Patent Publication Number: US-11649924-B2

Title: System, method, and apparatus for clamping

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/782,451, filed Oct. 12, 2017 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Clamping, which will be U.S. Pat. No. 10,655,779, issuing on May 19, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/956,648, filed Dec. 2, 2015 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Clamping, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,082,241, issued Sep. 25, 2018, which is a Non-Provisional application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/086,356, filed Dec. 2, 2014, entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Clamping, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/956,648 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/137,562, filed Dec. 20, 2013 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Clamping, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,572, issued Nov. 7, 2017, which is a Non-Provisional application which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/843,574, filed Jul. 8, 2013 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Clamping, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/137,562 is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712, filed Mar. 15, 2013 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Clamping, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,488,200, issued Nov. 8, 2016, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,238, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Clamping, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,759,369, issued Sep. 12, 2017, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,649, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,658, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,674, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,238 claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,235, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,400,873, issued Jul. 26, 2016, which claims priority to and benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,649, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,658, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,674, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,235 claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US12/71131, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications, now International Publication No. WO 2013/096718, published Jun. 27, 2013, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,649, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,658, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,674, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US12/71131 claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/724,568, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,295,778, issued Mar. 29, 2016, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,649, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,658, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,674, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/724,568 claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/725,790, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,677,555, issued Jun. 13, 2107, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,649, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,658, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,674, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/725,790 claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US12/71490, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid, now International Publication No. WO 2013/096909, published Jun. 27, 2013, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,649, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,658, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,674, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US12/71490 claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,239, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,108,785, issued Oct. 23, 2018, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,649, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,658, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,674, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,239 claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,242, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Publication No. US-2013-0317753-A 1, published Nov. 28, 2013, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,244, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,151,646, issued Oct. 6, 2015, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,649, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,658, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,674, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,244 claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US12/71142, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow, now International Application No. WO 2013/096722, published Jun. 27, 2013, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,649, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,658, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,674, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US12/71142 claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,251, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,636,455, issued May 2, 20117, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,649, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,658, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,674, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,251 claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US12/71112, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery, now International Publication No. WO 2013/096713, published Jun. 27, 2013, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,649, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,658, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,674, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US12/71112 claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,712 claims priority to and is also a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,253, filed Dec. 21, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Publication No. US-2013-0191513-A 1, published Jul. 25, 2013, which claims priority to and the benefit of the following: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,649, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,658, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/578,674, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,322, filed May 24, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,117, filed Aug. 3, 2012 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/723,253 claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part Application of the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/333,574, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,453,157, issued Oct. 22, 2019, and 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US11/66588, filed Dec. 21, 2011 and entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care, now International Publication No. WO 2013/095459, published Sep. 12, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     The present application may also be related to the following patent application, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: 
     PCT application Serial No. PCT/US13/77270, entitled System, Method, and Apparatus for Clamping, filed Dec. 20, 2013. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates generally to releasably attaching an object to another object (e.g., clamping a medical device onto a pole). More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system, method, and apparatus for mounting an object onto a pole or other support structure. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Patient care generally involves a number of medical devices and systems that are used to monitor and treat a patient. The specific medical devices required vary with each patient and may change during the course of treatment. Medical devices often require monitoring by health care providers and so need to be easily accessible. They are often expensive, so redundancy is rarely possible, and a given device will often need to be moved to a different patient after a treatment is completed. Given their expense, medical devices need to be firmly and safely attached to a location to prevent either their damage or an interruption to patient care should they come unattached. 
     Medical devices are typically attached to a vertical pole located near the bedside of their assigned patient. This arrangement facilitates: the attached equipment to be customized according to patient&#39;s treatment, convenient monitoring by health care providers, minimizing the length of tubing or other connections between the patient and the device, and moving the pole and the attached equipment to follow movement of the patient. A typical attachment involves a brace fixed to the medical device and a threaded screw that can be tightened to squeeze a section of the support pole positioned between the brace and the screw. Typically, turning the screw clockwise advances the screw into the interior of the brace and attaches the medical device to the pole; counterclockwise rotation retracts the screw and allows the device to be removed. Once the advancing screw contacts the support pole, it exerts a predominantly compression-based force into the pole which holds the medical device in position against the downward pull of gravity. The user manually adjusts the clamp to poles of different diameter by varying the number of screw rotations and rotational direction of screw rotations thus controlling how far into the brace interior the screw is extended. Such positioning and adjustment faces a number of constraints, for example, it can be time consuming, there is risk of cross-threading, there is risk of human error (i.e. not tightening enough) etc. 
     SUMMARY 
     Clamp Mechanisms 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure a clamp comprises a housing. The clamp may also include at least one pawl. The at least one pawl may be pivotally coupled to a pivot point. The clamp may also include a lift bar. The lift bar may be operatively coupled to the at least one pawl. The lift bar may be configured to control the at least one pawl. The clamp may also include at least one bias member operatively coupled to the housing. The at least one bias member may be configured to bias the at least one pawl toward a first position. The clamp may additionally include an actuator operatively coupled to the lift bar. The actuator may be configured move the lift bar to thereby move the at least one pawl to a second position. 
     In some embodiments, the said housing may include a means of coupling the clamp to a load. In some embodiments, the clamp may be configured to couple to a medical device. In some embodiments, the medical device may be an infusion pump. In some embodiments, the medical device may be a peristaltic infusion pump. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may be configured such that a downward pull of gravity on the clamp causes the at least one pawl to amplify the clamping force exerted on a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, the housing further comprises at least one track. In some embodiments, the housing has at least one handle. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one pawl further comprises a gripping surface configured to engage a clamped object. The gripping surface may be made of a material which will firmly grip, but not deform, a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one bias member may be a coil spring. At least one of the at least one bias member may be a gas spring. At least one of the at least one bias member may be a torsion spring. At least one of the at least one bias member may made of a springy, compressible material. At least one of the at least one bias member may be a constant force spring. 
     In some embodiments, said housing includes a back plate with at least one handle coupled thereto. 
     The clamp may further comprise at least one track, wherein the at least one track is inclined and offset from the housing. 
     In still other embodiments, the clamp may further comprise at least one pawl assembly. The at least one pawl assembly may include a pawl of the at least one pawl, and the pawl may be pivotally coupled to the pawl assembly. 
     In some embodiments the at least one pawl assembly may further comprise a sliding wedge and the pawl may be pivotally coupled to the sliding wedge. The sliding wedge comprises an engagement surface configured for movement along the at least one track. In some embodiments the at least one pawl assembly may be slidingly coupled to the lift bar. The lift bar may be configured such that all of the at least pawl move in unison with each other. 
     In some embodiments, the housing may comprise a vertical groove configured for engaging with an engagement surface of the lift bar to thereby guide the movement of the lift bar. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one pawl may be configured to engage with a girth a variety of different clamped objects. 
     In some embodiments, the actuator may comprise a pull handle. The pull handle may be configured for being operated by a user so as to overcome the at least one bias member and move the at least one pawl from the first position to the second position. 
     In some embodiments, the housing may include at least one catch. The at least one catch may be configured to engage the actuator and hold it in one of the first and second positions. In some embodiments, the clamp the housing may comprise a first and a second inclined track offset from a back plate. The at least one pawl may comprise a first pawl pivotally coupled to a first sliding wedge. The first sliding wedge may be configured to ride along the first track. A second pawl may be pivotally coupled to a second sliding wedge. The second sliding wedge may be configured to ride along the second track. The lift bar may be configured to slidingly couple to the first and second sliding wedges such that the lift bar thereby ensures the first and second pawls move in unison with one another. The at least one bias member may be configured to bias the lift bar to the first position. A handle may be coupled to the lift bar and configured for being operated by a user so as to overcome the at least one bias member to thereby move the first and second pawls to the second position. Additionally, a catch, may be configured to engage a notch in said handle and when engaged holds the handle in one of the first and second positions. 
     In some embodiments, the housing may comprises at least one vertical track. 
     In some embodiments at least one pair of pawls may be pivotally coupled to the housing. The at least one pair of pawls may be coupled together by the lift bar. The lift bar may ensure that the at least one pair of pawls move in unison. 
     In some embodiments, the said lift bar may comprise an engagement surface for movement along said track in said housing. 
     In some embodiments, the actuator may be a pivotal actuator handle. The pivotal actuator handle may be configured to be pulled by the user in order to move the clamp between the first position and the second position. 
     In some embodiments, the housing of the clamp may comprise at least one vertical track. The at least one pawl may comprise first and second pawls each pivotally coupled to the housing. The lift bar may be coupled to the first and second pawls. The lift bar may be configured to ensure the first and second pawls pivot in unison with each another. The at least one bias member may configured to bias the lift bar towards the first position. The actuator handle may be configured for being operated by a user so as to overcome the at least one bias member to move the lift bar towards the second position. 
     In some embodiments, the housing may comprise at least one track located on an interior surface of the housing along at least one wall of at least one hollow cavity in the housing. The at least one track may be vertical. 
     In some embodiments, the housing may further comprise at least one fixed gripping surface. The said housing may comprise a back plate to which the at least one fixed gripping surface is coupled. The at least one fixed gripping surface may formed of a material which will firmly grip, but not deform a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one pawl may comprise only a single pawl. Opposite said single pawl may be a fixed gripping surface. The first pawl and opposite fixed gripping surface may be configured to automatically mimic the girth of a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, the lift bar may comprise an engagement surface for movement along the at least one vertical track. The lift bar may couple to a single pawl. Movement of the lift bar may cause the single pawl to pivot about the single pawl&#39;s pivot point. 
     In some embodiments the said actuator may be a depressible trigger. 
     In some embodiments, the housing of the clamp may comprise at least one hollow cavity with at least one vertical track running along at least a part of an interior wall of the hollow cavity. The clamp may comprise at least one fixed gripping surface. The at least one pawl may comprise a single pawl pivotally coupled to the housing. The lift bar may comprise an engagement surface for engaging the at least one vertical track on at least a part of the interior wall of the housing. The lift bar may couple to the single pawl thereby causing it to pivot about its pivot point as the lift bar move along the at least one vertical track. The at least one bias member may be configured to bias the lift bar to the first position. The actuator may be configured for being operated by a user so as to overcome the at least one bias member thereby move the lift bar to the second position. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of making a clamp may comprise providing a housing such that the housing comprises at least one track. The method may also comprise providing at least one pawl configured for engaging a clamped object such that the at least one pawl is pivotally coupled to a pivot point. The method may also comprise providing a lift bar such that the lift bar may be coupled to the at least one pawl and such that the lift bar may be capable of controlling the movement of the at least one pawl. The method may also comprise providing at least one bias member such that the at least one bias member may be configured to bias the at least one pawl to a first position. The method may also comprise providing an actuator such that the actuator may be configured for being operated by a user so as to overcome the at least one bias member to move the at least one pawl to a second position. 
     In some embodiments, providing the said clamp comprises providing the said clamp for use with medical devices and accessories. 
     In some embodiments, providing said housing comprises providing a means of coupling to a load. 
     In some embodiments, providing the means of coupling to the load comprises providing the means of coupling to a load which is one of a medical device and a medical accessory. 
     In some embodiments, providing one of the medical device and medical accessory may comprise providing an infusion pump. 
     In some embodiments, providing the infusion pump may comprise providing a peristaltic infusion pump. 
     In some embodiments, providing said housing may comprise providing at least one handle on the housing. 
     In some embodiments, providing said at least one pawls may further comprise providing a gripping surface to engage a clamped object on at least a part of a surface of the at least one pawl. Providing said gripping surface may comprise providing said gripping surface being of a material which will firmly grip, but not deform the clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, providing the said at least one bias member may comprise providing at least one coil spring. Providing the said at least one bias member may comprise providing at least one gas spring. Providing the said at least one bias member may comprise providing at least one torsion spring. Providing the said at least one bias member may comprise providing at least one springy, compressible material. 
     In some embodiments, providing the housing may comprise providing a back plate with at least one handle. 
     In some embodiments, providing the at least one track may comprise providing the at least one track such that the at least one track is inclined and offset from the housing. 
     In some embodiments, providing at least one pawl may comprise providing the at least one pawl such that the at least one pawl is pivotally coupled on a pawl assembly. 
     In some embodiments, providing the clamp may comprise providing the at least one pawl such that the at least one pawl is pivotally coupled to a sliding wedge. Providing the sliding wedge may comprise providing the sliding wedge with an engagement surface for movement along the at least one track. 
     In some embodiments, providing the pawl assembly may comprise providing the pawl assembly such that the pawl assembly may be slidably coupled to the lift bar. Providing the lift bar may comprise providing the lift bar such that the lift bar is capable of moving the pawl assembly. 
     In some embodiments, providing the housing may comprise providing a vertical groove on the housing which engages an engagement surface on the lift bar thereby guiding the movement of the lift bar. 
     In some embodiments, providing the clamp may comprise providing the clamp such that the clamp is capable of automatically mimicking the girth of a variety of different clamped objects. 
     In some embodiments, providing the actuator may comprise providing a pull handle. Providing the pull handle may comprise providing the pull handle such that the pull handle is capable of being operated by a user so as to overcome the bias members and move the clamp from a first position to a second position. 
     In some embodiments, providing the housing may comprise providing at least one catch. 
     In some embodiments, providing the at least one bias member may comprise providing a constant force spring. 
     In some embodiments, providing the at least one catch may comprise providing the at least one catch such that the at least one catch is able to engage the actuator and hold the actuator in one of the first position and the second position. 
     In some embodiments, providing the clamp may comprise providing the housing, such that the housing comprises two inclined track offset from a back plate. Providing a first pawl assembly such that a pawl is pivotally coupled to a sliding wedge. Providing the sliding wedge may comprise providing the sliding wedge such that the sliding wedge may be able to ride along one of the inclined tracks. Providing a second pawl assembly opposite and symmetrical to the first pawl assembly such a second pawl is pivotally coupled to a second sliding wedge, and such that the second sliding wedge may able to ride along the other of the inclined tracks. Providing the lift bar such that a crosspiece of the lift bar couples to the two pawl assemblies and such that the lift bar ensures the pawl assemblies move in unison with one another. Providing the at least one bias member such that the at least one bias member biases the said clamp to a first position. Providing a handle, said handle capable of being operated by a user so as to overcome the at least one bias member and move the clamp to a second position. Providing a catch such that said catch may be capable of engaging a notch in said handle and when engaged holds clamp in either the first or second position. Providing the clamp such that the downward pull of gravity on the clamp causes the sliding wedges to move toward each other. 
     In some embodiments, providing the at least one track may comprise providing at least one vertical track. 
     In some embodiments, providing at least one pawl may comprise providing at least one pair of pawls pivotally coupled to the housing. 
     In some embodiments, providing the at least one pair of pawls may comprise providing the at least one pair of pawls such that the at least one pair of pawls are coupled together by the lift bar and wherein the lift bar ensures that the at least one pair of pawls move in unison. 
     In some embodiments, providing the lift bar may comprise providing the lift bar with an engagement surface for movement along the at least one track in the housing. 
     In some embodiments, providing the actuator may comprise providing a pivotal actuator handle. 
     In some embodiments, providing the pivotal actuator handle may comprise supporting the pivotal actuator handle such that the pivotal actuator handle may be pulled by the user toward at least one handle on the housing in order to move the clamp from the first position to the second position. 
     In some embodiments, providing the clamp may comprise providing the housing, such that the housing may comprise at least one pair of vertical tracks. Providing at least one pair of pawls pivotally coupled to the housing. Providing the lift bar such that the said lift bar couples to the at least one pair of pawls and wherein the lift bar ensures the at least one pair of pawls pivot in unison with one another. Providing the at least one bias member such that the at least one bias member biases the said clamp to the first position. Providing the actuator handle, said actuator handle capable of being operated by a user so as to overcome the at least one bias member and move the clamp to the second position. And providing the clamp such that the downward pull of gravity on the clamp causes the pawls of the at least one pair of pawls to pivot toward each other. 
     In some embodiments, providing the at least one track may comprise locating the at least one track on the interior of the housing along at least one wall of at least one hollow cavity. 
     In some embodiments, providing the at least one track may comprise providing the at least one track such that the at least one track is vertical. 
     In some embodiments, providing the housing may further comprise providing at least one fixed gripping surface on the housing. 
     In some embodiments, providing the housing may comprise providing a back plate to which the at least one fixed gripping surface is coupled. 
     In some embodiments, providing the at least one fixed gripping surface may comprise providing the at least one fixed gripping surface such that the at least one fixed gripping surface is of a material which will firmly grip, but not deform a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, providing the at least one pawl may comprise providing only a single pawl. 
     In some embodiments, providing the single pawl may comprise providing a fixed gripping surface opposite the single pawl. 
     In some embodiments, providing the single pawl and opposite fixed gripping surface may comprise providing the single pawl and the opposite fixed gripping surface such that the single pawl and the opposite fixed gripping surface are capable of automatically mimicking the girth of a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, providing the lift bar may comprise providing an engagement surface on the lift bar for movement along the at least one track. 
     In some embodiments, providing the lift bar may comprise providing the lift bar such that the lift bar couples to a single pawl and wherein movement of the lift bar causes the single pawl to pivot about the pivot point. 
     In some embodiments, providing the actuator may comprise providing a depressible trigger. 
     In some embodiments, providing the clamp may comprise providing the housing such that said housing may comprise at least one hollow cavity with at least one vertical track running along at least a part of the hollow cavity. Providing at least one fixed gripping surface. Providing the at least one pawl wherein providing the at least one pawl comprises providing a single pawl pivotally coupled to the housing. Providing the lift bar such that the said lift bar has an engagement surface for engaging the at least one vertical track, and such that the lift bar couples to the single pawl, causing it to pivot about the pivot point as the lift bar moves along the said track. Providing the least one bias member such that the at least one bias member biases the said clamp to the first position. Providing the actuator, such that said actuator is capable of being operated by a user so as to overcome the at least one bias member and move the clamp to the second position. And providing the clamp such that the downward pull of gravity on the clamp causes the single pawl to rotate toward the at least one fixed gripping surface. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, a clamp may comprise a guide plate having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of surfaces, first gripper mounted on one of the plurality of surfaces, and a second gripper slidingly coupled to one of the plurality of surfaces, said second gripper located between said first gripper and said second end. The clamp may also comprise an actuator, said actuator rotatably attached to said guide plate, the actuator configured and positioned on said guide plate such that rotation of said actuator moves said second gripper towards said first gripper. The clamp may also comprise at least one bias member configured to bias the second gripper to a first position. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one bias member may be a compression spring. 
     In some embodiments, said second gripper is mounted to a slider sled, said slider sled being in sliding connection with said guide plate and configured to allow said second gripper to move between the first position and a second position. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise at least one spring support mounted to said slider sled. Said at least one spring support may comprise at least one portion with a diameter less than a diameter of said at least one compression spring. Said portion of said at least one spring support may be positioned to fit inside the diameter of said at least one compression spring. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one spring support may further comprise an expanded end, wherein said expanded end is an end nearest to said first gripper, and wherein said end has a diameter greater than the diameter of said at least one compression spring. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a pressure plate, said pressure plate slidingly coupled to both said slider sled and to said guide plate, and may further comprise a projection, said projection located adjacent to said actuator and positioned such that rotation of said actuator moves said projection towards said first gripper. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise at least one bias member housing attached to said pressure plate. Said at least one bias member housing may be hollow and may comprise a sealed end. Said at least one bias member housing may comprise a diameter greater than the diameter of said at least one bias member. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a bias member located on said guide plate and oriented such that movement of said second gripper towards said first gripper stores mechanical energy in said bias member. 
     In some embodiments, the guide plate may further comprise a bias member support, said bias member support coupled to said guide plate and sized to support said bias member. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of said second gripper or said first gripper may be comprised of a material which will firmly grip, but not deform a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, at least a part of at least one of the first gripper or second gripper may be comprised of polyurethane. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of said second gripper or said first gripper may be at least partially covered by a removable surface. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of said second gripper or said first gripper may comprise at least one approximately semi-circular or contoured face. 
     In some embodiments, one of the plurality of surfaces of said guide plate may comprise a support wall, said support wall supporting said first gripper. In some embodiments, the support structure may further comprise one or more buttresses, said buttresses extending from said support wall to said guide plate. 
     In some embodiments, said actuator may comprise a handle. 
     In some embodiments said actuator may comprise a cam with at least one flat segment. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamp may comprise a guide plate having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of surfaces, a first gripper coupled to one of the plurality of surfaces, a second plate slidingly coupled to one of the plurality of surfaces of the guide plate, a second gripper coupled to the second plate, and at least one bias member, said bias member coupled to both said guide plate and said second plate. 
     In some embodiments, the guide plate may further comprise a member adapted as a palm support. Said member may be U-shaped. 
     In some embodiments, the second plate may further comprise a rack. Said second plate may further comprise a second member, said second member adapted as a handle. Said handle may be U-shaped. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of said second gripper or said first gripper may be comprised of a material which will firmly grip, but not deform a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments at least one of said second gripper or said first gripper may be at least partially covered by a removable surface. 
     In some embodiments at least one of said second gripper or said first gripper may comprise at least one approximately semi-circular or contoured face. 
     In some embodiments, one of said plurality of surfaces of said guide plate may comprise a support wall, said support wall supporting said first gripper. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise one or more buttresses, said buttresses extending from said support wall to said guide plate. 
     In some embodiments, said second plate may comprise a support wall, said support wall supporting said second gripper. 
     In some embodiments, the second plate may further comprise one or more buttresses, said buttresses extending from said second plate support wall to said second plate. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a pinion gear in operative engagement with said rack of said second plate. 
     In some embodiments, said second plate comprises an aperture through which the pinion gear project. In some embodiments, at least one edge of said aperture may comprise the teeth of said rack. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a gear shaft, said gear shaft coupled to said guide plate. Said pinion gear may rotate about the axis of said gear shaft. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a ratcheter. 
     In some embodiments, said ratcheter may comprise a ratcheting lever, said ratcheting lever may comprise, a ratcheting lever input structure, a ratcheting lever output structure and, a ratcheting lever hub rotatable about the axis of the gear shaft and to which the ratcheting lever input structure and output structure are coupled. 
     In some embodiments the input structure of the ratcheting lever may comprise a ratcheting lever handle. 
     In some embodiments, the output structure of the ratcheting lever may comprise one or more members. The members of the output structure may support at least one pawl. 
     In some embodiments, actuation of the ratcheting lever may cause the pawl to operatively engage the pinion gear through an orifice in the ratcheting lever hub. 
     In some embodiments, actuation of the ratcheting lever may cause the second gripper to displace from the first position toward a second position. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise an over-center linkage wherein the over-center linkage is in an over-center position when the second gripper is in one of the first position and second position. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may be for use with medical devices. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one bias member may be an extension spring. 
     In some embodiments, the untensioned length of said extension spring may be slightly less than the distance between an extension spring coupling point on the guide plate and an extension spring coupling point on the second plate. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure a clamp may comprise a housing having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of surfaces. The clamp may comprise a first gripper base coupled to one of said plurality of surfaces. The clamp may comprise a second gripper base slidable about one of the said plurality of surfaces, said second gripper base located between said first gripper base and said second end. The clamp may also comprise at least one bias member, an actuator, said actuator rotatably coupled to said housing, and at least one gear. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one of the at least one gear may be an eccentric cam gear. 
     In some embodiments, the first gripper may be coupled to the first gripper base and a second gripper may be coupled to the second gripper base. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of said mobile gripper or said fixed gripper may be comprised of a material which will firmly grip, but not deform a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of said first gripper or said second gripper may be at least partially covered by a removable surface. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of said first gripper or said second gripper may comprise at least one approximately semi-circular or contoured face. 
     In some embodiments, said actuator may be a handle. The handle may be roughly L-shaped comprising a horizontal arm and a vertical arm. Said vertical arm may comprise a latch housing sized to accommodate an actuator handle latch. 
     In some embodiments, the latch housing comprises at least one bias member, said bias member positioned to bias said actuator handle latch to a first position. 
