U.S. patent application number 10/696899 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-06 for ergonomic data system stand.
This patent application is currently assigned to Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bidwell, Dean Jeffrey, Hooper, Stephen Bruce, Walston, Andrew Lyle.
Application Number | 20040085715 10/696899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30117927 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040085715 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bidwell, Dean Jeffrey ; et
al. |
May 6, 2004 |
Ergonomic data system stand
Abstract
A particular orientation of a control panel and an accessory
device provides ergonomic benefits to an operator. A user control
is mounted on a corner of the stand. The user interface of an
accessory device is mounted at about a 45.degree. angle to the
control panel on one side of the stand. User tools, such as a
transducer connector, are also mounted at about a 45.degree. angle
to the control panel, such as mounted on a different side of the
stand adjacent to the control panel. Convenient access is provided
to all of the control panel, the user interface of the accessory
device, and the user tools. Additional leg room is also provided
due to the angle of the stand relative to the user position in
front of the control panel. The ultrasound system or other data
system with this orientation of components allows ergonomic use of
the system in a more confined space.
Inventors: |
Bidwell, Dean Jeffrey;
(Everett, WA) ; Walston, Andrew Lyle; (Seattle,
WA) ; Hooper, Stephen Bruce; (Redmond, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Craig A. Summerfield
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Assignee: |
Siemens Medical Systems,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
30117927 |
Appl. No.: |
10/696899 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10696899 |
Oct 29, 2003 |
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09964014 |
Sep 25, 2001 |
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6683784 |
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60252992 |
Nov 22, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.4 ;
361/679.01; 361/679.08; 361/679.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/182 20130101;
G06F 1/16 20130101; A61B 8/4405 20130101; A61B 8/00 20130101; G06F
1/181 20130101; A61B 8/467 20130101; A61B 8/462 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679 |
International
Class: |
H05K 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A moveable stand for operating a data system, the moveable stand
comprising: a control panel on the stand; and an accessory device
having a user interface, the accessory device on the stand; and a
transducer connector on a vertical portion of the stand, the user
interface of the accessory device and transducer connectors on
different sides of the control panel relative to the operator
position; wherein the control panel is oriented at more than 10
degrees and less than 80 degrees to the user interface of the
accessory device and to the transducer connector, the orientation
relative to an operator position.
2. The moveable stand of claim 1 wherein the control panel is
oriented at more than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees to the
user interface of the accessory device and to the transducer
connector.
3. The moveable stand of claim 1 wherein the control panel is
oriented at more than 40 degrees and less than 50 degrees to the
user interface of the accessory device and to the transducer
connector.
4. The moveable stand of claim 1 wherein the control panel is
oriented at about 45 degrees to the user interface of the accessory
device and to the transducer connector.
5. The moveable stand of claim 1 wherein the control panel is
oriented at more than 10 degrees and less than 80 degrees to any
side of the accessory device, the accessory device comprising a
generally rectilinear volume having four sides, a top and a
bottom.
6. The moveable stand of claim 1 wherein the control panel
comprises at least a keyboard, the operation position is facing the
keyboard substantially perpendicular to rows of keys of the
keyboard.
7. The moveable stand of claim 1 further comprising a display
device positioned above the control panel wherein the accessory
device is positioned below the control panel.
8. The moveable stand of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the
transducer connector is at a same height as at least a portion of
the control panel.
9. The moveable stand of claim 1 further comprising a display above
the control panel, wherein a top of the transducer connector is
below a top of the display and above a lowest portion of the
control panel.
10. The moveable stand of claim 1 wherein the accessory device
comprises at least one of a printer and a video cassette
recorder.
11. The moveable stand of claim 1 further comprising at least one
caster connected with a bottom of the stand.
12. The moveable stand of claim 1 further comprising an ultrasound
system within the moveable stand.
13. An ultrasound system stand for use with an ultrasound system,
the stand comprising: an ultrasound system connected with the
stand; a control panel connected with the stand and operatively
connected with the ultrasound system; a display above the control
panel; and a transducer connector connected with the stand, a top
of the transducer connector being below a top of the display and
above a lowest portion of the control panel; wherein the control
panel is oriented at more than 10 degrees and less than 80 degrees
to the transducer connector, the orientation relative to an
operator position;
14. The ultrasound system stand of claim 13 wherein at least a
portion of the transducer connector is at a same height as at least
a portion of the control panel.
15. The ultrasound system stand of claim 13 further comprising: an
accessory device having an user interface, the accessory device
within the stand and operatively connected with the ultrasound
system, the accessory device oriented at more than 10 degrees and
less than 80 degrees to the control panel on an opposite side of
the control panel than the transducer connector, the orientation
relative to an operator position.
16. The ultrasound system stand of claim 13 wherein the control
panel is oriented at more than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees
to the transducer connector.
17. The ultrasound system stand of claim 13 wherein the control
panel is oriented at more than 40 degrees and less than 50 degrees
to the transducer connector.
18. The ultrasound system stand of claim 13 wherein the control
panel is oriented at about 45 degrees to the transducer
connector.
19. The ultrasound system stand of claim 13 wherein the control
panel comprises at least a keyboard, the operation position is
facing the keyboard substantially perpendicular to rows of keys of
the keyboard.
20. The ultrasound system stand of claim 13 further comprising a
transducer hanger connected with the stand on a same side of the
stand as the transducer connector.
21. The ultrasound system stand of claim 13 further comprising at
least one caster connected with a bottom of the stand.
22. A method for ergonomically connecting ultrasound system
components, the method comprising the acts of: (a) mounting an
accessory device with an ultrasound system stand, the accessory
device having a user interface; (b) mounting a control panel to the
ultrasound system stand; (c) orienting the control panel at more
than 10 degrees and less than 80 degrees to the user interface of
the accessory device relative to an operator position based on the
mounting of (a) and (b); (d) connecting a transducer connector on a
vertical surface of the ultrasound system stand; and (e) orienting
the control panel at more than 10 degrees and less than 80 degrees
to the transducer connector relative to the operator position, the
transducer connector spaced 90 to 270 degrees around the diameter
of the ultrasound system stand from the user interface of the
accessory device.
23. (currently amended) A method for ergonomically connecting
ultrasound system components, the method comprising the acts of:
(a) mounting a control panel to an ultrasound system stand; (b)
positioning a display above the control panel on the ultrasound
system stand; (c) connecting a transducer connector with the
ultrasound system stand such that a top of the transducer connector
is below a top of the display and above a lowest portion of the
control panel; and (d) orienting the control panel at more than 10
degrees and less than 80 degrees to the transducer connector
relative to the operator position.
24. The method of claim 23 further comprising: (e) mounting an
accessory device with the ultrasound system stand, the accessory
device having a user interface; (f) orienting the control panel at
more than 10 degrees and less than 80 degrees to the user interface
of the accessory device relative to an operator position, the
transducer connector spaced 90 to 270 degrees around the diameter
of the ultrasound system stand from the user interface of the
accessory device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This present invention relates to stands for data systems.
In particular, ergonomic stands for data systems, such as
ultrasound systems, are provided.
[0002] Ultrasound systems include a cube-shaped housing for storing
electrical components of the ultrasound system. A control panel or
keyboard extends from one of the four sides of the housing. A
display is provided on top of the housing.
[0003] In addition to the control panel, a user interacts with
transducers and user interfaces on accessory devices, such as VCRs
or printers. The user needs easy access to the control panel, the
accessory's user interface, and the transducer connections, but all
three cannot fit in the same location. The control panel is
typically positioned to provide the easiest access to the user. The
transducers typically are located at a next-easiest-to-access
location, such as below the control panel or on a side of the stand
adjacent to the control panel. The user interfaces of accessory
devices are positioned in a least desirable position comparatively,
such as on a side of the stand opposite to the transducers or below
the control panel or even on top of the display monitor.
