Modular patient care system with interchangeable modules
First Claim
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 the first portion;
a coupling connector pair having electrical contacts formed thereon, the coupling connector pair configured and dimensioned to allow structural engagement of said second module to said first module in a one-handed, single step operation, and whereby at least two-step or two-handed operation is required to structurally disengage said second module from said first module;
whereinsaid first and second modules each comprise a first surface, and a second surface opposite said first surface,said coupling connector is formed at said second surface of said first module and said first surface of said second module,said second surface of said second module having interconnection features identical to interconnections features of said first surface of said first module,said first and second modules are capable of being electrically and structurally engaged by coupling said first surface of said second module to said second surface of said first module, andsaid first and second modules are also capable of being electrically and structurally engaged by coupling said second surface of said second module to said first surface of said first module.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A modular patient care system having a central management unit module and one or more detachable functional units is described. Using unique mechanical and electrical features, the modular patient care system is capable of flexibly, bilaterally, and safely providing electrical power from the central management unit to the attached functional units, with exposed power leads of end units being electrically isolated for safety and security. Functional units are capable of detecting the presence of other functional units more distant from the central management unit for passing power to those units, and for otherwise electrically isolating exposed power leads when no further units are attached. Additionally, the modular patient care system provides for a modular connection arrangement wherein modules are detachably connected to each other in a convenient, flexible, interchangeable, and secure manner by providing a hinge connector pair, a specially located latch mechanism, and a guide means between any pair of modules.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A modular patient care system comprising:
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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 the first portion; a coupling connector pair having electrical contacts formed thereon, the coupling connector pair configured and dimensioned to allow structural engagement of said second module to said first module in a one-handed, single step operation, and whereby at least two-step or two-handed operation is required to structurally disengage said second module from said first module; wherein said first and second modules each comprise a first surface, and a second surface opposite said first surface, said coupling connector is formed at said second surface of said first module and said first surface of said second module, said second surface of said second module having interconnection features identical to interconnections features of said first surface of said first module, said first and second modules are capable of being electrically and structurally engaged by coupling said first surface of said second module to said second surface of said first module, and said first and second modules are also capable of being electrically and structurally engaged by coupling said second surface of said second module to said first surface of said first module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A modular patient care system, comprising:
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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 coupling connector pair configured and dimensioned to allow structural engagement of said second module 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; wherein said first module being a main interface module for providing an interface between the system and the user, said second module being a functional module for providing patient therapies or monitoring, and said functional module includes a selection key communicating with the interface module, and wherein depression of the selection key selects the functional module and initiates configuration of the interface module as a user interface for the selected functional module. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification