U.S. patent application number 11/679419 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-21 for hospital meter system.
Invention is credited to James R. Kurtock, Sandy M. Richards.
Application Number | 20070140475 11/679419 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37950758 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070140475 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kurtock; James R. ; et
al. |
June 21, 2007 |
HOSPITAL METER SYSTEM
Abstract
A healthcare data management system for use with an instrument
for determining the concentration of a medically significant
component of a body fluid. The instrument includes a first port.
The system includes a cradle for receiving the instrument. The
cradle includes a second port for coupling to the first port to
download data from the instrument to the cradle. The system further
includes a base having a third port. The cradle includes a fourth
port for coupling to the third port to permit downloading to the
base of data collected from the instrument by the cradle. The
system further includes an accessory box including a fifth port.
Engagement of the cradle with the accessory box couples the fourth
and fifth ports. Engagement of the accessory box with the base
couples the third and fifth ports.
Inventors: |
Kurtock; James R.; (Fishers,
IN) ; Richards; Sandy M.; (Pershing, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG LLP
11 SOUTH MERIDAN STREET
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
37950758 |
Appl. No.: |
11/679419 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09516758 |
Mar 1, 2000 |
7208119 |
|
|
11679419 |
Feb 27, 2007 |
|
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60122285 |
Mar 1, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
379/433.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2560/0456 20130101;
A61B 2560/045 20130101; A61B 5/0002 20130101; G01N 35/00871
20130101; A61B 5/14532 20130101; A61B 2560/0431 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/433.01 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00; H04M 9/00 20060101 H04M009/00 |
Claims
1. A healthcare data management system for use with an instrument
for determining the concentration of a medically significant
component of a body fluid, the instrument including a first port,
the system including a cradle for receiving the instrument, the
cradle including a second port for coupling to the first port to
download data from the instrument to the cradle.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cradle further includes
means for the entry of data by an operator.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the data entry means includes a
touch screen for the manual entry of data.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the data entry means includes a
key pad for the manual entry of data.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a base, the base
including a third port and the cradle including a fourth port,
coupling of the third and fourth ports permitting downloading to
the base of data collected from the instrument by the cradle.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein coupling of the third and
fourth ports includes providing complementary surfaces on the
cradle and base, engagement of the complementary surfaces of the
cradle and base coupling the third and fourth ports.
7. (canceled)
8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the base includes a fifth port
for coupling to a port on a computer to permit transmission of data
from the base to the computer.
9. The apparatus of claim 5 and further including a computer for at
least one of storing the data, analyzing the data, and generating
reports based upon the data, the base including a fifth port for
coupling to a sixth port on the computer.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a bar code reader
and patient identification devices, the system being capable of
reading bar code from the patient identification devices to
identify data which is entered into the system with a particular
patient.
11-13. (canceled)
14. The apparatus of claim 1 further including an accessory box
including a third port, the cradle including a fourth port,
engagement of the cradle with the accessory box coupling the third
and fourth ports.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein coupling of the third and
fourth ports includes providing complementary surfaces on the
accessory box and cradle, engagement of the complementary surfaces
of the accessory box and cradle coupling the third and fourth
ports.
16-19. (canceled)
20. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the accessory box further
includes a housing and a carrying handle pivotally coupled to the
housing.
21-36. (canceled)
37. A healthcare data management system for use with an instrument
for determining the concentration of a medically significant
component of a body fluid, the instrument including a first port,
the system including a cradle for receiving the instrument, the
cradle including a second port for coupling to the first port to
download data from the instrument to the cradle, a base including a
third port and the cradle including a fourth port, coupling of the
third and fourth ports permitting downloading to the base of data
collected from the instrument by the cradle, the cradle including
at least one rechargeable battery for powering circuitry in the
cradle, the base including a power supply, coupling of the third
and fourth ports permitting charging of the battery from the power
supply.
38. A healthcare data management system for use with an instrument
for determining the concentration of a medically significant
component of a body fluid, the instrument including a first port,
the system including a cradle for receiving the instrument, the
cradle including a second port for coupling to the first port to
download data from the instrument to the cradle, the cradle
including a bar code reader, the system further including patient
identification devices, the bar code reader being capable of
reading bar code from the patient identification devices to
identify data which is entered into the system with a particular
patient.