[0004] Ultrasound systems are typically used in a constrained
environment, such as a small room with a bed and other medical
equipment. Such confined environments may make it difficult for a
user to reach around to the side of the ultrasound stand or below a
control panel. The user's knees or feet may be blocked or contacted
by the ultrasound system stand, hurting the user or accidentally
activating controls.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention is defined by the following claims,
and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on
those claims. By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments
described below include a method and stands for operating a data
system. The control panel of the data system is oriented at more
than 10.degree. and less than 80.degree. to the user interface of
an accessory device.
[0006] In an ultrasound data system embodiment, the user control is
mounted on a corner of the stand. The user interface of an
accessory device is mounted at about a 45.degree. angle to the
control panel on one side of the stand. User tools, such as a
transducer connector, are also mounted at about a 45.degree. angle
to the control panel, such as mounted on a different side of the
stand adjacent to the control panel. Convenient access is provided
to all of the control panel, the user interface of the accessory
device, and the user tools. Additional leg room is also provided
due to the angle of the stand relative to the user position in
front of the control panel. The ultrasound system or other data
system with this orientation of components allows ergonomic use of
the system in a more confined space.
[0007] In a first aspect, a movable stand for operating a data
system is provided. A control panel connects with the stand. An
accessory device with a user interface also connects with the
stand. The control panel is oriented at more than 10.degree. and
less than 80.degree. to the user interface of the accessory device.
The orientation is relative to an operator position.
[0008] In a second aspect, a stand for operating a data system is
provided. A control panel and an output device having an output
port connects with the stand. The control panel is oriented at more
than 10.degree. and less than 80.degree. to the output port, the
orientation relative to an operator position.
[0009] In a third aspect, an ultrasound system stand for use with
an ultrasound system is provided. An ultrasound system connects
with the stand. A control panel and an accessory device having a
user interface also connect with the stand and operatively connect
with the ultrasound system. The control panel is oriented at more
than 10.degree. and less than 80.degree. to the user interface of
the accessory device, the orientation relative to an operator
position.
[0010] In a fourth aspect, a method for ergonomically connecting
ultrasound system components is provided. The method includes the
acts of: (a) connecting a user interface of an accessory device
with an ultrasound system stand; (b) connecting a control panel to
the ultrasound system stand; (c) orienting the control panel at
more than 10.degree. and less than 80.degree. to the user interface
of the accessory device relative to an operator position; (d)
connecting a transducer connector with the ultrasound system stand;
and (e) orienting the control panel at more than 10.degree. and
less than 80.degree. to the transducer connector relative to the
operator position; the transducer connector spaced 90.degree. to
270.degree. around the diameter of the ultrasound system stand from
the user interface of the accessory device.
[0011] Further aspects and advantages of the invention are
discussed below in conjunction with the preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The components and the figures are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
[0013] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are top, right perspective and left
perspective views of one embodiment of part of a data system
stand.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of a data system stand
and a user position.
[0015] FIGS. 3A and 3B are right and left perspective views of the
embodiment of the data system stand of FIG. 1A-C.
[0016] FIGS. 4A and 4B are right perspective views of two
respective embodiments of ultrasound system stands.
[0017] FIGS. 5A and 5C are left and right perspective views
respectively of yet another embodiment of an ultrasound system
stand incorporating the ultrasound system shown in FIG. 5B.
[0018] FIGS. 6 and 7 are two additional alternative embodiments of
ultrasound system stands.
[0019] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of two other
alternative embodiments of ultrasound system stands.
[0020] FIGS. 9A-D are perspective and top views of another
alternative embodiment of an ultrasound system stand.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Simultaneous visual and physical access is provided to a
control panel, a user interface or output port of an accessory or
output device, and any user tools associated with a data system.
