US20030076015A1 - Medical servicing system - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a servicing system appropriate for many environments, including medical environments. The servicing system may be used to position, organize, support, and move commonly used equipment and services in a desired area of a facility. The servicing system may include a suspension system, a service module, a detachable equipment support assembly, and a mobile platform for decoupling, docking, supporting, and moving the equipment support assembly to and from the service module. The suspension system may be fixedly secured to structural reinforcement members in a ceiling, the service module may be attached at a distal end of the suspension system, and the equipment support assembly may be removably attached to the service module.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0001]
• The present invention relates to medical servicing systems and, more particularly, to an improved ceiling or wall mounted medical servicing system having a detachable equipment support assembly. The invention is particularly applicable for use in operating rooms during surgical procedures or the like and will be described with reference thereto. However, it is to be understood that the present invention is useful in a variety of situations, environments, and applications wherever electrical, pneumatic, or other equipment is needed, including non-medical uses and environments such as industrial and commercial applications.[0002]
• 2. Background of the Invention[0003]
• One challenge facing medical practitioners and hospitals involves reducing the time required to safely perform medical procedures. This time reduction is beneficial to the patient by reducing the possibility of surgical complications, and beneficial to the hospital by allowing more procedures to be preformed in a given day. Accordingly, there is a need to find ways to make an operating room as efficient as possible before, during, and after a medical procedure. In this regard, the efficiency of an operating room can be improved by properly positioning, organizing, supporting, connecting, and moving commonly used medical equipment and services required in the operating room. Technological advances, however, have made it difficult to safely and centrally position and organize all of the medical instruments now used by medical practitioners. For example, most operating rooms are not properly configured to easily and centrally locate devices such as display monitors (that require connection with data lines feeding video) with other pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrically driven equipment. Further, many new medical products require additional electrical, fluid, and data connections. Efficiently and safely positioning, organizing, supporting, and moving these types of equipment, and other conventional medical equipment, remains a challenge in the operating room.[0004]
• Attempts at efficiently and safely positioning and organizing medical equipment in an operating room include using various types of medical servicing systems. Medical servicing systems can be as simple as a mobile cart, or can be as complex as a support unit that is movable horizontally and vertically by way of a suspension system that is fixedly connected to a ceiling of an operating room. One such suspended system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,649 to Block et al. While suspended systems save valuable space in the operating room, and are beneficial for many other reasons, they are restricted by the sphere of movement permitted by its suspension system. Further, these suspended systems can be difficult to move to a desired location due to their weight and degrees of freedom. Finally, shelves provided with conventional support assemblies typically are not space efficient or readily adaptable for different sized instruments or advances in medical instrument technology.[0005]
• Accordingly, there is a need for a medical servicing system that is easy to operate, is able to efficiently position, organize, and support medical instruments and services, is adaptable to support today's and tomorrow's technology, and allows efficient movement of the supported instruments and services before, during, and after a medical procedure.[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a servicing system comprises a suspension system connected to an overhead support structure and provides a path for at least one of an electric line, fluid line, or data line; a service module coupled to the suspension system and comprising at least one connector for allowing access to electricity, fluid, or data from the at least one electric line, fluid line, or data line; an equipment support assembly removably coupled to the service module for supporting equipment; and a mobile platform for receiving the equipment support assembly upon decoupling of the equipment support assembly from the service module.[0007]
• Further in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of decoupling an equipment support assembly from a suspension system comprises positioning a mobile platform underneath the equipment support assembly; raising a portion of the mobile platform vertically into engagement with the equipment support assembly; and moving the mobile platform and equipment support assembly away from the overhead suspension system.[0008]
• Further in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a shelf for a service system comprises a shelf length dimension and a shelf width dimension; at least two arm members extending generally in a direction of the shelf length dimension; a clamping assembly coupled to the at least two arm members and extending generally in a direction of the shelf width dimension; and a coupling assembly attached to the arm members for coupling the shelf to the service system.[0009]
