Apparatus and methods for associating medical probes with connection ports
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A medical instrument comprising:
- a console having a plurality of probe connection ports thereon, a first one of the plurality of ports configured for connection with a first connector associated with a first medical probe that is configured for engagement with the first port and not configured for connection with a second one of the plurality of ports;
a proximity detection system configured to generate a first proximity signal upon positioning of the first connector within a first proximity to at least one of the first port, the plurality of ports and the console;
the proximity detection system configured to generate a second signal upon positioning of the first connector within a second proximity to the second port, the second signal being distinct from the first signal; and
wherein the second proximity corresponds to a shorter physical distance than the first proximity.
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Abstract
Apparatus, systems and methods for associating medical diagnostic and treatment probes with connection ports of a multiport instrument console. Proximity sensing between a probe and the console provide user-detectable signals indicating the availability or nonavailability of a compatibly configured port for the probe, and specific identification of one or more ports that are compatible with the probe. The proximity sensing also provides capability for identifying and configuring a probe before attempting to connect the probe to a console port.
24 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A medical instrument comprising:
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a console having a plurality of probe connection ports thereon, a first one of the plurality of ports configured for connection with a first connector associated with a first medical probe that is configured for engagement with the first port and not configured for connection with a second one of the plurality of ports; a proximity detection system configured to generate a first proximity signal upon positioning of the first connector within a first proximity to at least one of the first port, the plurality of ports and the console;
the proximity detection system configured to generate a second signal upon positioning of the first connector within a second proximity to the second port, the second signal being distinct from the first signal; and
wherein the second proximity corresponds to a shorter physical distance than the first proximity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A multifunctional medical instrument system comprising:
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a console having a plurality of connection ports associated therewith, each of the plurality of ports configured for connection with a compatibly configured medical probe; at least two medical probes operable in association with the console and configured for compatible connection with at least one port among the plurality of ports; a proximity sensing system for detecting a proximity between one of the at least two medical probes and at least one of the plurality of ports, the proximity sensing system configured to provide a first user-detectable signal indicating a location of the at least one compatible port; wherein the proximity sensing system is further configured to provide a second user-detectable signal indicating one or more of proximity of the at least two medical probes to a port incompatible therewith, and a presence of another medical probe previously connected to the at least one compatible port. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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20. A multiport bedside monitor configured for receiving one or more medial probes for monitoring a body function of a patient, each of the one or more probes having a respective connector associated therewith, the monitor comprising:
a console having a plurality of medical probe connection ports thereon, the monitor configured to generate a first visually perceptible optical signal upon the positioning of a first probe connector less than a first distance from a first portion of the console, the first signal indicating a first port configured for receiving the first connector, the monitor further configured to generate a second optical signal visually distinct from the first signal upon the positioning of the first probe connector less than a second distance from a second port that is not configured for receiving the first connector, the second distance being shorter than the first distance. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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23. A medical instrument comprising:
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a) a console having a plurality of probe connection ports thereon, a first one of the plurality of ports configured for connection with a first connector associated with a first medical probe that is configured for engagement with the first port and not configured for connection with a second one of the plurality of ports; b) a proximity detection system configured to detect a first proximity upon positioning of the first connector within a first distance to one of the first port, the plurality of ports and the console, the proximity detection system configured to detect a second proximity upon positioning of the first connector within a second distance to the second port, the second distance being shorter than the first distance; and c) a signal generation system configured to generate a first signal upon detection of the first proximity, the first signal including at least one of a first optical emission and a first visual display on a graphical user interface, the signal generation system configured to generate a second signal distinct from the first signal upon detection of the second proximity, the second signal including at least one of a second optical emission, a second visual display on the graphical user interface, and an acoustic signal.
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Specification