The orientation of the control panel at an acute angle to adjacent
sides of a data system stand provides the simultaneous visual and
physical access. For example, by angling the orientations of the
accessory device and any user tools at about 45.degree. relative to
the user, the user can access the various components without moving
away from the data system. The control panel is connected at a
corner of the stand for efficient access while reducing
interference with the user's knees and feet.
[0022] FIGS. 1A-C show top, right perspective and left perspective
views of components connected with or forming part of a data system
stand 10. The stand 10 includes a control panel 12, a data system
14, an accessory device 16, an optional user tool mount 17, a
display 18, one or more wheels or casters 20, and a transformer 22.
Fewer, different or additional components may be included. In one
embodiment, the data system stand 10 comprises an ultrasound system
stand. Other data systems may be provided, such as a computer
workstation, medical imaging workstation, materials testing
station, ticketing station or other processing systems.
[0023] The components of the data system stand 10 listed above are
connected through a framework or housing structure. The framework
or housing structure comprises plastic, wood, metal, fiberglass and
combinations thereof. The framework and/or housing material is of
sufficient strength to support and prevent damage to any of the
various components of the data system stand 10. This structure
rigidly and stably connects the wheels or casters 20 to one
another. Preferably, the transformer 22 is included within this
structure between the wheels or casters 20 and sufficiently high to
provide clearance when rolling. This structure rigidly and stably
extends upward preferably along one side above a pair of adjacent
wheels. The control panel 12, data system 14, accessory device 16,
optional user tool mount 17, and display 18 are mounted to the
upward extension of the rigid structure. The housing and/or
framework is of any shape for holding the components.
[0024] The control panel 12 comprises a housing with a keyboard, a
track ball, a touch pad, membrane or push button keys, slides,
other user input devices now known or later developed, and
combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a qwerty keyboard,
dedicated keys, a plurality of slides, and a track ball are
provided for controlling an ultrasound system. The control panel 12
houses the user input devices in a cube or rectangular housing. In
alternative embodiments, housings with other geometrical shapes,
such as circular, rounded, semi-circular, multi-sided and
combinations thereof, are provided.
[0025] The various user input devices of the control panel 12 are
oriented for use by an operator in an operator position. For
example, rows of keys of a qwerty keyboard are oriented towards a
front edge of the control panel 12 associated with an operator
position adjacent or in front of that edge facing towards the data
system 10 as shown in FIG. 2. The various user input devices may be
positioned in a semi-circular orientation focused at the operator
position for ergonomic use of the control panel by the
operator.
[0026] The accessory or output device 16 comprises a video cassette
recorder (VCR), color printer, black and white printer, tape
recorder, compact disc reader or burner, facsimile machine,
scanner, digital archiving devices, analog archiving devices,
removable media devices, DVD, magneto optical drives or other
optional equipment machine. As shown, the accessory device 16
comprises a rectilinear volume having four sides, a top and a
bottom. Rounded, spherical or other shapes with a different number
of sides may be used. A user interface or output port is provided
on one side of the accessory device 16. For example, the user
interface (e.g. buttons) for a printer or VCR are positioned on one
or side face of the accessory device 16. As yet another example,
output ports, such as a paper output of a printer or a tape door of
a VCR, are provided on the side face of the accessory device
16.
[0027] The position of the accessory device 16 within the framework
or housing of the data system stand 10 allows visual and physical
access to the user interface or output port. For example, the user
interface is positioned at an acute angle to the operator. The
accessory device 16 is positioned to fit within an outer housing or
the framework of the data system stand 10. In alternative
embodiments, a portion, such as the side with the user interface or
output port, extends from the framework or outer housing of the
data system stand 10.
[0028] The data system 14 comprises one or more processors,
application-specific integrated circuits or other components, such
as a computer, workstation or ultrasound system. In one embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1A-C, the data system 14 comprises a cube shaped
housing oriented similar to a tower personal computer. Other
arrangements of the data system 14 including one or more cards of
electronics connected by wires or a back plane with or without a
housing of any shape may be used. In one embodiment, output or
input devices for use by an operator are provided on a front end of
the data system 14 adjacent to an operator position, such as a
floppy disk drive. Cabling connections are provided on a back end
spaced away from an operator position.
[0029] The optional user tool mount 17 comprises one or more an
electronic and/or physical connectors. In one embodiment, the user
tool mount 17 includes a handle, hook, clip or other device for
holding a user tool, such as a transducer probe, writing device,
hand-held device, or other user tool. In an alternative embodiment,
a plurality of releasable electrical and physical connectors for
ultrasound transducers are provided. A plurality of hangers for
holding the ultrasound probe adjacent to the respective transducer
connector are also provided. The user tool mount 17 is positioned
on the framework or housing of the data system stand 10 for visual
and physical access by the user from an operator position.
[0030] The display 18 comprises a monitor, flat panel display, LCD
or other display device. The display 18 is positioned above the
control panel 12. The display 18 is positioned on a top of the
stand 10, but other positions on a side or a corner of the stand 10
may be used. The front or view screen of the display 18 is oriented
towards the operator position or towards the control panel 12. In
one embodiment, the display 18 is rotatably mounted to the stand
10. Articulating or fixed mounts may also be used. In one
embodiment, speakers are positioned adjacent to or connected with
the display 18.
[0031] The casters 20 comprise three or more wheels or sets of
wheels swivel connected to the bottom of the stand 10. In one
embodiment, the stand 10 is movable by rolling on the casters 20.
In alternative embodiments, the stand 10 is permanently fixed, uses
tracks, wheels or other devices for moving. The casters 20 may be
lockable so that the stand 10 may be used without movement.
[0032] The transformer 22 transforms electrical power input from a
wall connection for use by the components of the stand 10. The
transformer 22 electrically connects with the data system 14.
[0033] The components of the stand 10 are oriented for ergonomic
use by the operator. Visual and physical access is provided to the
control panel 12, user interface or output port 36 of the accessory
device 16 and any user tool mounts 17. FIG. 2 shows the control
panel 12 connected at about a 45.degree. angle to the user
interface 36 of the accessory device 16 and user tool mounts 17. As
used herein, about includes within 3 degrees or other variation
accounting for manufacturing tolerances. A centerline of the
control panel 12 perpendicular to rows of keys 32 (i.e. extending
from an operator 34 to the stand 10 or display 18) is at about a
45.degree. angle to the user interface 36 of the accessory device
16 and the user tool mounts 17. Likewise, a tangent line to the
front edge or a centerline of the control panel parallel to the
rows of keys (i.e. extending parallel to the front of the operating
facing the stand 10) is at about a 45.degree. angle to the user
interface 36 of the accessory device 16 and the user tool mounts
17.
[0034] In alternative embodiments, the angular relationship between
the control panel 12 and the user interface 36 of the accessory
device 16 or user tool mounts 17 relative to the operator position
is 40.degree.-50.degree.. In yet other embodiments, a
30.degree.-60.degree. angular relationship is provided. In yet
still further embodiments, a 10.degree.-80.degree. angular
relationship is provided.
[0035] Various angles discussed herein are relative to an operator
position. The operator 34 in FIG. 2 is shown in the operator
position in front of the control panel 12 for viewing the display
18 in controlling the data system 14. From the operator position,
the user 34 has access to the user interface 36 of the accessory
device 16 and the tool mounts 17. A plane defined by the user
interface 36 of the accessory device 16 intersects a centerline
either perpendicular or parallel to centerlines in either the X or
Y lateral dimensions of the control panel 12 where the operator
position to the center of the stand is the X dimension at about
45.degree.. Likewise, a plane associated with the connection of the
user tool mounts 17 to the stand 10 intersects the X or Y
centerline of the control panel 12 at about 45.degree..