• Yet further in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a shelf assembly for a service system comprises a support column having at least a front portion, a rear portion, and a bottom portion; a coupling arrangement for assisting in attaching and detaching the shelf assembly to the service system; and at least one shelf member for supporting equipment.[0010]
• Further in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a floor located mobile support device comprises a vertically adjustable base member for supporting an equipment support assembly of a service system, and a coupling arrangement located on the base member for coupling the mobile support device to a bottom portion of the equipment support assembly.[0011]
• Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.[0012]
• It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.[0013]
• The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one embodiment of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.[0014]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the medical servicing system according to the present invention;[0015]
• FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the suspension system and service module illustrated in FIG. 1;[0016]
• FIGS.[0017]3A-3D are right side, left side, front, and rear views, respectively, of the service module illustrated in FIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is a side view of a the equipment support assembly of FIG. 1;[0018]
• FIG. 5 is a rear view of the support column of the equipment support assembly of FIG. 1[0019]
• FIG. 6 is a top view of a shelf member of the equipment support assembly of FIG. 1;[0020]
• FIG. 7 is a top view of a monitor shelf according to the present invention; and[0021]
• FIG. 8 is a front view of the support column and mobile platform of FIG. 1.[0022]
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
• Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.[0023]
• FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the[0024]medical servicing system10 in accordance with the present invention. “Servicing system” as defined herein includes any system that facilitates or assists in providing desired services, such services including, but not limited to, positioning, organizing, supporting, or moving equipment and delivering electricity, fluid, or data to a desired location. Accordingly,medical servicing system10 may be used to position, organize, support, and move commonly used medical equipment and to deliver electricity, fluid, or data to desired locations in an operating room.Medical servicing system10 may include an overhead suspension system, generally indicated at20, a service module, generally indicated at100, a detachable equipment support assembly, generally indicated at150, and amobile platform200 for decoupling and movingequipment support assembly150 fromservice module100.Suspension system20 may be fixedly secured to structural reinforcement members in aceiling22, or to other suitable supports, such as, for example, a wall of an operating room or the like.Service module100 may be attached at a distal end ofsuspension system20 and have attached thereto detachableequipment support assembly150.
• Referring to FIG. 2,[0025]overhead suspension system20 may include amount24 for connectingsuspension system20 toceiling22. “Overhead” suspension system as defined herein includes any type of suspension system that is not directly coupled to a floor of the room or facility in which the suspension system is located. Mount24 may include any suitable fastening arrangement, including, forexample bolts26 for securingsuspension system20 toceiling22. Ahorizontal arm28 may be rotatably coupled to mount24 by way of avertical connector30 coupled betweenhorizontal arm28 andmount24. Rotation ofhorizontal arm28 is aboutaxis32, as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2. Adistal end34 ofhorizontal arm28 may be connected to a furthervertical connector36.Vertical connector36 includes alower portion38 coupled to adistal arm40 by way of ajoint42 that allowsdistal arm40 to rotate about anaxis44 and rotate in a vertical plane aboutjoint42. Motion ofdistal arm40 is indicated by arrows B and C in FIG. 2. Joint42 and the coupling ofvertical connector30 tohorizontal arm28 may be formed in any conventional manner as long as they provide the required degrees of freedom, i.e. rotation ofhorizontal arm28 and rotation and vertical movement ofdistal arm40. It will be appreciated that stops may be included to prohibithorizontal arm28 anddistal arm40 from rotating a full 360 degrees, which may avoid detrimental twisting of components withinsuspension system20. Further, each of thearms28,40 may be held in position in a conventional manner using, for example, pneumatic brakes or the like.
• The vertical movement of[0026]distal arm40 may be controlled by a motor (not shown). Control of the motor may be provided onservice module100, or at any other appropriate location on or separate from themedical servicing system10, such as, for example, on a wall of the room whereservice system10 is located. According to one embodiment of the present invention, control ofsuspension system20 may be provided by acontrol panel101 mounted on ahandle member130 attached toservice module100.Control panel101 may include manuallyactuatable pushbuttons102 and104 that control pneumatic brakes, and a manuallyactuatable toggle switch106 for controlling the motorized vertical height ofdistal arm40.Pushbuttons102 and104 may be used to each respectively control one of the pneumatic brakes of each ofhorizontal arm28 anddistal arm40 to lock the arms at a desired rotational position. As is well known in the art, the pneumatic brakes release when thepushbuttons102 and104 are depressed. Thetoggle switch106 may be a momentary type so that vertical motion is enabled only when an operator presses and holds the switch in a downward or upward position.
• A[0027]distal end46 ofdistal arm40 may be connected to avertical coupling member48 forcoupling service module100 tosuspension system20.Vertical coupling member48 may be of any conventional configuration, for example a tubular or I-beam configuration, and may allow relative rotational movement betweenservice module100 andsuspension system20 aboutaxis50, as indicated by arrow D in FIG. 2.
• [0028]Horizontal arm28,distal arm40, and the connectors and coupling members attached thereto (30,36, and48) ofsuspension system20 may define an internal conduit52 (shown in dashed lines) for allowing one or moreelectric lines54,fluid lines56, anddata lines58 to run fromceiling22 toservice module100. “Line” as defined herein includes any type of pipe, cable, wire, conduit, cord, or other appropriate structure that permits the desired flow or transfer. Electric, fluid, anddata lines54,56, and58 deliver electricity, fluid, and data to and from patients, medical equipment or information systems during surgical procedures. For example, low and high voltage can be carried alongelectric lines54, a vacuum, gases such as NO₂, O₂, CO₂, HeO₂, and N₂, or liquid, may be supplied alongfluid lines56, and video, telephone, or other data can be carried along data lines58. It is appreciated that other types of lines useful in the given environment can run throughinternal conduit52 fromceiling22 toservice module100. Electric, fluid, anddata lines54,56, and58 may alternatively be run along the outside surface ofsuspension system20 toservice module100 instead of throughinternal conduit52. It is appreciated that proper safeguards may be included to properly separate anyfluid lines56 delivering combustible fluid from anyelectric lines54 of the system. For example, a physical barrier may be included withinmount24,internal conduit52, andservice module100 to separate any nitrogen fluid lines from any high and low voltage electric lines.
• As an alternative embodiment of the[0029]suspension system20 described above,distal arm40 andvertical coupling member48 may be omitted so thatvertical connector36 is directly coupled toservice module100. In this embodiment of the invention,vertical connector36 could be formed of an appropriate length to locateservice module100 at an optimum height, or could be formed as a telescoping type connector capable of varying length, thus allowing for an adjustable height ofservice module100. Further,service module100 may be connected toceiling22 or other support structure by any number of support arms depending on the amount of desired system movement. For example,service module100 may be directly coupled toceiling22 by a single vertical connecting member.
• FIGS.[0030]3A-3D illustrate an embodiment ofservice module100 in accordance with the present invention. “Service module” as defined herein includes any structure or device that assists or facilitates the providing of the desired service or services.Service module100 may be configured about vertical axis50 (FIG. 3C) and includeside panels110,112, afront face114, and arear face116.Front face114 may include a recessedcentral portion118 and two opposingangled panels120,122 connecting recessedcentral portion118 toside panels110,112. Similarly,rear face116 may include acentral portion124 and two opposingangled panels126,128 connectingcentral portion124 ofrear face118 toside panels110,112. As mentioned above,service module100 may include ahandle member130 attached to one or both ofside panels110,112. Handlemembers130 enable a medical practitioner or assistant to moveservice module100 along the degrees of freedom provided bysuspension system20. For example,service module100 may be moved into and out of the surgical field, toward or away from the operating table or into any other position as desired. As noted above in connection with FIG. 2, one handle member103 may include acontrol panel101 for controlling the movement ofsuspension system20.
• The[0031]service module100 of the present invention could alternatively be formed of any number of different shapes, such as generally rectangular or elliptical. Further,service module100 may be formed of any appropriate material that is capable of supporting the required loads ofsystem10. One such material includes aluminum.
• Each[0032]side panel110,112, andangled panel120,122,126, and128 may include one or moreelectrical connectors132,fluid connectors134, ordata connectors136. Electrical, fluid, anddata connectors132,134, and136 are coupled to theirrespective lines54,56, and58 which extend fromceiling22 and along or throughsuspension system20 toservice module100. Any combination ofelectrical connectors132,fluid connectors134, ordata connectors136 may be provided on a respective side orangled panel110,112,120,122,126, and128 ofservice module100. For example, as illustrated in FIGS.3A-3D, theconnectors132,134, and136 can be arranged so that only one type of connector is located on any one panel. Further,panels110,112,120,122,126, and128, andcentral portion124, may include further connectors or devices, for example, apower switch138, a phone connector (not shown), a CO₂bottle holder, an arm member for a flat panel display, or an air vent or filtering device (not shown). In accordance with the present invention,panels110,112,120,122,126, and128 may be interchangable aboutservice module100 and/or may include a hinge for allowing easy access to a rear portion of the connectors.
• Recessed[0033]central portion118 offront face114 ofservice module100 is adapted to receive anequipment support column152. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrateservice module100 withequipment support column152 attached thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, recessedcentral portion118 may include a plurality ofpegs140 extending normal to the surface of recessedcentral portion118.Pegs140 may be sized to dock with corresponding recesses formed in the rear face ofsupport column152 and may include adistal portion141 larger than a proximal portion143 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3C). Recessedcentral portion118 may include any number or size ofpegs140 as long as they can maintain secure coupling ofsupport column152 withservice module100 whenequipment support assembly150 is fully loaded. The details of the docking and undocking ofsupport column152 withservice module100 are described in further detail below.
• [0034]Central portion124 ofrear face116 may includefurther connectors132,136, or138 and a hinged or detachable door to provide access to the interior ofservice module100. Such access to the interior ofservice module100 allows for simplified maintenance and repair of the interior components ofservice module100.
• Now referring to FIGS.[0035]4-6, detachableequipment support assembly150 is configured to allow for compact storage of medical devices and may include asupport column152 having afront face154 and arear face156. One embodiment ofrear face156 ofsupport column152 is illustrated in FIG. 5. “Equipment support assembly” as defined herein includes any structure or device that assists or facilitates supporting the weight of desired equipment. As discussed above,rear face156 ofsupport column152 may include recesses158 having large,lower openings159 for receivingdistal portions141 ofpegs140 andupper grooves161 sized to receiveproximal portions143 ofpegs140. Thus, assupport column152 is positioned for docking withservice module100, the largerdistal portions141 ofpegs140 are aligned withlower openings159 and urged intolower openings159. Oncepegs140 are fully received withinlower openings159,support column152 may be lowered (orservice module100 raised) so that smallerproximal portions143 ofpegs140 align withupper grooves161 and travel upward to rest against thetop portion163 ofupper grooves161. The location ofpegs140 when properly docked withsupport column152 are shown in dashed lines in FIG. 5. It is understood that other types of coupling arrangements ofequipment support assembly150 andservice module100 may be practiced in accordance with this invention, including providing rear face with156 ofsupport column152 with a downwardly tapering protrusion that would mate with a corresponding tapered recess incentral portion118 ofservice module100. In this embodiment, lowering ofsupport column152 into the tapered recess may serve to couplesupport column152 andservice module100 together. In yet another embodiment, downwardly projecting claw members could be provided onsupport member152 for mating with upwardly projecting claw members ofservice module100. As with the other embodiments, aligning then lowering ofsupport column152 relative toservice module100 may allow for docking.
• Still referring to FIGS.[0036]4-6,support column152 may include two vertical tracks orgrooves160,162 (FIG. 6) formed within a protrudingportion153 offront face154. Thesevertical tracks160,162 can receive various different types of servicing components to be described below. One type of servicing component attachable to supportcolumn152 includes ashelf member164.Shelf member164 may include a shelf base formed with two horizontally extendingarms168,170. Horizontally extendingarms168,170 are connected at a distal end by a connectingplate172 and at a proximal end by apower module174.Power module174 may include one ormore service connectors132,134, or136 located on a top, bottom or side surface thereof and may be connectable to appropriate electric, fluid, ordata lines54,56, and58 in any conventional manner. A proximal end ofpower module174 may be formed in a generally C-shaped configuration to securely mate with protrudingportion153 andtracks160,162 ofsupport column152. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the base ofshelf member164 may be formed with a single element, rather than two (2) horizontally extendingarms168,170, with the single element having a width equal to that formed byarms168,170.
• Referring to FIG. 6,[0037]shelf member164 may also include a clamping assembly generally indicated at176 for assisting in the securing of a desired element onshelf member164. Clampingassembly176 may be located approximately midway between the proximal and distal ends ofshelf member164 and include two (2) vertically extendingclamp plates178,180, one on each side ofshelf member164. Clampingassembly176 may be adjustable to allowclamp plates178,180 to move generally horizontally to increase or decrease the distance between vertically extendingclamp plates178,180. Movement ofclamp plates178,180 can be achieved, for example, by bracket sets182,184 that extend above horizontally extendingarms168,170 and into abracket base171 extending between horizontally extendingarms168,170. In order to ensure a central support of desired equipment onshelf member164, bracket sets182,184 may be coupled together so thatclamp plates178 and180 move in unison in the same direction, i.e., together toward the extendingarms168,170 or together away from the extendingarms168,170. A rack and pinion type coupling (not shown) could be used between bracket sets182,184 to obtain the desired unison movement. Alternatively, coupling of bracket sets182 and184 could be omitted to allow individual movement of bracket sets182,184. Directional movement ofclamp plates178,180 and bracket sets182,184 is shown by arrows E and F in FIG. 6. Bracket sets182,184 may be locked in position by way of an appropriate locking mechanism (not shown). For example, bracket sets182 and184, andbracket base171 could incorporate a screw-type locking mechanism or a releasable spring-type locking mechanism that automatically secures bracket sets182 and184 at a desired position.
• Vertically extending[0038]clamp plates178,180 may be formed of an elastomeric material so as to better grip objects placed onshelf member164 and provide for cushioned impact ofshelf member164 with other objects. Further, straps (not shown) may be placed through appropriate holes formed in each ofclamp plates178,180 to further secure desired equipment onshelf member164.
• As noted above,[0039]shelf member164 may be coupled at a distal end by way of a connectingplate172. A distal end of connectingplate172 may include abumper member173 formed of an elastomeric material to provide for cushioned impact of the front of theshelf member164 with other objects.Bumper member173 may also function as a handle forshelf member164. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, connectingplate172 may include acontrol panel186 for controlling the movement ofsuspension system20. Such acontrol panel186 may be configured ascontrol panel101 described above with respect to FIG. 2, and thus could includepushbuttons102,104 andtoggle switch106.Control panel186 could be located proximal to abumper member173 to reduce the likelihood of unintentional operation through inadvertent contact. Further, necessary wires forcontrol panel186 could be run through or along one or both horizontal extendingarms168,170 ofshelf member164.Medical servicing system10 may include a single control panel (101 or186) or multiple control panels (101 and186).
• Proximal end of[0040]shelf member164 may include a locking mechanism (not shown) for allowing vertical adjustment and locking ofshelf member164 at a vertical position onsupport column152. Locking mechanism may be designed to require a tool to allow the vertical adjustment, or may be designed for vertical adjustment without the need of any tools. A locking mechanism not requiring tools may include a vertical rack formed along eachtrack160,162 ofsupport column152 and two (2) pivotable tooth engaging members coupled toshelf member164 and located adjacent a respective rack. The tooth engaging members could be spring biased to lock with its associated rack whenshelf member164 is in a horizontal position and unlocked whenshelf member164 is not in a horizontal position. Accordingly,shelf member164 could be adjusted vertically aboutsupport column152 by tilting the shelf member upward from horizontal and automatically locked into position upon movement ofshelf member164 back into a horizontal position. Vertical adjustment ofshelf member164 allows for shelving medical equipment or services having different vertical dimensions.
• [0041]Shelf members164 may also be added or removed fromsupport column152. FIG. 4 illustrates asupport column152 having two (2) of the above describedshelf members164 attached thereto, butmore shelf members164 could be added, or one or bothshelf members164 could be removed fromsupport column152. This could be achieved, for example, by removing lower end cap157 (FIG. 4) ofsupport column152 and unlocking and loweringshelf member164 vertically out oftracks160,162. Further,support columns152 of varying lengths may be used in thesystem10 depending on the number of shelves or other components desired.
• The above disclosed[0042]shelf member164 can be varied in size to be only as large as required for a desired function. This minimized “footprint” ofshelf member164 is important in the operating environment where space is at a premium.
• Another type of servicing component attachable to support[0043]column152 is shown in FIG. 4 and includes a display monitor shelf166. Monitor shelf166 may include extendable distal andproximal arms185,187 and apivoting platform188 coupled to distalextendable arm187. Pivotingplatform188 is designed to receive a standard sizedvideo display monitor190. Apivot192 of pivotingplatform188 may allow for limited tilting and swiveling of pivotingplatform188 and monitor190. For example, pivot192 could allow for approximately 15 degrees of downward tilt from horizontal and 30 degrees of swivel to each side of a central position. Pivot192 may also be centered for optimum balance of pivotingplatform188 and monitor190, and may include an adjustable drag control that is free of drift. The data connections, in this case “video in” lines, may run fromservice module100 alongsupport column152 to and along proximal and distalextendable arms185,187 to monitor190.Extendable arms185,187 may be pivotably connected to one another to allow for extension of pivotingplatform188 away fromsupport column152. Further, proximalextendable arm185 may be rotatably connected to supportcolumn152 to allow for further positioning of pivotingplatform188. Coupling of monitor shelf166 withsupport column152 and vertical adjustment, addition or removal of monitor shelves166 may be identical to that described above with respect toshelf member164.
• It will be appreciated that various other servicing components may be attached to support[0044]column152, for example, a flat panel type video display194 (FIG. 7) could be coupled to supportcolumn152 by way of adisplay arm196 secured at a proximal end withinvertical tracks160,162.Display arm196 may provide for swiveling or tilting ofvideo display194. Alternatively, customized shelving may be coupled alongsupport column152. Customized shelving may include long shelves designed to support long equipment or heavy duty shelving designed for heavy equipment.
• FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile support structure or device, such as a mobile or wheeled platform or[0045]cart200, in accordance with the present invention. Functions ofmobile platform200 may include: (1) assisting in the decoupling ofequipment support assembly150 fromservice module100; (2) supportingequipment support assembly150 in a vertical position during use of theequipment support assembly150 withoutservice module100; and (3) transportingequipment support assembly150 to desired locations, such as a different operating room or another service module.Mobile platform200 includes alower base member202 having four (4)wheels204 attached to its bottom surface. At least one ofwheels204 may be rotatable about a vertical axis to assist insteering platform200, and at least onewheel204 may include a brake mechanism for preventing rotation of the wheel, and thus preventing movement ofmobile platform200.Platform200 also may include a vertically adjustable upper base member206. Upper base member206 may be connected tolower base member202 by way of a set ofcross links210,212. Vertical movement of upper base member206 may be obtained by relative movement of one link of eachcross link210,212. Such movement ofcross links210,212 may be achieved through actuation of an electric, pneumatic, orhydraulic actuator214 coupled to individual links ofcross links210,212 to be moved. Upper base member206 orlower base member202 may include a retractable or detachable and storabletowing handle assembly216. Further, upper base member206 may include an engaging element, for example, at least one spine member218,220 for mating with an engaging element receiver, for example,cavities222,224 formed insupport column152 and sized to securely receive spine members218,220. Alternatively,support column152 could include an engaging element and the associated engaging element receiver would be formed in upper base member206. The engaging elements should be sized to provide the dual purpose of aligningmobile platform200 withsupport column152 and couplingmobile platform200 withequipment support assembly150 so as to substantially prevent separation ofequipment support assembly150 frommobile platform200 onceequipment support assembly150 has been decoupled fromservice module100.
• Removal or decoupling of[0046]equipment support assembly150 fromservice module100 may be achieved by disconnecting appropriate electrical, fluid, and data lines extending betweenequipment support assembly150 andservice module100 and adjusting the height ofservice module100 viasuspension system20 to a decoupling height. The appropriate decoupling height may be programmed into the control ofsuspension system20 so that the height is automatically achieved or signaled, when desired. Onceservice module100 andequipment support assembly150 are at decoupling height,mobile platform200 is positioned directly underneathequipment support assembly150 so that spine members218,220 are aligned with themating cavities222,224 ofsupport member152.Actuator214 is then activated to movecross links210,212 to raise upper base member206 into contact withsupport column152. Raising base member206 beyond a height associated with supporting the full weight ofequipment support assembly150 bymobile platform200 acts to begin decoupling ofsupport column152 fromservice module100. By raisingsupport column152 in relation toservice module100 pegs140 ofservice module100 are moved downwardly throughupper grooves161 tolower opening159 ofsupport column152. Oncepegs140 are vertically aligned withlower openings159,support column152 may be urged away or decoupled fromservice module100.
• Once decoupled from[0047]service module100,equipment support assembly150 may be mobile to a desired location, such as another service module.Equipment support assembly150 may be connected to electrical, fluid, and data lines while supported bymobile platform200. Mobility of theequipment support assembly150 provides flexibility in operating room scheduling, wherein specialized equipment for a certain medical procedure can be easily moved as one unit to different operating rooms.
• Connection or docking of[0048]equipment support assembly150 toservice module100 frommobile platform200 may be achieved through the following steps.Mobile platform200 is positioned so thatsupport column152 is flush against recessedcentral portion118 so thatlower openings159 ofsupport column152 are vertically aligned withpegs140 ofservice module100.Column support152 may then be urged againstservice module100 so that pegs140 fully enterlower openings159. Service module may then be raised, ormobile platform200 lowered, so that pegs140 travel upwardly totop portion163 ofupper grooves161 insupport column152, and thus securesupport column152 toservice module100. Oncesupport column152 is coupled toservice assembly100, electrical, fluid, and data lines may be coupled betweenequipment support assembly150 andservice module100.
• Further decoupling and docking methods can be practiced according to the present invention. For example, mobile platform may include a vertically extending support structure including a vertical groove for fixedly receiving a rear portion of[0049]support column152, and coupling and decoupling may be attained through movement ofservice module100. In addition to the benefits described above in connection with decouplingequipment support assembly150 fromservice module100, such decoupling allows for the replacement of old support assemblies with new support assemblies incorporating the latest technological advances. Thus, a user ofmedical servicing system10 would not need to replace the entire system in order to obtain the benefits associated with advances in the art.
• The components of[0050]suspension system20,service module100,equipment support assembly150 andmobile platform200 may be formed of any suitable material, such as aluminum.
• Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. For example, positional control of the[0051]suspension system20 may also be provided by a foot operated control device connected to theservicing system10. Such a foot operated control device could include the same features ascontrol panels101 and184 described above, but adapted in size to facilitate use by a foot. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (54)

What is claimed is:

1. A servicing system comprising:

a suspension system connected to an overhead support structure and providing a path for at least one of an electric line, fluid line, or data line;

a service module coupled to the suspension system and comprising at least one connector for allowing access to electricity, fluid, or data from said at least one electric line, fluid line, or data line; and

an equipment support assembly removably coupled to the service module for supporting equipment.

2. A servicing system according toclaim 1, wherein the suspension system provides a path for at least one electric line, at least one fluid line, and at least one data line, and the service module comprises at least one connector for each said at least one electric line, at least one fluid line, and at least one data line.

3. A servicing system according toclaim 2, wherein the service module comprises a plurality of panels and at least one of the panels comprises a plurality of said connectors.

4. A servicing system according toclaim 1, wherein the service module comprises at least one handle member.

5. A servicing system according toclaim 4, wherein the service module comprises at least one control panel for at least partially controlling a movement of the suspension system.

6. A servicing system according toclaim 1, wherein the equipment support assembly comprises a support column.

7. A servicing system according toclaim 1, wherein the equipment support assembly further comprises at least one shelf member coupled to the support column.

8. A servicing system according toclaim 7, wherein the at least one shelf member comprises an adjustable clamping assembly for assisting the at least one shelf member in supporting equipment.

9. A servicing system according toclaim 8, wherein the adjustable clamping assembly comprises at least two spaced apart, movable clamp plates that approximately define a width of the at least one shelf member.

10. A servicing system according toclaim 9, wherein the at least two vertically extending clamp plates are coupled together to move in unison.

11. A servicing system according toclaim 7, wherein the at least one shelf member comprises a coupling assembly for attaching the at least one shelf member to the support column.

12. A servicing system according toclaim 11, wherein the coupling assembly comprises at least two shelf arms.

13. A servicing system according toclaim 11, wherein the coupling assembly comprises an adjustment mechanism for allowing adjustment of the position of the at least one shelf member along the support column.

14. A servicing system according toclaim 7, wherein the at least one shelf member comprises an elastomeric bumper element.

15. A servicing system according toclaim 7, wherein the at least one shelf member comprises a control panel for at least partially controlling movement of the suspension system.

16. A servicing system according toclaim 7, wherein the at least one shelf member comprises at least one electric, fluid, or data connector for allowing access to electricity, fluid, or data from said at least one electric line, fluid line, or data line.

17. A servicing system according toclaim 7, wherein the at least one shelf member comprises a rotatable and tiltable platform.

18. A servicing system according toclaim 6, wherein the equipment support assembly further comprises an arm assembly coupled to the support column at one end and having a video display monitor coupled at another end.

19. A servicing system according toclaim 1, further comprising a mobile platform for receiving the equipment support assembly upon decoupling of the equipment support assembly from the service module.

20. A servicing system according toclaim 19, wherein the mobile platform comprises one of an engaging element and engaging element receiver and the equipment support assembly comprises the other of the engaging element and engaging element receiver, and decoupling of the equipment support assembly from the service module requires mating of the engaging element and the engaging element receiver.

21. A servicing system according toclaim 20, wherein said engaging element comprises at least one vertical spine and said engaging element receiver comprises at least one cavity sized to securely fit said at least one vertical spine.

22. A servicing system according toclaim 21, wherein said mobile platform comprises the at least one spine and the equipment support assembly comprise the at least one cavity.

23. A servicing system according toclaim 1, wherein the mobile platform comprises a vertically adjustable base member for supporting the equipment support assembly after the equipment support assembly has been decoupled from the service module.

24. A servicing system according toclaim 23, wherein the base member is an upper base member, and the upper base member is coupled to a lower base member by at least one cross link assembly, and the upper base member is adjusted vertically by one of a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuator.

25. A method of decoupling an equipment support assembly from an overhead suspension system comprising:

positioning a mobile platform underneath the equipment support assembly;

raising a portion of the mobile platform vertically into engagement with the equipment support assembly; and

moving the mobile platform and equipment support assembly away from the overhead suspension system.

26. A method of decoupling an equipment support assembly according toclaim 25, further comprising operating one of an pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuator to raise said portion of the mobile platform.

27. A method of decoupling an equipment support assembly according toclaim 25, further comprising, prior to the raising of said portion of the mobile platform, detaching any electric, fluid, or data lines connected between the equipment support assembly and the suspension system.

28. A method of decoupling an equipment support assembly according toclaim 25, further comprising locking the equipment support assembly to the mobile platform after said engagement with the equipment support assembly.

29. A shelf for a service system comprising:

a shelf length dimension and a shelf width dimension;

a shelf base member extending generally in a direction of the shelf length dimension;

a clamping assembly coupled to the shelf base member and extending generally in a direction of the shelf width dimension; and

a coupling assembly attached to the shelf base member for coupling the shelf to the service system.

30. A shelf according toclaim 29, wherein the service system comprises an overhead suspension system.

31. A shelf according toclaim 29, wherein the clamping assembly is adjustable for assisting the shelf in supporting equipment of varying sizes.

32. A shelf according toclaim 29, wherein the clamping assembly comprises at least two spaced apart, movable clamp plates that approximately define the width dimension of the shelf.

33. A shelf according toclaim 32, wherein the at least two vertically extending clamp plates are coupled together to move in unison.

34. A shelf according toclaim 29, wherein the coupling assembly comprises an adjustment mechanism for allowing adjustment of the position of the shelf along the service system.

35. A shelf according toclaim 29, further comprising an elastomeric bumper element.

36. A shelf according toclaim 29, further comprising a control panel for at least partially controlling movement of the service system.

37. A shelf according toclaim 29, further comprising at least one electric, fluid, or data connector for allowing access to electricity, fluid, or data from at least one electric line, fluid line, or data line of the service system.

38. A shelf according toclaim 29, further comprising a pivotable platform coupled to the shelf base member.

39. A shelf assembly for a service system comprising:

a support column having at least a front portion, a rear portion and a bottom portion;

a coupling arrangement for assisting in attaching and detaching the shelf assembly to the service system; and

at least one shelf member for supporting equipment.

40. A shelf assembly according toclaim 39, wherein the service system comprises an overhead suspension system.

41. A shelf assembly according toclaim 39, wherein the coupling arrangement is located at the rear portion of the support column.

42. A shelf assembly according toclaim 41, wherein the coupling arrangement comprises pegs of the service system and mating recesses in the support column.

43. A shelf assembly according toclaim 39, wherein the coupling arrangement is a first coupling arrangement and the shelf assembly further comprises a second coupling arrangement for assisting in attaching the shelf assembly to a mobile platform.

44. A shelf assembly according toclaim 43, wherein second coupling arrangement is located at the bottom portion of the support column.

45. A shelf assembly according toclaim 44, wherein the second coupling arrangement comprises one of an engaging element and engaging element receiver and the mobile platform comprises the other of the engaging element and the engaging element receiver, and coupling of the shelf assembly to the mobile platform requires mating of the engaging element and the engaging element receiver.

46. A shelf assembly according toclaim 45, wherein said engaging element comprises at least one vertical spine and said engaging element receiver comprises at least one cavity sized to securely fit the at least one vertical spine.

47. A shelf assembly according toclaim 46, wherein said mobile platform comprises the at least one spine and the support column comprises the at least one cavity.

48. A floor located mobile support device comprising:

a vertically adjustable base member for supporting an equipment support assembly of a service system; and

a coupling arrangement located on the base member for coupling the mobile support device to a bottom portion of the equipment support assembly.

49. A floor located mobile support device according toclaim 48, wherein the service system comprises an overhead suspension system.

50. A floor located mobile support device according toclaim 48, wherein the coupling arrangement comprises one of an engaging element and engaging element receiver and the equipment support assembly comprises the other of the engaging element and the engaging element receiver, and coupling of the equipment support assembly to the mobile support device requires mating of the engaging element and the engaging element receiver.

51. A floor located mobile support device according toclaim 50, wherein said engaging element comprises at least one vertical spine and said engaging element receiver comprises at least one cavity sized to securely fit the at least one vertical spine.

52. A floor located mobile support device according toclaim 51, wherein said mobile support device comprises the at least one spine and the equipment support assembly comprises the at least one cavity.

53. A floor mounted mobile support device according toclaim 48, wherein the vertically adjustable base member is an upper base member and the mobile support device further comprise a lower base member connected to the upper base member.

54. A floor mounted mobile support device according toclaim 53, wherein the upper base member is coupled to a lower base member by at least one cross link assembly, and the upper base member is adjusted vertically by one of a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuator.

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