, i.e., together toward the
extending arms 168, 170 or together away from the extending arms
168, 170. A rack and pinion type coupling (not shown) could be used
between bracket sets 182, 184 to obtain the desired unison
movement. Alternatively, coupling of bracket sets 182 and 184 could
be omitted to allow individual movement of bracket sets 182, 184.
Directional movement of clamp plates 178, 180 and bracket sets 182,
184 is shown by arrows E and F in FIG. 6. Bracket sets 182, 184 may
be locked in position by way of an appropriate locking mechanism
(not shown). For example, bracket sets 182 and 184, and bracket
base 171 could incorporate a screw-type locking mechanism or a
releasable spring-type locking mechanism that automatically secures
bracket sets 182 and 184 at a desired position.
[0038] Vertically extending clamp plates 178, 180 may be formed of
an elastomeric material so as to better grip objects placed on
shelf member 164 and provide for cushioned impact of shelf member
164 with other objects. Further, straps (not shown) may be placed
through appropriate holes formed in each of clamp plates 178, 180
to further secure desired equipment on shelf member 164.
[0039] As noted above, shelf member 164 may be coupled at a distal
end by way of a connecting plate 172. A distal end of connecting
plate 172 may include a bumper member 173 formed of an elastomeric
material to provide for cushioned impact of the front of the shelf
member 164 with other objects. Bumper member 173 may also function
as a handle for shelf member 164. In accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention, connecting plate 172 may include a
control panel 186 for controlling the movement of suspension system
20. Such a control panel 186 may be configured as control panel 101
described above with respect to FIG. 2, and thus could include
pushbuttons 102, 104 and toggle switch 106. Control panel 186 could
be located proximal to a bumper member 173 to reduce the likelihood
of unintentional operation through inadvertent contact. Further,
necessary wires for control panel 186 could be run through or along
one or both horizontal extending arms 168, 170 of shelf member 164.
Medical servicing system 10 may include a single control panel (101
or 186) or multiple control panels (101 and 186).
[0040] Proximal end of shelf member 164 may include a locking
mechanism (not shown) for allowing vertical adjustment and locking
of shelf member 164 at a vertical position on support column 152.
Locking mechanism may be designed to require a tool to allow the
vertical adjustment, or may be designed for vertical adjustment
without the need of any tools. A locking mechanism not requiring
tools may include a vertical rack formed along each track 160, 162
of support column 152 and two (2) pivotable tooth engaging members
coupled to shelf member 164 and located adjacent a respective rack.
The tooth engaging members could be spring biased to lock with its
associated rack when shelf member 164 is in a horizontal position
and unlocked when shelf member 164 is not in a horizontal position.
Accordingly, shelf member 164 could be adjusted vertically about
support column 152 by tilting the shelf member upward from
horizontal and automatically locked into position upon movement of
shelf member 164 back into a horizontal position. Vertical
adjustment of shelf member 164 allows for shelving medical
equipment or services having different vertical dimensions.
[0041] Shelf members 164 may also be added or removed from support
column 152. FIG. 4 illustrates a support column 152 having two (2)
of the above described shelf members 164 attached thereto, but more
shelf members 164 could be added, or one or both shelf members 164
could be removed from support column 152. This could be achieved,
for example, by removing lower end cap 157 (FIG. 4) of support
column 152 and unlocking and lowering shelf member 164 vertically
out of tracks 160, 162. Further, support columns 152 of varying
lengths may be used in the system 10 depending on the number of
shelves or other components desired.
[0042] The above disclosed shelf member 164 can be varied in size
to be only as large as required for a desired function. This
minimized "footprint" of shelf member 164 is important in the
operating environment where space is at a premium.
[0043] Another type of servicing component attachable to support
column 152 is shown in FIG. 4 and includes a display monitor shelf
166. Monitor shelf 166 may include extendable distal and proximal
arms 185, 187 and a pivoting platform 188 coupled to distal
extendable arm 187. Pivoting platform 188 is designed to receive a
standard sized video display monitor 190. A pivot 192 of pivoting
platform 188 may allow for limited tilting and swiveling of
pivoting platform 188 and monitor 190. For example, pivot 192 could
allow for approximately 15 degrees of downward tilt from horizontal
and 30 degrees of swivel to each side of a central position. Pivot
192 may also be centered for optimum balance of pivoting platform
188 and monitor 190, and may include an adjustable drag control
that is free of drift. The data connections, in this case "video
in" lines, may run from service module 100 along support column 152
to and along proximal and distal extendable arms 185, 187 to
monitor 190. Extendable arms 185, 187 may be pivotably connected to
one another to allow for extension of pivoting platform 188 away
from support column 152. Further, proximal extendable arm 185 may
be rotatably connected to support column 152 to allow for further
positioning of pivoting platform 188. Coupling of monitor shelf 166
with support column 152 and vertical adjustment, addition or
removal of monitor shelves 166 may be identical to that described
above with respect to shelf member 164.
[0044] It will be appreciated that various other servicing
components may be attached to support column 152, for example, a
flat panel type video display 194 (FIG. 7) could be coupled to
support column 152 by way of a display arm 196 secured at a
proximal end within vertical tracks 160, 162. Display arm 196 may
provide for swiveling or tilting of video display 194.