[0036] Where the stand 10 has a generally rectangular configuration
from a top view, the control panel 12 of one embodiment is
connected at a corner 38 of the stand 10. A corner 38 is associated
with the joining of two sides 40 and 42. The user interface 36 of
the accessory device 16 is provided on one of the sides 42. Any
user tool mounts 17 are provided on the other side 40. In
alternative embodiments, the user tool mounts 17 are provided on
the same side 42 as the user interface 36. In yet other alternative
embodiments, the user interface 36 is on the other side 40, and the
user tool mounts 17 is on the first side 42. In other embodiments,
one or more user interfaces 36 are provided on a same side 42 or on
different sides 40 and 42 as one or more other user interfaces.
[0037] From the operator's perspective while facing the stand 10 at
the operator position, the operator has access to the user
interface 36 on the left, the control panel 12 is provided at a
center location, and the user tool mount 17 are provided on a right
side or opposite side from the user interface 36 of the forward
facing portion of the stand 10. The user interface 36 and user tool
mount 17 are positioned slightly or much below the control panel
12. The display 18 is positioned on top of the stand 10 or above
the control panel 12. In alternative embodiments, either one of the
user interface 36 and user tool mount 17 are positioned on a same
level or above the control panel 12.
[0038] Given the orientation of the various components as described
above, objects surrounding the stand 10, such as a patient bed or a
wall, do not obstruct access to a user interface 36 or user tool
mount 17. The acute angle relationship of these components to the
control panel 12 and the user position minimize the space used by
the stand 12 while maximizing access for the operator. The
operator's knees are also less likely to contact the user interface
36 or user tool mount 17 given the angle relationships. By
positioning the user tool mount 17 just below, at or above the
level of the control panel 12, tools associated with items hanging
down such as cabling, avoid contact with the floor and prevent
entanglement with the user's feet.
[0039] FIGS. 3A and 3B show right and left perspective views of an
ultrasound data system stand 40 of an alternative embodiment. The
ultrasound data system stand 40 includes various of the components
oriented as discussed above in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2. In this
embodiment, the user tool mount 17 comprises transducer connectors
and transducer hangers 42. As shown, three connectors and
associated hangers 42 are provided, but fewer or more connectors
and hangers 42 may be used. The transducer connectors 42 connect
with the data system 14. The data system 14 comprises electronics
for a medical diagnostic ultrasound system.
[0040] Shelves 44, such as brackets, arms, latches or other load
bearing connections, support one or more accessory devices 16. The
shelves 44 connect with the framework or outer housing of the data
system 14. The accessory devices 16 are held onto the shelves 44 by
a variety of mechanical means or may be placed on the shelves 44
without further connections. Some accessory devices 16 are built
into the system stand 10, such as floppy drives, DVD drives,
magneto optical devices or other accessory devices. The user
interfaces or output ports 36 of the accessory devices 16 are shown
on a left front side of the stand 10 relative to the user position
adjacent to the control panel 12. On the opposite side of the
stand, a plurality of cables 50 associated with the accessory
devices 16 connect with the data system 14. In alternative
embodiments, the cables 50 connect with the data system on the
right side of the stand 40. A cable shield 48 connects over the
cables 50 and a portion of the data system 14 to protect the cables
50. In one embodiment, the shield 48 releasably connects with the
accessory devices 16 and/or the data system 14. As shown, the
shield 48 is disconnected from the stand 40. The cable shield 48
comprises metal, plastic or other material.
[0041] A storage bin 46 is provided. The storage bin 46 comprises a
drawer, an opened box, or other storage device. As shown, the
storage bin 46 is positioned at a bottom of the stand 40 adjacent
to the casters 20. In alternative embodiments, the storage 46 is
positioned adjacent to, below or above the accessory devices 16. In
yet other alternative embodiments, the electronics of the data
system 14 are provided in the area shown comprising the storage bin
46.