     In some embodiments, the said actuator handle latch may catch on a structure of the housing when in the first position disallowing any rotation of the actuator. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a slider sled. 
     In some embodiments, said slider sled may comprise at least one guide recess sized to fit a guide projection on said second gripper base. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a slider sled, said slider sled may comprise a means for a slidably coupling to said second gripper base. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise at least one bias member support coupled to at least one face of said slider sled. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one of the at least one bias member may be a coil spring. 
     In some embodiments, said bias member support may comprise a projection sized to fit within a coil diameter of a compression spring. 
     In some embodiments, the bias member support may further comprise an end, said end may be attached to said bias member support and may have a diameter greater than said coil diameter of said compression spring. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one gear may be eccentrically and rotatably coupled to a gear shaft. 
     In some embodiments, a gear shaft may rotate when the actuator is actuated. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise at least one additional cam gear, said additional cam gear may be positioned to be rotated by said gear on said gear shaft. 
     In some embodiments, said additional cam gear may be eccentrically and rotatably attached to said second gripper. 
     In some embodiments, an additional cam gear may eccentrically and rotatably attached to said slider sled. 
     In some embodiments, said additional cam gear may be rotatably connected to said gear by a linkage. 
     In some embodiments, said linkage may be a roughly claw-shaped body, said linkage may be configured to restrict the arc through which the gear and additional cam gear are capable of rotating. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a latch, said latch may be an operatively displaceable body secured to said first gripper base. 
     In some embodiments, said latch may comprise at least one surface that defines a catch. 
     In some embodiments, the latch may catch at least one portion of the actuator, disallowing further actuation of the actuator. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a latch, said latch may be an operatively displaceable body secured to said first gripper base. Said latch may comprise at least one surface defining a catch, said catch capable of engaging a portion of the horizontal arm of the handle and thereby disallowing further actuation of said handle. 
     In some embodiments, said latch may comprise a trough flanked by at least one sloped surface. 
     In some embodiments, the latch may further comprise at least one bias member configured to bias the latch to a first position. 
     In some embodiments, the latch may assume a second position during at least a part of actuation of the actuator. 
     In some embodiments, the latch may be in the first position after full actuation of the actuator and operatively engage the actuator to prevent further actuation of the actuator. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure a clip may comprise a torsion latch, said torsion latch comprising a beam having a front, a back, and a bottom. The clip may further comprise at least one spring holder, said spring holder comprising a pair of approximately circular projections attached to said bottom of said torsion latch. The clip may further comprise at least one torsion spring, said torsion spring sized to fit between said pair of approximately circular projections. The clip may further comprise at least one latch hook. The at least one latch hook may comprise a notch. The torsion latch may further be configured to pivot between a first position and a second position. 
     In some embodiments, the clip may be configured to attach a medical device to a support structure. 
     In some embodiments, the clip may further comprise a latch wedge, said latch wedge may be a triangular prism projecting from at least a portion of said front of said torsion latch. 
     In some embodiments, the latch may further comprise at least two latch hooks. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure a clamp may comprise a housing, first and second gripper jaws, both of said gripper jaws at least partially contained within said housing, a first bracket comprising part of said first gripper jaw, and a second bracket comprising part of said second gripper jaw, a first gripping surface coupled to at least one surface of the first bracket, a second gripping surface coupled to at least one surface of the second bracket, at least one gear, said gear operatively coupled to said first gripper jaw and said second gripper jaw, and at least one bias member attached to said housing and to at least one of the first and second gripper jaws. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one bias member may comprise two bias members, one of said bias members extending from said first gripper jaw to said housing, the other of said bias members extending from said second gripper jaw to said housing. 
     In some embodiments, the bias members may be extension springs. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second gripper jaws may comprise at least one toothed surface. 
     In some embodiments, said at least one gear is a pinion gear may operatively engage with at least one of said toothed surfaces of said first or said second gripper jaw. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a handle, said handle pivotally attached to said first gripper jaw. Said handle may be moveable between a first and a second position. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise at least one linkage, said linkage may extend from said handle to said first gripper jaw. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one linkages may be an over-center linkage. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one linkages may operatively couple the handle to a cam, such that when said handle is moved to said second position, said cam pushes said first gripper jaw and said second gripper jaw closer together. 
     In some embodiments, the over-center linkage may be in an over-center position when the handle is in the second position. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure a clamp may comprise a base for attaching an object, said base having a centerline. The clamp may also comprise a pair of grippers, said pair of grippers oriented obliquely to said centerline of said base. 
     In some embodiments, the object may be a medical device. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure a clamp may comprise a housing, first gripper and second gripper, at least one of the first and second grippers being moveable, and and actuator. The actuator may be configured to actuate the moveable gripper of the first and second grippers between a first position and a second position. The clamp may further comprise at least one linkage. The at least one linkage may operatively couple the actuator to the mobile gripper. The clamp may further comprise at least one bias member configured and positioned so as to supply a clamping force when the moveable gripper of the first and second grippers is in one of the first and second positions. 
     In some embodiments, said at least one linkage may be an over-center linkage. The over-center linkage may be in an over-center orientation when the mobile gripper is in one of the first position and second position. 
     In some embodiments, said first gripper and second gripper may be oriented obliquely to a centerline of said clamp. 
     In some embodiments, said moveable gripper may be slidingly coupled to a driven member. 
     In some embodiments, said driven member may be slidingly coupled to the housing. 
     In some embodiments, at least two of the bias members may be compression springs, said compression springs may be positioned such that when compressed the compression springs are configured to exert a clamping force on a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, at least one bias member may be a constant force spring, said at least one constant force spring may be positioned such that when unwound a clamping force is exerted against a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, the actuator may be a handle. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one bias members may be an extension spring said extension spring attached to said handle at a first end and to said housing at a second end. 
     In some embodiments, said at least one extension spring may be an over-center spring and may be in an over-center orientation when the moveable gripper is in one of first position and second position. 
     In some embodiments the clamp may further comprise a latch, said latch may be pivotally coupled to said actuator and comprising a latch projection. 
     In some embodiments, said latch may be pivotable between a first position and a second position. Said latch may comprise a latch body with a plurality of faces at least one of which may further comprise at least one ergonomic feature. 
     In some embodiments, the latch may be biased to the first position by at least one torsion spring. 
     In some embodiments the clamp may further comprise a latch catch, said latch catch may be a part of one of the first gripper jaw and second gripper jaw. 
     In some embodiments, said latch catch may be configured to retain said latch projection when said actuator has actuated the moveable gripper to one of the first position and second position. 
     In some embodiments, pivoting the latch from the first position to the second position may release the latch projection from said latch catch. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may be for use with medical devices and medical accessories. 
     In some embodiments, the housing may include a means of coupling the clamp to a load. The load may be a medical device. In some embodiments, the medical device may be a peristaltic infusion pump or syringe pump infusion pump. 
     In some embodiments, at least at part of at least one of the grippers may comprise a gripping surface being of a material which may firmly grip, but not deform a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, the said gripping surface may be removable and/or replaceable. 
     In some embodiments, the said gripping surface may comprise a semi-circular or contoured face. 
     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamp includes a housing, a fixed gripper, a driven member, a moveable gripper and an actuator. The housing includes first and second tracks. The fixed gripper is coupled to the housing. The driven member is configured to slide within the first and second tracks of the housing. The moveable gripper is operatively coupled to the driven member. The actuator is configured to move the driven member towards a first position to thereby move the moveable gripper towards the fixed gripper. The actuator is further configured to move the driven member towards a second position to thereby move the moveable gripper away from the fixed gripper. The actuator may be a handle pivotally coupled to the housing. The clamp may further include first and second linkages. The first linkage may be coupled a first side of the handle and a first side of the driven member, and the second linkage may be coupled to a second side of the handle and to a second side of the driven member. 
     The clamp may further comprise a gripper sled slidably coupled to the driven member. A bias member may be configured to bias the gripper sled within the driven member towards the fixed gripper. 
     The driven member may include a stop member configured to prevent movement of the gripper sled relative to the driven member beyond a predetermined location of the driven member. The moveable gripper may be coupled to the gripper sled. 
     The bias member may be a constant force spring, a compression spring, or other compressible or expandable spring. 
     The clamp may be configured to allow the gripper sled to stop when abutting against an object while allowing the driven member to continue to move as the actuator is further actuated. 
     The gripper sled may be rigidly coupled to the moveable gripper, and the clamp may further include a bias member configured to bias the gripper sled within the driven member towards the fixed gripper. 
     In yet another embodiment, a clamp includes a housing, a fixed gripping means, and a moveable gripping means. The fixed gripping means is for rigidly being coupled to the housing. The moveable gripping means is for gripping the clamp onto an object. 
     Rack Apparatus and Rack System 
     In the present disclosure, a rack may include a support member that has a first end portion and a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion. The rack may also include at least one mount. The at least one mount may be coupled to the support member and may be disposed on the support member between the first end portion and the second end portion of the support member. In addition, a clamp may be coupled to the support member, and the clamp may be configured to have a clamped position and an unclamped position. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the support member may be a cylindrically shaped object, such as a pole. In certain embodiments, the at least one mount may be approximately perpendicular to the support member. The at least one mount may also be elongated in a first direction, wherein the first direction is approximately perpendicular to the support member. The at least one mount may also include a substantially planar surface. Similarly, each of the at least one mount may be a plate. Additionally, the at least one mount may be pivotally connected to the support member. The at least one mount may also be configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the support member. Furthermore, the at least one mount may be hingably coupled to the support member. In certain embodiments, the hinge may be configured to have an axis of rotation in a transverse plane of the support member. In other embodiments, the hinge may be configured to have an axis of rotation in a longitudinal plane of the support member. In addition, the at least one mount may be removably coupled to the support member. Alternatively, the at least one mount may be fixedly coupled to the support member. The at least one mount may also include a flange that extends upwardly from a second end of the at least one mount, wherein the second end of the at least one mount is opposite to a first end of the at least one mount. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the at least one mount may be configured to receive a medical device. The medical device may be attachable to any one of the at least one mount. Likewise, the medical device may be detachable from any one of the at least one mount. 
     The rack may further comprise a base member that may be coupled to the support member. The base member may be positioned in spaced relation to the support member and may be configured to provide a moment of force that is sufficient to counteract a moment of force about the clamp of the rack. In a preferred embodiment, the base member may be configured to abut a support structure at a resting point and thereby position the support member at a distance away from the support structure. The base member may include a notch at the resting point where the base member abuts the support structure, and the notch may have a radius of curvature. Alternatively, the base member may include a clamp that is configured to clamp onto a support structure. In a preferred embodiment, the base member may be operatively coupled to the second end portion of the support member. In embodiments where the base member is coupled to the second end portion of the support member, two or more wheels may be coupled to the base member. In certain embodiments the at least two wheels may be removably coupled to the base member. In other embodiments, a wheel assembly may couple at least two wheels to the base member. The wheel assembly may likewise be removably coupled to the base member. Furthermore, the base member may itself be configured to receive a medical device. 
     The clamp of the rack may include a fixed gripper and a mobile gripper. In a preferred embodiment, the clamp may be operatively coupled to the first end portion of the support member. To couple with a support structure, the mobile gripper may move in a first direction towards the fixed gripper. To decouple from the support structure, the mobile gripper may move in a second direction away from the fixed gripper. The fixed gripper and the mobile gripper may be shaped to couple with a range of different support structures. Thus, the clamp may be configured to removably couple with a support structure when the clamp is in clamped position. 
     To enable the at least one mount, the support member, and the clamp to be carried as a group, the rack may further comprise a handle that may be coupled to the first end portion of the support member and that may be disposed above the at least one mount. The handle may approximate the shape of a “U” and may be configured to extend in an approximately perpendicular direction to the support member. 
     Each of the at least one mount may also include a respective connector. The connector may be configured to interface with a medical device, such as a monitoring client. In a preferred embodiment, the respective connector of the at least mount may be configured to receive power. The power may be supplied by a power system that is configured to supply power to the respective connector of the at least one mount. The power system may be configured to receive balanced alternating-current power and to supply direct-current power to the respective connector of the at least one mount. Similarly, the power system may be configured to receive unbalanced alternating-current power and to supply direct-current power to the respective connector of the at least one mount. The power system may include a power-supply system that is operatively coupled to the support member, and each of the at least one mount may include a respective power-transmission system that is configured to provide power to the respective connector of the at least one mount. The base member may operatively include elements of the aforementioned power system. 
     In certain embodiments, the respective connector of the at least one mount may be configured to carry signals. To carry signals between respective connectors, each of the at least one mount may include a respective support-plate bus that is connected to the respective connector therein, and the respective support-plate bus may interface with a central bus that is operatively coupled to the support member. 
     Substantially rigid materials such as aluminum alloys, stainless steel alloys, steel alloys, and engineering polymers may be used to construct the rack and components like the at least one mount, the support member, the base member, and the clamp. In addition, at least a portion of the support member, the at least one mount, the base member, and the clamp may include an antibacterial, an antimicrobial, or an antiviral coating. 
     A rack system may include the rack described above. The rack system may further comprise at least one device that may be adapted to be received by any one of the at least one mount of the rack. The device may further include a clamp mechanism that is configured to operatively and removably couple with the support member of the rack. In addition, the device may include a connector that may be configured to electrically communicate with the respective connector of any one of the at least one mount. The clamp mechanism of the at least one device may comprise any one of the clamp mechanisms described above. In a preferred embodiment of the rack system, the device may be a medical device. 
     In some embodiments of a rack apparatus, the rack apparatus may comprise at least one support pole having a first end portion and a second end portion, at least one of a clamp assembly, hanger, or handle attached to the first end portion of the support pole, at least one mount connector, at least one alignment feature operatively coupled to the support pole; and a base member attached to the second end portion of the support pole. 
     The at least one mount connector may configured to operatively engage with a medical device connector. At least one of the at least one alignment feature may be configured to align the medical device connector with the at least one of the at least one mount connector. At least one of the at least one alignment feature may be included on a collar on the support pole. 
     The rack apparatus may further comprise a power system. The power system may be configured to provide power to at least one medical device via the at least one mount connector. The rack apparatus further may comprise a communication system configured to allow an attached medical device to communicate with at least one other attached medical device via the at least one mount connector. The communication system may be configured use at least one of a CANbus protocol and USB protocol. 
     In some embodiments, the base member may comprise, a power connector, a power supply, a main power cable electrically connecting the power connector and the power supply, and at least one transmission cable connecting the power supply and the at least one mount connector. 
     The support pole may be configured to accept a clamp. In such embodiments, the clamp may comprise a housing including first and second tracks, a fixed gripper coupled to the housing, a driven member configured to slide within the first and second tracks of the housing, a moveable gripper operatively coupled to the driven member, and an actuator configured to move the driven member towards a first position to thereby move the moveable gripper towards the fixed gripper, the actuator further configured to move the driven member towards a second position to thereby move the moveable gripper away from the fixed gripper. 
     The clamp may be configured to couple a medical device to the support pole of the rack apparatus. A medical device connector may be disposed on the clamp and may be configured to operatively engage with at least one of the at least one mount connector to receive at least one of a network connection and power for the medical device. 
     The rack apparatus may be configured to couple to an IV pole. The at least one support pole may be an IV pole. The base member further may comprise at least one wheel. 
     In some embodiments, the rack apparatus may be part of a system comprising the rack apparatus. In such embodiments, the rack apparatus may comprise at least one support pole having a first end portion and a second end portion, at least one of a clamp assembly, hanger, or handle attached to the first end portion of the support pole, at least one mount connector, at least one alignment feature operatively coupled to the at least one support pole; and a base member attached to the second end portion of the support pole. The system may also comprise a clamp configured to clamp to the at least one support pole. The clamp may comprise a housing including first and second tracks, a fixed gripper coupled to the housing, a driven member configured to slide within the first and second tracks of the housing, a moveable gripper operatively coupled to the driven member; and an actuator configured to move the driven member towards a first position to thereby move the moveable gripper towards the fixed gripper, the actuator further configured to move the driven member towards a second position to thereby move the moveable gripper away from the fixed gripper. 
     In some embodiments the at least one of the at least one mount connector may be configured to operatively engage with a medical device connector. At least one of the at least one alignment feature may be configured to align the medical device connector with the at least one of the at least one mount connector. The medical device connector may be disposed on one of the fixed gripper or movable gripper of the clamp. The medical device connector may be configured to operatively engage with the at least one of the at least one mount connector to receive at least one of a network connection and power for a medical device. The medical device may be a monitoring client comprising a tablet computer. The medical device may be an infusion pump. The medical device may be a PCA. The medical device may be a physiological monitor. 
     Protective Mechanisms 
     In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the connectors may be disposed on protective mechanisms that may be coupled to the rack. In one specific embodiment, a protective mechanism includes: a guide member; a connector that is coupled to the guide member; an actuation member having first and second end portions, wherein the first end portion of the actuation member is pivotally coupled to the guide member; and a cover member that may be pivotally coupled to the guide member. The cover member may be configured to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to thereby uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second, opposite direction. The protective mechanism may also include a backstop member that is disposed on a guide member face. The backstop member may also have a backstop member face that is approximately perpendicular to the guide member face. The connector may be disposed on the backstop member face. 
     In a specific embodiment, the cover member of the protective mechanism may be adapted to uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots from a first position to a second position. The cover member may be adapted to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second, opposite direction from the second position to the first position. The backstop member face may define a recess or an aperture that is configured to receive at least a portion of the cover member when the cover member is completely uncovered and the actuation member is in the second position. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective mechanism may further comprise a compliant gasket that may be coupled to the backstop member and configured to encompass the connector. The cover member may include a perimeter rib that may be adapted to seal against the compliant gasket when the actuation member is in the first position and the connector is covered by the cover member. In some embodiments, the compliant gasket may include a first portion, a second portion, and a transitional portion between the first and second portions of the compliant gasket; the perimeter rib may be adapted to seal against at least the first portion of the compliant gasket when the actuation member is in a first position and the connector is covered, and the perimeter rib may be adapted to seal against at least the second portion of the compliant gasket when the actuation member is in the second position and the connector is uncovered. 
     To receive a device, the protective mechanism may further comprise first and second rail projections. Each rail projection may have a web portion and a wider head portion such that the web portion couples the head portion to the guide member face. The first and second rail projections may be disposed on the guide member face such that they are approximately parallel and in spaced relation to one another. Between the first and second rail projections, the guide member may define an aperture that extends from a first guide member face (the aforementioned guide member face) to a second guide member face, or the guide member may define a recess that is disposed on the guide member face. Both the recess and the aperture may be adapted to receive a portion of the actuation member. 
     The actuation member of the protective mechanism may include a sloped face that defines a sloped portion of the actuation member. In some embodiments, due to the sloped face, the sloped portion of the actuation member may increase in cross-sectional area from the first end portion of the actuation member to a point where the sloped face ends between the first and second end portions of the actuation member. The sloped face may slope such that the sloped face protrudes from the plane of the guide member face when the actuation member is in a first position and when the actuation member is in a second position. The sloped face may lie substantially in the plane of the face guide member face. The protective mechanism may further comprise at least one actuation spring that may bias the actuation member such that the actuation member may automatically return to the first position under the force of the actuation spring. Thus, the at least one actuation spring may have a first end that is coupled to the actuation member and a second end that is coupled to the guide member. 
     The protective mechanism may also include a latch member that may be pivotally coupled to the guide member at a pivot point between first and second end portions of the latch member. Additionally, the latch member may define an aperture that is capable of receiving at least a portion of the actuation member, and the latch member may include a latch projection that may be disposed on the first end portion of the latch member and protrude from the face of the guide member when the latch member is in a latched position Like the actuation member, the latch member may be adapted to automatically return to the latched position under the force of one or more latch springs. Thus, each of the one or more latch springs may have a first end that is coupled to the backstop member and a second end that is coupled to the latch member at a point between the pivot point and the second end portion of the latch member. To arrest pivotal movement of the latch member under the force of the at least one latch spring, the protective mechanism may further comprise at least one arrester projection that may be coupled to the guide member and disposed in spaced relation to the pivot point of the latch member such that the at least one arrester projection may arrest pivotal movement of the latch member when the latch member pivots to the latched position. 
     In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover member is a protective member that includes a cover portion. The protective member may have a first end portion that is coupled to one of the guide member and the backstop member, and the protective member may have a second end portion that includes the cover portion. To protect the connector, the protective member may be adapted to engage with the actuation member such that pivotal movement of the actuation member in a first direction from the first position to the second position may cause the protective member to pivot from a protective position to a non-protective position, and thereby uncover the connector. Likewise, pivotal movement of the actuation member in a second, opposite direction from the second position to the first position may cause the protective member to pivot from the non-protective position to the protective position to thereby cover the connector. 
     The actuation member of the first embodiment may include first and second channeled projections disposed on the second end portion of the actuation member. The first and second channeled projection may be spaced apart such that a portion of the protective member may be received between them. To enable the actuation member to actuate the protective member, the protective member may include first and second actuation projections that are adapted to respectively engage the first and second channeled projections of the actuation member. Thus, the first and second channeled projections may respectively include a first channel and a second channel, wherein each channel is shaped and sized such that pivotal movement of the actuation member form the first position to the second position may cause the protective member to pivot from the protective position to the non-protective position. 
     In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the protective mechanism may include a latch member. Furthermore, the first embodiment of the protective mechanism may include a latch member that defines a latch aperture between the first end portion of the latch member and the pivot point of the latch member. The latch aperture may be configured such that the actuation member may pass through the latch aperture when the actuation member is in the first position, and the latch aperture may receive at least the cover portion of the protective member when actuation member is in the second position and the protective member is in the non-protective position. 
     The first embodiment of the protective mechanism may further comprise a compliant gasket that may be coupled to the backstop member and encompass the connector. To seal the connector within the compliant gasket, the cover portion of the protective member may include a perimeter rib that is adapted to seal against the compliant gasket when the protective member is in the protective position. 
     A second embodiment of the protective mechanism may differ from the first embodiment of the protective mechanism. The second embodiment of the protective mechanism may include at least one first link-member and at least one second link-member. Each of the at least one first link-member may be configured to have a respective first end portion and a respective second portion such that the respective first end portion may be pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the actuation member. Likewise, each of the at least one second link-member may have a respective first end portion and respective second portion. The respective first end portion of the at least one second link-member may be pivotally coupled to each of the backstop member at a first point and the respective second end portion of a respective at least one first link-member at a second point. The first point and the second point may be disposed in spaced relation such that pivotal and substantially translational movement of the second end portion of the actuation member may be transmitted through the at least one first link-member and thus cause the at least one second link-member to pivot about the first point. 
     The cover member of the second embodiment of the protective mechanism may be pivotally coupled to the respective second end portion of the at least one second link-member such that the cover member may pivot to a non-protective position, and thereby uncover the connector, when the actuation member pivots in the first direction and to pivot to a protective position, and thereby cover the connector, when the actuation member pivots in the second direction. To enable the at least one second link-member to couple with the cover member, the second embodiment of the protective mechanism may further comprise an at least one pass-thru aperture defined by the backstop member, and each of the at least one second link-member may be disposed within a respective at least one pass-thru aperture. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective mechanism may include a compliant gasket. The compliant gasket may be coupled to the backstop member and have a first portion, a second portion, and a transition portion between the first portion and the second portion of the compliant gasket. The first portion of the compliant gasket may be configured to encompass the connector. The transition portion of the compliant gasket may be configured to encompass each of the at least one pass-thru aperture. And the second portion of the compliant gasket may be configured to mirror the first portion of the compliant gasket. 
     To seal against the compliant gasket, the cover member may include a perimeter ridge. The perimeter ridge may be adapted to compress the first portion of the compliant gasket and a portion of the transition portion such that the perimeter ridge encompasses the connector and each of the at least one pass-thru apertures when the cover member is in the protective position. When the cover member is in the non-protective position, the perimeter ridge may be adapted to seal against the compliant gasket such that the perimeter ridge compresses the second portion of the compliant gasket and a portion of the transition portion such that the perimeter ridge encompasses each of the at least one pass-thru aperture. 
