Abstract:
A medical device mounting system is disclosed for connecting a medical device suite to ceiling support structure. The system includes a plurality of portions connected to form a box beam structure that has high strength and high rigidity to withstand substantial bending loads associated with heavy medical device suites. The system includes a structure connection portion for engaging ceiling structure, a central mounting panel portion, and a base plate portion for engaging the medical device suite at or above the ceiling panel level. The mounting panel portion includes multiple mounting panels formed into a box beam shape. The base plate portion forms an egg-crate structure. The structure connection portion includes a plurality of tubular members that connect to longitudinal members of the mounting panel portion, and a plurality of plate portions that facilitate fixation of the assembly to ceiling structure. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This is a non-provisional application of pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/470,721, filed Apr. 1, 2011, the entirety of which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Embodiments of the invention generally relate to the field of mounting systems for medical device applications, and more particularly to a highly rigid ceiling mounting system for supporting medical device suites. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of Related Art 
         [0005]    Medical ceiling mounts are often used in operating rooms or intensive-care units to support various systems required for operations, intensive care or patient examination. For example, ceiling mounts may be used for the mounting of medical equipment such as medical monitors, respirators, syringe pumps, microscopes, C-arms, and the like. The advantage of such ceiling mounts is that they provide a large overhead working range and generally do not interfere with personnel in the core area of the operating theater. One major application area is intensive care medicine, in which medical devices, trays, instrument holders, etc. must be maneuverable with as much flexibility as possible in the vicinity of the patient. 
         [0006]    In contrast to conventional floor stands, which usually are of a displaceable configuration, ceiling mounts are often fixed in position at one point (the attachment point on the ceiling, usually a ceiling console). The weight of the entire structure, and any tilting torques, are absorbed at that point. 
         [0007]    Often multiple movable arms are attached to such ceiling mounts, with each are carrying a different device. As these arms move during operation, their movement can induce substantial moments on the mount, and thus conventional mounts must be extremely bulky to withstand the high bending loads without damage to the mount, the ceiling structure and/or the devices. 
         [0008]    There is a need for a ceiling mount system that is compact, and that is sufficiently strong and rigid to provide desired stability for often heavy suites of medical devices that are attached thereto. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The disclosed system is a compact medical mounting assembly for use in supporting a variety of medical devices from a ceiling structure. The disclosed device is strong enough to withstand unbalanced loads associated with medical devices mounted to adjustable arms, and does not unduly impact the ceiling volume in which it is installed. 
         [0010]    A medical device mounting system is disclosed. The mounting system may comprise a mounting panel portion having a plurality of mounting panels. Each of the plurality of mounting panels can include a plurality of longitudinal members, a plurality of horizontal members and a plurality of diagonal members. The plurality of mounting panels may be such that the mounting panel portion comprises a box beam structure. The mounting system may further comprise a base plate portion connected to a first end of the mounting panel portion. The base plate portion may include first and second sets of longitudinal members connected to form an egg-crate structure. The base plate portion may further include a plurality of plate members connected to at least one of said first and second sets of longitudinal members. The plurality of plate members can be configured to engage a medical device system. The mounting system may also include a structure connection portion connected to a second end of the mounting panel portion. The structure connection portion may include a plurality of connection sub-sections, where each of the connection sub-sections comprises a plurality of angle clips. The plurality of angle clips can be configured to engage at least one of said longitudinal members of said mounting panels. 
         [0011]    A medical device mounting system is disclosed. The system includes a mounting panel portion comprising a plurality of mounting panels, wherein each of said plurality of mounting panels including a plurality of longitudinal members, a plurality of horizontal members, and a plurality of diagonal members. The plurality of mounting panels are arranged so that the mounting panel portion comprises a box beam structure. The system also includes a base plate portion connected to a first end of the mounting panel portion The base plate portion includes first and second sets of longitudinal members connected to form an egg-crate structure. The base plate portion further includes a plurality of plate members connected to at least one of the first and second sets of longitudinal members. The plurality of plate members are configured to engage a medical device system. The system also includes a structure connection portion connected to a second end of the mounting panel portion. The structure connection portion includes a plurality of connection sub-sections configured to engage at least one of said longitudinal members of said mounting panels. 
         [0012]    A medical device mounting system is disclosed. The system includes a mounting panel portion comprising a plurality of mounting panels. Each of the plurality of mounting panels includes a plurality of longitudinally oriented tubular members, a plurality of horizontally oriented tubular members and a plurality of diagonally oriented tubular members. The plurality of mounting panels are arranged so that the mounting panel portion comprises a box beam structure. The system also includes a base plate portion connected to a first end of the mounting panel portion. The base plate portion comprises a plate member for engaging a medical device system, and a structure connection portion connected to a second end of the mounting panel portion. The structure connection portion includes a plurality of connection sub-sections, where each of said connection sub-sections is configured to engage at least one of said longitudinal members of said mounting panels. Each of the connection sub-sections is also configured to engage a ceiling support structure for connecting the medical device mounting system to a ceiling structure. 
         [0013]    A medical device mounting system is disclosed. The system includes a mounting panel portion comprising a plurality of mounting panels. Each of the plurality of mounting panels includes a plurality of tubular members arranged such that the mounting panel portion comprises a box beam structure. The system includes a base plate portion connected to a first end of the mounting panel portion. The base plate portion comprises first and second sets of longitudinal members connected to form an egg-crate structure. The base plate portion also includes a plurality of plate members configured to engage a medical device system. The system further comprises a structure connection portion connected to a second end of the mounting panel portion, where the structure connection portion configured to engage at least one of said longitudinal members of said mounting panels. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The accompanying drawing illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed device so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a first side view of the disclosed medical device mounting system attached to ceiling structure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a second side view of the medical device mounting system of  FIG. 1 , rotated 90-degrees; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a cross-section view of the medical device mounting system of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  3 - 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 4A-4E  are side views of a first mounting panel of the medical device mounting system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 5A-5E  are side views of a second mounting panel of the medical device mounting system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are top plan and end views, respectively, of a base plate of the medical device mounting system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 7A-D  are top plan, side and end views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a structure connection portion of the medical device mounting system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 8-D  are isometric, front, side and top plan views of a second embodiment of a structure connection portion of the medical device mounting systems of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are top and bottom plan views, taken along lines  9 A- 9 A and  9 B- 9 B respectively, of the medical device mounting system of  FIG. 1  including the second embodiment of the structure connection portion of  FIGS. 8A-D ; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are top plan and side views, respectively, of an alternative base plate of the medical device mounting system of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0025]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are isometric views of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed medical device mounting system. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a medical device mounting system  1  is illustrated in a position engaged with exemplary ceiling support structure “CSS”. The medical device mounting system  1  generally includes a mounting panel portion  2 , a base plate portion  4 , and a structure connection portion  6 . The structure connection portion  6  is configured to attach to ceiling structure located above the ceiling plane “CP.” The base plate portion  4  is configured to attach to one or more medical device suspension devices, such as suspension arms and the like. In use, the medical device mounting system will be disposed above the ceiling such that only the attached medical device system(s) will protrude below the ceiling itself. 
         [0027]    The mounting panel portion  2  of the system  1  includes a plurality of longitudinal structural members configured into a box-like arrangement, which provides the mounting system  1  its substantial stiffness. This box-beam arrangement is formed from first and second pairs of mounting panels  8 ,  10 . A face of one of the first mounting panels  8  is shown in  FIG. 1 , while a face of one of the second mounting panels  10  is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0028]      FIGS. 4A-4E  illustrate features of the first mounting panel  8 , which includes a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal structural members  8 A, a pair of spaced-apart horizontal structural members  8 B, and a pair of diagonal structural members  8 C. As shown, the longitudinal structural members  8 A have first and second ends  8 A 1 ,  8 A 2 . The horizontal structural members  8 B also have first and second ends  8 B 1 ,  8 B 2 . The horizontal structural members are spaced apart by a distance “HD,” and are connected to the longitudinal structural members  8 A such that their first ends  8 B 1  are connected to a first one of the longitudinal members and their second ends  8 B 2  are connected to a second one of the longitudinal members. 
         [0029]    Each of the diagonal structural members  8 C has first and second ends  8 C 1 ,  8 C 2 , which are positioned to engage the horizontal and longitudinal structural members  8 A,  8 B to form an “X” arrangement between the pair of horizontal structural members  8 B. The first end  8 C 1  of each diagonal member connects to a first end  8 B 1  of one of the pair of horizontal structural members  8 B, while the second end  8 C 2  of each diagonal member connects to a second end  8 B 2  of the other of the pair of horizontal structural members. In some embodiments, this “X” arrangement (or “racking arrangement”) may be placed closer to the top end of the structure than the bottom end. For shorter mounting systems, the racking arrangement may be optional. For longer mounting systems, the racking arrangement may be duplicated one or more times along the length of the mounting system (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B). The resulting “racking” arrangement of horizontal and diagonal structural members is shown in  FIG. 4C . This configuration provides enhanced racking strength to the first mounting panel  8 . 
         [0030]    The longitudinal and horizontal structural members  8 A,  8 B are sized to provide the first mounting panel  8  with a desired length “PL 1 ,” and a desired width “PW 1 .” The length “PL 1 ” and width “PW 1 ” may be adjusted depending upon the requirements (e.g., load, stiffness) of a particular medical device being supported, and/or by the physical limitations of the area above the ceiling. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5A-5E  features of the second mounting panel  10  will be described. As can be seen, the second mounting panel  10  is generally configured in the same manner as the first mounting panel  8 . Thus, the second mounting panel  10  includes a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal structural members  10 A, a pair of spaced-apart horizontal structural members  10 B, and a pair of diagonal structural members  10 C. The longitudinal structural members  10 A have first and second ends  10 A 1 ,  10 A 2 , the horizontal structural members  10 B have first and second ends  10 B 1 ,  10 B 2 , and the diagonal structural members  10 C have first and second ends  10 C 1 ,  10 C 2 . 
         [0032]    The horizontal structural members are spaced apart by a distance “HD,” and are connected to the longitudinal structural members  10 A such that their first ends  10 B 1  are connected to a first one of the longitudinal members  10 A and their second ends  10 B 2  are connected to a second one of the longitudinal members  10 A. The diagonal structural members  10 C are positioned to engage the horizontal and longitudinal structural members  10 A,  10 B to form an “X” arrangement. Thus, the first end  10 C 1  of each diagonal member connects to a first end  10 B 1  of one of the pair of horizontal structural members  10 B and the second end  10 C 2  of each diagonal member connects to a second end  10 B 2  of the other of the pair of horizontal structural members. The resulting “racking” arrangement of horizontal and diagonal structural members  10 B,  10 C is shown in  FIG. 5C . As with the first panel, the illustrated configuration provides enhanced racking strength to the second mounting panel  10 . 
         [0033]    The longitudinal and horizontal structural members  10 A,  10 B are sized to provide the second mounting panel  10  with a desired length “PL 2 ,” and a desired width “PW 2 .” As can be seen, “PL 2 ” is substantially the same as “PL 1 ,” while “PW 2 ” is slightly larger than “PW 1 .” Referring back to  FIG. 3 , it can be seen that the first mounting panels  8  are connected to the second mounting panels such that the resulting square box beam formed by the pairs of panels  8 ,  10  has a box width “BW” that is equal to the width of the second panel “PW 2 ”. 
         [0034]    In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal and horizontal structural members  8 A,  8 B;  10 A,  10 B are 2-inch×2-inch square steel tubular members, while the diagonal structural members  8 C,  10 C are ½ inch flat steel members. The longitudinal structural members  8 A,  10 A may be made from at least 13 gauge material, while the horizontal and diagonal structural members  8 B,  10 B,  8 C,  10 C may be made from at least  14  gauge material. The structural members may be welded together at the previously described connection points. Alternatively, some of the structural members may be connected together using appropriately sized fasteners, such as rivets and/or nut/bolt combinations. 
         [0035]    To provide additional stiffness to the individual longitudinal members  8 A,  10 A at desired locations, additional angle members may be welded or fastened to exterior portions of the longitudinal members. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the base plate portion  4  of the system  1  will be described. As previously noted, the base plate portion  4  provides the interface connection between the disclosed system  1  and a medical device system, such as a suspension arm. 
         [0037]    In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate portion  4  comprises a plurality of longitudinal members oriented to form a substantially square box structure that is engageable with the longitudinal structural members  8 A,  10 A of the first and second mounting panels  8 ,  10 . The base plate portion  4  generally includes a structural portion  4 A and a medical device engagement portion  4 B. 