39. A healthcare data management system for use with an instrument
for determining the concentration of a medically significant
component of a body fluid, the instrument including a first port,
the system including a cradle for receiving the instrument, the
cradle including a second port for coupling to the first port to
download data from the instrument to the cradle, a bar code reader,
and operator identification devices, the system being capable of
reading bar code from the operator identification devices to
identify data which is entered into the system with a particular
operator.
40. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein the bar code reader is
incorporated into the cradle.
41. A healthcare data management system for use with an instrument
for determining the concentration of a medically significant
component of a body fluid, the instrument including a first port,
the system including a cradle for receiving the instrument, the
cradle including a second port for coupling to the first port to
download data from the instrument to the cradle, an accessory box
including a third port, the cradle including a fourth port,
engagement of the cradle with the accessory box coupling the third
and fourth ports, a base including a fifth port, engagement of the
accessory box with the base coupling the fifth port and the third
port through the accessory box to permit downloading to the base of
data collected from the instrument by the cradle.
42. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein coupling of the third and
fifth ports includes providing complementary surfaces on the
accessory box and base, engagement of the complementary surfaces of
the accessory box and base being designed to achieve coupling of
the third and fifth ports.
43. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the base includes a sixth
port for coupling to a port on a computer to permit the downloading
of data from the base to the computer.
44. The apparatus of claim 41 and further including a computer for
at least one of storing the data, analyzing the data, and
generating reports based upon the data, the base including a sixth
port for coupling to a seventh port on the computer.
45. A healthcare data management system for use with an instrument
for determining the concentration of a medically significant
component of a body fluid, the instrument including a first port,
the system including a cradle for receiving the instrument, the
cradle including a second port for coupling to the first port to
download data from the instrument to the cradle, an accessory box
including a third port, the cradle including a fourth port,
engagement of the cradle with the accessory box coupling the third
and fourth ports, the accessory box further including a housing and
a carrying handle pivotally coupled to the housing, the carrying
handle having two ends, one of the ends including a number of
yieldable locking positions for the handle with respect to the
housing.
46. The apparatus of claim 45 further including a non-yieldable
locking position of the handle with respect to the housing.
47. The apparatus of claim 46 wherein at least one of the handle
and the cradle includes a feature for engagement with the other of
the cradle and the handle when the cradle engages the accessory box
and the handle is in the non-yieldable locking position.
48. A healthcare data management system for use with an instrument
for determining the concentration of a medically significant
component of a body fluid, the instrument including a first port,
the system including a cradle for receiving the instrument, the
cradle including a second port for coupling to the first port to
download data from the instrument to the cradle, an accessory box
including a third port, the cradle including a fourth port,
engagement of the cradle with the accessory box coupling the third
and fourth ports, the accessory box further including a drawer
accessible from two opposite sides of the accessory box, the drawer
including a stop for reducing the likelihood of accidental
disengagement of the drawer from the accessory box when the
accessory box is withdrawn from either of said two opposite
sides.
49. A healthcare data management system for use with an instrument
for determining the concentration of a medically significant
component of a body fluid, the instrument including a first port,
the system including a cradle for receiving the instrument, the
cradle including a second port for coupling to the first port to
download data from the instrument to the cradle, an accessory box
including a third port, the cradle including a fourth port,
engagement of the cradle with the accessory box coupling the third
and fourth ports, the accessory box including a drawer accessible
from two opposite sides of the accessory box, the drawer including
latches to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent opening of the
drawer.
50. A healthcare data management system including an instrument for
determining the concentration of a medically significant component
of a body fluid, the instrument including a first port, the system
further including a cradle for receiving the instrument, the cradle
including a second port for coupling to the first port to download
data from the instrument.
51. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the system further includes a
touch screen for the entry of data by an operator.
52. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the system further includes a
key pad for the manual entry of data.
53. A healthcare data management system including an instrument for
determining the concentration of a medically significant component
of a body fluid, the instrument including a first port, the system
further including a cradle for receiving the instrument, the cradle
including a second port for coupling to the first port to download
data from the instrument, the system further including a bar code
reader and patient identification devices, the system being capable
of reading bar code from the patient identification devices to
identify data which is entered into the system with a particular
patient.
54. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the system further includes a
touch screen for the entry of data by an operator.
55. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the system further includes a
key pad for the manual entry of data.
56. A healthcare data management system including an instrument for
determining the concentration of a medically significant component
of a body fluid, the instrument including a first port, the system
further including a cradle for receiving the instrument, the cradle
including a second port for coupling to the first port to download
data from the instrument, the system including a bar code reader,
the system further including patient identification devices, the
bar code reader being capable of reading bar code from the patient
identification devices to identify data which is entered into the
system with a particular patient.
57. A healthcare data management system including an instrument for
determining the concentration of a medically significant component
of a body fluid, the instrument including a first port, the system
further including a cradle for receiving the instrument, the cradle
including a second port for coupling to the first port to download
data from the instrument, a bar code reader, and operator
identification devices, the system being capable of reading bar
code from the operator identification devices to identify data
which is entered into the system with a particular operator.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Reference is hereby made to U.S. design patent application
29/101,237, titled CRADLE FOR INSTRUMENT filed Mar. 1, 1999, and
assigned to the same assignee, U.S. design patent application
29/101,236, titled ACCESSORY BOX FOR CRADLE FOR INSTRUMENT filed
Mar. 1, 1999, and assigned to the same assignee, and U.S. design
patent application 29/101,274, titled BASE FOR CRADLE FOR
INSTRUMENT OR FOR ACCESSORY BOX FOR CRADLE FOR INSTRUMENT filed
Mar. 1, 1999, and assigned to the same assignee, all of which are
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to hospital and health care facility
data management. It is disclosed in the context of a blood glucose
data management system, but is believed to be useful in other
applications as well.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various systems for the acquisition and management of health
care data are known. The systems described in the following listed
U.S. patents are illustrative only, and are by no means intended to
be an exhaustive listing of the known types of systems: U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,871,258; 5,011,290; 5,160,980; 5,232,668; 5,246,858;
5,284,770; 5,366,609; 5,379,214; 5,371,687; 5,508,171; 5,594,906;
5,522,255; 5,686,659; 5,710,622; 5,789,664; 5,792,944; 5,832,921;
and 5,841,023. The disclosures of these patents are hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Illustratively, according to the invention, a data
acquisition and management system is provided for downloading
health care data, for example, glucose concentrations in bodily
fluids such as blood, determined by, and stored in, instruments
such as, for example, Roche Diagnostics Corporation's Accuchek.RTM.
Advantage.TM. and Accuchek.RTM. Complete.TM. hand-held blood
glucose monitoring instruments. Such an instrument typically
includes a first input/output (I/O) port for the entry of, for
example, instructions and operating parameters into the instrument,
and the downloading of data from the instrument to a host, such as,
for example, a system of the type described in the above-identified
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,371,687 and 5,594,906. The system keeps track of
the identities of the instruments from which it receives data. In
this way, the system can, for example, identify the data with a
particular patient to whom a particular instrument is assigned.
[0005] According to the one aspect of the invention, a healthcare
data management system is provided for use with an instrument for
determining the concentration of a medically significant component
of a body fluid. The instrument includes a first port. The system
includes a cradle for receiving the instrument. The cradle includes
a second port for coupling to the first port to download data from
the instrument to the cradle.
[0006] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the cradle further includes means for the entry of data by an
operator. Illustrative data entry means include touch screens
and/or key pads for the manual entry of data.
[0007] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the system includes a base. The base includes a third
port and the cradle includes a fourth port. Coupling of the third
and fourth ports permits downloading to the base of data collected
from the instrument by the cradle.
[0008] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, coupling of the third and fourth ports includes
providing complementary surfaces on the cradle and base. Engagement
of the complementary surfaces of the cradle and base couples the
third and fourth ports.
[0009] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the cradle includes at least one rechargeable battery for powering
circuitry in the cradle. The base includes a power supply. Coupling
of the third and fourth ports permits charging of the battery from
the power supply.
[0010] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the base includes a fifth port for coupling to a port on
a computer to permit transmission of data from the base to the
computer.
[0011] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the system includes a computer for storing and/or
analyzing and/or generating reports based upon the data. The base
includes a fifth port for coupling to a sixth port on the
computer.
[0012] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the system includes a bar code reader. The system is capable of
reading bar code from patient identification devices to identify
data which is entered into the system with a particular
patient.