     The protective mechanism may further include a backstop member recess or a backstop member aperture defined by the backstop member face. The backstop member recess and the backstop member aperture may be configured to receive at least a portion of the cover member when the cover member is in the non-protective position. 
     The protective mechanism may be one embodiment of a component of a system for receiving a device. The system for receiving a device may comprise at least one protective mechanism and at least one receivable device. The at least one protective mechanism may include a guide member having a guide member face, a connector that is coupled to the guide member, an actuation member, a cover member, and at least one rigid member disposed on the guide member. The actuation member may be configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion may be pivotally coupled to the guide member, and thus, the actuation member may pivot in a first direction from a first position to a second position and in a second direction from the second position to the first position. The cover member may be pivotally coupled to the guide member and adapted to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to uncover the connector when that actuation member pivots in the first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in the second, opposite direction. In any embodiment described herein, the protective mechanism may be adapted to be a protective mechanism of the system for receiving a device. 
     The at least one receivable device of the system for receiving a device may comprise a connector and an at least one channel. The connector may be disposed on the receivable device such that it is capable of interfacing with the connector of the at least one protective mechanism. The at least one channel may be disposed on the receivable device and configured to receive the at least one rigid member of a respective at least one protective mechanism. The at least one receivable device may further comprise a respective latch recess defined by a respective face of the at least one receivable device. The respective latch recess may be adapted to engage with a latch member projection of the at least one protective mechanism such that the at least one receivable device is securely received by the at least one protective mechanism. 
     In one example embodiment, a clamp apparatus is depicted. The clamp apparatus may comprise a body, a first handle and a second handle. The first handle and the second handle may be operatively coupled to the body. The clamp apparatus also includes a first movable gripper and a second movable gripper. The first movable gripper and the second movable gripper are coupled to the first handle and the second handle, respectively. In one example embodiment, the body is positioned intermediately between the handles and the grippers. The first handle and the second handle are fixedly coupled to the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper, respectively, thereby controlling the movement of the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper. The clamp apparatus also includes a first gear set and a second gear set that are rotatably coupled to the body, and operatively coupled to the first handle and the second handle, respectively, as well as the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper, respectively. The first gear set and the second gear set are configured to operatively engage one another. In one example embodiment, the first gear set may include an upper first gear, and a lower first gear that is fixedly coupled to the upper first gear, such that the upper first gear and the lower first gear move together in unison. Similarly, the second gear set may include an upper second gear, and a lower second gear that is fixedly coupled to the upper second gear, such that the upper second gear and the lower second gear move together in unison. The upper first gear and the lower first gear may be configured to operatively engage the upper second gear and the lower second gear, respectively. 
     The clamp apparatus also includes at least one bias member operatively engaged with the first handle and the second handle. The at least one bias member is configured to bias the first handle and the second handle toward a first position. The first movable gripper and the second movable gripper are engaged with one another, defining a clamped position, when the first handle and the second handle are in the first position. The first handle and the second handle are configured to thereby move, under actuation, to a second position, whereby the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper are disengaged from one another, defining an unclamped position. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp apparatus further comprises a gripping surface on the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper, configured to engage a clamped object. In some embodiments, the grippers are configured to clamp onto a pole. In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus is for use with medical devices and medical accessories. In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus is configured to couple a medical device to a support pole. The pole may be an IV pole. The medical device may be a monitor comprising a tablet computer. In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus is configured to couple an infusion pump to a support pole. The infusion pump may be a peristaltic infusion pump. In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus is capable of automatically mimicking the girth of a variety of different clamped objects. 
     In one example embodiment, at least part of at least one of the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper may be comprised of a material which will firmly grip, but not deform a clamped object. In some embodiments, at least a part of at least one of the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper may be comprised of polyurethane. In some embodiments, at least part of at least one of the grippers may be comprised of rubber, or may be coated in a rubbery, gripping material. In some embodiments, at least one of the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper may be at least partially covered by a removable surface. In some embodiments, at least one of the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper may comprise at least one approximately arcuate, semi-circular, or contoured face at least on the gripping surface. 
     In one example embodiment, at least a part of at least one of the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper has fingers. In one example embodiment, the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper both have fingers. The fingers of the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper may be interdigitated when the grippers are engaged with one another, corresponding to the handles being in the first position. The fingers of each gripper may be partially interdigitated due to partial engagement of the grippers with one another, corresponding to the handles being in an intermediate position between the first and second positions. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one bias member is a spring. Further, the at least one bias member may be a flat spring or a leaf spring. In one example embodiment, the at least one bias member may be at least one array of multiple bias members. Further, the at least one bias member may be an array of multiple flat springs arranged in a layered configuration. In one example embodiment, the at least one bias member may be made of a flexible, compressible material. In some embodiments, the at least one bias member may comprise a first bias member and a second bias member. In one embodiment, the first bias member may be a first bias member array, including multiple individual bias members, and the second bias member may be a second bias member array, also including multiple individual bias members. In one example embodiment, the first and/or second bias members may include a single bias member. Additionally, the first and second bias members or the individual bias members and may be springs, or, in one example embodiment, may be torsion springs. 
     In one example embodiment, the first handle and the second handle of the clamp apparatus may be paddles. In one example embodiment, the handles may be concave shaped away from or towards the body, the handles being actuatable. The handles may be configured to be pulled by a user from a first side, or pushed by the user from a second side, in order to move the grippers from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the first handle and the second handle may further comprise a palm support. The member adapted as a palm support may be U-shaped. In one example embodiment, the first handle and a second handle may provide a pair of pull handles. The handles are configured for operation by a user so as to overcome the bias member array and actuate the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper from the first position to the second position. 
     In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus comprises a third gear set and a fourth gear set, the gears operatively coupled to the first handle and the second handle, respectively, and rotatably coupled to the body. In one example embodiment, the third and fourth gear sets may share an axis of rotation with the first gear set and the second gear set, respectively. The third gear set and the fourth gear set may be operatively coupled to the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper, respectively. The third and fourth gears may be configured to operatively engage a locking mechanism in association with the handles. The locking mechanism comprises a first hook, a first catch, a second hook, and a second catch. In one example embodiment, the third and fourth gears may be operatively engaged with one another. 
     In one example embodiment, the handles and gears may be configured to permit slight initial rotational movement of the handles in advance of subsequent rotational movement of the grippers, when moving the first and second handles from the first position to the second position. Similarly, the handles and gears may be configured to permit slight additional rotational movement of the handles following the stoppage of the rotational movement of the grippers, when moving the first and second handles from the second position back to the first position. The initial slight rotational movement of the handles may perform an unlocking function, freeing the grippers to move. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamp comprises a body, the body having a first end and a second end. The clamp may also include a lever, the lever operatively coupled to the first end of the body. The clamp may also include a movable gripper. The movable gripper may be coupled to an intermediate portion of the body, between the first end and second end. The clamp may also include at least two fixed grippers. The fixed grippers may be positioned at the second end of the body. The fixed grippers may be configured to approximately oppose the movable gripper such as to secure a pole from opposing sides. The clamp may also include a connector member. The connector member may have a first end operatively coupled to the lever and a second end operatively coupled to the movable gripper. 
     In some embodiments, the movable gripper may be rotatable about a coupling point of the intermediate portion of the body. The movable gripper may also be approximately wedge-shaped, having a narrow end and a wide end. The narrow end of the movable gripper may be coupled to the body, and the movable gripper may be rotatable about the narrow end. The wide end of the movable gripper may have a ridged surface. Further, the ridged surface may extend along the wide end of the wedge-shaped movable gripper. The wide end of the movable gripper may have a semi-circular or contoured face opposing the at least two fixed grippers. The wide end of the movable gripper may also be configured to complement the shape of a pole. 
     In some embodiments, the grippers further comprise gripping surfaces configured to engage a clamped object. The gripping surfaces may be made of a material which will firmly grip, but not deform, a clamped object. In some embodiments, the grippers are configured to close onto a pole. In some embodiments, the grippers may be rubber. The grippers may be coated in a rubbery, gripping material. 
     In some embodiments, providing the body may comprise providing a back plate to which the at least two fixed grippers are coupled. 
     In some embodiments, providing the movable gripper and opposite fixed grippers may comprise providing the movable gripper and the opposite fixed grippers such that the movable gripper and the opposite fixed grippers are capable of automatically mimicking the girth of a clamped object. 
     In some embodiments, the connector member may be configured to rotate the movable gripper upon actuation of the connector member. 
     In some embodiments, the connector member includes a bias member. The bias member may be a spring, and in some embodiments the spring may be a compression spring. The biased member may be a compressible or expandable spring. In some embodiments, the connector member includes a piston. The piston may be a spring-biased piston. The bias member may be oriented such that movement of the connector member towards the movable gripper stores mechanical energy in the bias member. 
     In some embodiments, the connector member may be rotatably connected to the lever at the first end of the connector member. The connector member may be coupled to a lever joint, the lever joint positioned at an end of the lever. The connector member may also be rotatably connected to the movable gripper at the second end of the connector member. The connector member may be configured to, under actuation of the lever, extend towards the movable gripper, thereby rotating the movable gripper towards the fixed grippers. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a bias member support coupled to the connector member. The bias member support may have a portion with a diameter less than a diameter of the bias member. The portion of the bias member support may be positioned to fit inside the diameter of the bias member. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a bias member housing coupled to the connector member. The bias member housing may be hollow and may have a sealed end. The bias member housing may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the bias member. In some embodiments, the lever of the clamp may be a handle. The lever may be configured to, under actuation, rotate towards the body of the clamp. The lever may include a lever joint at an end of the lever. The lever joint may be a cam, such that when the lever is moved to the first position, the cam pushes the connector member, thereby pushing the movable gripper closer to the fixed grippers. The lever is configured to move the connector member towards a first position and thereby move the movable gripper towards the fixed grippers. The lever is further configured to move the connector member towards a second position and thereby move the movable gripper away from the fixed grippers. The clamp may be configured to allow the moveable gripper to stop when abutting against an object while allowing the connector member to continue to move as the lever is further actuated. 
     In some embodiments, the lever may include a slideable ring coaxially aligned with and surrounding the top end of the lever, the top end being nearest a lever joint. The slideable ring may be configured to free the lever from a locked position. The slideable ring may be configured to slide out of a notch in the lever joint, thereby unlocking the lever and freeing the lever to rotate. The slideable ring may include a ring bias member, the ring bias member configured to bias the slideable ring to a notched position. The ring bias member may be a compression or expansion spring. 
     In still other embodiments, the clamp may further comprise a locking assembly, the locking assembly configured to interact with the movable gripper. The locking assembly may include a pawl, and the pawl may include a pawl bias member. The bias member may be a spring, and in some embodiments the bias member may be a torsion spring. The pawl may be rotatably coupled to the locking assembly, the pawl configured to rotate into contact with an upper ridged surface of the movable gripper, locking the gripper in place. 
     In some embodiments the locking assembly may further comprise a slideable member, and the pawl may be in contact with the slideable member. The slideable member may have a first end in contact with the lever joint. The slideable member may contact an outer surface of the lever joint, the outer surface having a depressed portion. The locking assembly may be configured to move the slideable member into the depressed portion of the lever joint, allowing the pawl to rotate into contact with the movable gripper and thereby locking the movable gripper in place. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp may be for use with medical devices and medical accessories. In some embodiments, the body may include a means of coupling the clamp to a load. The load may be a medical device. In some embodiments, the medical device may be a peristaltic infusion pump or syringe pump infusion pump. In some embodiments, the clamp may be configured to couple a medical device to a support pole. The pole may be an IV pole. The medical device may be a monitor comprising a tablet computer. 
     In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a support system includes a backbone, at least one holding structure, and at least one clamp assembly. 
     The at least one holding structure is connected to the backbone via a first set of attaching points. The at least one holding structure further comprising a top portion, a base portion and an intermediate rod portion. The at least one clamp assembly is configured to clamp to the intermediate rod portion of the at least one holding structure. The at least one clamp assembly further comprise a frame housing, a latch, at least one gear plate, at least one handle, one or more bias members, a device, and at least one detachable alternative power supply system. 
     The frame housing includes first and second substantially parallel surfaces that are connected through a substantially perpendicular, back surface. The latch is configured to be received by the back surface of the frame. The at least one gear plate is substantially disposed in the frame. The at least one gear plate further comprises a jaw shaped end and a gear shaped end. The at least one handle is configured such that displacement of the at least one handle causes displacement of the at least one gear plate to move the jaw shaped end from a first position to a second position. The one or more bias members are configured to bias the jaw shaped end to the first position. The device is coupled to the frame by way of the latch and is positioned on the at least one holding structure via the at least one clamp assembly. The least one detachable alternative power supply system is configured to be in communication with the device. The detachable power supply system further includes a housing positioned to receive the base portion of the at least one holding structure. 
     In some embodiments, the backbone further comprises a power supply inlet configured to receive a power supply source and a power supply outlet configured to advance power to the at least one holding structure. The power supply outlet of the backbone is configured to connect with the base portion of the holding structure. The base portion of the holding structure further may include a passage configured to provide an electrical communication between the power supply outlet of the backbone and the device. 
     The support system of claim  1 , wherein the backbone further comprises a plurality of tube management members wherein a single tube management member is configured to secure at least one tube attached to the device. The plurality of tube management members are arranged sequentially along a length of the backbone. 
     In some embodiments, the base portion of the at least one holding structure may further comprise a first alignment component configured to couple with a second alignment component of the clamp assembly. The first alignment component in is the base portion of the at least one holding structure may be a recess. The second alignment component of the clamp assembly may be a plate configured to be received by the recess of the base portion of the holding structure. 
     The holding structure may further include a plurality of connecting recourses configured to engage with the backbone via the first set of attaching points on the backbone. The intermediate rod portion of the holding structure may be a graspable component configured to engage with the clamp assembly. The intermediate rod portion of the holding structure may further comprise of one or more slid-able members configured to allow the jaw shaped end to slide-ably grip the intermediate rod shaped portion of the holding structure. The one or more slide-able members may be concentric protrusions around the intermediate rod portion of the holding structure. The one or more slide-able members may be rib shaped and may be configured to substantially surround the intermediate rod portion of the holding structure. 
     The base portion of the holding structure may be in the housing provided in the detachable power supply pack and further configured to provide an electrical communication between the backbone and the device. The clamp assembly may be operatively coupled with the holding structure through one or more coupling mechanisms. The clamp assembly may engage with the holding structure through an alignment mechanism, the first alignment component in the base portion of the holding structure may engage with the second alignment component in the clamp assembly. The one or more coupling mechanisms and the alignment mechanisms may be in conjunction with each other. 
     The jaw shaped end of the gear plate in the clamp assembly may be configured to grip the intermediate rod portion of the holding structure. The jaw shaped end of the gear plate may be substantially covered with a layer. The layer may be made of an elastomeric material. The layer may be made of a material having high friction coefficient with the material of the intermediate rod portion of the holding structure. The layer may be made of a material having high friction coefficient with the material of the one or more slide-able members (e.g., the layer is made of rubber). 
     The frame of the clamp assembly may further include a plurality of tracks disposed on an interior face of the back planar surface. In some embodiments, the plurality of tracks is configured to substantially receive the one or more gear plates such that the one or more gear plates are disposed symmetrically. A first of the one or more gear plates may be disposed in an offset position with respect to a second of the one or more gear plates. The one or more gear plates may further include at least one pocket configured to receive the one or more bias members. 
     The one or more bias members may be partially compressed in order to be placed in the at least one pocket of the first of the one or more gear plates and the at least one pocket of the second of the one or more gear plates. The one or more biased members may be configured to hold the at least one gear plate in the first position. The one or more biased members may be configured to allow the at least one gear plate to be displaced into the second position. The one or more bias members may be configured to allow the at least one gear plate to be displaced which can cause the jaw shaped end to grip the intermediate rod shaped portion of the holding structure. One or more bias members may be configured to allow the at least one gear plate to be displaced causing the jaw shaped end to grip a pole structure. The one or more gear plates may be disposed on the frame in a way that the gear shaped end is substantially disposed inside the frame and the jaw shaped end is partially disposed inside the frame. 
     In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the back surface of the frame further comprises a socket configured to receive the latch and further configured to couple the clamp assembly to the device. The socket may be further configured to receive one or more coupling members from a back plate of the device. The latch may include a flap portion and a lever portion. The flap portion of the latch may be configured to prohibit the releasing of the coupling members from inside the socket in the back surface of the frame. 
     The lever portion may be configured to operatively allow the releasing the coupling members from the socket in the back surface of the frame. The frame may further include a plurality of tracks configured to receive the at least one gear plates. The at least one gear plate is coupled with the frame housing through a connector. The at least one gear plate may be coupled with the frame housing through a hinge pin. The at least one gear plate may further comprise a section configured to partially receive the at least one handle. The at least one handle may further include a pairing member and a paddle member. The section of the at least one gear plate may be configured to receive the pairing member of the handle. Displacement of the at least one handle may cause the displacement of the at least one gear plate. The at least one gear plate may be configured to pivot around the connector. The at least one gear plate may be configured to pivot around the hinge pin. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamp assembly includes a frame, at least one jawed component, an actuator, and at least one bias member. The frame includes a top surface and a bottom surface that are connected using a back surface. The back surface further comprises an interior face and an opposing exterior face. The at least one jawed component with a jawed end is pivotally retained in the frame so as to have an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the back surface. The at least one jawed component further includes interdigitating geared ends opposing the jawed ends. The actuator is coupled to each of the at least one jawed components. The actuator further comprises a paddled end which is distal to the at least one jawed component. The at least one bias member biases the at least one jawed component to a first position wherein displacement of the actuator causes the displacement of the at least one jawed component to pivot from the first position to a second position in which the jawed end of the at least one jawed component are spread apart from each other whereas the geared ends ensure substantially equal and opposite pivotal displacement of the at least one jawed component. 
     The frame may further include a plurality of sections disposed on the interior face of the back surface. The plurality of sections may be configured to accept the at least one jawed component. The at least one jawed component may be pivotally retained via a connector disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface of the frame. The at least one jawed component may pivot around the axis of rotation passing through the connector. The connector may be a hinge pin. 
     The at least one jawed component may further comprise one or more pockets configured to substantially receive the one or more bias members. The one or more bias members may be partially compressed in order to be placed in the one or more pockets of the at least one jawed component. The one or more bias member may be substantially disposed in the opposing one or more pockets of the opposing one or more jawed components. The displacement of the actuator may cause displacement of the at least one jawed components which further compresses the one or more bias members. The one or more biased members may be configured to hold the at least one jawed component in the first position. 
     The one or more biased members may be configured to allow the at least one jawed component to be displaced into the second position. The one or more bias members may be configured to allow the at least one jawed component to be displaced to thereby cause the jawed end to grip a graspable structure. The one or more bias members may be configured to allow the at least one jawed component to be displaced causing the jawed end to grip a pole structure. The jaw shaped end of the at least one jawed component may be is substantially covered with a layer. The layer may be made of an elastomeric material. The layer may be made of a material having a high friction coefficient with the material of the holding structure. The layer may be made of a material having high friction coefficient with the material of a one or more slide-able members disposed on the holding structure, e.g., rubber. 
     The frame may further comprise a socket on the back surface. The socket may be configured to pivotally retain a latch via a latch retaining bias member. The latch may be configured to couple the clamp assembly with a clamping device when the latch pivots to a locking position. The latch may be configured to release the clamping device when the latch pivots to an unlocking position. The latch may further include a flap portion and a lever portion. The flap portion of the latch may be pivoted towards an interior of the frame to receive one or more pairing members of a clamping device in the socket. The flap portion of the latch may be pivoted back after completely receiving the one or more pairing members of the clamping device in the socket. The lever portion may be configured to operatively allow releasing the pairing members from the socket in the back surface of the frame. 
     In some embodiments, the frame further may include a plurality of tracks configured to receive the at least one jawed component. The at least one jawed end may be coupled with the frame through a connector. The at least jawed component may be coupled with the frame through a hinge pin. The the at least jawed component may further include a section configured to partially receive the actuator. The actuator may further include a pairing member and a paddle member. The section of the jawed component may be configured to receive the pairing member of the actuator. The displacement of the actuator may be configured to cause a desired displacement of the at least one jawed component. The at least one jawed component may be configured to pivot around a connector. The at least one jawed component may be configured to pivot around a hinge pin. 
     In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a holding structure includes a top portion, a base portion, and an intermediate rod portion. The top portion includes a plurality of fastening recourses. The base portion may include a coupling element and a power supply passage. The intermediate rod portion may include a rib portion and the intermediate rod portion may connect the top portion and the base portion of the holding structure. The fastening recourses of the top portion may be configured to engage the holding structure with a backbone structure. The coupling element (e.g., a recess) of the base portion may be configured to receive a complementary coupling element from a clamp assembly. The holding structure of claim  85 , wherein the complementary coupling element is a plate that is configured to be received by the recess in the base portion of the holding structure. The rib portion on the intermediate rod portion may be an outward extending protrusion configured to slidably engage an incoming component that grips the intermediate rod portion. The rib portion may be made of the same material as the holding structure. The passage may be provided in the base portion of the holding structure and may be configured to provide an electrical communication between a backbone structure and a clamping device. The coupling element of the base portion may be configured to receive a complementary coupling element of the clamp assembly. The coupling element of the base portion may be a recess and the complementary coupling element of the clamp assembly may be a plate configured to be received by the recess. 
