Modular Docking Station

• US 20110273839A1
• Filed: 05/11/2011
• Published: 11/10/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Bowden, Greg, Sanders, Henry C., Villegas, Daniel, Talbot, Cary
• Granted Patent: US 9,370,322 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/679.41
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0204 of power management
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0214 of power generation or supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0276 Determining malfunction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0456 Apparatus provided with a docking unit
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0475 Special features of memory means, e.g. removable memory cards
• 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: A61B 5/0004 characterised by the type of physiological signal transmitted
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14503 invasive, e.g. introduced into the body by a catheter or needle or using implanted sensors A61B5/1459, A61B5/1464, A61B5/1473, A61B5/1482, A61B5/14865 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1495 Calibrating or testing of in-vivo probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7278 Artificial waveform generation or derivation, e.g. synthesising signals from measured signals A61B5/327 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7405 using sound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence

Abstract

A modular, multifunction dock system is disclosed. The dock system includes a dock housing with a dock receiver to interface with a data port for both a recorder and a transmitter. The dock system further includes a logic board that is contained within the dock housing. The logic board couples a memory and a processor to the dock receiver to enable dock functionality with both the recorder and the transmitter. Further included with the dock system is a coupling port to provide access through the dock housing to a socket coupled to the logic board and an input/output port to enable power and data transmission from the logic board to a data processor. The dock housing includes a mating arm that moves between a retracted and extended position. The mating arm fits within the coupling port and is terminated by a plug that couples with the socket. The dock system further includes a light emitting element on the exterior of the dock housing that is coupled to the logic board to provide visual feedback regarding the status of either the recorder or the transmitter when either are coupled to the dock receiver.

Claims

1. A dock system to accommodate a recorder or a transmitter of a monitor system, comprising:

a dock housing having a dock receiver to interface with a data port for both the recorder and the transmitter;

a logic board being contained within the dock housing, the logic board coupling a memory and a processor to the dock receiver to enable dock functionality with both the recorder and the transmitter;

a coupling port providing access through the dock housing to a socket coupled to the logic board;

an input/output port to enable power and data transmission from the logic board to a data processor;

a mating arm configured to move between a retracted and extended position, the mating arm defined to fit within the coupling port, the mating arm being terminated by a plug that couples with the socket; and

a light emitting element on the exterior of the dock housing, the light emitting element coupled to the logic board to provide visual feedback regarding the status of either the recorder or the transmitter when either are coupled to the dock receiver.

2. The dock system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a second dock system being identical to the dock system, wherein the dock system mating arm in the extended position is inserted into the port of the second dock system, to couple the dock system and the second dock system into a singular unit, the singular unit requiring a single connection through one input/output port to enable power and data transmission from the logic board to the data processor.

3. The dock system according to claim 1, wherein the coupling port and the input/output port are a common port.

4. The dock system according to claim 1, wherein the data processor is a computer.

5. The dock system according to claim 1, wherein the dock receiver and the data port are keyed so the recorder and the transmitter can be coupled to the dock housing in a specific orientation.

6. The dock system according to claim 1, wherein the dock housing includes a plurality of light emitting elements.

7. The dock system according to claim 6, wherein the status of either the recorder or the transmitter is indicated by the plurality of light emitting elements.

8. The dock system according to claim 2, wherein the light emitting element of the dock and the light emitting element of the second dock provide visual feedback regarding the status of a respective recorder or transmitter coupled to a respective dock receiver.

9. The dock system according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements indicates that the recorder or the transmitter is being charged.

10. The dock system according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements indicates the recorder or the transmitter is fully charged.

11. The dock system according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements indicates that the recorder contains data to be downloaded to an data processor.

12. The dock system according to claim 7, wherein at least one the plurality of light emitting elements indicates the recorder or the transmitter has passed a diagnostic test.

13. The dock system according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements indicates the recorder or the transmitter has failed a diagnostic test.

14. The dock system according to claim 2, wherein a supplemental mechanical system secures the dock system to the second dock system.

15. The dock system according to claim 14, wherein the supplement mechanical system further includes:

a receiving recess formed on the dock housing; and

a mating face extending from the second dock housing, the mating face defined to couple with the receiving recess on the dock housing to mechanically securely couple the dock system to the second dock system.

16. The dock system according to claim 2, where the supplemental mechanical system further includes:

a first magnet secured inside the dock system dock housing; and

a second magnet secured inside the second dock system dock housing, the second magnet being positioned so that it will be aligned with the first magnet when the dock system and the second dock system are coupled together,

wherein the orientation of the first magnet and the second magnet result in opposite magnetic polarities being exposed between the first magnet and the second magnet when the dock system and the second dock system are coupled.