         [0038]    The structural portion  4 A includes first and second sets of longitudinal members  4 A 1 ,  4 A 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first set of longitudinal members  4 A 1  comprise first and second members positioned parallel with each other and spaced apart by a distance “BW.” Distance “BW” may be substantially the same as the distance “PW 2 ” ( FIG. 5A ) to allow the structural portion  4 A to engage the longitudinal members  8 A,  10 A of the first and second mounting panels  8 ,  10 . 
         [0039]    The second set of longitudinal members  4 A 2  comprise first, second, third and fourth members positioned parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the first set of longitudinal members  4 A 1 . Thus, first ends  4 A 21  of the second set of longitudinal members  4 A 2  are connected to one member of the first set  4 A 1 , while second ends  4 A 22  of the second set  4 A 2  are connected to the other member of the first set  4 A 1 . 
         [0040]    As can be seen, the individual longitudinal members each have a height “LMH” that is substantially greater than their thickness “LMT.” The resulting arrangement approximates an egg-crate structure having substantial stiffness in all three planes. 
         [0041]    The medical device engagement portion  4 B includes individual plates  4 B 1 - 4 B 4  connected between adjacent ones of the second set of longitudinal members  4 A 2 . Each of the individual plates  4 B 1 - 4 B 4  includes a hole  5  configured to receive fasteners for attaching the base plate portion  4  to a medical device system. It will be appreciated that the size, arrangement, number of individual plates, and number of fastener holes may be varied depending upon the particular application. 
         [0042]    The base plate portion  4  engages the mounting panel portion  2  near the first ends  8 A 1 ,  10 A 1  of the longitudinal structural members  8 A,  10 A of the first and second mounting panels  8 ,  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal structural members  8 A,  10 A engage the first and second sets of longitudinal members  4 A 1 ,  4 A 2  where the outside sets of members  4 A 1 ,  4 A 2  intersect. The base plate portion  4  may be connected to the mounting panel portion  2  at these points via welding, or through the use of appropriately sized fasteners. 
         [0043]    In the illustrated embodiment, the long longitudinal members  4 A 1 ,  4 A 2  are ½-inch thick steel plate members (i.e., “LMT” is about ½-inch), having a height “LMH” of about 5-inches. The plates  4 B 1 - 4 B 4  are 1-inch thick steel plate members. These members may be welded together at the previously described connection points. Alternatively, one or more of these members may be connected together using appropriately sized fasteners. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7D , a first embodiment of the structure connection portion  6  will be described in greater detail. The structure connection portion  6 , as previously noted, is configured to connect the mounting panel portion  2  to ceiling structure (CSS) located above the ceiling plane “CP” (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0045]    As such, the structure connection portion  6  comprises a plurality of connection sub-sections  6 A, each configured to engage one of the four corners of the mounting panel portion  2 . The connection sub-sections  6 A are also each configured to engage the ceiling support structure (“CSS”) (see also  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0046]      FIG. 7A  shows a plan view of a first embodiment of the structure connection portion  6 , taken from above the ceiling support structure (CSS), showing the structure connection portion connected to the CSS.  FIG. 7B  is a cross-section view of a single connection sub-section  6 A taken along line  7 B- 7 B of  FIG. 7A .  FIG. 7C  is a side view of the connection sub-section  6 A of  FIG. 7B , while  FIG. 7D  is a top plan view of the same connection sub-section  6 A. 
         [0047]    As can be seen, the connection sub-sections  6 A include first and second pairs of opposing structural angle clips  6 A 1 ,  6 A 2 . The first angle clips  6 A 1  are positioned with respect to each other so that their vertical legs  6 A 11  are parallel to each other, and their horizontal legs  6 A 12  point away from each other. The second angle clips  6 A 2  are similarly positioned with respect to each other so that their vertical legs  6 A 21  are parallel to each other, and their horizontal legs  6 A 22  diverge from each other. 
         [0048]    The second pairs of angle clips  6 A 2  are sandwiched between the first pairs of angle clips  6 A 1  so that a vertically-oriented enclosure  7  is formed by the respective vertical legs  6 A 11 ,  6 A 21  of the clips. This vertically-oriented enclosure  7  is sized to receive respective pairs of longitudinal structural members  8 A,  10 A, of the mounting panel portion  2 . Thus arranged, each of the connection sub-sections  6 A is configured to engage one of the four corners of the mounting panel portion  2 . 
         [0049]    Each of the angle clips  6 A 1 ,  6 A 2  may have one or more holes disposed in the horizontal and/or vertical legs  6 A 11 ,  6 A 12 ,  6 A 21 ,  6 A 22  to receive suitably-sized fasteners for connecting the structure connection portion  6  to the ceiling support structure (CSS) and/or the mounting panel portion  2 . Alternatively, or in addition, portions of the angle clips may be welded to the CSS and/or the mounting panel portion  2 . 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, the angle clips are made from ¼-inch thick steel, and the individual pairs of clips  6 A 1 ,  6 A 2  are welded together to form the individual connection sub-sections  6 A. It will be appreciated that other sizes, material types, and connection types can also be used as desired. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-8D , a second embodiment of the structure connection portion will be described in greater detail. The structure connection portion  60  of  FIGS. 8A-8D  may function similarly to the structure connection portion  6  of  FIGS. 7A-7D . Thus, the structure connection portion  60  is configured to connect the mounting panel portion  2  to ceiling structure (CSS) located above the ceiling plane “CP” in the manner shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0052]    As can be seen, the structure connection portion  60  provides a simplified arrangement as compared to the multiple angle-clip arrangement of structure connection portion  6 . Thus, the structure connection portion  60  comprises a plate portion  62  and first and second tubular members  64 A,  64 B oriented substantially perpendicular to an upper surface  66  of the plate portion. The first and second tubular members  64 A,  64 B may have a connection portion length “CPL” to provide a desired length of engagement between the structure connection portion and the mounting panel portion  2 . In one embodiment, the connection portion length “CPL” is about 7-inches. 
         [0053]    The first and second tubular members  64 A,  64 B may be square steel tubular members. In one embodiment, the first and second tubular members  64 A,  64 B are 1¾-inch square tubular members made from steel of at least 12 gauge. It will be appreciated that other tubular shapes (circular, triangular), gauges, and materials can also be used provided the resulting structure connection portion  60  provides a desired strength and stiffness. In one embodiment, the first and second tubular members  64 A,  64 B may be welded to the plate portion  62 . 
         [0054]    The plate portion  62  may include a plurality of holes  68  for receiving fasteners to enable the structure connection portion  60  to be connected to the ceiling support structure “CSS.” In the illustrated embodiment the holes  68  as elongated so they can receive fasteners in any of a variety of positions along the hole, thus providing a degree of flexibility in engaging the structure connection portion  60  to the ceiling support structure CSS. It will be appreciated, however, that the holes could be circular, and also that greater numbers of holes  68  could be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the plate portion  62  is a steel plate having a plate thickness “PT” of about ½-inch. 
         [0055]    In use, the first and second tubular members  64 A,  64 B can engage one of the four corners of the mounting panel portion  2 , while the plate portion  62  can engage the ceiling support structure (CSS) to thereby connect the mounting panel portion  2  to the ceiling in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 9A and 9B  show the structure connection portion  62  engaged with four corners of the mounting panel portion  2 . Namely, the first and second tubular members  64 A,  64 B engage the second ends  8 A 2 ,  10 A 2  of longitudinal structural members  8 ,  10  of the mounting panel portion  2 . In one embodiment, the first and second tubular members  64 A,  64 B are sized and configured to be received within the second ends  8 A 2 ,  10 A 2  of longitudinal structural members  8 ,  10 . It will be appreciated, however, that this could be reversed such that the first and second tubular members  64 A,  64 B can be sized and configured to be received within the second ends  8 A 2 ,  10 A 2  of longitudinal structural members  8 ,  10 . 
         [0056]    The first and second tubular members  64 A,  64 B may have one or more holes disposed along the length thereof to receive suitably-sized fasteners for connecting the structure connection portion  60  to the second ends  8 A 2 ,  10 A 2  of longitudinal structural members  8 ,  10 . Alternatively, or in addition, portions of the first and second tubular members  64 A,  64 B may be welded to the second ends  8 A 2 ,  10 A 2  of longitudinal structural members  8 ,  10 . 