     In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a rack-clamp system includes a holding structure, a clamp assembly, a device, and an alternative detachable power supply. The holding structure is connected to a power supply source. The clamp assembly includes at least one jawed component that is configured to grip the holding structure. The device is coupled to the clamp assembly. The alternative detachable power supply source may be engaged to the device. The alternative detachable power supply source may be clamped to the holding structure along with the device. The device coupled when clamped to the holding structure may be configured to receive power supply through the holding structure. The device when clamped to a structure other than the holding structure may be configured to receive power supply through the detachable power supply source engaged to the device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other aspects will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings wherein: 
         FIGS.  1 A- 1 E  show several views of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 E  show several views of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 E  show several views of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  show several views of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 D  show several views of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 G  show several views of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  show several views of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  show several views of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  8 E- 8 F  show an alternate embodiment of the clamp shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8 G  shows an alternate embodiment of a moveable gripper assembly with a housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 B  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device mount, like those depicted in  FIG.  9   a   , wherein the device mount includes a support plate that is adapted to receive a medical device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 C  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a joint member that is adapted to couple with the embodiment of a device mount that is depicted in  FIG.  9   b    in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 D  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a base member that includes a power system that is configured to transmit power to at least one device mount like the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  9   b    in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 E  depicts a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a rack apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 F  is a perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a rack apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 G-H  are perspective views of an example collar of a rack apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 I  is a perspective view of an example rack apparatus including a number of mount connectors in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 J  is a perspective view of an example rack apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 K  is an enlarged view of a portion of the support pole of the example rack apparatus depicted in  FIG.  9   j    in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 A  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system, wherein the embodiment of a rack depicted in  FIG.  9 A  includes a support pole adapted to couple with the clamp of a medical device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 B  is a close-up, perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of a rack system depicted in  FIG.  10 A , wherein the rack embodiment includes a mount connector that may couple to a device connector when the medical device couples with the support pole in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  10 C  is another alternate perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of a rack system depicted in  FIG.  10 A , wherein an embodiment of a medical device includes an embodiment of a device connector that may couple to a mount connector, like the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  10 B , when the medical device couples with the support pole in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10 D  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system including the embodiment of a rack depicted in  FIG.  9   e    in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 E  is a close-up perspective view of an example infusion pump with a flange in place in the guide trough of a support plate of the example rack embodiment depicted in  FIG.  9   e    in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 F  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system, wherein the embodiment of a rack depicted in  FIG.  9   f    includes a support pole adapted to couple with the clamp of a medical device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 G  depicts a perspective view of a support pole of a rack system, wherein the support pole includes a number of mount connectors on a mount connector strip in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 H  depicts a perspective view of a number of mount connectors on a mount connector strip in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 I  depicts a view of a part of an example support pole of an example rack system, wherein the support pole includes a mount connector on a mount connector strip in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 J  shows a side view of an example mount connector coupled to a mount connector strip in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 K  shows a perspective view of an example gripper of a clamp apparatus, wherein the example gripper includes a device connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 L  is a close-up perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system, wherein the embodiment of a rack depicted in  FIG.  9 F  includes a support pole adapted to couple with the clamp of a medical device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 M  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system, wherein the embodiment of a rack depicted in  FIG.  9 J  includes a support pole adapted to couple with the clamp of a medical device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  10 N  depicts a close-up perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system, wherein the embodiment of a rack depicted in  FIG.  9 J  includes a support pole adapted to couple with the clamp of a medical device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11 A  depicts an embodiment of a pivotable cover mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11 B  depicts an actuation spring of an example embodiment of the pivotable-cover mechanism depicted in  FIG.  11 A  acting on the sloped portion of an actuation member, wherein the actuation spring is disposed in an actuation spring pocket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11 C  depicts an example embodiment of the pivotable-cover mechanism wherein a mount connector is covered by a protective member in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11 D  depicts an embodiment of a pivotable cover mechanism wherein the protective member is in a non-protective position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  11 E-I  depict several cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a pivotable cover mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11 J  depicts a view of an example embodiment of the pivotable cover mechanism, wherein the protective member is shown in a protective and a non-protective position and wherein the mount connector is of a type having multiple spring contacts in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11 K  depicts a cross-sectional view of part of the pivotable cover mechanism, wherein the mount connector is of a type having multiple spring contacts in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12 A  depicts a view of an embodiment of a clamshell mechanism wherein the cover member is in a non-protective position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12 B  depicts a view of an embodiment of a clamshell mechanism wherein the cover member is in a protective position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12 C  depicts a close-up perspective view of a part of an embodiment of a clamshell mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12 D  depicts a cross sectional view of a clamshell mechanism wherein the cover member includes a perimeter rib in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  12 E-H  depict a number of cross-sectional views of a clamshell mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12 I-J  depict a number of views an exemplary embodiment of a series of the clamshell mechanisms with compliant gasket systems in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13 A  depicts an embodiment of an example receivable device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13 B  depicts an example embodiment of a receivable device that includes first and second channels and a latch recess in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13 C  depicts a cross-section view of the example pivotable cover mechanism of  FIG.  11   a    wherein a latch member projection is in engagement with a latch recess of an example embodiment of a receivable device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13 D-G  depict a number of cross-section views of an example receivable device and the example clamshell mechanism of  FIG.  12   a    wherein the progression of  FIGS.  13   d - g    demonstrates how receiving a receivable device may cause a clamshell mechanism to automatically reveal a mechanism connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  14 A- 14 E  show several views of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  15 A- 15 D  show several views of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  16 A- 16 E  show several views of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  17 A- 17 E  show several views of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  18    depicts a representational, side view of an exemplary embodiment of a support system and its sub-components; 
         FIG.  19    depicts a portion of an exemplary embodiment of the support system and its sub-components shown in  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  20 A  depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the support system and its sub-components of  FIGS.  18 - 19   ; 
         FIG.  20 B  depicts a portion of an exemplary embodiment of the support system and its sub-components shown in  FIG.  20 A ; 
         FIG.  21 A  depicts an exploded, top-left, perspective view of an exemplary support system, illustrating the positional relationship between its components; 
         FIG.  21 B  depicts a top-down, exploded view of an exemplary support system, illustrating the positional relationship between its sub-components as shown in  FIG.  21 A ; 
         FIG.  22 A  depicts an exploded view of exemplary components of a support system, specifically illustrating the positional relationship between a backbone structure, a holding structure and a detachable data and power supply; 
         FIG.  22 B  depicts a front view of the exemplary components depicted in  FIG.  22 A ; 
         FIG.  22 C  depicts a front, left, representational view of exemplary specific components of a partially assembled support system, illustrating a backbone structure and a holding structure; 
         FIG.  23 A  depicts an isometric, back view of an example specific component of the support system, illustrating a backbone structure; 
         FIG.  23 B  depicts an isometric, front view of an example specific component of the support system, illustrating a backbone structure, as shown in  FIG.  23 A ; 
         FIG.  24 A  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tube-management holder of a support system; 
         FIG.  24 B  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tube-management holder of a support system; 
         FIG.  24 C  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tube-management holder of a support system; 
         FIG.  25 A  depicts an assembled back view of example components of the support assembly, specifically illustrating an embodiment of a pairing element on a device and the positional relationship between the device and a detachable data and power supply; 
         FIG.  25 B  depicts an assembled isometric view of example components of the support assembly, specifically illustrating an embodiment of a pairing element on a device and the positional relationship between the device and a detachable data and power supply as shown in  FIG.  25 A ; 
         FIG.  26    depicts a perspective view of a partially-assembled embodiment of a support system, illustrating the positional relationship of a backbone, a holding structure, a clamp assembly and a detachable data and power supply; 
         FIG.  27    depicts a perspective view of a partially-assembled embodiment of a support system, illustrating the positional relationship of a backbone structure, a holding structure and a clamp assembly; 
         FIG.  28 A  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary clamp assembly in a first position, specifically illustrating the assembled sub-components of the clamp assembly; 
         FIG.  28 B  depicts a rear view of an exemplary clamp assembly in the first position, illustrating the assembled sub-components of the clamp assembly as shown in  FIG.  28 A ; 
         FIG.  28 C  depicts a bottom, left-side perspective view of an exemplary clamp assembly in the first position, illustrating the assembled sub-components of the clamp assembly including a coupling element on a base of the clamp assembly; 
         FIG.  28 D  depicts a front view of an exemplary clamp assembly in a second position, illustrating the assembled sub-components of the clamp assembly; 
         FIG.  28 E  depicts a front, left-side perspective view of an exemplary clamp assembly in the second position, illustrating the assembled sub-components of the clamp assembly as shown in  FIG.  28 D ; 
         FIG.  28 F  is an exploded view of an exemplary clamp assembly, illustrating the positional relationship between the sub-components of the clamp assembly; 
         FIG.  29 A  is a cross-sectional, top view of an example of a clamp assembly, illustrating an embodiment of a bias member when the clamp is in the first position; 
         FIG.  29 B  is a cross-sectional, isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a clamp assembly, illustrating an embodiment of a bias member when the clamp is in the first position; 
         FIG.  29 C  is a cross-sectional, top view of an example of a clamp assembly, illustrating an embodiment of a bias member when the clamp is in a second position; 
         FIG.  29 D  is a cross-sectional, exploded, isometric view of an example of a clamp assembly, illustrating an embodiment of a bias member when the clamp is in a second position; 
         FIG.  30 A  is a front view of a partially assembled embodiment of a clamp assembly, illustrating the positional relationship between a frame structure, a bias member, a hinge pin and a latch; 
         FIG.  30 B  is an isometric view of a partially assembled embodiment of a clamp assembly, illustrating the positional relationship between a frame structure, a bias member, a hinge pin and a latch; 
         FIG.  30 C  is a rear view of a partially assembled embodiment of a clamp assembly, illustrating the positional relationship between a frame structure and a latch; 
         FIG.  30 D  is an exploded view of an exemplary specific component of a clamp assembly; 
         FIG.  31 A  is a front view of an exemplary frame structure of an embodiment of a clamp assembly; 
         FIG.  31 B  is a perspective view of an exemplary frame structure of an embodiment of a clamp assembly; 
         FIG.  31 C  is a perspective view of an exemplary frame structure of an embodiment of a clamp assembly; 
         FIG.  32 A  is a front view of an exemplary gear plate of an embodiment of a clamp assembly, illustrating a jaw shaped end and a gear shaped end; 
         FIG.  32 B  is a side view of the exemplary gear plate of an embodiment of a clamp assembly, illustrating a jaw shaped end and a gear shaped end; 
         FIG.  32 C  is a back view of the exemplary gear plate of an embodiment of the clamp assembly, illustrating a set of attachment points therein; 
         FIG.  33 A  is a front view of an example actuator of an embodiment of a clamp assembly, illustrating a paddle member and an inserting member therein; 
         FIG.  33 B  is a back view of an example actuator of an embodiment of a clamp assembly, illustrating a paddle member, an inserting member and a set of attaching points therein; 
         FIG.  34 A  is a perspective, back view of an example latch of an embodiment of a clamp assembly, illustrating a lever member and a flap member of the example latch; 
         FIG.  34 B  is a perspective front view of an example latch of an embodiment of a clamp assembly, illustrating a lever member and a flap member of the example latch as shown in  FIG.  34 A ; 
         FIG.  35 A  is a top, back, right-side, perspective view of an example of a holding structure of an embodiment of a support assembly; and 
         FIG.  35 B  is a top, front, left-side, perspective view of an example of a holding structure of an embodiment of a support assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Clamp Mechanisms 
     In one example embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E , a clamp apparatus  10  is depicted. The clamp apparatus  10  comprises a housing  12 . In the shown embodiment, the housing  12  has a back plate  14 , which is generally planar. On one portion of the back plate  14  is a raised grip  16  extending away from the housing  12 . The grip  16  affords the user ease of movement along a clamped object  100  generally extending along an axis A 1 . The grip  16  is also meant to aid in carrying. The grip  16  may be made of the same material as the rest of the housing  12 , may be made of a different material, or may be made of a combination thereof. Possible materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, etc. Additionally, the grip  16  may comprise ergonomic finger groves, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc. 
     The rear of the back plate  14  may also feature any of a variety of mechanisms  19  (not shown) to attach a load to the clamp apparatus  10 . Such mechanisms  19  may include, but are not limited to, brackets, magnets, straps, suction cups, hooks, screws or bolts, a friction fit, etc. This load could be any number of things, especially a medical device (such as an infusion pump, or peristaltic infusion pump), I.V. bag, etc. 
     On the front portion of the back plate  14 , a groove  13  runs vertically down the centerline (shown as a line of short and long dashes) of the back plate  14 . The groove  13  is further described below. Two compression spring pockets  15  are coupled to the back plate  14  and are raised off the bottom of the front face of the back plate  14 . The compression spring pockets  15  may be generally cylindrical and hollow much like a cup. The compression spring pockets  15  will be elaborated upon later. 
     Extending off the bottom edge of the back plate  14  toward the bottom of the page are two twin catch structures  21  which are symmetrical around the centerline of the back plate  14 . The catch structures  21  are formed such that a first portion of the structure  21  is a member which extends toward the bottom of page in a manner substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge of the back plate  14 . A second portion of the structure  21  is a member extending toward the bottom of the page in the same manner as the first portion. The first and second portions are offset from each other so as to allow a crosspiece to form a bridge between the first and second portion of the catch structure  21 . The crosspiece of the catch structure  21  runs in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom edge of the back plate  14 . The catch structure  21  will be further elaborated upon later. 
     In the example embodiment, two blocks  18  are fixedly coupled to the front of the back plate  14  by any variety of means. This could include, but is not to be limited to, screws  20  (as shown), bolts, welds, etc. The back plate  14  and blocks  18  can also be formed as a continuous part during manufacture. The blocks  18  are offset by some distance from the back plate  14 . 
     The blocks  18  are generally right triangles with their hypotenuses facing A 1 . It should be appreciated, however, that the blocks  18  could take any shape so long as the interior face of the blocks  18  extends in a suitable direction. The blocks  18  also display symmetry around A 1 . 
     Along the inward facing sides of the blocks  18  there may be tracks  22 . The tracks  22  may engage corresponding protrusions  24  on a surface of a sliding wedge  26 . These components interact in such a way that the sliding wedges  26  are able to traverse the span of the tracks  22 . In the example embodiment, the sliding wedges  26  are approximately “L” shaped, but this should not be construed as limiting the sliding wedges  26  to only an “L” shape. It should also be noted that in place of the protrusions  24  on the sliding wedge  26 , any other type of suitable engagement surfaces, such as ball bearings or rollers, could be employed. In other embodiments, the track  22  may be raised off the blocks  18 . In such embodiments, the protrusions  24  would be replaced by another suitable engagement surface such as a recessed groove, rollers, ball bearings, etc. In yet some additional embodiments, a track  22  comprises the rack portion of a rack and pinion, be the track  22  in a raised or recessed configuration; in place of the protrusions  24 , on the sliding wedge  26 , one or more pinion gears would extend so as to engage the rack track  22 , in this specific embodiment. 
     At the top of both the sliding wedges  26 , a pawl  28  may be pivotally coupled. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E  this is accomplished by means of a pair of pins  30  (though a single pin, hinge, or other suitable arrangement could also be used) running through openings  32  which extend through both the sliding wedge  26  and the pawl  28 . One pin  30   a  pivotally couples the pawl to the sliding wedge  26  through the front surfaces of the sliding wedge  26  and the pawl  28 . Likewise, the second  30   b  of the pair of pins  30  (best shown in  FIG.  1 E ) pivotally couples the pawl  28  to the sliding wedge  26  through the rear surfaces of the pawl  28  and the sliding wedge  26 . Bushings  31  may also be present in some embodiments to provide a bearing surface. 
     On at least a portion of the pawls  28  there may be a gripping surface  34  which engages the clamped object  100 . This gripping surface  34  consists of a material chosen for its gripping ability. The gripping surface  34  may be made of a high friction material, a compressible material, a material exhibiting both these qualities, or any other suitable material. The gripping surface  34  is made of a material which allows a firm grip without the deformation of a clamped object  100 . Additionally, the gripping surface  34  may be contoured (as is easily seen in  FIG.  1 B ). 
     Best shown in the clamp apparatus  10  exploded views in  FIGS.  1 C- 1 E , the bottom of the sliding wedge  26  may feature a flange  36 . The flange  36  extends inward, at an angle substantially perpendicular to the axial direction A 1 , from the portion of the sliding wedge  26  which engages the tracks  22 . A slot  38  is cut into the flange  36  and will be elaborated upon later. 
     Together, the sliding wedge  26 , the pawl  28 , and the gripping surface  34  comprise a sliding wedge-pawl assembly  90 . The sliding wedge-pawl assemblies  90  are capable of movement, together as a unit, up and down the track  22 . This allows the clamp apparatus  10  to adjust to and grip clamped objects  100  of a variety of different girths such that the distance between the gripping surfaces  34  of the sliding wedge-pawl assemblies  90  mimics the diameter of a clamped object  100 . 
     The clamp apparatus  10 , in this exemplary embodiment, also comprises a second assembly, the spring handle assembly  92 . At the top of the spring handle assembly  92  is a guided lift bar  50 . The rear portion of the guided lift bar  50  has a vertical ridge  52  which engages with the vertical groove  13  in the back plate  14 . This constricts the guided lift bar  50  to movement up and down in the axial direction A 1 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E , the center span  54  of the guided lift bar  50  arcs/curves or bends toward the back plate  14 . This allows the guided lift bar  50  to better accommodate the clamped object  100 . 
     On each the right and left side of the center span  54 , a member  56  may be attached which fits around the flange  36  of the sliding wedge  26 . The member  56  is formed such that a first portion  900  of the member  56  extends off the center span  54  on a plane substantially parallel to the back plate  14 . Extending off the bottom of first portion  900  at an angle substantially perpendicular to the first portion is a second portion  901  of the member  56 . This second portion  901  is formed such that the edge of the second portion  901  distal to A 1  is straight and occupies the same vertical plane extended off the distal edge of the first portion  900 . The edge of the second portion  901  of the member  56  proximal to A 1  tapers toward the distal edge of the second portion  901 . This taper again helps to accommodate the clamped object  100 . The member  56  has a third portion  902  which is attached to the second portion  901  such that the bottom of the third portion  902  is coupled to the front edge of the second portion  901  at an angle that is substantially perpendicular. The third portion  902  extends on a plane parallel to the first portion  900 . The edge of the third portion  902  distal to A 1  is straight and occupies the same vertical plane extended off the distal edge of the first portion  900 . The proximal edge of the third portion  902  is flush with the proximal, tapered edge of the second portion  901  and extends upwards from it in a substantially perpendicular manner. 
     In the example embodiment in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E , the third portion  902  of the member  56  described above has a hole  66   a  creating a passage through the third portion  902 . Likewise, the first portion  900  also has a hole  66   b  creating a passage through the first portion  900 . The centers of both holes  66   a ,  66   b  extend along a common axis which is substantially perpendicular to the front face of each the first and third portions  900 ,  902  of the member  56 . The locations of the holes  66   a  and  66   b  are selected such that they are in line with the slots  38  in the sliding wedges  26  when the clamp apparatus  10  is assembled. Placing the holes  66   a  and  66   b  at this location allows the insertion of dowels  68  through each of the holes  66   a  and  66   b  and their corresponding slots  38 , thus coupling the sliding wedge-pawl assemblies  90  to the spring handle assembly  92 . Though the example embodiments employ the use of a dowel  68  to couple the two assemblies together, other means of coupling the assemblies, such as but not limited to, a bar, rollers, ball bearings, etc. could be implemented. 
     In the example embodiment, when both assemblies  90  and  92  are coupled together, the guided lift bar  50  functions as a crossbar which ensures that the right and left sliding wedge-pawl assemblies  90  move together in unison along the tracks  22 . This coupling also allows the spring handle assembly  92  to control whether the clamp apparatus  10  is in the open or closed position. 
     Coupled to the bottom of the second portion  901  of the members  56  a generally cylindrical shape  70  may be extended downward (in additional embodiments, other shapes may be used). As shown in the example embodiments in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E , the generally cylindrical shape  70  may taper slightly in diameter as it extends farther away from the bottom of the second portion  901  of the member  56  toward the bottom of the page. The generally cylindrical shape  70  may be solid or hollow. A coil spring  72  surrounds the generally cylindrical shape  70 . One end of the coil spring  72  abuts the bottom of the second portion  901  of the member  56  from which the generally cylindrical shape  70  extends. The other end of the coil spring  72  seats in the compression spring pocket  15  on the back plate  14  mentioned above. The bottom of the compression spring pocket  15  has a hole  17  through which the generally cylindrical shape  70  may pass as the clamp apparatus  10  is moved to/in the open position. Though the shown embodiments use a coil spring  72 , other embodiments could conceivably employ any other suitable bias member. A wide variety of suitable bias members may be employed. Examples of suitable bias members include, but are not limited to, a gas spring using a bladder, a piston type arrangement, a compression spring made of a compressible, springy material such as rubber, an extension spring, a constant force spring, etc. 
     In the example embodiment, the coil springs  72  bias the clamp apparatus  10  toward the closed position (as shown in  FIG.  1 B ). That is, the coil springs  72  bias the wedges  26  to slide up the tracks  22  such that the pawls  28  approach each other towards the clamped object  100  (e.g., a pole). In the closed position, the sliding wedge-pawl assemblies  90  are sufficiently at the top of the tracks  22  to clamp the pawls  28  onto the clamped object  100  (via attached gripping surfaces  34 ). The guided lift bar  50  is also at a higher position in the vertical groove  13  in the back plate  14 . Also in this position, the coupling dowel  68 , in relation to A 1 , is located in a more distal end of the slot  38  in the flange  36  of the sliding wedge  26 . 
     If a clamped object  100  is present in the example embodiment, the coil springs  72  bias the clamping apparatus  10  to clamp down on the object  100 . Depending on the size of the clamped object  100 , the sliding wedge-pawl assemblies&#39;  90  location on the track  22  will vary so that the distance between the sliding wedge-pawl assemblies  90  will mimic the diameter of the clamped object  100 . The larger the clamped object  100  the lower the sliding wedge-pawl assemblies  90  will be on the track  22 . Similarly and consequentially, the location of the guided lift bar  50  along the groove  13  will be lower with larger clamped objects  100 . 
     The clamping apparatus  10  in the example embodiment is designed in such a way as to utilize the force of gravity to increase the clamping force. As gravity pulls on the clamp, especially when a load is attached to the back plate  14 , a force is exerted on the sliding wedge-pawl assemblies  90 . This force causes the sliding wedge-pawl assemblies  90  to want to ride further up the tracks  22 . Since the clamped object  100  is in the way, the sliding wedge-pawl assemblies  90  cinch up on and exert more clamping force on the clamped object  100 . Additionally, because the pawls  28  are pivotally coupled to the sliding wedge  26 , the pull of gravity causes the point of contact on the pawls  28  to want to swing up and into the clamped object  100 . Since the clamped object  100  is in the way, the pawls  28  cinch up on and exert more clamping force on the clamped object  100 . 
     In order to move the clamping apparatus  10  to the open position, a pull handle  74  may be pulled down. In the example embodiment, the pull handle  74  comprises a grip  76  and one or more posts  78  extending from the grip  76 . The grip  76  may be made of the same material as the rest of the pull handle  74 , may be made of a different material, or may be made of a combination thereof. Possible materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, etc. Additionally, the handle  74  may comprise ergonomic finger groves, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc. 
     The one or more posts  78  of the pull handle  74  extend up to a corresponding number of arms  80  on the guided lift bar  50 . The posts  78  are coupled to the arms  80  on the guided lift bar  50  through any of a variety of means. In the example embodiment, coupling is accomplished by means of a pin which runs through both the arm  80  and post  78 . In other embodiments, this coupling may be accomplished in any number of suitable ways including, but not limited to, welds, bolts, screws, etc. The pull handle  74  and guided lift bar  50  could also be made as a single continuous part during manufacture. In some embodiments, the posts  78  extend straight down to the grip  76 . In other embodiments, the posts  78  may be arcuated or have a bend out toward the rear of the page to allow greater ease in grasping the grip  76 . Additionally, in some embodiments, including the example embodiment, the posts  78  have a notch  82  which runs across the back of the posts  78  in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom edge of the back plate  14 . 
     As aforementioned, to move the clamping apparatus  10  from the closed position to the open position, a pull handle  74  may need to be pulled down. In the example embodiment, as the pull handle  74  is pulled down, the guided lift bar  50  is also pulled down the groove  13  in the back plate  14 . This causes the compression springs  72  to become compressed and causes the generally cylindrical shape  70  to extend through the hole  17  in the compression spring pockets  15 . Pulling down the pull handle  74  also causes the sliding wedge-pawl assemblies  90  to slide down the tracks  22 . Due to the slope of the tracks  22 , moving the clamping apparatus  10  to the open position also causes the location of the coupling dowel  68  within the slot  38  to change. When the clamp is in the fully open position, the coupling dowel  68  is at the most proximal end of the slot  38  in relation to A 1 . 
     In the example embodiment, to hold the clamping apparatus  10  in the fully open position against the restoring force of the compression springs  72 , the notch  82  in the pull handle  74  may be engaged with the catch structure  21  extending off the back plate  14 . When the clamping apparatus  10  is locked in the open position, the crosspiece  903  of the catch structure  21  is caught by the notch  82  of the pull handle  74  thereby disallowing the compression springs  72  to return the clamping apparatus  10  to the closed position. Other embodiments may employ other types of catch mechanisms in addition to the elbow type catch in the example embodiment. Other suitable catches may include, but are not limited to, a magnetic catch, a ball catch, a latch, a roller catch, etc. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E , a clamp apparatus  110  is depicted. The clamp apparatus  110  comprises a housing  112 . The housing  112  resembles a frame. The housing  112  comprises an upper handle  114  at the top of the housing  112 . In the example embodiment, the upper handle  114  is essentially “U” shaped with the bottom, grip portion  116  of the “U” extended toward the back of the page (directions given in relation to the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  2 A ). In other embodiments, the upper handle  114  need not take the shape of a “U”, but rather any other desirable form. The grip portion  116  of the upper handle  114  may be cylindrical, planar, or take any other desired form. The grip portion  116  of the upper handle  114  may also have gentle ergonomic finger grooving, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc.  118  (not shown) to increase ease of use. The grip portion  116  may be made of the same material as the rest of the upper handle  114 , may be made of a different material, or may be made of a combination thereof. Possible materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, etc. 
     In the example embodiment, the uprights  113  of the “U” extend from the grip portion  116  toward the front of the page. The uprights  113  of the “U” each comprise a set of brackets  115  which extend substantially perpendicularly from the faces of the uprights  113  most proximal to A 2  toward A 2 . 