[0013] Additionally or alternatively illustratively according to
this aspect of the invention, the system is capable of reading bar
code from operator identification devices to identify data which is
entered into the system with a particular operator.
[0014] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the bar code reader is incorporated into the cradle.
[0015] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the system includes an accessory box including a seventh
port. Engagement of the cradle with the accessory box couples the
fourth and seventh ports.
[0016] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, coupling of the fourth and seventh ports includes
providing complementary surfaces on the accessory box and cradle.
Engagement of the complementary surfaces of the accessory box and
cradle couples the fourth and seventh ports.
[0017] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
coupling of the third and fourth ports includes providing
complementary surfaces on the accessory box and base. Engagement of
the complementary surfaces of the accessory box and base couples
the third and fourth ports through the seventh port.
[0018] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the accessory box includes a housing and a carrying
handle pivotally coupled to the housing.
[0019] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the carrying handle has two ends. One of the ends
includes a number of yieldable locking positions for the handle
with respect to the housing.
[0020] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the handle includes a locking position of the handle
with respect to the housing.
[0021] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, at
least one of the handle and the cradle includes a feature for
engagement with the other of the cradle and the handle when the
cradle engages the accessory box and the handle is in the
non-yieldable locking position.
[0022] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the accessory box includes a drawer accessible from two
opposite sides of the accessory box. The drawer includes a stop for
reducing the likelihood of accidental disengagement of the drawer
from the accessory box when the accessory box is withdrawn from
either of said two opposite sides.
[0023] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the drawer includes latches to reduce the likelihood of
inadvertent opening of the drawer.
[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, a healthcare
data management system for use with an instrument for determining
the concentration of a medically significant component of a body
fluid includes a cradle for receiving the instrument and an
accessory box for receiving the cradle. The accessory box includes
a housing and a carrying handle pivotally coupled to the housing.
The carrying handle has two ends. One of the ends includes a number
of yieldable locking positions for the handle with respect to the
housing.
[0025] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the handle further includes a non-yieldable locking position with
respect to the housing.
[0026] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the handle includes a feature for engagement with the
cradle when the cradle engages the accessory box and the handle is
in the non-yieldable locking position.
[0027] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the accessory box includes a drawer accessible from two
opposite sides of the accessory box. The drawer includes a stop for
reducing the likelihood of accidental disengagement of the drawer
from the accessory box when the accessory box is withdrawn from
either of the opposite sides.
[0028] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the accessory box includes a drawer accessible from two opposite
sides of the accessory box. The drawer includes latches to reduce
the likelihood of inadvertent opening of the drawer.
[0029] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, one of the ends includes a button which is yieldably
urged into engagement with one of a number of depressions which
define the yieldable locking positions of the handle.
[0030] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, said one of the ends further includes an opening which
defines a non-yieldable locking position of the handle.
[0031] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the bottoms of the depressions are formed to include ramps to
permit force on the handle to move the handle among the yieldable
locking positions defined by the depressions.
[0032] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the opening includes a sidewall which defines the
non-yieldable locking position. The sidewall is configured to
permit locking of the handle in the non-yieldable locking
position.
[0033] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the opening permits access to the button to permit
movement of the handle from the non-yieldable locking position.
[0034] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, at
least one of the handle and the cradle includes a feature for
engagement with the other of the cradle and the handle when the
cradle engages the accessory box and the handle is in the
non-yieldable locking position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The invention may best be understood by referring to the
following detailed description and accompanying drawings which
illustrate the invention. In the drawings:
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a component of a
system constructed according to the invention;
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a fragmentary exploded perspective view
of the component illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevational view of a detail of
the component illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, taken generally along
section lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a component of a
system constructed according to the invention with an instrument
for testing for glucose concentration inserted into it;
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a component of a
system constructed according to the invention;
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a fragmentary exploded perspective view
of the component illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged, partly sectional side
elevational view of a detail of the components illustrated in FIGS.
