SOLAR CHARGED MOBILE WORKING STATIONS

• US 20110006724A1
• Filed: 08/20/2007
• Published: 01/13/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Omnicell Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Omnicell Incorporated
• Inventors: Reckelhoff, Ray
• Granted Patent: US 8,378,620 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/101
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0214 of power generation or supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0437 Trolley or cart-type apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 12/001 Trolleys for transport of medicaments, food, linen, nursing supplies carts specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis A61B50/13; hand carts B62B3/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/44 for weight
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/263 Arrangements for using multiple switchable power supplies, e.g. battery and AC G06F1/30 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/40 for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Abstract

A medical work station having a solar charging system. The medical work station includes a cart that carries a computer for providing access to and keeping track of medical information. The solar charging system is operatively connected to the computer to provide a solar power input. This solar input provides a constant replenishing of power to the computer as long as there is a source of UV light, such as through inside lighting or through sunlight.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a medical work station including a cart having a computer, wherein said computer includes an LCD screen; and

a solar charging system that is operatively connected to said medical work station, wherein said solar charging system has a solar power input that provides a constant replenishing of power to said computer as long as there is a source of UV light.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a central administrator that is operatively connected to said computer.

3. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein said computer has wireless network connection for communicating with said central administrator.

4. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein said computer communicates with said central administrator without the active assistance of the user.

5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said solar charging system includes a plurality of solar panels that are connected to said computer.

6. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein each of said plurality of solar panels is rotatably connected to said computer.

7. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein each of said plurality of solar panels is releasably connected to said computer.

8. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said solar charging system generates about 1 Amp of power indoors without input from natural light.

9. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said solar charging system generates about 2 to about 3 Amps of power with the input of natural light.

10. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said solar charging system generates sufficient power to avoid recharging said computer if it is operated at less than about 50% duty time.

11. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said LCD screen draws less than about 2 Amps of power.