     The housing  112  in the example embodiment also comprises one or more members  120  extending from the upper handle  114 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E , two substantially planar members  120  extend down in parallel fashion from the upper handle  114  at an angle that is generally perpendicular to the bottom surface of the upper handle  114 . The members  120  may be coupled to the upper handle  114  with screws  122  (as shown best in  FIGS.  2 C- 2 E ), bolts, welds, or by any other manner. The upper handle  114  and one or more vertical members  120  may also be formed as a single part during manufacture. The members  120  may also comprise tracks  123  on the faces of the members  120  most proximal to A 2 . In the example embodiment, the tracks  123  run vertically up the face of each member  120  though this need not be true of every embodiment. Additionally, in the example embodiment, the tracks  123  are cut into the members  120 . In other embodiments, the tracks may be raised off the members  120 . 
     The housing  112  may also comprise a lower handle  124 . In the example embodiment, the lower handle  124  is coupled to the bottom edges of the members  120 . The lower handle  124  may be coupled to the members  120  in any of a variety of ways including screws  126 , bolts, welds, etc (as best shown in  FIGS.  2 C- 2 E ). The lower handle  124  may also be formed with the members  120  as a single continuous part during manufacture. In other embodiments, the upper handle  116 , members  120 , and lower handle  124  are all formed as a continuous part in manufacture. Spanning the distance between the members  120 , the lower handle  124  may comprise a crosspiece  128 . The center span  129  of the crosspiece  128  may arc/curve or bend toward the back of the page to better accommodate a clamped object  100 . The crosspiece  128  also may comprise a pair of compression spring pockets  105 . The compression spring pockets  105  are generally cylindrical and are hollow much like a cup. In the example embodiment, the bottom of the compression spring pockets  105  have an opening  117 . A pair of brackets  130  extend off the bottom of the crosspiece  128  and will be elaborated upon later. The crosspiece  128  may have recessed portions  131  spanning the distance between the distal sides of the compression spring pockets  105  (in relation to A 2 ) and the arms  132  of the lower handle  124  (elaborated upon in the following paragraph). 
     The lower handle  124  extends toward the back of the page in a manner similar to the upper handle  114 . The arms  132  of the lower handle  124  may be arcuated or have a bend which arcs/bends the lower handle  124  toward the bottom of the page. The arms  132  of the lower handle  124  are joined by a grip  134  at the part of the handle closest to the bottom of the page. 
     The grip  134  may be made of the same material as the rest of the lower handle  124 , may be made of a different material, or may be made of a combination thereof. Possible materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, etc. Additionally, the grip  134  may comprise ergonomic finger groves, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc. 
     The housing  112  may also feature any of a variety of mechanisms  119  (not shown) to attach a load to the clamp apparatus  110 . Such mechanisms  119  may include, but are not limited to, brackets, magnets, straps, suction cups, hooks, screws or bolts, a friction fit, etc. This load could be any number of things, especially a medical device (such as an infusion pump, or peristaltic infusion pump), I.V. bag, etc. 
     The clamping apparatus  110  may further comprise a set of pawls  127  which are pivotally coupled to the brackets  115  of the upper handle  116 . The set of pawls  127  may be coupled to the brackets  115  of the upper handle by any of a variety of ways. Additionally, bushings  133  may be present to provide a bearing surface. The pawls  127  may have a trough  136  cut into them essentially along the center plane of the pawls  127  running parallel to the plane of the grip  116  shown in the example embodiment. The trough  136  will be elaborated upon later. 
     On at least a portion of the pawls  127  there may be a gripping surface  135  which engages the clamped object  100 . The gripping surface  135  may consist of a material chosen for its gripping ability. The gripping surface  135  could be made of a high friction material, a compressible material, a material exhibiting both those qualities, or any other suitable material. The gripping surface  135  is made of a material which allows a firm grip without the deformation of a clamped object  100 . Additionally, the gripping surface  135  may be contoured. Though the example embodiment includes a single set of pawls  127 , in other embodiments, further sets of pawls  127  may be added to the clamping apparatus  110  to afford the clamping apparatus  110  added stability. 
     In the example embodiment, the clamping apparatus  110  also comprises a lift bar guide  140 . The lift bar guide  140  comprises a set of protrusions  141  which engage with the tracks  123  in the members  120 . This enables the lift bar guide  140  to travel along the track  123  in the members  120 . In place of protrusions  141  some alternate embodiments employ a variety of different engagement surfaces. These surfaces include, but are not limited to, rollers, ball bearings, etc. In other embodiments, the track  123  may be raised off the members  120 . In such embodiments, the protrusions  141  would be replaced by another suitable engagement surface such as a recessed groove, rollers, ball bearings, etc. It would also be conceivable for some embodiments to use a track  123 , be it raised or recessed, comprising the rack portion of a rack and pinion. In place of the protrusions  141 , on the lift bar guide  140 , one or more pinion gears would extend so as to engage the rack track  123 . 
     The top portion of the lift bar guide  140  may comprise a set of wings  142  which project inward toward A 2 . The wings  142  are shaped such that they are able to fit within the trough  136  in the pawls  127 . The wings  142  have a slit  144  cut into them (best shown in  FIGS.  2 C- 2 E ) similar to the slot  38  depicted in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E . A coupling dowel  168  couples the pawls  127  to the lift bar guide  140  through the slit  144  in the wings  142 . The lift bar guide  140  has a crossbar  146 . This enables the lift bar guide  140  to cause the pawls  127  to move in unison. The center span  148  of the crossbar  146  may be arced/bent toward the back of the page to better accommodate a clamped object  100 . 
     On each side of the arced center span  148 , recessed compression spring pockets  150  are recessed into bottom face the lift bar guide  140 . From the centers of the recessed compression spring pockets  150  a generally cylindrical shape  170  extends (though the shape need not be cylindrical in all embodiments) toward the bottom of the page. The generally cylindrical shape  170  may be solid or hollow. The generally cylindrical shape  170  may taper slightly in diameter as it extends farther away from the bottom face of the lift bar guide  140 . The diameter of the generally cylindrical shape  170  is such it occupies much of the center of the recessed compression spring pocket  150 , but leaves a ring surrounding the base of the generally cylindrical shape  170 . One end of a coil spring  172  is seated in the ring surrounding the generally cylindrical shape  170  in the recessed compression spring pocket  150 . The other end of the coil spring  172  abuts the bottom of the compression spring pocket  105  on the lower handle  124  mentioned above. The bottom of the compression spring pocket  105  has a hole  117  through which the generally cylindrical shape  170  may pass as the clamp apparatus  110  is moved to/in the open position. Though the shown embodiments use a coil spring  172 , other embodiments could conceivably employ any other suitable bias member configuration. A wide variety of suitable bias members could be employed. Examples of suitable bias members include, but are not limited to, a gas spring using a bladder, piston type arrangement, a compression spring made of a compressible, springy material such as rubber, an extension spring, constant force spring, spring steel, etc. 
     In the shown embodiment, more distal from A 2  than the recessed compression spring pockets  150 , a set of brackets  152  extends downward on each side of the bottom face of the lift bar guide  140 . In some embodiments, the placement of the recessed compression spring pockets  150  or other suitable bias structure and the brackets  152  may be switched. Coupled to the brackets  152  on the lift bar guide  140  there may be a link structure  154 . In the example embodiments, the link structure  154  is a generally oblong disc with rounded edges. In other embodiments, the link structure  154  may take other forms and shapes. Examples of link structures  154  in other possible embodiments may include, but are not limited to, prismatic joints, any of a variety or springs, etc. It would also be conceivable to forgo the brackets  152  while coupling a camming surface to the actuator lever handle  156  (introduced in the following paragraph) thus effectively making the lift bar guide  140  a cam follower. 
     In the example embodiment, the other end of the link structure  154  is coupled to an actuator lever handle  156 . The actuator lever handle  156  has a set of members  158 . One end of the members  158  may be fitted with brackets  159  which allows the members  158  to couple to the link structure  154  as is shown in the example embodiment. From their coupling point to the link structure  154 , the members  158  may extend to and are coupled to the brackets  130  projecting off the bottom face of the crosspiece  128  of the lower handle  124 . In some embodiments, a torsion spring may be employed where the members  158  of the actuator lever handle  156  couple to the crosspiece  128  brackets  130 . The torsion spring may be a substitute for, or used in conjunction with the coil spring  172  or other suitable bias structure. From their coupling point on the crosspiece  128  brackets  130 , the members  158  arc/curve or bend steeply downward. In the example embodiments the members  158  bend at nearly a right angle, though other suitable angles may be used. A gripping portion  160  spans the distance between lowest ends of the members  158 . 
     The gripping portion  160  may be made of the same material as the rest of the actuator lever handle  156 , may be made of a different material, or may be made of a combination thereof. Possible materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, etc. Additionally, the gripping portion  160  may comprise ergonomic finger grooves, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc. 
     In the example embodiment, the coil springs  172  bias the clamping apparatus  110  toward the closed position. In the closed position the lift bar guide  140  is at its highest point of travel along the tracks  123  in the members  120 . The pawls  127  are rotated up and inward toward A 2 . Also in the closed position, the coupling dowel  168  is at the bottom of the slit  144  in the wings  142  of the lift bar guide  140 . 
     If a clamped object  100  is present in the example embodiment, the coil springs  172  bias the clamp apparatus  110  to clamp down on the object  100 . Depending on the size of the clamped object  100 , the lift bar guide&#39;s  140  location on the track  123  will vary. The larger the clamped object  100  the lower the lift bar guide  140  will be on the track  123 . Additionally, the pawls  127  will not be fully rotated up and inward toward A 2 . Instead the distance between the gripping surfaces  135  of the pawls  127  will mimic the diameter of the clamped object  100 . This also means that the location of the coupling dowel  168  will be somewhat closer to the top of the slit  144 . 
     The clamp apparatus  110  in the example embodiment is designed in such a way as to utilize the force of gravity to increase the clamping force. As gravity pulls on the clamp apparatus  110 , especially when a load is attached to the housing  112  the force causes the pawls  127  to want to rotate further in towards A 2 . Since the clamped object  100  is in the way, the pressure of the pawls  127  against the clamped object  100  increases and the clamping apparatus  110  grips the clamped object  100  more vigorously. 
     To open the clamp apparatus  110  in the example embodiment, a user&#39;s hand may reach around the lower handle  124  and grasp the actuator lever handle  156  with their fingers. The user may then pull the actuator lever handle  156  toward the lower handle  124  of the housing  112 . This causes the actuator lever handle  156  to pivot about its coupling to the brackets  130  on the cross piece  128  of the lower handle  124 . This in turn pulls down on the link structure  154  which couples the actuator lever handle  156  to the lift bar guide  140 . As the link structure  154  is pulled downward, the lift bar guide  140  travels down the tracks  123  in the members  120  of the housing  112 . As the lift bar guide  140  travels downward, the compression springs  172  are compressed and the generally cylindrical shape  170  extends through the hole  117  in the compression spring pockets  105  on the crosspiece  128  of the lower handle  124 . The downward travel of the lift bar guide  140  also causes the pawls  127  to rotate downward and away from A 2 . This is caused by the slit  144  in the wings  142  of the lift bar guide  140  sliding over the coupling dowel  168  until the coupling dowel  168  reaches the top of the slit  144 . When the coupling dowel  168  is in this position, the pawls  127  are fully open. The clamp apparatus  110  may then be placed on a clamped object  100 . Once the actuator lever handle  156  is released, the compression springs  172  will bias the clamp apparatus  110  to close and clamp down on the clamped object  100 . 
     In another embodiment shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 E , a clamp apparatus  202  is depicted. The clamp apparatus  202  comprises a housing  204 . The housing  204  comprises a number of portions. The first portion of the housing  204  may include a back plate  206 . The back plate  206  may be substantially planar as shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 E . 
     The back plate  206  may also include a gripping handle  208  (not shown). The gripping portion  209  of the gripping handle  208  may be made of the same material as the rest of the handle  208 , may be made of a different material, or may be made of a combination thereof. Possible materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, etc. Additionally, the gripping portion  209  of the gripping handle  208  may comprise ergonomic finger groves, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc. 
     Additionally, the back plate  206  may also feature any of a variety of mechanisms or mounts  219  which allow the user to attach a load to the clamp apparatus  202 . Such mechanisms  219  may include, but are not limited to, brackets, magnets, straps, suction cups, hooks, screws or bolts, a friction fit, etc. This load could be any number of things, especially a medical device (such as an infusion pump, or peristaltic infusion pump), I.V. bag, etc. 
     In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 E , on the right side of the front face of the back plate  206  a rectangular block  212  projects at an angle substantially perpendicular to the front face of the back plate  206 . The rectangular block  212  need not be rectangular in all embodiments. The rectangular block  212  is coupled to the back plate  206  in any of a variety of ways. The example embodiment employs screws  216 , but bolts, welds or any other suitable means could also be utilized. The back plate  206  and rectangular block  212  could also be formed as a continuous part during manufacture. The rectangular block  212  may be generally planar. The rectangular block  212  may also be arced/curved to better accommodate a clamped object  100 . 
     On at least a part of the inward facing side of the rectangular block  212 , a gripping surface  214  may be affixed. The gripping surface  214  can engage the clamped object  100 . This gripping surface  214  consists of a material chosen for its gripping ability. The gripping surface  214  could be made of a high friction material, a compressible material, a material exhibiting both of these qualities, or any other suitable material. The gripping surface  214  is made of a material which allows a firm grip without the deformation of a clamped object  100  Additionally, the gripping surface  214  may be contoured (as shown in  FIGS.  3 C- 3 E ). In order to accommodate the contoured gripping surface  214  the inward face of the rectangular block  212  may also be contoured. Though the example embodiments only have one fixed gripping surface  214 , it would be conceivable to add additional fixed gripping surfaces to the clamping apparatus  202 . 
     The housing  204  may also comprise a second portion. The second portion of the housing may include a handle sleeve  218 . In the example embodiment, the handle sleeve  218  comprises a body which may be entirely hollow (as shown) or have one or more hollow cavities. In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 E , the top and a portion of the right side of the handle sleeve  218  are open to a hollow cavity. In alternate embodiments this need not always be the case. At the top of the handle sleeve  218  two rounded ears  220  project off the front and rear faces of the handle sleeve  218  toward the right of the page. 
     A portion of the handle sleeve  218  may have grip portion  222  to allow for greater ease of use. The gripping portion  222  may be made of the same material as the rest of the housing  204 , may be made of a different material, or may be made of a combination thereof. Possible materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, etc. Additionally, the gripping portion  222  may comprise ergonomic finger groves, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc. 
     In the example embodiment, on at least one or both the interior of the front or/and rear faces of the handle sleeve  218  near the left face of the handle sleeve  218  are tracks  223  which extend at least some portion of the length of the handle sleeve  218 . In the embodiment in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 E  the tracks  223  are raised and run vertical. Other embodiments may differ. For example, it would be conceivable to have a track  223  recessed into the sleeve handle. The track(s)  223  may also be cut into or raised out of the interior of the left face of the handle sleeve  218 . In some embodiments, the track  223  may be the rack of a rack and pinion arrangement. 
     On the left face of the interior cavity, one or more compression spring pocket(s)  215  may be extended out into a hollow cavity as best shown in  FIG.  3 B . The compression spring pocket(s)  215  may also be extended out from at least one or both the interior of the front or/and rear faces of the handle sleeve  218 . The compression spring pocket (s)  215  will be elaborated upon later. 
     At the top of the handle sleeve  218  a pawl  227  may be pivotally coupled. The pawl  227  may be pivotally coupled by any of a variety of means such as a screw  233  (as shown), pins, etc. Additionally, bushings  231  may be present to provide a bearing surface. The pawl  227  is able to swing about its pivot axis point within the cavity in the handle sleeve  218 . The pawl  227  is also able to swing about its pivot out towards the fixed gripping surface  214  on the interior face of the rectangular block  212 . 
     The surface of the pawl  227  facing the fixed gripping surface  214  on the interior face of the rectangular block  212  may be arced as best shown in  FIG.  3 C . The surface of the pawl  227  facing the fixed gripping surface  214  on the interior face of the rectangular block  212  may further comprise a gripping surface  237 . The gripping surface  237  could be made of a high friction material, a compressible material, a material exhibiting both those qualities, or any other suitable material. The gripping surface  237  is made of a material which allows a firm grip without the deformation of a clamped object  100  Additionally, the gripping surface  237  may be contoured (as shown best in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 E ). 
     The pawl  227  may be additionally comprised of a trough  239  cut into the pawl  227  essentially along the center plane of the pawl  227  running parallel to the plane of the back plate  206 . The trough  239  is shaped such that it is able to accommodate the shape of a lift bar  241 . As best shown in  FIGS.  3 C- 3 E , the lift bar  241  may comprise a first portion comprising a member  224  which projects into the trough  239  in the pawl  227 . The member  224  may be shaped such that at the right end of the member  224  there is a wing like projection  243 . Within the wing like projection  243 , there may be a slit  245 . It should be noted that the slit  144  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E  is at an angle and the slit  245  in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 E  is substantially horizontal. Alternate embodiments may employ slits oriented at any angle or may employ arced slits. A coupling dowel  268  runs through the slit  245  and into the pawl  227  coupling the lift bar  241  to the pawl  227 . 
     The lift bar  241  may also comprise a second portion in which a member  226  extends toward the bottom of the page at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the member  224  of the first portion. The member  226  of the second portion has an engagement surface  228  which engages with the track  223  on the interior of the handle sleeve  218 . In the shown embodiment, the engagement surface  228  is depicted as a recessed groove. The engagement surface  228  may, however, be raised or take other forms including but not limited to, rollers, ball bearings, etc. In embodiments where the track  223  is the rack of a rack and pinion arrangement, one or more pinion gears capable of engaging the track  223  may be present on the member  226  of the second portion. 
     The member  226  of the second portion of the lift bar  241  may also have a bracket  230  extending off the bottom surface of the member  226 . The bracket  230  need not extend as shown at an angle substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the member  226 . 
     The member  226  of the second portion of the lift bar  241  may also be comprised of a groove or grooves  232  recessed into the face of the member  226  which abuts the interior surface of the handle sleeve  218  from which the compression spring pocket(s)  215  extend. The groove  232  is of a size and shape sufficient to fit around the compression spring pocket  215  which projects off the interior of the handle sleeve  218 . Additionally, the groove  232  does not run the entire length of the member  226  stopping at least some distance from the top of the member  226 . As shown, the diameter of the groove  232  may taper as it extends toward the top of the member  226 . 
     A coil spring  272  is placed in the groove  232  such that one end of the coil spring  272  abuts the bottom of the compression spring pocket  215 . The other end of the coil spring  272  abuts the top of the groove  232 . Though the shown embodiments use a coil spring  272 , other embodiments could conceivably employ any other suitable bias member. A wide variety of suitable bias members may be employed. Examples of suitable bias members include, but are not limited to, a gas spring (using a bladder arrangement, piston type arrangement, etc.), a compression spring made of a compressible, springy material such as rubber, an extension spring, constant force spring, and so on. 
     In the example embodiment, the coil spring  272  biases the clamp apparatus  202  toward the closed position ( FIG.  3 A ). In the closed position, the coil spring  272  is not compressed. Additionally, the lift bar  241  is at its highest point of travel along the tracks  223  in the handle sleeve  218  of the housing  112 . Since the lift bar  241  is coupled to the pawl  227  via the coupling dowel  268 , this forces the pawl  227  to be pivoted up and in toward the fixed gripping surface  214 . In the closed position, the coupling dowel  268  abuts the right edge of the slit  245 . 
     If a clamped object  100  is present in the example embodiment, the coil spring  272  biases the clamp apparatus  202  to clamp down on the object  100 . Depending on the size of the clamped object  100 , the lift bar&#39;s  241  location on the track  223  will vary. The larger the clamped object  100  the lower the lift bar  241  will be on the track  223 . Additionally, the pawl  227  will not be fully rotated up and inward toward fixed gripping surface  214 . Instead the distance between the gripping surface  237  of the pawl  227  and the fixed gripping surface  214  will mimic the diameter of the clamped object  100 . This also means that the location of the coupling dowel  268  will be somewhat closer to the left of the slit  245 . 
     The clamp apparatus  202  in the example embodiment is designed in such a way as to utilize the force of gravity to increase the clamping force. As gravity pulls on the clamp apparatus  202 , especially when a load is attached to the housing  204  the force causes the pawl  227  to want to rotate further up and in towards the fixed gripping surface  214 . Since the clamped object  100  is in the way, the pressure of the pawl  227  against the clamped object  100  increases and the clamping apparatus  202  grips the clamped object  100  more vigorously. Furthermore, the clamped object  100  is pushed against the fixed gripping surface  214  with greater force again causing the clamping apparatus  202  to clamp more vigorously to the clamped object  100 . 
     This more vigorous clamping force is accomplished by ensuring that the pawl  227  is constructed and shaped in order to ensure the clamp apparatus  202  will be in static equilibrium with a clamped object  100  when the clamp apparatus  202  is clamped onto a clamped object  100 . This may require ensuring that the coefficient of friction of the pawl  227  is greater than the ratio of the vertical distance from the contact point of the pawl  227  on the clamped object  100  to the pivot point of the pawl  227  (said distance hereafter referred to as A) to the horizontal distance from the contact point on the pawl  227  to the pivot point of the pawl  227  (said distance hereafter referred to as B). The compliance and shape of the pawl  227  gripping surface  237  of the pawl  227  also is sufficiently configured. 
     As shown, the pawl  227  does not have a constant radius from the gripping surface  237  to the pivot point of the pawl  227 . If the radius is constant, and the pawl  227 , gripping surface  237 , or both are relatively compliant, A:B may become less than zero if the pawl  227 , gripping surface  237 , or both become compressed. If the radius of the pawl  227  constantly increases as best shown in  FIG.  3 C , this cannot occur. The rate of increase in the radius of the pawl  227  may be chosen so that the ratio A:B does not become too large. This may be done to ensure that the coefficient of friction is not inordinately large. 
     In embodiments of the pawl  227  where the radius of the pawl  227  is constantly increasing and the pawl  227 , gripping surface  237 , or both are compliant, as the downward force of gravity acting on the clamp apparatus  202  increases the ratio A:B decreases. As a result, the normal forces present at the contact point of the pawl  227  on the clamped object  100  increase. The vertical reaction force increases as a result. This may create the more vigorous clamping force described above 
     To move the clamp apparatus  202  to the open position shown in the embodiment in  FIG.  3 B , the user must actuate a trigger  234 . The trigger  234  has a button portion  236  which extends at least partially out of the right face of the handle sleeve  218  when the clamp apparatus  202  is in the closed position. Toward the lower right of the button portion  236 , the button portion  236  is pivotally coupled to the handle sleeve  218  by any of a variety of means. The button portion  236  may be hollow or solid. Projecting toward the left of the page of along the bottom plane of the button portion  236  of the trigger  234  may be one or more arms  238 . The one or more arms  238  may be capable of coupling to a linkage structure  240 . The linkage structure  240  also extends up to, and is coupled to, the bracket  230  which extends off the bottom surface of the lift bar  241 . As best shown in  FIG.  3 C- 3 E , the link structure  240  in the example embodiment is an oblong with rounded edges. In other embodiments, the link structure  240  may take other forms and shapes. Examples of link structures  240  in other possible embodiments may include, but are not limited to, prismatic joints, any of a variety or springs, etc. It would also be conceivable to forgo the brackets  230  while coupling a camming surface to the trigger  234  thus effectively making the lift bar  214  a cam follower. 
     In the example embodiment, when the trigger  234  is actuated, it acts as a lever pulling the linkage structure  240  and the lift bar  241  toward the bottom of the page. As the lift bar  241  is pulled down the track  223  on the handle sleeve  218  the coil spring  272  gets compressed. The slit  245  in the wing  243  of the lift bar  241  slides over the coupling dowel  268  until the coupling dowel  268  abuts the left most edge of the slit  245 . As a result, the pawl  227  rotates down and away from the fixed gripping surface  214  and into the open position. Releasing the trigger  234  causes the clamping apparatus  202  to return to the closed position as a result of the restoring force of the coil spring  272 . In alternate embodiments, a torsion spring may be employed where the button portion  236  of the trigger  234  is pivotally coupled to the handle sleeve  218 . The torsion spring may be a substitute for or used in conjunction with the coil spring  272  or other suitable bias member configuration. 
       FIG.  4 A  shows a perspective view of a clamp apparatus  310  in the open position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A clamped object  100  may be squeezed between a fixed gripper  322  and a sliding gripper  302 . The fixed gripper  322  and sliding gripper  302  may consist of a material chosen for its gripping ability. The fixed gripper  322  and sliding gripper  302  may be made of a material which allows for a firm grip without the deformation of a clamped object  100 . The fixed gripper  322  and sliding gripper  302  may be made of a high friction material, a compressible material, a material exhibiting both these qualities, or any other suitable material. Suitable materials may include any suitable elastomeric or non-deformable substance, including but not limited to plastic, rubber, metal, foam, fabric, gel, etc. At least a portion of the fixed gripper  322  and sliding gripper  302  may comprise a roughly semi-circular depression or contour to accommodate a round clamped object  100  such as a pole. 
     In some embodiments, the fixed gripper  322  and sliding gripper  302  are formed from a relatively inelastic material, but have caps  330  (not shown) that fit substantially over the fixed gripper  322  and sliding gripper  302 . The cap  330  may be constructed from any suitable material, including but not limited to, elastic materials such as rubber, plastic, gel, foam, fabric, polyurethane, etc. The caps  330  may be replaceable and removably attached to the fixed gripper  322  and sliding gripper  302 . 
     The fixed gripper  322  may be firmly mounted to the fixed gripper mount end  344  of a guide plate  340 . In some embodiments, a gripper support wall  352  is attached to the fixed gripper mount end  344  of the guide plate  340  and provides additional support for the fixed gripper  322 . The gripper support wall  352  may optionally be supported by one or more buttresses  354  that span from at least a portion of the guide plate  340  to the gripper support wall  352 . In some embodiments, the buttresses  354  may be arched to maximize support. 
     At least one face of the guide plate  340  may also feature any of a variety of mechanisms  305  (not shown) to attach a load to the clamp apparatus  310 . Such mechanisms  305  may include, but are not limited to, brackets, magnets, straps, suction cups, hooks, screws or bolts, a friction fit, etc. This load could be any number of things, especially a medical device (such as an infusion pump, or peristaltic infusion pump), I.V. bag, etc. 
     The sliding gripper  302  is mounted to the sliding gripper mount end  332  of a sliding gripper base  320 . The position of the sliding gripper base  320  is adjustable to accommodate clamped objects  100  of various dimensions and girths. The sliding gripper base  320  will be elaborated upon later. 
     In an embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIG.  4 A , the clamp apparatus  310  is depicted in the closed position (though a clamped object  100  is not present). To move the clamp apparatus  310  to the closed position, a user must rotate a handle assembly  319 , such that the hand grip  321  of the handle assembly  319  is pointed toward the left of the page as shown in  FIG.  4 A . This action propels the sliding gripper  302  and all attached structures towards the fixed gripper  322 . If a clamped object  100  is present, the sliding gripper  302  will squeeze the clamped object  100  against the fixed gripper  322 , thus clamping the clamped object  100 . 
     The handle assembly  319  is rotatably attached to the front face  350  of the guide plate  340 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , the handle assembly  319  is disposed on a plane approximately parallel to the plane of the front face  350  of the guide plate  340  regardless of whether the clamp apparatus  310  is in the open or closed position or in transit between an open and closed position. The handle assembly  319  is comprised of a number of portions. At least a one portion of the handle assembly  319  abuts a cam plate  360 , which is immovably attached to a pressure plate  370  (pressure plate  370  introduced in subsequent paragraphs). In the depicted exemplary embodiment in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , the handle assembly  319  comprises a cam  362  positioned to contact the cam plate  360 . The rounded, contoured surface of the cam  362  grades into a planate section which spans the length of the hand grip  321 . 
     In some embodiments, hand grip  321  may be made of the same material as the rest of the handle assembly  319 , may be made of a different material, or may be made of a combination thereof. Possible materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, etc. The hand grip  321  may also comprise ergonomic finger groves, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc. to facilitate ease of grasping. 
     Additionally, as shown in the example embodiment in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  the cam  362  may include at least one flat segment  363 . Clockwise rotation of handle assembly  319  causes the cam  362  to rotate into the cam plate  360 . This displaces the cam plate  360  towards fixed gripper  322 . In the closed position, the cam  362  is fully rotated into the cam plate  360  and the flat segment  363  of the cam  362  abuts the right edge (relative to  FIG.  4 A ) of the cam plate  360 . Additionally, in the fully closed position, the planate surface of the hand grip  321  may rest against the bottom edge of the cam plate  360 . The flat segment  363  of the cam  362  prevents the restoring force from a compressed return spring  346  (which spring loads the cam plate  360 ) from pushing cam plate  360  back to the open position, and thus may effectively lock the clamp apparatus  310  in the closed position. 
     To open the clamp apparatus  310 , a user rotates the handle assembly  319  counter-clockwise. As the cam  362  releases pressure on the cam plate  360 , the compressed return spring  346  causes the cam plate  360  to automatically return back to the open position as the return spring  346  expands back to a relatively uncompressed state. 
     In the open position (not shown) the cam plate  360  comes to rest against the right edge (in reference to  FIG.  4 A ) of an aperture  342  in the guide plate  340 . The aperture  342  is cut through the guide plate  340  at an angle which is substantially perpendicular to the front face  350  of the guide plate  340 . On the left vertical edge of the aperture  342  a return spring peg  343  may project into the aperture  342  in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the front face  350  of the guide plate  340 . The return spring peg  343  is slightly smaller in diameter than the return spring  346 . The return spring  346 , may be seated around the return spring peg  343  (as shown in  FIG.  4 A ). In the open position, the return spring  346  may be slightly compressed to prevent any “slop” and to keep the cam plate  360  against the right edge of the aperture  342 . 
     The cam plate  360  is immovably coupled to a pressure plate  370 . In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 E , the cam plate is coupled to the pressure plate  370  via screws  361 . In other embodiments, the cam plate  360  and pressure plate  370  may be coupled to each other in any number of ways, including, but not limited to welds, bolts, rivets, etc. In some embodiments, they may be formed as a continuous part during manufacture. 
     Since the cam plate  360  is attached to the pressure plate  370 , the pressure plate  370  also moves as the cam  362  of the handle assembly  319  displaces the cam plate  360 . When the return spring  346  expands as the clamp apparatus  310  is opened, the pressure plate  370  is also spring loaded to automatically return toward its open orientation. When the clamp apparatus  310  is fully opened, the pressure plate  370  may be approximately flush with the right edge of the guide plate  340  (in reference to  FIG.  4 A ). In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 E , the pressure plate  370  may not extend out past the right edge of the guide plate  340  because the cam plate  360  to which it is immovably attached is restricted in movement by the right edge of the aperture  342  in the guide plate  340 . 
     Extending perpendicularly from the center of the left edge  372  of the pressure plate  370  (in reference to  FIG.  4 D ) into the pressure plate  370  is a return spring trough  335 . The return spring trough  335  allows the return spring  346  to fit comfortably into the clamp apparatus  310  when the clamp apparatus  310  is fully assembled and operated. 
     In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , the pressure plate  370  is slidingly coupled to the guide plate  340  by a tongue-in-groove type association. The top edge  355   a  and bottom edge  355   b  (relative to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C ) of the pressure plate  370  function as the tongues. The top edge  355   a  and bottom edge  355   b  of the guide plate  370  ride along a track  328  which comprises a part of the guide plate  340  structure. In the embodiment depicted, the track  328  is a recessed groove which is cut out of flanges  329  extended off the top and bottom edges of the guide plate  340 . The flanges  329  project toward the back of the page (in relation to  FIG.  4 A ) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the front face  350  of the guide plate  340 . As shown, the tracks  328  may be cut into the flanges  329  such that the tracks  328  run substantially parallel to the plane of the front face  350  of the guide plate  340 . 
     The clamp apparatus  310  in the illustrated embodiment in  FIGS.  4 A-D  also comprises a gripper sled  390 . The gripper sled  390  may also be coupled to the clamp apparatus  310  by one or a number of tongue-in-groove associations. As shown, the gripper sled  390  may be slidably coupled to the pressure plate  370 . Additionally, at least one spring  380  may be disposed between the gripper sled  390  and pressure plate  370  to exert additional clamping force while the clamp apparatus  310  is in the closed position and a clamped object  100  is present. 
     In an example embodiment, the gripper sled  390  is a generally a hollow, mostly rectangular sleeve open on its right end  392  and left end  393  (relative to  FIG.  4 A ). The sliding gripper base  320  may fit into, hollow interior of the sleeve-like gripper sled  390 . Other embodiments may close the left end  393  of the gripper sled  390  and attach the sliding gripper  302  to it such that the left end  393  of the gripper sled  390  performs the function of the sliding gripper base  320 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , the sliding gripper base  320  is immovably coupled inside the hollow interior of the gripper sled  390 . This may be accomplished in any number of ways. As shown, the sliding gripper base  320  may be coupled into the gripper sled by a first dowel  368  and a second dowel  369 . Other embodiments which employ dowels may use any suitable number of dowels. The first dowel  368  may be inserted through an orifice in the in the back face  364  of the gripper sled  390  into a corresponding orifice in the back face of the sliding gripper base  320  (directions refer to orientation of  FIG.  4 A ). The second dowel  369  may be inserted through an orifice in the front face  365  of the gripper sled  390  into a corresponding orifice in the front face of the sliding gripper base  320 . 
     In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , the second dowel  369  is not flush with the front face  365  of the gripper sled  390 . Instead, at least a portion of the second dowel  369  projects past the front face  365  of the gripper sled  390 . At least a part of this portion of second dowel  369  rides along a slit  329  which is cut into the edge of the pressure plate  370  opposite the return spring trough  335 . As shown, the slit  329  may be cut into the said edge of the pressure plate  370  at an angle substantially perpendicular to said edge. The interaction of the slit  329  and second dowel  369  effectively restricts the movement of the gripper sled  390 . When the second dowel  369  abuts the left end of the slit  329 , the second dowel  369  and all attached components may travel no further toward the left of the page (in relation to  FIG.  4 A ). 
     The gripper sled  390  may also comprise a set of ears  394 . As shown in the example embodiment in  FIGS.  4 A-D , one of the ears  394  may project off the top face  395  of the gripper sled  390  while the other projects off the bottom face  396  of the gripper sled  390 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , each ear  394  comprises a post which supports a round cylinder whose elongate section runs in a direction parallel to the plane of the front face  365  of the gripper sled  390 . The ears  394  project off the top face  395  and bottom face  396  of the gripper sled  390  at an angle substantially perpendicular to the top face  395  and bottom face  396  of the gripper sled  390 . In alternate embodiments, the shape, thickness, construction, orientation, etc. of the ears  394  may differ. Additionally, some embodiments may comprise a compression spring peg  378  which projects off each ear  394 . The compression spring pegs  378  are similar to the return spring peg  343 . 
     In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the top and bottom edges of the front face  365  of the gripper sled  390  may comprise gripper sled tongues  379  which run at least partially along at least one of the top and bottom edges of the front face  365  of the gripper sled  390 . In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , the gripper sled tongues  379  project off the entire length of the top and bottom edges of the front face  365  of the gripper sled  390  and are extensions of the plane of the front face  365  of the gripper sled  390 . 
     Extending from the rear face  336  of the pressure plate  370  and oriented approximately parallel to the return spring trough  335  may be a top spring housing  339 , and a bottom spring housing  338 . In an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , the top spring housing  339  and bottom spring housing  338  both comprise a raised ridge  304  and a compression spring pocket  333 . The raised ridge  304  projects off the rear face  336  of the pressure plate  370  at an angle substantially perpendicular to rear face  336  of the pressure plate  370 . The raised ridges  304  run parallel to the top edge  355   a  and bottom edge  355   b  of the pressure plate  370 . As shown, the raised ridges  304  may span the entire length of the pressure plate  370 . The raised ridges  304  function as a post on which the compression spring pockets  333  of the top spring housing  339  and bottom spring housing  338  are coupled. As shown in the example embodiment in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  the compression spring pockets  333  may be elongated along the entire length of the ridges  304 . 
     The compression spring pockets  333  overhang the ridges  304  forming “T” type shapes. The portions of the “T” type shapes facing the lateral center line of the pressure plate  370  form the grooves  306  of a tongue-in-groove arrangement in conjunction with the rear face of the pressure plate  370 . The gripper sled tongues  379  are slidably coupled into these grooves  306 . 
     The opposite portions of the “T” type shapes (those distal to the lateral centerline of the pressure plate  370 ) also form the grooves  308  of another tongue-in-groove type arrangement in conjunction with the rear face of the pressure plate  370 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , the distal grooves  308  slidably couple around tongues  309  formed by a part of the flanges  329  which are extended off the guide plate  340 . 
     The compression spring pockets  333  may be hollow so as to allow compression springs  380  to be seated inside the compression spring pockets  333 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , the right end (relative to  FIG.  4 A ) of the compression spring pockets  333  is closed to provide a surface upon which the compression springs  380  may be compressed against. Additionally, the compression spring pockets  333  each feature a slot  397  (best shown in  FIG.  4 D ) which is cut out of the face of the compression spring pockets  333  most proximal to the lateral centerline of the pressure plate  370 . 
     When assembled, as detailed above, a compression spring  380  may be seated in each of the compression spring pockets  333 . One end of the compression springs  380  abuts the closed ends of the compression spring pockets  333 . The other ends of the compression springs  380  abut the right faces of the ears  394  which protrude off the top face  395  and bottom face  396  of the gripper sled  390 . The compression springs  380  fit around the compression spring pegs  378  which may extend from the ears  394  on the gripper sled  390 . This helps to keep the compression springs  380  firmly in place during operation and use of the clamp apparatus  310 . The compression springs  380  bias the gripper sled  390  and components immovably attached to it (notably sliding gripper  302  and sliding gripper base  320 ) to the left of the page (relative to  FIG.  4 A ) until the second dowel  369  abuts the left end of the slit  329  and the components may move no further to the left of the page. This ensures that as the handle assembly  319  is actuated, the cam plate  360 , pressure plate  370 , gripper sled  390 , and attached components move together as a unit until the sliding gripper  302  encounters a clamped object  100 . 
     In the shown embodiment in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , the diameter of the hollow portions of the compression spring pockets  333  is slightly larger than the diameter of the cylinder portion of the ears  394 . The slot  397  in the compression spring pockets  333  creates a path for the post portion of ears  394  to travel. When a force sufficient to overcome the bias force of the compression springs  380  is applied, the compression springs  380  begin to compress. 
     Such a force may be generated when a user rotates the handle assembly  319  and a clamped object  100  is present. As mentioned above, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the cam plate  360 , pressure plate  370 , gripper sled  390  and attached components move together substantially as a unit until the sliding gripper  302  encounters a clamped object  100 . When the clamped object  100  comes into contact with the sliding gripper  302 , the sliding gripper  302  begins to push the clamped object  100  against the fixed gripper  322 . When the force which the clamped object  100  exerts back against the sliding gripper  302  becomes greater than the bias force of the compression springs  380 , the sliding gripper  302 , sliding gripper base  320 , gripper sled  390  and components immovably coupled to the gripper sled  390  stopping moving. The cam plate  360  and pressure plate  370  continue to move toward their closed orientation as the handle assembly  319  rotates to its closed orientation. This causes the compression springs  380  to begin to compress. As the compression springs  380  are compressed the ears  394  slide progressively further into the hollow portions of the compression spring pockets  333  and along the slots  397  of the compression spring pockets  333  until the clamp apparatus  310  reaches its fully closed orientation. 
     The force exerted by the compressed compression springs  380  on the clamped object  100  through the gripper sled  390  and sliding gripper  302  helps to create a more vigorous gripping force than could otherwise be achieved. Additionally, the restoring force of the compression springs  380  is complimentary to that provided by the return spring  346  when the clamp apparatus  310  is moved to the open position. The compression spring  380  restoring force causes the gripper sled  390  and immovably attached components to return back to their default orientation along slit  329  in the pressure plate  370 . The force exerted by the compressed compression springs  380  additionally facilitates opening of the clamp apparatus  310 . 
     In an embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , the restoring force from a pair of tensioned springs  409  acts to clamp a clamped object  100  between a fixed gripper  401  and a sliding gripper  403 . The sliding gripper  403  can then be locked in place by a ratcheting pawl  476 , thus securing clamp apparatus  410  in the clamped position about a clamped object  100 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a fixed gripper  401  may be firmly attached to the front face  404  of an approximately rectangular back plate  402 . The gripping surface of the fixed gripper  401  is oriented perpendicularly to the front face  404  of the back plate  402 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , a fixed gripper support wall  452  may be attached to the front face  404  of the back plate  402 . As shown, the fixed gripper support wall  452  may project from the left edge (in relation to  FIG.  5 A ) of the back plate  402  in a direction perpendicular to the front face  404  of the back plate  402 . Instead of attaching the fixed gripper  401  to front face  404  of the back plate  402 , the fixed gripper  401  may be fixedly coupled to the right face (in relation to  FIG.  5 A ) of the fixed gripper support wall  452 . This is desirable because the fixed gripper support wall  452  is able to provide additional support for the fixed gripper  401 . The fixed gripper support wall  452  may optionally be supported by one or more buttresses  454  that span from at least a portion of the back plate  402  to the fixed gripper support wall  452 . In some embodiments, the buttresses  454  may be arched to maximize support. 
     The fixed gripper  401  may consist of a material chosen for its gripping ability. The fixed gripper  401  may be made of a high friction material, a compressible material, a material exhibiting both these qualities, or any other suitable material. The fixed gripper  401  may be made of a material which allows a firm grip without the deformation of a clamped object  100 . Suitable materials may include any suitable elastomeric or non-deformable substance, including but not limited to plastic, rubber, metal, foam, fabric, gel, etc. At least a portion of the fixed gripper  401  may comprise a roughly semi-circular depression or contour to accommodate a round clamped object  100  such as a pole. 
     In some embodiments, the fixed gripper  401  is formed from a relatively inelastic material, but has a cap  458  (not shown) that fits substantially over the fixed gripper  401 . The cap  458  may be constructed from any suitably material, including but not limited to, elastic materials such as rubber, plastic, gel, foam, fabric, polyurethane, etc. The cap  458  may be replaceable and removably attached to the fixed gripper  401 . 
     In some embodiments, in addition to comprising the mounting site for the fixed gripper  401 , the support plate  402  also includes an attachment site  418  for a gear assembly and a track-way  412  for a rack plate  420 . The gear assembly attachment site  418 , track-way  412 , and rack plate  420  will be elaborated on in subsequent paragraphs. 
     In an example embodiment, the sliding gripper  403  is firmly attached to the front face  422  of a rack plate  420  such that the gripping surface of the sliding gripper  403  faces the gripping surface of the fixed gripper  401 . As shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , the sliding gripper  403  is coupled to the front face  422  of the rack plate  420  near the edge of the rack plate  420  most proximal to the fixed gripper  401 . In some embodiments, the rack plate  420  may have the shape of a quadrilateral, specifically a rectangle. Some embodiments include a sliding gripper support base  421  which may be similar in varying degrees to the fixed gripper support wall  452 . The sliding gripper support base  421  may optionally have one or more buttresses  456  that span from at least a portion of the rack plate  420  to the sliding gripper support base  421 . In some embodiments, the buttresses  456  may be arched to maximize support. 
     The sliding gripper  403  may consist of a material chosen for its gripping ability. The sliding gripper  403  may be made of a high friction material, a compressible material, a material exhibiting both these qualities, or any other suitable material. The sliding gripper  403  may be made of a material which allows a firm grip without the deformation of a clamped object  100 . Suitable materials may include any suitable elastomeric or non-deformable substance, including but not limited to plastic, rubber, metal, foam, fabric, gel, etc. At least a portion of the sliding gripper  403  may comprise a roughly semi-circular depression or contour to accommodate a round clamped object  100  such as a pole. 
     In some embodiments, the sliding gripper  403  is formed from a relatively inelastic material, but has a cap  458  (not shown) that fits substantially over the sliding gripper  403 . The cap  458  may be constructed from any suitably material, including but not limited to, elastic materials such as rubber, plastic, gel, foam, fabric, polyurethane, etc. The cap  458  may be replaceable and removably attached to the fixed gripper  403 . 
     In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , the rack plate  420  is roughly rectangular. A handle  430  may project off the edge of the of the rack plate  420  most distal to the fixed gripper  401 . The handle  430  may be a part of a “U” shaped member. As shown, the bottom of the “U” shape and at least a portion of each upright of the “U” shape protrude from rack plate  420  forming a void  432 . The void  432  is defined by the edge of the rack plate  420  and the protruding sections of the “U” shaped handle  430 . A user&#39;s finger(s) may easily grip around the bottom of the “U” shape of the handle  430  via this void  432  when a user desires to manipulate the position of the rack plate  420 . 
     In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , at least a section of the uprights of the “U” shape of the handle  430  couple the handle  430  to the rack plate  420 . The uprights of the “U” shape of the handle  430  may project off the top and bottom spans (directions relative to orientation in  FIG.  5 A ) of the perimeter of the front face  422  of the rack plate  420  toward the front of the page at an angle substantially perpendicular to the front face  422  of the rack plate  420 . The rack plate  420  and handle  430  may be formed as a continuous part during manufacture. Additionally, the top sections of the uprights of the “U” shape of the handle  430  may comprise the buttresses  456  that span from at least a portion of the rack plate  420  to the sliding gripper support base  421 . In alternate embodiments, the handle  430  may be coupled to the rack plate  420  in any of a variety of ways and may take any suitable shape or size. 
     At least a portion of the handle  430  may be made of a material such as, but not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, etc. Additionally, the handle  430  may comprise ergonomic finger groves, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc. 
     The front face  404  of the back plate  402  may comprise at least one track-way  412  that runs substantially the full length of the width of the back plate  402 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B , twin track-ways  412  on the front face  404  of the back plate  402  run in parallel fashion from the edge of the back plate  402  on which the fixed gripper  401  is affixed to the opposite edge of the back plate  402 . The twin track-ways  412  run along planes parallel to the top and bottom edges (in reference to  FIG.  5 A ) of the back plate  402 . The track-ways  412  may support and guide the rack plate  420  as the clamp apparatus  410  is moved between its clamped and unclamped orientations. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , each of the track-ways  412  comprise a groove  414  which is recessed into each track-way  412 . The groove  414  is recessed into the side of each track-way  412  which faces the other track-way  412 . This causes the track-ways  412  to have an “L” shape. The rear face  415  of the rack plate  420  comprises projections  440  which are dimensioned such that they may be received by the groove  414  in the track-ways  412  on the back plate  402 . This tongue-in-groove type arrangement slidingly and securely couples the back plate  402  and rack plate  420  together. 
     The clamp apparatus  410  is biased toward the closed position by at least one extension spring  409 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , the clamp apparatus  410  comprises two extension springs  409 . One end of each extension spring  409  is hooked around an extension spring peg  411   a . Each extension spring peg  411   a  projects toward the front of the page (relative to  FIG.  5 A ) from the back plate  402  at an angle perpendicular to the front face  404  of the back plate  402 . The other end of each extension spring  409  is hooked to another extension spring peg  411   b . Each extension spring peg  411   b  projects toward the rear of the page (relative to  FIG.  5 A ) from the rear face  415  of the rack plate  420  and an angle substantially perpendicular to the rear face  415  of the rack plate  420 . 