         [0057]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  show an alternative base plate portion  104 , which may be used for mounting two or more medical device systems. The base plate portion  104  is similar to the base plate portion  4  described in relation to  FIGS. 6A and 6B . Thus, the base plate portion  104  comprises a plurality of longitudinal members oriented to form a substantially square box structure that is engageable at its inside corners with the longitudinal structural members  8 A,  10 A of the first and second mounting panels  8 ,  10 . The base plate portion  104  generally includes a structural portion  104 A and a medical device engagement portion  104 B. 
         [0058]    The structural portion  104 A includes first and second sets of longitudinal members  104 A 1 ,  104 A 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first set of longitudinal members  104 A 1  comprise first, second, third and fourth members positioned parallel with each other. The second set of longitudinal members  104 A 2  comprise first and second members spaced apart by a distance “BW” that is substantially the same as the distance “PW 2 ” ( FIG. 5A ). The first and second sets of longitudinal members  104 A 2 ,  104 A 2  are connected to form an egg-crate arrangement as previously described. As with the previous embodiment, the individual longitudinal members each have a height “LMH” that is substantially greater than their thickness “LMT.” The resulting egg-crate arrangement provides the structure with substantial stiffness in all three planes. 
         [0059]    The medical device engagement portion  104 B includes individual plates  104 B 1 - 104 B 4  connected between adjacent ones of the second set of longitudinal members  104 A 1 . Each of the individual plates  104 B 1 - 104 B 4  includes one or more holes  105  configured to receive fasteners for attaching the base plate portion  104  to a medical device system. It will be appreciated that the size, arrangement, and number of individual plates may be varied depending upon the particular application. 
         [0060]    The base plate portion  104  engages the mounting panel portion  2  near the first ends  8 A 1 ,  10 A 1  of the longitudinal structural members  8 A,  10 A of the first and second mounting panels  8 ,  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal structural members  8 A,  10 A engage the first and second sets of longitudinal members  104 A 1 ,  104 A 2  where the outside sets of members  104 A 1 ,  104 A 2  intersect. The base plate portion  104  may be connected to the mounting panel portion  2  at these points via welding, or through the use of appropriately sized fasteners. 
         [0061]    In the illustrated embodiment, the long longitudinal members  104 A 1 ,  104 A 2  are ½-inch thick steel plate members (i.e., “LMT” is about ½-inch), having a height “LMH” of about 5-inches. The plates  104 B 1 - 104 B 4  are 1-inch thick steel plate members. These members may be welded together at the previously described connection points. Alternatively, one or more of these members may be connected together using appropriately sized fasteners. 
         [0062]    Although the disclosed system has been described in relation to particular material types, sizes and connection methods, it will be appreciated that these materials, sizes, materials and connection methods are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed structure. It is contemplated that other sizes, shapes, gauges and materials can be used to form the structural members, depending upon the specific final operating conditions of the medical device mounting system. 
         [0063]    For example, in one alternative embodiment, the disclosed system may include a single post/tube on each corner of the mount as compared to the double-post/tube configuration shown in the figures. Such an arrangement can be modified by size or thickness to support required loads. In addition, individual dimensions of the resulting structure, as well as size and dimensions of the individual structural elements, may be based on individual configuration of the ceiling structure to which the system will be mounted. 
         [0064]    For example,  FIGS. 11A and 11B  show an embodiment of the disclosed mounting system  100  in which multiple “X” arrangements (i.e., racking arrangements)  102  are disposed adjacent to each other along the length of the system. As with the embodiment described in relation to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the “X” arrangements  102  consist of diagonal structural members  108 C having first and second ends  108 C 1 , 108 C 2 , which are positioned to engage adjacent longitudinal and horizontal structural members  108 A,  108 B to form “X” arrangements between the members  108 A,  108 B. As can be seen, one end of each diagonal member connects to an end of one pair of horizontal structural members  108 B, while another end of each diagonal member  108 C connects to another end of the other of the pair of horizontal structural members  108 B. The resulting multiple “racking” arrangements shown in  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B provides enhanced racking strength to the mounting structure  100  as compared to systems that include only a single racking arrangement, or no racking arrangement at all. 
         [0065]    Thus, the individual components of the disclosed device may be constructed of any of a variety of materials appropriate for the intended application, taking into consideration the strength and rigidity requirements of the application, and the forces applied to the frame system. Steel is one such example of an appropriate material. 
         [0066]    While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.