Docking station for an enteral feeding pump

• US 9,699,816 B2
• Filed: 09/13/2013
• Issued: 07/04/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kpr U.S., LLC (Cardinal Health, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Harr, James M., McHugh, Gabriel, Trelford, Lester Paul, Waldhoff, Gary J., Prows, Dennis Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Cavallari, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US14/152,131
• Publication Number:
  US 20150305073A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,390 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/0482 Enteral feeding product
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00 Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/02 for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/14 Relay systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/80 Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 Direct-mode setup

Abstract

Described herein are concepts, systems, circuits and techniques for a docking station configured to couple to an enteral feeding pump or other medical device. In one embodiment, the docking station includes a wireless transmitter for communicating data, such as operating parameters and/or status, to a remote monitor over a wireless communication link, to permit remote monitoring of certain pump diagnostics. In some embodiments, the docking station may utilize the wireless communication link to permit control and/or data exchange with the feeding pump. This may be in addition to or in place of the remote monitoring. The pump may also contain a receiver for receiving data such as operating parameter instructions, general operating instructions, and/or commands.

Claims

1. A docking station for an enteral feeding pump, the docking station comprising:

a base portion configured to hold the enteral feeding pump, the base portion including a channel to align the enteral feeding pump;

a docking port disposed on the base portion and configured to couple to a mating port provided on the enteral feeding pump;

a wireless communication module configured to communicate with the enteral feeding pump, the communication module includes a transceiver to transmit and receive signals permitting the enteral feeding pump to wirelessly communicate with at least one of a local hospital network, an intranet, and a remote device; and

a charging module located within a cavity internal to the base portion, the charging module providing power to the enteral feeding pump when the pump is docked in the docking station.

2. The docking station of claim 1 wherein the charging module is provided as a wireless charging module which allows the docking station to wirelessly charge a power source in the pump.

3. The docking station of claim 1 wherein the base portion is provided having a size, shape and configuration which allows the docking station to be disposed on a tabletop.

4. The docking station of claim 1 further comprising one or more of a WIFI and a cellular wireless board disposed internal to the base portion.

5. The docking station of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication module is integral to the base portion.

6. The docking station of claim 1 further comprising a clamp member coupled to the docking station, the clamp member being suitable for mounting or otherwise coupling the docking station to an IV pole or other support structure.

7. The docking station of claim 1 further comprising a rechargeable battery disposed in the base portion to provide extra battery life to the enteral feeding pump in the event that the docking station moves with the pump in an ambulatory/backpack situation.

8. A system comprising an enteral feeding pump and a docking station, the docking station comprising:

a base portion configured to hold the enteral feeding pump, the base portion including a channel to align the enteral feeding pump;

a docking port disposed on the base portion and configured to couple to a mating port provided on the enteral feeding pump;

a wireless communication module configured to communicate with the enteral feeding pump, the communication module includes a transceiver to transmit and receive signals permitting the enteral feeding pump to wirelessly communicate with at least one of a local hospital network, an intranet, and a remote device; and

a charging module located within a cavity internal to the base portion, the charging module providing power to the enteral feeding pump when the pump is docked in the docking station.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the enteral feeding pump comprises one or more rechargeable batteries and wherein in response to the enteral feeding pump being attached to the base portion, the charging module is placed in electrical communication with the one or more rechargeable batteries in the enteral feeding pump to charge the pump.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein the docking station includes a clamp member, the clamp member being suitable for mounting or otherwise coupling the docking station to an IV pole or other support structure.

11. The system of claim 8 wherein the enteral feeding pump includes a power source operatively coupled to provide power to the wireless communication module.

12. The system of claim 8 wherein the enteral feeding pump includes a power source operatively coupled to provide power to the charging module via the docking port when AC power is not available.

13. The docking station of claim 8 wherein the enteral feeding pump includes a backup battery to provide power to send wireless signals when no AC power is available.