     The extension spring pegs  411   a  and  411   b  may comprise a feature such as a notch to help ensure the extension springs  409  do not come off the extension spring pegs  411   a  and  411   b . In some embodiments, the extension spring pegs  411   a  and  411   b  may be substituted for by a variety of different attachment means. In some embodiments, hooks, rings, eye bolts, U bolts, or any other arrangement obvious to one skilled in the art may be used. In other embodiments, the clamp apparatus  410  may not use extension springs  409  and instead use any other type of spring such as, but not limited to, a gas spring using a bladder, piston type arrangement, a compression spring, a compression spring made of a compressible, springy material such as rubber, an extension spring, a constant force spring, etc. 
     In an example embodiment, the non-tensioned length of the extension springs  409  is somewhat smaller than the distance between a set of extension spring pegs  411   a  and  411   b . This is desirable because it ensures that the rack plate  420  and attached sliding gripper  403  are always biased against the fixed gripper  401  and that there is no “slop” in the clamp apparatus  410 . Pulling the rack plate  420  and attached sliding gripper  403  away from the fixed gripper  401  (i.e. toward the open position) thus may tension the extension springs  409 , and further spring load the clamp apparatus  410  toward the closed position. When the rack plate  420  is released, the clamp apparatus  410  will automatically default back toward its closed orientation due to the restoring force of the extension springs  409 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , a user may open the clamp apparatus  410  by pulling the handle  430  as well as the attached rack plate  420  and sliding gripper  403  away from the fixed gripper  401 . While the clamp apparatus  410  is held in the open position, a clamped object  100  may be placed in the space between the fixed gripper  401  and the sliding gripper  403 . The clamp apparatus  410  may then be allowed to automatically return to the closed position by a user&#39;s release of the handle  430 . 
     Other embodiments, including the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , may comprise additional features which provide additional clamping force, make the clamp easier to operate, etc. In addition to the tongue-in-groove type arrangement mentioned above, an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a lockable ratcheting rack and pinion type connection which may additionally be utilized to inform the movement of the rack plate  420 . 
     In some embodiments, a gear assembly attachment site  418  may comprise a projection jutting from the front face  404  of the back plate  402 . The gear assembly attachment site  418  is adapted to receive a gear shaft  416 . In an example embodiment, the gear shaft  416  is a rod or dowel made of metal, plastic, or other suitably durable material. The gear shaft  416  may allow a pinion gear  450  to freely rotate about the axis of the gear shaft  416 . In some embodiments, the gear assembly attachment site  418  may take the shape of a raised ring. In embodiments where the gear assembly attachment site  418  is shaped like a raised ring, the center, open section of the ring may have an internal diameter slightly, though not substantially larger than the diameter of gear shaft  416 . The gear shaft  416  may fit securely and non-rotatably within the internal diameter raised ring of the gear assembly attachment site  418 . A pinion gear  450  may be placed on the gear shaft  416 . 
     The rack plate  420  may comprise a slot that defines a pinion aperture  436  sized to allow the pinion gear  450  to protrude through the aperture  436  toward the front of the page (relative to  FIG.  5 A ). As shown in the embodiment in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , a rack  427  is positioned adjacent the aperture  436  such that the teeth of the rack  427  interdigitate with the teeth of the pinion gear  450 . Since the teeth of the rack  427  and teeth of the pinion gear  450  interdigitate, the pinion gear  450  rotates about the axis of the gear shaft  416  when the rack plate  420  is moved toward or away from the fixed gripper  401 . 
     The interaction of the teeth of the rack  427  and the teeth of the pinion gear  450  may be exploited via a ratcheting assembly  470  to ratchet the rack plate  420  and attached sliding gripper  403  against a clamped object  100 . This is desirable because it allows a user to generate more clamping force than the extension springs  409  alone are capable of generating. The ratcheting assembly  470  may also enable a user to lock the clamp apparatus  410  against a clamped object  100 . 
     As shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , the ratcheting assembly  470  comprises a ratcheting lever  471 . The ratcheting lever  471  comprises a ratcheting lever hub  472 . The ratcheting lever hub  472  may be shaped like a cup which fits over the section of the pinion gear  450  protruding past the rack  427  of the rack plate  420 . The front face (relative to  FIG.  5 A ) of the pinion gear  450  may abut the bottom of the cup formed by the ratcheting lever hub  472 . The ratcheting lever hub  472  comprises an orifice which may allow the ratcheting lever hub  472  to be slid onto the gear shaft  416 . In such embodiments, the gear shaft  416  becomes a fulcrum for the ratcheting lever  471 . The ratcheting lever hub  472  may also comprise an opening  479  in the wall of the ratcheting lever hub  472  cup which exposes a number of teeth of the pinion gear  450 . 
     The ratcheting lever  471  may further comprise a ratcheting lever handle  473 . In the example embodiment in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , the ratcheting lever handle  473  acts as the input side of the ratcheting lever  471 . The ratcheting lever handle  473  may be grasped by a user and rotated about the axis of the gear shaft  416  to provide an input. 
     The ratcheting lever handle  473  may be made of the same material as the rest of the ratcheting lever  471 , may be made of a different material, or may be made of a combination thereof. Possible materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, etc. Additionally, the ratcheting lever handle  473  may comprise ergonomic finger groves, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc. 
     The ratcheting lever  471  may further comprise at least two ratcheting lever posts  474  opposite the ratcheting lever handle  473  which function as the output side of the ratcheting lever  471 . The ratcheting lever posts  474  extend parallel to each other. One ratcheting lever post  474  is extended from the bottom section of the cup of the ratcheting lever hub  472 . The other ratcheting lever post  474  may be extended off the rim section of the cup of the ratcheting lever hub  472 . A ratcheting lever dowel  475  may span the distance between the ratcheting lever posts  474 . A ratcheting pawl  476  and torsion spring  477  may be positioned on the ratcheting lever dowel  475  between the two ratcheting lever posts  474 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D  a user provides an input to the ratcheting lever lock  471  by rotating the ratcheting lever handle  473  substantially 90° counter-clockwise (relative to  FIG.  5 A ) from the unlocked position to the locked position. In the unlocked position, the ratcheting lever handle  473  is oriented perpendicular to the top edge (relative to  FIG.  5 A ) of the back plate  402  and the ratcheting pawl  476  is retracted away from the teeth of the pinion gear  450 . 
     As the ratcheting lever handle  473  is rotated to the locked position, the ratcheting pawl  476  rotates into and engages the teeth of the pinion gear  450  through the opening  479  in the ratcheting lever hub  472 . The torsion spring  477  applies a force against the ratcheting pawl  476  which keeps it in engagement with the teeth of the pinion gear  450 . As a user continues to rotate the ratcheting lever handle  473  the ratcheting pawl  476  catches a tooth of the pinion gear  450  and forces the pinion gear  450  to rotate with the ratcheting lever  471 . This rotation of the pinion gear  450  is transmitted to the rack  427  causing the rack  427  and the attached rack plate  420  and sliding gripper  403  to move toward the fixed gripper  401 . If a clamped object  100  is present, this movement squeezes the clamped object  100  against the fixed gripper  401  with more clamping force than the tensioned extension springs  409  alone can generate. The ratcheting pawl  476  additionally locks the clamp apparatus  410  into the ratcheted and closed position because the ratcheting pawl  476  obstructs any rotation of the pinion gear  450  in a direction which would result in movement of the rack  427 , rack plate  420  and attached sliding gripper  403  toward the open position. 
     In some embodiments, including the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , the clamp apparatus  410  may comprise a cover  490 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , the cover  490  has a front plate  491 . Extending perpendicularly off the top and bottom of the rear face (directions refer to orientation in  FIG.  5 A ) of the front plate  491  are a top plate  492  and a bottom plate  493 . The rear edges of the top plate  492  and the bottom plate  493 , which run parallel to the plane of the front plate  491 , may be immovably coupled to the cover  490  to the front face  404  of the back plate  403  via screws, or any other suitable fastening method. The right edge (relative to  FIG.  5 A ) of the bottom plate  493  has a cutout  498 . A dowel  497  may run from the front plate  491  through the cutout  498 . 
     The front plate  491  of the cover  490  may comprise a second gear assembly attachment site  494 . The second gear assembly attachment site  494  may comprise an orifice which has a diameter slightly, though not substantially larger than the diameter of the gear shaft  416 . The gear shaft may fit securely and non-rotatably into the orifice of the second gear assembly attachment site  494 . 
     In some embodiments, the front plate  491  may comprise a ratcheting lever handle slot  495  through which the ratcheting lever arm  473  may extend. The ratcheting lever handle slot  495  may arc so as to allow uninhibited travel of the lever handle  473  from the unlocked position to the locked position. 
     In one embodiment, the cover  490  has a palm support  496 . The palm support  496  may be formed as a U-shaped member projecting from the cover  490  in a manner and direction similar to that of the handle  430  of the rack plate  420 . The palm support  496  is adapted for use as a carrying handle. The palm support  496  may also be utilized to aid in easy, one-handed opening of the clamp apparatus  410 . A user may place the palm support  496  in their palm and grasp the handle  430  by placing their finger(s) in the void  432 . By clenching their fist, a user may then transition the clamp apparatus  410  to the open position. 
     The palm support  496  may be made of the same material as the rest of the cover  490 , may be made of a different material, or may be made of a combination thereof. Possible materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, etc. Additionally, the palm support  496  may comprise ergonomic finger groves, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc. to aid in carrying or grasping. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp apparatus  410  may comprise an over-center linkage  480  to help ensure the ratcheting lever lock  471  stays in a desired position. As shown in the embodiment in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , the over-center linkage  480  is attached at one end to the dowel  497  running through the cutout  498  in the cover  490 . The other end of the over-center linkage  480  is attached to the ratcheting lever dowel  475  adjacent the ratcheting pawl  476  and torsion spring  477 . The over-center linkage  480  may bias the ratcheting lever lock  471  to stay in either the unlocked position or locked position. When the over-center linkage  480  is in the over center position the clamp apparatus  410  is kept in the locked position. Before the over-center linkage  480  reaches an over-center position, the clamp apparatus  410  is kept in the unlocked position. 
     In another example embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIG.  6 A- 6 G , a sliding gripper  503  is coupled to a sliding gripper base  504  and may be capable of movement towards a fixed gripper  501  mounted on a fixed gripper base  524 . As the sliding gripper  503  is displaced towards the fixed gripper  501 , a clamped object  100  placed between the fixed gripper  501  and sliding gripper  503  may be clamped between the fixed gripper  501  and sliding gripper  503 . As a clamped object  100  is clamped, at least one compression spring  550  compresses. The restoring force of the compressed compression spring  550  supplies additional clamping force as it pushes the sliding gripper  503  against the clamped object  100 . An actuator handle latch  584  locks the clamp apparatus  510  in the closed position, safely securing the clamp apparatus  510  and its attached load (for example, a medical device) to a clamped object  100 . 
     The fixed gripper  501  and sliding gripper  503  may be comprised of a material chosen for its gripping ability. The fixed gripper  501  and sliding gripper  503  may be made of high friction materials, compressible materials, materials exhibiting both these qualities, or any other suitable material. The fixed gripper  501  and sliding gripper  503  are made of materials which allow for a firm grip without the deformation of a clamped object  100 . Suitable materials may include any suitable elastomeric or non-deformable substance, including but not limited to plastic, rubber, metal, foam, fabric, gel, etc. At least a portion of the fixed gripper  501  and sliding gripper  503  may comprise roughly semi-circular depressions or contours to accommodate a round clamped object  100  such as a pole. 
     In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G , the fixed gripper  501  is mounted to a fixed gripper base  524 . The fixed gripper base  524  comprises a fixed gripper attachment site  506 . The fixed gripper attachment site  506 , faces the sliding gripper  503 . As best shown in  FIG.  6 E , the fixed gripper attachment site  506  may be a depression dimensioned to fit the contour of the fixed gripper  501 . In some embodiments, the fixed gripper attachment site  506  may frictionally retain the fixed gripper  501  by means of a friction fit. In alternate embodiments, the fixed gripper  501  may be coupled to the fixed gripper attachment site  506  by any of a variety of means including, but not limited to, screws, bolts, ultrasonic welds, magnets, adhesive, hook and loop tape, or any other suitable coupling means. 
     The fixed gripper base  524  may be a substantially rectangular block which fits into a cavity of the housing  580  of the clamp apparatus  510 . One side of the fixed gripper base  524  may be fixedly coupled to the right face  581  (relative to  FIG.  6 A ) of the housing  580 . The fixed gripper base  524  may be coupled to the right face  581  of the housing  580  by any of a number of means, such as screws, bolts, ultrasonic welds, magnets, adhesive, or any other suitable coupling means. The fixed gripper base  524  may also comprise a strike plate spring bay  511 . The strike plate spring bay  511  will be elaborated upon later. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  6 F , the sliding gripper base  504  may comprise both a sliding gripper attachment site  507  and a guide rail  508  to guide movement of the sliding gripper  503 . The sliding gripper attachment site  507  is located on the face of the sliding gripper base  504  which faces the left of the page (relative to  FIG.  6 F ). As shown in  FIG.  6 F , the sliding gripper attachment site  507  may be depression dimensioned to fit the contour of sliding gripper  503 . In some embodiments, including the embodiment in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G , gripper attachment site  507  may frictionally retain the sliding gripper  503  by means of a friction fit. In alternate embodiments, the sliding gripper  503  may be coupled to the sliding gripper attachment site  507  by screws, bolts, ultrasonic welds, magnets, adhesive, or any other suitable coupling means. 
     Offset from the sliding gripper attachment site  507  may be at least one guide rail  508 . In the example embodiment in  FIG.  6 A- 6 G , there are two guide rails  508 . The guide rails  508  are offset from the sliding gripper attachment site  507  toward the front of the page (relative to  FIG.  6 F ) and run perpendicular to the face of the sliding gripper base  504  on which the sliding gripper attachment site  507  is disposed. In some embodiments, a guide recess  510  may be defined along/into at least one surface of the guide rail(s)  508 . The at least one guide rail  508  and guide recess  510  will be elaborated upon later. 
     Some embodiments may also include a slider sled  551 . In some embodiments, the slider sled  551  is involved in four interrelated functions. First, the slider sled  551  provides a pre-defined track-way for the guide rails  508  of the sliding gripper base  504 . Second, the slider sled  551  may support at least one compression spring  550 . The compression spring(s)  550  may ensure that the slider sled  551 , sliding gripper base  504  and attached components move together as a unit until the sliding gripper  503  abuts a clamped object  100 . When the clamp apparatus  510  is locked in the closed position and the compression spring(s)  550  are compressed, the restoring force exerted by the compressed compression springs  550  provides additional clamping force against a clamped object  100 . Third, the slider sled  551  may comprise at least one return spring pocket  555 . A return spring  553  may be placed in each of the return spring pocket(s)  555 . The return springs  553  may bias the clamp apparatus  510  toward the open position and automatically return the slider sled  551  to the open position when the user actuates the clamp apparatus  510  into the open position. Fourth, the slider sled  551  may comprise a catch  571  which may act as a stop during user actuation of the clamp apparatus  510 . 
     In relation to the first function, the guide recess  510  is sized to fit a complimentary guide projection  554  located on at least one face of the slider sled  551 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G , the guide projections  554  run the length of the top face  558  and bottom face  556  of the slider sled  551 . The guide projections  554  may serve as a track-way to direct the slider gripper base  504  as it moves between an open and closed position. In one embodiment, the guide projection(s)  554  are raised ridges running the length of the top face  558  and bottom face  556  and fit into the guide recesses  510  on slider gripper base  504 . Alternatively, the guide projection  554  may be located on slider gripper base  504  or the guide rail(s)  508  of the slider gripper base  504  for movement along a guide groove  510  located on slider sled  551 . Other embodiments may use other guide configurations. 
     In some embodiments, the guide rail  508  may be hollow and the guide recess  510  may be a slot which is cut through the guide rail  508  and into the hollow portion of the guide rail  508 . The guide rail  508  may be open on one end and a compression spring  550  may be placed into the hollow portion of the guide rail  508  through this opening. 
     In relation to the second function, at least one of the guide projection(s)  554  on the slider sled  551  may feature a compression spring peg  552  on which one side of a compression spring  550  is seated. In one embodiment, the compression spring peg  552  is an essentially cylindrical structure with an end piece  575  that has a diameter greater than the diameter of its associated compression spring  550 . Movement of slider sled  551  relative to the sliding gripper base  504  compresses the compression spring  550  between the end piece  575  and the end wall of the hollow guide rail  508 . As the compression spring  550  is compressed, the compression spring peg  552  moves into the hollow of the guide rail(s)  508 . Such movement may occur when the clamp apparatus  510  is moved from the open position to the closed position and a clamped object  100  is present. Selection of a compression spring  550  of appropriate elasticity allows the restoring force generated during compression to be sufficient to return the sliding gripper  503  and sliding gripper base  504  to the open position, while at the same time not unduly opposing user actuation of the clamp apparatus  510 . 
     Relative to the third function, in some embodiments, the slider sled  551  may include at least one return spring  553  (best shown in  FIG.  6 B ) which helps to bias the clamp apparatus  510  toward the open position. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G , there are two return springs  553 . Each return spring  553  is seated in a return spring pocket  555  which has a diameter slightly larger than that of the return spring  553 . Each return spring pocket  555  is recessed into the left face (relative to  FIG.  6 B ) of the slider sled  551 . One end of each return spring  553  abuts the bottom of its respective return spring pocket  555 . The opposite end of each return spring  533  abuts the inside of the right face  581  (relative to  FIG.  6 A ) of the housing  580  of the clamp apparatus  510 . As the slider sled  551  is moved toward the right face  581  of the housing  580  when a user actuates the clamp apparatus  510  toward the closed position, the return springs  553  compress between the bottom of the return spring pockets  555  and the inside of the right face  581  of the housing  580 . When a user actuates the clamp apparatus  510  toward the open position, the restoring force exerted by the return springs  553  automatically returns the slider sled  551  to its open orientation. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G , there are three return spring pockets  555  yet only two return springs  553 . In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, a user may add additional return springs  553  to the clamp apparatus  510  if such action is deemed desirable. 
     The fourth, catch function of the slider sled  551  requires a broader description of how a user may actuate the clamp apparatus  510 . As shown in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G , the clamp apparatus  510  may comprise an actuator handle  502 . User rotation of the actuator handle  502  may generate the force sufficient to actuate the clamp apparatus  510  toward the closed position. The actuator handle  502  is a roughly L-shaped structure comprised of a vertical arm  573  and a horizontal arm  574 ; both arms merge at a substantially right angle. The actuator handle  502  comprises at least one means for a rotatably attaching the actuator handle  502  to the clamp apparatus  510 . In the example embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G , the actuator handle  502  is coupled to a gear shaft  520  with a screw  576 . When the actuator handle  502  is rotated, the gear shaft  520  rotates about its axis. 
     At rest, the clamp apparatus  510  is biased to the open position. In the open position, the vertical arm  573  of the actuator handle  502  may point toward the bottom of the page as shown in  FIG.  6 A . The horizontal arm  574  may project toward the left of the page in a manner perpendicular to the vertical arm  573  of the actuator handle  502  as shown in  FIG.  6 A . To actuate the clamp apparatus  510  to the closed orientation, the actuator handle  502  must be rotated clockwise (in relation to  FIG.  6 A ) substantially a full 180°. 
     In some embodiments, rotation of actuator handle  502  is converted to the linear motion propelling the sliding gripper  503  towards the fixed gripper  501 . Thus, rotation of the actuator handle  502  closes the clamp apparatus  510 . As mentioned above, rotation of the actuator handle  502  causes the rotation of a gear shaft  520 . In some embodiments, at least one cam gear  590  is driven by the rotation of the gear shaft  520 . Optionally, two or more cam gears  590  may be used to best accommodate the specific space and size needs of a particular embodiment of the clamp apparatus  510 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G , the cam gear  590  is eccentrically attached to the gear shaft  520  at a distance “r” from the cam gear  590  center. In some embodiments an extension linkage  505  may project toward the center of the cam gear  590  from the gear shaft  520 . The extension linkage  505  may be coupled into the center of the cam gear  590  to help support rotation of the cam gear  590  as the actuator handle  502  is rotated. Over the approximately 180° of rotation of the actuator handle  502 , the cam gear  590  may displace a linear distance of approximately 2″r″. 
     In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G , linear movement of the cam gear  590  is multiplied and imparted to the sliding gripper  503  through a linkage cam gear  597 . The teeth of the linkage cam gear  597  and the teeth of the cam gear  590  interdigitate thus operatively coupling the cam gear  590  to the slider sled  551 . In some embodiments, the linkage cam gear  597  is eccentrically coupled to the slider sled  551  at distance “r” from the center of the linkage cam gear  597 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G  the linkage cam gear  597  is substantially a mirror image of the cam gear  590 . Additionally, the movement of the linkage cam gear  597  mirrors the movement of the cam gear  590 . Consequentially, a 180° rotation of the actuator handle  502  creates a linear displacement of 4″r″ in the slider sled  551 . This causes the sliding gripper base  504  and sliding gripper  503  to displace toward the fixed gripper  501 . If a clamped object  100  is present, the slider sled  551  and sliding gripper base  504  move as a unit only until the sliding gripper  503  contacts the clamped object  100 . When the sliding gripper  503  contacts the clamped object  100 . The compression springs  550  begin to compress per the above description. 
     In embodiments where a smaller degree of linear displacement may be desirable, either the cam gear  590  or linkage cam gear  597  may not be eccentrically coupled into the clamp apparatus. This would halve the linear displace of slider sled  551 . Alternatively, the distance “r” could be increased or decreased to achieve a greater or lesser degree of displacement of the slider sled  551 . 
     The fourth, stop function of the slider sled  551  may prevent the actuator handle  502  from being rotated past the fully open orientation. As best shown in  FIG.  6 B  the slider sled  551  features a catch  571 . The catch  571  may be a nub which projects into a claw shaped cutout  576  in the slider sled  551 . Other suitable shaped cutouts may alternatively be used. The catch  571  catches a claw shaped prong  572  which extends off a thin disc  594  which is coupled to the center of the cam gear  590 . The thin disc  594  may be coupled to the center of the linkage cam gear  597 . The thin disc  594  may feature a semi-circle track  598  which the gear shaft  520  may extend through. As the actuator handle  502  is rotated the thin disc  594  and attached prong  572  follow the eccentric motion of the cam gear  590 . The position of the gear shaft  520  along the semi-circle track  598  also changes. In the closed position, the gear shaft  520  may be located at the right end of the semi-circle track  598  (relative to  FIG.  6 B ). Also in the closed position, the prong  572  may not intrude into the catch  571  cutout. After 90° of actuator handle  502  rotation toward the open position, the gear shaft  520  is located at the lowest point in the arc of the semi-circle track  598 . Consequently, the thin disc  594  and attached prong  572  are at the highest point in their travel and the prong  572  has entered the claw shaped cutout  576  above the nub catch  571 . In the fully open position, the gear shaft  520  may be located at the left end of the semi-circle track  598 . The prong  572  may fully protrude into the claw shaped cutout  576  and hook around the nub catch  571 . In this position, the actuator handle  502  may not be further rotated toward the open direction because the catch  571  blocks any further movement of the prong  572 . Additionally, further rotation of the actuator handle  502  is prohibited because the gear shaft  520  is at the end of the semi-circle track  598  and the thin disc  594  blocks any further travel. 
     In some embodiments, an actuator handle latch  584  functions to operatively prevent the actuator handle  502  from being rotated out of the locked position. The actuator handle latch  584  (best shown in  FIG.  6 G ) may be a roughly rectangular, planar structure. There may be a hole through roughly the center of the actuator handle latch  584 . The hole may be large enough to comfortably accommodate a user&#39;s finger. Relative to  FIG.  6 G , the top edge of the actuator handle latch  584  may comprise a latch compression spring peg  583  on which an actuator handle spring  592  may be seated. The bottom edge may comprise projections  585 . 