[0042] Speakers 52 integrate onto the control panel 12. A speaker
52 is formed on each side of the control panel 12. In alternative
embodiments, the speakers 52 are releasably attached to the control
panel 12. In yet other alternative embodiments, the speakers 52 are
positioned elsewhere on the stand 40.
[0043] FIGS. 4A and 4B show an alternative embodiment of an
ultrasound data system stand 60. The electronics of the ultrasound
data system 14 are enclosed within the tower 62. Alternatively,
part or all of the electronics of the data system 14 are included
in a box or other structure connected to the tower 62 on a shelf or
other connector. The accessory device 16 connects to the tower 62
on a shelf or with another latching structure. The accessory device
16 is oriented so that the control panel 12 is at an acute angle to
the use interface 36 of the accessory device 16 relative to the
position of an operator.
[0044] The transducer connector and associated hanger 42 connect on
another side of the tower 62 than the user interface 36. In one
embodiment, the transducer hanger integrates with the transducer
connector. One or more hook or slotted shells are provided over the
connector for hanging the transducer probe adjacent to the
transducer connector.
[0045] The display 18 comprises a flat panel or LCD display
connected to the front of the tower 62. In alternative embodiments,
the display 18 connects to the top of the tower 62. As shown in
FIG. 4B, five or more casters 20 are provided for additional
stability. As shown in FIG. 4A, footrest plate 64 is provided.
[0046] FIGS. 5A-C show another embodiment of an ultrasound system
stand 70. An outer casing or housing 72 encloses the accessory
devices 16 within the stand 70. The housing 72 is generally square
from a top view, but may be circular or have other shapes. The user
interfaces 36 of the accessory devices 16 are at an acute angle to
the control panel 12 relative to an operator position. On a side of
the casing 72 opposite the user interfaces 36, a cable shield or
access plate 48 is provided. One or more handles 74 connect with
the control panel 12 for guiding the stand 70 when moving the stand
70. A pocket or space, such as between the system base and system
electronics, may be provided for slack transducer cable.
[0047] FIG. 5B shows a portion of the interior of the stand 70. An
ultrasound data system 14 includes a back plane 76 and a plurality
of cards and associated card slots 78. The accessory devices 16
connect with the back plane 76. Alternative arrangements with
different positions of ultrasound electronics and associated cards
and accessory devices 16 may be used, such as positioning the
accessory devices 16 below or between card slots 78.
[0048] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of an ultrasound data system
stand 80. The user interfaces or output port 36 of the accessory
devices 16 are exposed in the housing 72 below the control panel 12
near the bottom of the stand 80. The housing 72 also includes a
housing extension 82. The housing extension 82 comprises plastic,
metal or other material for providing additional space within the
housing 72. For example, additional electronics associated with the
data system 14 are housed within the panel extension 82. The panel
extension 82 mounts to the housing 72. In alternative embodiments,
the panel extension 82 comprises a door for allowing access within
the housing 72.
[0049] A plastic or metal handle 84 is provided on a back corner of
the stand 80 opposite the control panel 12. The handle 84 is used
for moving the stand 80.
[0050] In one embodiment, one of the accessory devices 16 comprises
a color printer. An additional black and white printer 86 is formed
with or connects to the control panel 12. For example, the printer
86 is formed on the bottom of the control panel 12 with a paper
output port 88 on a left or right side of the printer 86. In
alternative embodiments, the printer 86 comprises a color printer,
and a black and white, color or a different printer is provided as
an accessory device 16.
[0051] FIG. 7 shows yet another alternative embodiment of an
ultrasound data system stand 90. A housing 94 covers part or all of
the ultrasound data system. The housing 94 connects with a pillar
96. The pillar 96 and the housing 94 comprise plastic, metal, other
material or combinations thereof. Trays or shelves 98 are provided
for the accessory devices 16. One accessory device 16 is positioned
outside of the housing 94. The pillar 96 includes a height
adjustment section 92. The height adjustment section 92 comprises a
pneumatic, spring loaded or other height adjustment device and
associated activation lever for changing a height of the stand 90.
The height of both the control panel 12 and the display 18 is
adjusted at a same time. In alternative embodiments, a height
adjustment is provided on just the control panel 12 or separately
for each of the control panel 12 and the display 18.
[0052] FIGS. 8A and 8B show two additional embodiments of
ultrasound data system stands 100 and 102. The stand 100 of FIG. 8A
includes a housing 72 for the data system 14 with a pillar 96. The
control panel 12 and the flat panel display 18 are releasably or
adjustably connected to the pillar 96 for height adjustment. An
activation lever, button, or other release device activates a
pneumatic lift, spring lift, or electric motor. Alternatively, a
hand powered screw jack is used. The housing 72 is adapted to hold
or connect to an accessory device 16. The accessory device 16 rests
on top of the stand 100 and housing 72. For the stand 102 of FIG.
8B, the housing 94 connects with the pillar 96 on an upper or a
lower portion of the pillar above or below a height adjustment
mechanism 92. The height adjustment mechanism 92 adjust the height
of the control panel 12 and the flat panel display 18. The housing
94 is adapted to connect with or hold an accessory device 16 on the
top of the housing 94.
[0053] FIGS. 9A-D shows yet another embodiment of an ultrasound
data system stand 120. FIG. 9C shows a top view of the stand 120,
and FIG. 9D shows a top view without the display 18. One or more
accessory devices 16 are mounted or rest on top of a shelf 44 on
the top of the housing 94. The user interface 36 of the accessory
device 16 is positioned at an acute angle to the user position as
shown. Other accessory devices 16 are positioned within the housing
94 with the user interfaces 36 exposed on the same side as the user
interface 36 of the accessory device 16 mounted on top of the
housing 94. For example, a digital archive device 122 and physio
connections (i.e., connectors for various electrical devices) 124
of one or more interface cards are provided.
[0054] The control panel 12 connects with the pillar 96. A height
adjustment 92 allows use of the control panel 12 in a seated or
standing position. A QWERTY keyboard 126 adjusts between a stowed
position under the remainder of the control panel 12 and a use
position extending from the remainder of the control panel 12.
Transducer hangers 42 connect to one or both sides of the control
panel 12. The handle 84 also connects with the control panel 12.
Speakers 52 connect with the display 18 above the control panel
12.
[0055] A brake pedal 128 for locking or releasing the casters 20 is
provided. The brake pedal 128 is positioned below the control panel
12 adjacent the pillar 96 for easy access by the operator.
[0056] Three user tool mounts 17, such as transducer connectors,
are positioned on a side adjacent the pillar 96 and control panel
12 for easy access by the operator. The operator conveniently has
access to the user interfaces 36, control panel 12 and user tool
mounts 17. The user interfaces 36 and user tool mounts 17 are on
adjoining but different sides of the stand 120 and are at acute
angles to the user control panel axis extending from the operator
position to the stand 120.
[0057] The embodiments discussed above for FIGS. 3-9 relate to
ultrasound data systems. In alternative embodiments, other data
systems as discussed above may be used. Accordingly, various
components may be substituted for other components or not used,
such as transducer connectors and hangers 42.
[0058] While the invention has been described above by reference to
various embodiments, it should be understood that many changes and
modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the
invention. For example, various angles of the control panel 12
relative to the user interface of an accessory device or a user
tool mount may be used. The housing of the various components of
the stand may be flat, rounded, a framework, and of any material
now known or later developed.
[0059] It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed
description be understood as an illustration of the presently
preferred embodiment of the invention, and not as a definition of
the invention. It is only the following claims, including all
equivalents, that are intended to define the scope of this
invention.
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