Mobile computer workstation

• US 9,389,643 B1
• Filed: 02/18/2015
• Issued: 07/12/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: InterMetro Industries Corporation (Ali Holding Srl)
• Original Assignee: InterMetro Industries Corporation (Ali Holding Srl)
• Inventors: Jacobs, Michael R., Flemig, Steven B., Janoschka, Darin, Clark, Richard A., Abu-Akel, Fouad Geries, Washington, Keith
• Primary Examiner(s): Datskovskiy, Michail V
• Application Number:
  US14/625,599
• Time in Patent Office: 510 Days
• Field of Search: 361/679.01, 361/679.02, 361/679.21, 361/679.23, 361/679.41, 361/679.44, 361/679.55, 312/223.1, 312/223.2, 312/223.3, 312/197, 312/236, 312/239, 312/208.2, 248/158, 248/161, 248/127, 248/129, 248/404, 248676-678, 248/370, 248/918, 248/919, 108/3, 108/25, 108/19, 108/147, 108/150, 348/14.01, 348/14.05, 348/14.08, 348/14.09, 348/14.1, 348 1411- 1416, 379/37, 379/38, 379/106.21, 379/106.02
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1635 Details related to the integration of battery packs and other power supplies such as fuel cells or integrated AC adapter
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1637 Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/166 related to integrated arrangements for adjusting the position of the main body with respect to the supporting surface, e.g. legs for adjusting the tilt angle
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1662 Details related to the integrated keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1686 the I/O peripheral being an integrated camera
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/26 Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof for memories G11C
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/918 Ancillary device support associated with a video display screen

Abstract

A mobile computer workstation for use with a computer network is disclosed. The workstation can include a wheeled chassis having a vertical beam that supports a horizontal work surface. An input device tray is located at a front side of the work surface and a bracket located at a rear side of the work surface mounts a display screen to the workstation above and off the work surface. A power unit including a battery charger and a battery is mounted to the chassis and supplies power to the display screen.

Claims

1. A workstation adapted to be readily moved from room-to-room by a medical practitioner in a healthcare environment, comprising:

a chassis comprising a plurality of wheels and a substantially vertical beam;

the beam comprising a first member and a second member, the second member directly or indirectly connected to the first member, the second member being operable to move relative to the first member;

a tray connected to the beam, the tray comprising a receptacle having an upper surface, sides, and a bottom;

a computer located within the tray and below the upper surface;

a display screen located above the tray;

the upper surface of the tray defining a work surface substantially unoccupied by the computer and the display screen to provide a convenient writing surface to the medical practitioner, or for the medical practitioner to place files, medical instruments, or medications;

a keyboard tray operable to position a keyboard in front of and below the work surface;

a rechargeable battery supported by the chassis such that at least a portion of the battery is lower than an upper surface of at least one of the plurality of wheels;

a battery charger supported by the chassis and operably connected to the rechargeable battery; and

wherein the vertical height of the work surface changes when the second member moves relative to the first member.

2. The workstation of claim 1, further comprising a power cable operably connecting the rechargeable battery to at least one of the computer and display screen;

and

wherein the power cable is routed such that at least a portion of the power cable is within the vertical beam.

3. The workstation of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the rechargeable battery is located lower than the first member of the beam.

4. The workstation of claim 1, further comprising:

a video camera operably connected to the display screen; and

a video-conferencing system.

5. The workstation of claim 1, further comprising:

a second display screen located above the tray and off of the work surface.

6. The workstation of claim 1, further comprising:

a patient vital signs capture device comprising a sensor device and a control device, wherein the control device receives information from the sensor device.

7. The workstation of claim 6, wherein the patient vital signs capture device comprises at least one of a blood pressure monitor, a thermometer, and a pulse oximetry device.

8. The workstation according to claim 1, further comprising:

a radio transceiver; and

a medical monitoring device; and

wherein the radio transceiver is in communication with the medical monitoring device.

9. The workstation of claim 1, further comprising means for controlling movement of the second member of the beam relative to the first member.

10. The workstation of claim 9, wherein the means for controlling movement of the second member of the beam relative to the first member comprises one of a rack and pinion, a cable and pulley, a ratchet, a ball screw, a removable pin and holes arrangement, and a gas-spring.

11. The mobile computer workstation of claim 1, wherein the beam comprises a length;

and

wherein the length of the beam changes when the second member moves relative to the first member.

12. The mobile computer workstation of claim 1, wherein the beam is linearly extensible.

13. The mobile computer workstation of claim 1, wherein the work surface is horizontally-oriented;

and

wherein the work surface maintains the horizontal orientation while the second member moves relative to the first member.

14. The mobile computer workstation of claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member telescope relative to one another when the second member moves relative to the first member.

15. The mobile computer workstation of claim 1, wherein an orientation of the display screen is adjustable.

16. A workstation adapted to be readily moved from room-to-room by a medical practitioner in a healthcare environment, comprising:

a chassis comprising a plurality of wheels and a substantially vertical beam;

the beam comprising a first member and a second member, the second member directly or indirectly connected to the first member, the second member being operable to move relative to the first member;

a tray connected to the beam, the tray comprising a receptacle having an upper surface, sides, and a bottom;

a computer supported by the tray;

a display screen located in an opening in the upper surface and extending at least partially above the upper surface;

the upper surface defining a work surface substantially unoccupied by the computer and display screen to provide a convenient writing surface to the medical practitioner, or for the medical practitioner to place files, medical instruments, or medications;

a keyboard tray operable to position a keyboard in front of and below the work surface; and

wherein the vertical height of the work surface changes when the second member moves relative to the first member.

17. The workstation of claim 16, further comprising:

a rechargeable battery supported by the chassis such that at least a portion of the battery is lower than an upper surface of at least one of the plurality of wheels;

a battery charger operably connected to the rechargeable battery;

a power cable operably connecting the rechargeable battery to at least one of the computer and display screen; and

wherein the power cable is routed such that at least a portion of the power cable is within the vertical beam.

18. The workstation of claim 17, further comprising:

a medical monitoring device supported by the chassis; and

a radio transceiver supported by the chassis and in communication with the medical monitoring device, the radio transceiver operable for receiving and sending data to a computer network.