Patent ID: 6183417
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: A61B,G16H,G16Z

Abstract:
Docking station apparatus adapted for use in a continuous patient monitoring system wherein the patient may be located within a first patient monitoring area, or transported out of said first patient monitoring area and into a second patient monitoring area remote from said first patient monitoring area, said system including a portable monitor adapted for being battery powered and coupled to a plurality of sensors, said monitor including means for continuously receiving, processing and displaying in real-time, patient physiological data signals provided by the sensors irrespective of said patient being located within said first or said second patient monitoring areas or being transported therebetween, and a communications network having an interface connection which is located in a relatively fixed position within said first and said second patient monitoring areas, the docking station apparatus including first and second docking station platforms, one in each of said first and second patient monitoring areas, respectively, each docking station platform comprising:(a) mounting means for detachably coupling the portable monitor to the docking station platform so as to provide physical support for said portable monitor when it is mounted on said docking station platform;(b) means for continuously receiving from the portable monitor in real-time patient physiological data received by the portable monitor when the portable monitor is coupled to the docking station platform; and(c) means for continuously transferring the received patient physiological data to the interface connection of the communications network when the portable monitor is coupled to the docking station platform,wherein said portable monitor continuously receives, processes and displays said patient physiological data while said portable monitor is being connected to and disconnected from the docking station platform, said connecting and disconnecting being accomplished without handling any individual cables or connectors.