1-6;
[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged top plan view of a detail of
the component illustrated in FIGS. 5-6;
[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates a side elevational view of a detail of
the component illustrated in FIGS. 5-6, taken generally along
section lines 9-9 of FIG. 5;
[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional view of the detail
illustrated in FIG. 9, taken generally along section lines 10-10 of
FIG. 9;
[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of the detail
illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, taken generally along section lines
11-11 of FIG. 10;
[0047] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a component of a
system constructed according to the invention; and,
[0048] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate partly fragmentary perspective
views of two systems according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0049] Turning now particularly to FIGS. 1-2, 4, 13 and 14, a data
acquisition and management system 20 is provided for downloading
health care data, for example, glucose concentrations in bodily
fluids such as blood, determined by, and stored in, instruments 22
such as, for example, Accuchek.RTM. Advantage.TM. and Accuchek.RTM.
Complete.TM. hand-held blood glucose monitoring instruments. Such
an instrument 22 typically includes a first, illustratively
infrared (IR), input/output (I/O) port 24 for the entry of, for
example, instructions and operating parameters into the instrument
22, and the downloading of data from the instrument 22 to a host
computer 26 (FIG. 12), such as, for example, a hospital data
management system of the type described in the above-identified
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,371,687 and 5,594,906, or the printing of reports
directly from the cradle 30 via a printer port on the base 38. The
system 20 keeps track of the identities of the patients and/or
operators from whom it receives data. In this way, the system 20
can, for example, identify the data with a particular patient
and/or with a particular operator who is taking readings/entering
data into the system 20.
[0050] The system 20 includes such an instrument 22 and a cradle 30
for receiving the instrument 22. The cradle 30 may include a
second, illustratively, IR, I/O port 32 for coupling to the first
port 24 provided on the instrument 22 to download data from the
instrument 22 to the cradle 30. The cradle 30 also includes a touch
screen 33 and liquid crystal display (LCD) 34, key pad, or the like
for the manual entry of data by an operator. The system 20 further
includes a base 38 (FIG. 12). The base 38 includes a third port 40
for coupling to a fourth port 42 on the cradle 30. Coupling of the
third and fourth ports 40, 42 permits downloading of data from the
cradle 30 through the base 38. Coupling of the third and fourth
ports 40, 42 permits charging of batteries 44 used to power
circuitry 45 in the cradle 30 from a power supply in the base 38.
The use of rechargeable batteries 44 reduces the requirement to
change batteries. The illustrated base 38 further includes a fifth
port 46 for coupling to a port 48 on computer 26 to permit the
downloading of data through the base 38 to the computer 26 for
storage, analysis and report generation, or for coupling directly
to a printer (not shown) for the printing of reports directly from
cradle 30. A port 49 in the base 38 permits the base 38 to be
coupled directly to a printer (not shown).
[0051] The system illustratively includes a bar code reader 52
(illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2). The bar code reader 52 has a
number of different uses. For example, each patient may be provided
with a bar coded patient identification tag/card and/or each
operator may be provided with a bar coded operator identification
tag/card. The system 20 reads the bar code labels to identify data
which is downloaded into the system 20 with a particular patient
and/or operator. Readings are thereby capable of being associated
with a particular patient and/or with a particular operator.
Illustratively, the bar code reader 52 may be factory installed
into the cradle 30, or may be a field-installed addition to the
cradle 30. The bar code reader 52 can include, for example, a
Metrologic model MH4110 or MS4120 scan engine.
[0052] The cradle 30 includes a housing top portion 60 and a
housing bottom portion 62. Housing bottom portion 62 is divided
into a forward portion 64 and a separate rearward portion 66. The
bar code reader 52 is housed in the rearward portion 66 and is
exposed through a scan window 68 provided in the bottom of portion
66 to bar code labels 50 to be read. The batteries 44 are also
housed in housing portion 66. Housing portions 62, 64, 66
illustratively are molded from filled or unfilled resins, such as,
for example, an ABS-polycarbonate composite. The forward portion 64
is provided with a desired number, five in the illustrated
embodiment, of probe spring contact openings 68 into which spring
contact probes 70 are press fitted. One of these probes 70 is
illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 7. Probes 70 illustratively
include gold plated nickel silver barrels 72, gold plated hard
beryllium copper plungers 74 and gold plated stainless steel
springs 76. A molded-in retainer is provided at the front of bottom
portion 64 to receive a front hook 78. Front hook 78 is illustrated
in enlarged side elevation in FIG. 3. Its purpose will be discussed
hereinafter. The rear top region of bottom portion 64 is provided
with a passageway for accommodating a stylus 80 which can be used
to enter data into touch screen 33 of the cradle 30.
