Patent · US Expired

Docking station for patient monitor or other electronic device

US6594146B2 · kind B2 · utility

105Cited by
9References
34Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 26, 2000
Grant dateJul 15, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 10, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2560/0456
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A docking station for a portable electronic device, such as a portable patient monitor of the type used in health care facilities. In particular, the docking station can be installed at a bedside location in a health care facility. The docking station is designed to provide electrical and mechanical connection of AC power and communication devices to the portable electronic device. An intuitive, top-down mounting mechanism locks the electronic device in place without user input. A front facing security lever on the docking station, which can be operated with one hand, provides engagement of electrical connectors and positive locking of the electronic device to the docking station. The docking station combines and provides AC power to the electronic device's AC mains connector, Ethernet signals to communicate with a local area network (LAN), DC power, and asynchronous communication signals to communicate with ancillary devices. A reverse action of the front facing security lever will disconnect the electronic device from these connections and indicate that the electronic device can be safely separated from the docking station. Once the electronic device has been separated from the d…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.