Alternatively, customized shelving may be coupled along support
column 152. Customized shelving may include long shelves designed
to support long equipment or heavy duty shelving designed for heavy
equipment.
[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile support
structure or device, such as a mobile or wheeled platform or cart
200, in accordance with the present invention. Functions of mobile
platform 200 may include: (1) assisting in the decoupling of
equipment support assembly 150 from service module 100; (2)
supporting equipment support assembly 150 in a vertical position
during use of the equipment support assembly 150 without service
module 100; and (3) transporting equipment support assembly 150 to
desired locations, such as a different operating room or another
service module. Mobile platform 200 includes a lower base member
202 having four (4) wheels 204 attached to its bottom surface. At
least one of wheels 204 may be rotatable about a vertical axis to
assist in steering platform 200, and at least one wheel 204 may
include a brake mechanism for preventing rotation of the wheel, and
thus preventing movement of mobile platform 200. Platform 200 also
may include a vertically adjustable upper base member 206. Upper
base member 206 may be connected to lower base member 202 by way of
a set of cross links 210, 212. Vertical movement of upper base
member 206 may be obtained by relative movement of one link of each
cross link 210, 212. Such movement of cross links 210, 212 may be
achieved through actuation of an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic
actuator 214 coupled to individual links of cross links 210, 212 to
be moved. Upper base member 206 or lower base member 202 may
include a retractable or detachable and storable towing handle
assembly 216. Further, upper base member 206 may include an
engaging element, for example, at least one spine member 218, 220
for mating with an engaging element receiver, for example, cavities
222, 224 formed in support column 152 and sized to securely receive
spine members 218, 220. Alternatively, support column 152 could
include an engaging element and the associated engaging element
receiver would be formed in upper base member 206. The engaging
elements should be sized to provide the dual purpose of aligning
mobile platform 200 with support column 152 and coupling mobile
platform 200 with equipment support assembly 150 so as to
substantially prevent separation of equipment support assembly 150
from mobile platform 200 once equipment support assembly 150 has
been decoupled from service module 100.
[0046] Removal or decoupling of equipment support assembly 150 from
service module 100 may be achieved by disconnecting appropriate
electrical, fluid, and data lines extending between equipment
support assembly 150 and service module 100 and adjusting the
height of service module 100 via suspension system 20 to a
decoupling height. The appropriate decoupling height may be
programmed into the control of suspension system 20 so that the
height is automatically achieved or signaled, when desired. Once
service module 100 and equipment support assembly 150 are at
decoupling height, mobile platform 200 is positioned directly
underneath equipment support assembly 150 so that spine members
218, 220 are aligned with the mating cavities 222, 224 of support
member 152. Actuator 214 is then activated to move cross links 210,
212 to raise upper base member 206 into contact with support column
152. Raising base member 206 beyond a height associated with
supporting the full weight of equipment support assembly 150 by
mobile platform 200 acts to begin decoupling of support column 152
from service module 100. By raising support column 152 in relation
to service module 100 pegs 140 of service module 100 are moved
downwardly through upper grooves 161 to lower opening 159 of
support column 152. Once pegs 140 are vertically aligned with lower
openings 159, support column 152 may be urged away or decoupled
from service module 100.
[0047] Once decoupled from service module 100, equipment support
assembly 150 may be mobile to a desired location, such as another
service module. Equipment support assembly 150 may be connected to
electrical, fluid, and data lines while supported by mobile
platform 200. Mobility of the equipment support assembly 150
provides flexibility in operating room scheduling, wherein
specialized equipment for a certain medical procedure can be easily
moved as one unit to different operating rooms.
[0048] Connection or docking of equipment support assembly 150 to
service module 100 from mobile platform 200 may be achieved through
the following steps. Mobile platform 200 is positioned so that
support column 152 is flush against recessed central portion 118 so
that lower openings 159 of support column 152 are vertically
aligned with pegs 140 of service module 100. Column support 152 may
then be urged against service module 100 so that pegs 140 fully
enter lower openings 159. Service module may then be raised, or
mobile platform 200 lowered, so that pegs 140 travel upwardly to
top portion 163 of upper grooves 161 in support column 152, and
thus secure support column 152 to service module 100. Once support
column 152 is coupled to service assembly 100, electrical, fluid,
and data lines may be coupled between equipment support assembly
150 and service module 100.
[0049] Further decoupling and docking methods can be practiced
according to the present invention. For example, mobile platform
may include a vertically extending support structure including a
vertical groove for fixedly receiving a rear portion of support
column 152, and coupling and decoupling may be attained through
movement of service module 100. In addition to the benefits
described above in connection with decoupling equipment support
assembly 150 from service module 100, such decoupling allows for
the replacement of old support assemblies with new support
assemblies incorporating the latest technological advances. Thus, a
user of medical servicing system 10 would not need to replace the
entire system in order to obtain the benefits associated with
advances in the art.
[0050] The components of suspension system 20, service module 100,
equipment support assembly 150 and mobile platform 200 may be
formed of any suitable material, such as aluminum.
[0051] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. For example, positional
control of the suspension system 20 may also be provided by a foot
operated control device connected to the servicing system 10. Such
a foot operated control device could include the same features as
control panels 101 and 184 described above, but adapted in size to
facilitate use by a foot. It is intended that the specification and
examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and
spirit of the invention being indicated by the following
claims.
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