[0053] Probes 70 are electrically connected to appropriate
terminals of the circuit 45 which is provided on a circuit board
84. Circuit board 84 is mounted in the cradle 30 during the
assembly of portions 62, 64. Touch screen 33 is coupled by a
multi-conductor ribbon cable and complementary plug and socket to
circuit board 84, and is driven by driver circuitry in circuit 45.
An LCD 34/backlight 88 assembly is coupled by a multi-conductor
ribbon cable and complementary plug and socket to circuit board 84,
and is driven by driver circuitry in circuit 45. A threaded
fastener 90 and molded ears 92 cooperating with slots 94 in housing
bottom portion 64 attach housing bottom rear portion 66, with
reader 52 housed therein, to housing bottom portion 64. Threaded
fasteners 96 secure housing bottom portion 64 to housing top
portion 62.
[0054] Housing top portion 62 is provided with a slot 98 adjacent
its front surface. Front hook 78 protrudes through slot 98 above
the top surface 100 of housing top portion 62. Housing top portion
62 is further provided with an opening through which LCD 34 is
visible and accessible. Housing top portion 62 is also provided
with a recess 102 having an overall configuration generally
complementary in shape to the shape(s) of the instrument(s) 22 with
which cradle 30 is designed to be used. As such, this recess 102
may be a composite of a number of different shapes, to accommodate
a number of different types, styles and/or models of instruments
22. A retainer 104 snaps onto housing top portion 62 at the
rearward extent of recess 102. Retainer 104 helps to retain
instrument 22 in recess 102 by holding it against front hook 78.
Instruments 22 are inserted into recess 102 and urged against the
back wall 106 thereof, and snapped into place and held in place
with the cooperation of front hook 78 and retainer 104.
[0055] Turning now to FIGS. 5-11, an accessory box 110 useful in
transporting cradle 30 from place to place will be described in
greater detail. Accessory box 110 includes a housing bottom portion
112 and a housing top portion 116, both of which illustratively are
injection molded or otherwise formed from suitable filled or
unfilled resins, and a ceiling plate 114, which illustratively is
constructed from stamped metal, all held together, for example, by
threaded fasteners 118. The rear region of housing bottom portion
112 includes a rear wall 120 having two upwardly opening
semicircular cutouts 122, 124 formed therein. Cutout 122 is
generally centered in the span of wall 120. Cutout 124 is offset to
one side. A partial wall 126 extends upward from the floor of
housing bottom portion 112 forward of wall 120. Partial wall 126
has a cutout 128 formed in the upper extent thereof to receive the
shank 130 of a locking button 132. A coil compression spring 136 is
captured on shank 130 between partial wall 126 and a collar 138
formed on button 132 to urge button 132 out of rear wall 120.
Collar 138 also captures button 132 in rear wall 120.
[0056] The forward region of housing bottom portion 112 includes a
forward wall 140 having an upwardly opening semicircular cutout 142
formed therein. Cutout 142 is generally centered in the span of
wall 140. Housing top portion 116 includes a rear wall 144 having
two downwardly opening semicircular cutouts 122, 124 complementary
to cutouts 122, 124 in wall 120 formed therein, and a forward wall
146 having a downwardly opening semicircular cutout 142
complementary to cutout 142 in wall 140 formed therein. A carrying
handle 150 includes a handgrip 152 and two ends 154, 156 for
positioning at the back and front, respectively, of accessory box
110. Each end 154, 156 includes a pivot post 158 for engagement in
a respective hole formed by a respective pair of cutouts 122, 122
and 142, 142. Pivot posts 158 are provided with retaining
projections which prevent the posts 158 from disengaging from
accessory box 110. One, 154, of the ends includes a
circumferentially extending channel 160 for accommodating button
132. The bottom of channel 160 includes a number, illustratively
four, of depressions 162 which define locking positions for handle
150, and an opening 164 which defines a central locking position of
handle 150. The contours of the bottoms of depressions 162 are best
illustrated in FIG. 11. As can be appreciated from FIG. 11, the
contours of the bottoms of depressions 162 are smoothly curved to
permit force on the handle 150 to move the handle among the
positions defined by depressions 162 without damaging the handle
150 or the button 132. The depressions 162 are generally somewhat
egg-shaped or elliptical in plan view to enhance this releasing
characteristic of the handle 150 in these positions. The sidewalls
of the central opening 164 are generally straight to permit more
secure locking of handle 150 in the upright position. Opening 164
permits access to button 132 when handle 150 is in the upright
position to release button 132 and permit movement of handle 150
from the upright position. When handle 150 is in the upright
position and a cradle 30 is engaged in the recess 165 provided
therefor on the top of accessory box 110, the cradle 30 is locked
into the recess 165 by the engagement of stops 167 and 169 provided
on the accessory box 110 and handle 150, respectively. The handle
150 illustratively can be made by gas assisted injection molding to
make the handle 150 more robust and capable of withstanding shock,
for example, during drop testing.
