Medical equipment transport system
First Claim
1. A medical equipment transport system for supporting medical equipment near a patient being transported on a patient transport device, the system comprising:
- a tower comprising;
a bearing frame having a central longitudinal axis;
a bogie supported for vertical movement inside the frame along the central longitudinal axis;
a bearing assembly between the bearing frame and the bogie comprising;
at least three bearings positioned radially equidistantly around the central longitudinal axis;
at least three vertically-oriented, linear bearing races disposed equidistantly about the central longitudinal axis of the bearing housing;
wherein the at least three bearings are supported on the bogie, one bearing supported for movement along each of the races as the bogie moves vertically in the bearing frame;
so that load and moment in any direction on the bogie will be transferred radially through the bearing assembly to the bearing frame anda drive assembly for driving the vertical movement of the bogie;
a first bracket attachable to the patient transport device;
a second bracket supportable on the bogie for movement therewith; and
a medical equipment rack removably supportable on the first and second brackets.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A medical equipment transport system for supporting medical equipment while a patient is transported. The system comprises an equipment rack, such as an IV stand. While in the hospital room, the rack is mounted on a bracket supported on a mobile tower. When the patient is moved, the rack is transferred to a similar bracket on the bed. Transfer of the rack between bed and tower brackets is accomplished using a lift mechanism in the tower. The lift mechanism includes a bogie stabilized by radially-arranged bearings, enabling the tower to accept omni directional loading and moment forces. The rack is supported on each of the brackets by two vertically-aligned conical pins nested in tapered bushings, providing additional stability. A self-locking, self-releasing latch assembly prevents inadvertent dislocation of the rack. A customized adapter enables attachment of the bracket to any model bed without structurally altering it, simplifying installation and preserving warranties.
136 Citations
39 Claims
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1. A medical equipment transport system for supporting medical equipment near a patient being transported on a patient transport device, the system comprising:
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a tower comprising; a bearing frame having a central longitudinal axis; a bogie supported for vertical movement inside the frame along the central longitudinal axis; a bearing assembly between the bearing frame and the bogie comprising; at least three bearings positioned radially equidistantly around the central longitudinal axis; at least three vertically-oriented, linear bearing races disposed equidistantly about the central longitudinal axis of the bearing housing; wherein the at least three bearings are supported on the bogie, one bearing supported for movement along each of the races as the bogie moves vertically in the bearing frame; so that load and moment in any direction on the bogie will be transferred radially through the bearing assembly to the bearing frame and a drive assembly for driving the vertical movement of the bogie; a first bracket attachable to the patient transport device; a second bracket supportable on the bogie for movement therewith; and a medical equipment rack removably supportable on the first and second brackets. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification