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Method and apparatus for power connection in a modular patient care system

  • US 7,074,205 B1
  • Filed: 08/23/1999
  • Issued: 07/11/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/13/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A modular patient care system, comprising:

  • a plurality of modules including a first module and a second module, said second module comprising a first portion grippable by a user, said second module being configured and dimensioned so as to be capable of being held by a single hand of the user by gripping said first portion;

    a hinge connector pair configured and dimensioned to allow hingeable engagement of said second module to said first module near a first end of said second module;

    a latch mechanism for securing said second module to said first module near a second end of said second module, said latch mechanism comprising a first part connected to said first module and a second part connected to said second module near said second end, said second part being capable of springably securing to said first part when forced into said first part;

    means for releasing said second part from said first part;

    a guide mechanism separate from said hinge connector pair and said latch mechanism and located therebetween, said guide mechanism for discouraging off-axis engagement of said first and second modules and for providing mechanical stability for said first and second modules when engaged;

    wherein said means for releasing is spaced away from said first portion of said second module a distance sufficient to prevent a hand gripping said first portion from also activating said releasing means;

    whereby said second module is capable of being structurally engaged to said first module in a one-handed, single step operation, and whereby an at least two-step or two-handed operation is required to structurally disengage said second module from said first module.

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