[0057] Probes 70 of cradle 30 make electrical contact with
corresponding terminals 166 provided and positioned for this
purpose on housing top portion 116 when cradle 30 is positioned in
housing top portion 116. A ribbon cable 163 includes plugs 168 and
170 for making electrical contact to terminals 166 and another set
of terminals 172 in the housing bottom portion 112. Terminals 172
include probes 174 of the same general configuration and mounting
as probes 70 for a purpose which will be described later. Housing
110 also includes a drawer 176 which can be withdrawn from either
side of housing 110. Stops 178 provided in the bottom wall 180 of
housing bottom portion 112 prevent the drawer 176 from being
accidentally disengaged from housing 110, regardless of from which
side of housing 110 drawer 176 is withdrawn. Drawer 176 also
includes spring 182-urged latches 184 which reside in wells 186
provided for latches 184 in both handles 188 of drawer 176. These
latches 184 cooperate with stops 190 provided on housing top
portion 116 to prevent the drawer 176 from accidentally coming
open, for example, while accessory box 110 is being transported
from station (for example, patient, nurses' station or the like) to
station. Housing 110 components illustratively are also molded from
filled or unfilled resins, such as, for example, an
ABS-polycarbonate composite. Drawer 176 illustratively may be
formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material such as, for
example, polycarbonate.
[0058] As previously noted, the system 20 further includes base 38.
Base 38 includes a third port 40 for coupling to a complementarily
configured fourth port 42 on the cradle 30. Coupling of the third
and fourth ports 40, 42 is achieved directly by placement of the
cradle 30 directly on base 38, in which case probes 70 contact
respective terminals 192 provided and positioned for this purpose
on the top surface 194 of base 38. This permits downloading of data
collected from instruments 22 by the cradle 30 through the base 38.
Coupling of the third and fourth ports 40, 42 can also be achieved
through the accessory box 110 when cradle 30 is positioned on an
accessory box 110. In this case, the electrical connection is
through probes 70, terminals 166, plug 168, ribbon cable 163, plug
170, terminals 172 and probes 174 to respective terminals 192 in
base 38. The recess 195 in the top surface 194 of base 38 is
configured to accept either cradle 30 or accessory box 110. Again,
coupling of the third and fourth ports 40, 42 permits charging of
batteries 44 used to power circuitry 45 in the cradle 30 through
the base 38. The use of rechargeable batteries 44 reduces the
requirement to change batteries. The illustrated base 38 further
includes a fifth port 46 for coupling to a port 48 on computer 26
to permit the downloading of data through the base 38 to the
computer 26 for storage, analysis and report generation. The bottom
portion of base 38 illustratively is constructed from stamped metal
and the top portion of base 38 illustratively is molded from filled
or unfilled resins, such as, for example, an ABS-polycarbonate
composite.
[0059] The illustrated system 20 is thus modular. The health care
worker is afforded the flexibility to decide how much of the system
20 to transport to any given patient care site. For example, the
worker may elect in certain instances to take only the instrument
22 itself, with entry of data and patient identification being left
to be performed, for example, in part by entry through touch screen
33 or key pad, at some site remote from the patient's location, for
example, at a nurses' station on a ward in a hospital. Or, for
example, the worker may elect to take an instrument 22 and the
cradle 30 to a patient care site, or use the cradle 30 with an
instrument 22 already at a patient care site. Optionally, the
worker may elect to take an instrument 22, cradle 30, and an
accessory box 110 to a patient care site.
* * * * *