     In some embodiments, the vertical arm  573  of the actuator handle  502  comprises a latch housing  586 . As shown best in  FIG.  6 G , the latch housing  586  extends perpendicularly from the vertical arm  573  and over the top face  513  of the clamp apparatus  510 . The latch housing  586  may comprise a channel  587  sized to fit the actuator handle latch  584 , latch compression spring peg  583  actuator handle spring  592  and the projections  585 . The channel  587  may be cut along the central plane of the latch housing  586  running perpendicular to the vertical arm  573 . The channel  587  guides movement of the actuator handle latch  584 . There may be a hole through roughly the center of the actuator latch housing  586  which is large enough to accommodate a user&#39;s finger. 
     The actuator handle latch  584  projects out of the actuator latch housing  586  and against the top face  513  of the housing  580 . A dowel  588  may run through the channel  587  above the actuator handle spring  592 . The dowel  588  is disposed such that the actuator handle spring  592  may bias the actuator handle latch  584  against the top face of the housing  580 . 
     In the path of the actuator handle latch  584  a ramp  516  is disposed. As the actuator handle  502  is rotated toward the closed position, the actuator handle latch  584  abuts the ramp  516 . As the actuator handle  502  continues to rotate toward the closed position, the actuator handle latch  584  rides up the ramp  516 . This causes the actuator handle latch  584  to be pushed up the channel  587  and into the actuator latch housing  586  which in turn compresses the actuator handle spring  592  between the dowel  588  and the latch compression spring peg  583 . When the actuator handle  502  is in the fully closed position, the actuator handle latch  584  clears the ramp  516  and the restoring force of the spring causes the actuator handle latch  584  to spring back against the top face  513  of the housing  580 . This locks the clamp apparatus  510  in the closed position as any movement toward the open position is prevented by the actuator handle latch  584  catching on the lip of the ramp  516 . To release the clamp apparatus  510  from the locked position, a user may insert a finger into the hole in the actuator handle latch  584  and latch housing  586  and pull the actuator handle latch  584  back inside the actuator latch housing  586 . This allows the actuator handle latch  584  to clear the lip of the ramp  516  thus allowing rotation of the actuator handle  502  toward the open position. 
     In some embodiments, the horizontal arm  574  of the actuator handle  502 , may also comprise a lock/latch feature  531 . This lock/latch feature  531  may be present in conjunction with or as a substitute for the actuator latch  584 . In embodiments where the horizontal arm  574  comprises a lock/latch feature  531 , the front face  532  of the clamp apparatus  510  housing  580  may comprise a slot  534  through which a spring loaded strike plate  533  protrudes. The strike plate  533  (best shown in  FIG.  6 E ) may be roughly planar. The bottom of the strike plate  533  (relative to  FIG.  6 E ) may comprise at least one strike plate spring peg  535  on which a strike plate spring  536  is seated. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G , there are two strike plate spring pegs  535  and two accompanying strike plate springs  536 . The strike plate springs  536  fit inside the strike plate spring bay  511  recessed into the fixed gripper base  524 . In some embodiments, the top edge of the strike plate  533  (relative to  FIG.  6 E ) may comprise a ramp portion  537 , a trough portion  538 , and a post portion  539 . The strike plate  533  protrudes from the slot  534 . The strike plate  533  may be pushed into the slot  534 , in the front face  532  of the housing  580  such that it does not protrude past the surface of the front face  532  of the housing  580 . In this position, the strike plate springs  536  are compressed between a portion of the strike plate spring bay  511  and the strike plate spring pegs  535 . This spring loads the strike plate  533  to automatically return to its protruding orientation. 
     As the actuator handle  502  is rotated to the closed position, the horizontal arm  574  of the actuator handle  502  contacts the ramp portion  537  of the strike plate  533 . As the horizontal arm  574  is further rotated, it moves to a more elevated section of the ramp portion  537 . Since the strike plate springs  536  are not strong enough to cause the horizontal arm  574  to deflect, the strike plate springs  536  compress and the strike plate  533  is pushed into the slot  534  to its non-protruding position. When the horizontal arm  574  passes the top of the ramp portion  537 , the restoring force of the strike plate springs  536 , causes the strike plate  533  to be pushed back toward its protruding position with the trough portion  538  abutting the horizontal arm  574 . This locks the clamp apparatus  510  in the closed position. In this locked position, the horizontal arm  574  cannot be further rotated toward the closed position because the post portion  539  of the strike plate  533  blocks such movement. Additionally, the horizontal arm may not progress toward the open position because it will abut and be restricted in movement by the lip of the ramp portion  537 . To unlock the clamp apparatus  510 , a user must depress the post portion of the strike plate  533  into the slot  534  and compress the strike plate springs  536 . This allows the horizontal arm  574  to clear the lip of the ramp  537  as a user rotates the actuator handle  502  toward the open position. 
     In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a quick release clip  519  may be used to secure a medical device or other object to the clamp apparatus  510 . The quick release clip  519  may comprise a torsion clip  522  and a latch hook  523 . In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one torsion spring  521  may be used to clip a load for the clamp apparatus  510  between the torsion clip  522  and the latch hook  523 . In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G , two latch hooks  523  are firmly attached to the top face  513  of the housing  580 . The latch hooks  523  are offset from each other. The hook portions of the latch hooks  523  project toward the back of the page (relative to  FIG.  6 A ). The torsion clip  522  is pivotally attached to the latch hook  523  by a fastening means  525 , which may for example be a pin, dowel, cotter pin, bolt, hex bolt, screw, or other means known to one skilled in the art. As shown in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 G , the torsion clip  522  may be a relatively planar member which spans the distance between the two latch hooks  523 . In some embodiments, at least one surface of torsion clip  522  may comprise a catch  526 . The catch  526  may act as a stop for a receiving structure on a medical device or other object. The torsion spring(s)  521  may supplement the catch  526  by biasing the receiving structure into contact with the latch hooks  523 . The latch hooks  523  may also couple to a receiving structure on a medical device or other object. Rotation of the torsion clip  522  downwards spring loads each torsion spring  521  so that the torsion clip  522  will automatic pivot to the closed position when released. This is desirable because it causes the quick release clip  519  to automatically adjust to a load, such as medical device or other object, regardless of the size of the receiving structure. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  6 D , some embodiments may comprise a rest  540  for a medical device or other object which may be coupled to the clamp apparatus via the quick release clip  519 . As shown, the rest  540  may project at an angle from the top face  513  of the housing  580 . Extending perpendicularly from the bottom edge of the back face  512  of the housing  580  may be a rest support  541  for the rest  540 . The rest support  541  couples the back face  512  of the housing  580  to the rest  540 . Additionally, the rest  540  may have various features which help to hold the medical device or other object in place on the rest  540 . 
     The housing  580  or rest  540  may also feature any of a variety of mechanisms  515  (not shown) to attach a load to the clamp apparatus  510 . Such mechanisms  515  may include, but are not limited to, brackets, magnets, straps, suction cups, hooks, screws or bolts, a friction fit, etc. This load could be any number of things, especially a medical device (such as an infusion pump, or peristaltic infusion pump), I.V. bag, etc. 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  show another embodiment of a clamp apparatus  610 . The clamp apparatus  610  comprises a first moving jaw  630  and a second moving jaw  632 , coupled to move in unison. A clamped object  100  may be clamped between the first moving jaw  630  and the second moving jaw  632  and clamped by the clamp apparatus  610 . 
     In some embodiments, the clamp apparatus  610  includes a housing  612 . As shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the housing  612  may be shaped like a rectangular tray. The bottom face  614  of the housing  612 , may be substantially planar. In some embodiments, the bottom face  614  of the housing  612  may have one or more gear attachment sites  616 . The bottom face may also have one or more raised posts  618 . The raised posts may comprise a hole sunk substantially into the center of the posts  618 . The hole may additionally be tapped to receive the thread of a screw. As shown in  FIG.  7 A , the gear attachment sites  616  and the raised posts  618  may all be in line with each other. Also as shown, the gear attachment sites  616  and the raised posts  618 , may run along the center line of the bottom face  614  running parallel to the front wall  622  and back wall  624  of the housing  612 . The gear attachment sites  616  and raised posts  618  will be further elaborated upon later. 
     At least a portion of the housing  612  may also feature any of a variety of mechanisms  619  (not shown) to attach a load to the clamp apparatus  610 . Such mechanisms  619  may include, but are not limited to, brackets, magnets, straps, suction cups, hooks, screws or bolts, a friction fit, etc. This load could be any number of things, especially a medical device (such as an infusion pump, or peristaltic infusion pump), I.V. bag, etc. 
     As mentioned above, the housing  612  may comprise a front wall  622  and a back wall  624 . Relative to  FIG.  7 D , the front wall  622  projects toward the top of the page from the edge of the bottom face  614  which faces the front of the page. The front wall  622  projects substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the bottom face  614  of the housing  612 . The interior face of the front wall  622  may comprise a projecting track section  628  which runs parallel to the top and bottom edges of the front wall  622 . The back wall  624  projects toward the top of the page from the edge of the bottom face  614  of the housing  612  which faces the back of the page. The back wall  624  projects perpendicularly to the bottom face  614  of the housing  612 . The interior face of the back wall  624  may comprise a projecting track section  629  which runs parallel to the top and bottom edges of the back wall  624 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the right side  620  and left side  626  of the housing  612  are detachable end caps. The right side  620  and left side  626  of the housing  612  may be coupled to the bottom face  614  of the housing  612  via screws, bolts, welds, or any other suitable means. In other embodiments, the right side  620  and left side  626  may be formed as a continuous part of the housing  612  during manufacture. The right side  620  of the housing  612  may have an overhanging flange  621  which overhangs a portion of the bottom face  614  of the housing  612 . Similarly, the left side  626  of the housing  612  may have an overhanging flange  627  which overhangs a portion of the bottom face  614  of the housing  612 . 
     In some embodiments, a first gripper  601  and a second gripper  602  are firmly attached to a first bracket  604  and a second bracket  606  respectively. The first bracket  604  and second bracket  606  respectively comprise a part of the first moving jaw  630  and second moving jaw  632 . In the example embodiment depicted in  FIG.  7 A- 7 D , each of the first bracket  604  and second bracket  606  comprise friction fit features  607 . The friction fit features  607  allow the respective grippers  601  and  602  to be coupled to the first bracket  604  and second bracket  606 . In other embodiments, the grippers  601  and  602  may be coupled to the first bracket  604  and second bracket  606  by any number of coupling means including, but not limited to, screws, bolts, ultrasonic welds, magnets, adhesive, etc. 
     The first gripper  601  and second gripper  602  consists of a material chosen for its gripping ability. The first gripper  601  and second gripper  602  may be made of a high friction material, a compressible material, a material exhibiting both these qualities, or any other suitable material. The first gripper  601  and second gripper  602  are made of a material which allows a firm grip without the deformation of a clamped object  100 . Suitable materials may include any suitable elastomeric or non-deformable substance, including but not limited to plastic, rubber, metal, foam, fabric, gel, polyurethane, etc. At least a portion of the first gripper  601  and second gripper  602  may comprise roughly semi-circular depressions or contours to accommodate a round clamped object  100  such as a pole. The first gripper  601  and second gripper  602  may be replaceable. 
     In some embodiments, the first gripper  601  and second gripper  602  may comprise gripper teeth  613  which project from the top and bottom edges of the first gripper  601  and second gripper  602 . The gripper teeth  613  may be disposed about the first gripper  601  and second gripper  602  such that they may interdigitate with each other when the clamp apparatus  610  is in the closed position. The gripper teeth  613  allow the first gripper  601  and second gripper  602  to better encompass and hold a clamped object  100  when the clamp apparatus  610  in the closed position. The first bracket  604  and second bracket  606  may comprise bracket teeth  615  which support the gripper teeth  613  on the first gripper  601  and second gripper  602 . The bracket teeth  615  may be disposed about the first bracket  604  and second bracket  606  such that they interdigitate with each other similarly to the gripper teeth  613 . 
     The first bracket  604  may have a flange  634  which extends perpendicularly off the face of the first bracket  604  opposite the face to which the first gripper  601  is attached. The flange  634  is shaped and disposed such that it may slide under the overhanging flange  621  of the right side  620  of the housing  612 . A polygonal block  636  may be fixedly coupled to the bottom face of the first bracket  604  (relative to  FIG.  7 D ). In the example embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the polygonal block  636  is specifically a long, rectangular block. The short, right and left ends of the long, rectangular block run parallel to the right edge of the flange  634  of the first bracket  604 . The long sides of the rectangular block in the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , extend for roughly seventy-five percent of the length of the front wall  622  of the housing  612 . This may differ in alternate embodiments. The first bracket  604 , first gripper  601 , flange  634 , and polygonal block  636  collectively may comprise the first moving jaw  630 . 
     One side of the polygonal block  636  may abut the interior face of the front wall  622 . The side of the polygonal block  636  which abuts the interior face of the front wall  622  may include a recessed groove  638  which accepts the projecting track section  628  on the interior face of the front wall  622 . The projecting track section  628  operatively functions as a guide to inform the movement of the first moving jaw  630 . 
     The side of the polygonal block  636  opposite the recessed groove  638  may include a projecting jaw track section  640 . The projecting jaw track section  640  runs substantially parallel to the recessed groove  638 . The bottom of the polygonal block  636  may comprise an extension spring trough  642  which is sunk into the bottom face of the polygonal block  636 . The extension spring trough  642  also runs parallel to both the recessed groove  638  and projecting jaw track section  640 . The bottom of the polygonal block  636  may abut the bottom face  614  of the housing  612 . 
     A first extension spring  644  may be placed in the extension spring trough  642 . As shown in the embodiment in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the right end (relative to  FIG.  7 D ) of the extension spring  644  may be coupled into the extension spring trough  642  by a first extension spring peg  646 . The left end of the extension spring  644  may be coupled to the bottom face  614  of the housing  612  by a second extension spring peg  648 . The first extension spring  644  biases the first moving jaw  630  toward the closed position. Moving the first moving jaw  630  from the closed position to the open position extends the first extension spring  644 . The restoring force from the first extension spring  644  will automatically cause the first moving jaw  630  to return to the closed position. When a clamped object  100  is present, the restoring force of the first extension spring  644  will cause the first moving jaw  630  to press the first gripper  601  into the clamped object  100 , automatically adjusting to the size or girth of the clamped object  100 . 
     In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , a first rack  650  may additionally be coupled to the bottom of the first moving jaw  630 . As shown, the first rack  650  is coupled to the first moving jaw  630  via two screws  652 . One screw  652  couples the first rack  650  to the first moving jaw  630  via a screw hole in the flange  634 . As shown, the first moving jaw  630  may further comprise a coupling ledge  654  which projects along the plane of the bottom of the first bracket  604 . The coupling ledge  654  projects toward the left of the page relative to  FIG.  7 D . The second screw  652  couples the first rack  650  to the first moving jaw  630  through a screw hole in the coupling ledge  654 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the first rack  650  has a rack groove  656  recessed into the face of the first rack  650  which faces the back of the page relative to  FIG.  7 D . The face opposite the rack groove  656  comprises a number of rack teeth  658 . 
     The second moving jaw  632  may be generally similar to the first moving jaw  630 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the second moving jaw  632  is similar to the first moving jaw  630  although it comprises some additional or different components. The second bracket  606  may comprise a second flange  660  which extends perpendicularly off the face of the second bracket  606  opposite the face to which the second gripper  603  is attached. As shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the second flange  660  may be detachable. In embodiments where the second flange  660  may be detachable, the second flange  660  may be coupled to the second bracket  606  via screws, bolts, magnets, adhesive, etc. 
     The second flange  660  may comprise a handle mechanism cover  662 . The handle mechanism cover  662  may be raised off the second flange  660  toward the top of the page. At least one section of the handle mechanism cover  662  may comprise an arcuated segment  664  which faces a pivoting handle  666 . The arcuated segment  664  allows the pivoting handle  666  to rotate. The handle mechanism cover  662  helps to keep foreign material and debris from getting inside the clamp apparatus  610 . The handle mechanism cover  662  does not abut the second bracket  606 . The handle mechanism cover  662  is offset from the second bracket  606  toward the left of the page relative to  FIG.  7 D . The void created between the second bracket  606  and the handle mechanism cover  662  allows various linkages to couple the pivoting handle  666  to the inner workings of the clamp apparatus  610 . 
     The second bracket  606  may additionally comprise wings  668  which project off the front and back edges of the second bracket  606  toward the handle mechanism cover  662 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the wings  668  are not coupled to the handle mechanism cover  662 . A handle spring peg  670  extends through the bottom of each wing  668 . The handle spring pegs  670  protrude into the void between the second bracket  606  and the handle mechanism cover  662 . One end of a handle extension spring  672  may be placed around each handle spring peg  670 . 
     As shown in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  a slit  674  is recessed into the each wing  668  on a plane parallel to the front wall  622  and back wall  624  of the housing  612 . The slit  672  may effectively make the top portion of each wing  668  into a coupling bracket to which fins  676  projecting off the pivoting handle  666  may be inserted. A dowel  678  may run through each wing  668  into the slits  674  and through the fins  676  of the pivoting handle  666 . The dowels  678  pivotally couple the pivoting handle  666  to the wings  668  of the second bracket  606 . The dowels  678  act as the pivot axis for the pivoting handle  666 . 
     The fins  676  of the pivoting handle  666  may also comprise a hole through which a second set of handle spring pegs  671  may extend. The second set of handle spring pegs  671  may protrude into the void between the second bracket  606  and the handle mechanism cover  662 . The end of each handle extension spring  672  not connected to the first set of handle spring pegs  670  is connected to the second set of handle spring pegs  671 . The handle extension spring  672  thus acts as an over-center linkage and helps keep the pivoting handle  666  in the closed position if the pivoting handle  666  is in the closed position and helps keep the pivoting handle  666  in the open position if the pivoting handle  666  is in the open position. 
     In the example embodiments shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the pivoting handle  666  extends toward the right of the page. In some embodiments, including those displayed in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the pivoting handle  666  comprises an open section  680  through which a user may place their fingers. The open section  680  of the pivoting handle may be included to allow a user to grasp the pivoting handle  666  more easily. The pivoting handle may also comprise a bent or arced section  681 . Again, the bent or arced section of the pivoting handle  666  may make it easier for a user to grasp the pivoting handle  666 . 
     A portion of the bent or arced section  681  of the pivoting handle  666  may be made of the same material as the rest of the pivoting handle  666 , may be made of a different material, or may be made of a combination thereof. Possible materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, etc. Additionally, the bent or arced section  681  may comprise ergonomic finger groves, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc. to afford a user greater ease of use. 
     The second moving jaw  632  may additionally comprise a second polygonal block  682 . The second polygonal block  682  may be fixedly coupled to the bottom face of the second bracket  606  (relative to  FIG.  7 D ). In the example embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the second polygonal block  682  is specifically a long, rectangular block. The short, right and left ends of the long, rectangular block run perpendicular to the planes of the front wall  622  and back wall  624  of the housing  612 . The long sides of the rectangular block in the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , extend for roughly seventy-five percent of the length of the back wall  624  of the housing  612 . This may differ in alternate embodiments. 
     One side of the second polygonal block  682  may abut the interior face of the back wall  624 . The side of the second polygonal block  682  which abuts the interior face of the back wall  624  may include a recessed groove  684  which accepts the projecting track section  629  on the interior face of the back wall  624 . The projecting track section  629  operatively functions as a guide to inform the movement of the second moving jaw  632 . 
     The side of the second polygonal block  682  opposite the recessed groove  684  may include a projecting second jaw track section  686 . The projecting second jaw track section  686  runs substantially parallel to the recessed groove  684 . The bottom of the second polygonal block  682  may comprise a second extension spring trough  688  which is sunk into the bottom face of the second polygonal block  682 . The extension spring trough  688  also runs parallel to both the recessed groove  684  and projecting second jaw track section  686 . The bottom of the second polygonal block  682  may abut the bottom face  614  of the housing  612 . 
     A second extension spring  689  may be placed in the extension spring trough  688 . As shown in the embodiment in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the left end (relative to  FIG.  7 D ) of the second extension spring  689  may be coupled into the extension spring trough  688  by a third extension spring peg  683 . The right end of the extension spring  689  may be coupled to the bottom face  614  of the housing  612  by a fourth extension spring peg  685 . The second extension spring  689  biases the second moving jaw  632  toward the closed position. Moving the second moving jaw  632  from the closed position to the open position extends the second extension spring  689 . The restoring force from the second extension spring  689  will automatically cause the second moving jaw  632  to return to the closed position. When a clamped object  100  is present, the restoring force of the second extension spring  689  will cause the second moving jaw  632  to press the second gripper  603  into the clamped object  100 , automatically adjusting to the size or girth of the clamped object  100 . 
     In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , a second rack  690  may additionally be coupled to the bottom of the second moving jaw  632 . As shown, the second rack  690  is coupled to the second moving jaw  632  via two screws  691 . One screw  691  couples the second rack  690  to the second moving jaw  632  via a screw hole in a ledge  692  which projects under the second flange  660 . As shown, the second moving jaw  630  may further comprise an additional ledge  693  which projects along the plane of the bottom of the second bracket  606 . The additional ledge  693  projects toward the right of the page relative to  FIG.  7 D . The second screw  691  couples the second rack  690  to the second moving jaw  632  through a screw hole in the additional ledge  693 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the second rack  690  has a second rack groove  694  recessed into the face of the second rack  690  which faces the front of the page relative to  FIG.  7 D . The face opposite the second rack groove  694  comprises a number of second rack teeth  695 . 
     When the clamp apparatus  610  is assembled, the second rack groove  694  fits around and is guided by the projecting jaw track section  640  coupled to the first moving jaw  630 . Similarly the rack groove  656  fits around and is guided by the projecting second jaw track section  686 . The first rack teeth  658  and the second rack teeth  695  face each other. The first rack  650  and second rack  690  run substantially parallel to each other. The first rack teeth  568  and second rack teeth  695  mesh with teeth on opposite sides of at least one pinion gear  696 . The at least one pinion gear  696  may be placed on a gear shaft  697  which runs into the at least one gear attachment site  616  described earlier in the specification. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , two pinion gears  696  are present. Each pinion gear  696  is placed on its own gear shaft  697  which in turn runs into its own gear attachment site  616  located on the bottom face  614  of the housing  612 . To ensure the pinion gears  696  do not stray off their associated gear shafts  697 , the pinion gears  696  may be sandwiched against the back face  614  of the housing  612  by a bar-like plate  698 . The bar-like plate  698  is coupled to the raised posts  618  which project off the back face  614  of the housing  612  via screws  699 . 
     Since both the first rack  650  and the second rack  690  mesh with the same pinion gear(s)  696  on opposite sides of said pinion gear(s)  696 , any movement of either the first moving jaw  630  or the second moving jaw  632  necessitates movement of the other moving jaw in the opposite direction. If one moving jaw is pulled to the open position, the other moving jaw must then also move to the open position. If one moving jaw retracts toward the closed position, the other moving jaw must then also retract toward the closed position. 
     The clamp apparatus  610  additionally comprises a tightening/locking mechanism  631 . The tightening/locking mechanism  631  may comprise a number of components. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the tightening/locking mechanism  631  comprises a linkage  633 , a cam  635 , and a cincher  637 . The cincher  637  may comprise a post  639  and a flat plate  641 . The tightening/locking mechanism  631  may be disposed in the void between the handle mechanism cover  662  and the gripper bracket  605 . The linkage  633  is pivotally coupled on one end to the pivoting handle  666 . The linkage  633  may be pivotally coupled to the pivoting handle  666  by any means known to one skilled in the art. The other end of the linkage  633  is pivotally coupled to an end of the cam  635 . The other end of the cam  635  may comprise a slot which accepts the post  639  of the cincher  637 . The cam  635  may be pivotally coupled to the post  639  of the cincher  637  by any means known to one skilled in the art. In the example embodiment, the post  639  of the cincher  637  projects perpendicularly from the flat plate  641  of the cincher  637 . 
     The flat plate  641  of the cincher  637  is disposed under the rack  650  of the first moving gripper  630  when the clamp apparatus  610  is fully assembled. The post  639  of the cincher  637  projects up through a channel  643  which is cut out of the rack  650 . The channel  643  may not run the entire length of the rack  650 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , as the pivoting handle  666  is pivoted from the open position to the closed position, the linkage  633  also moves. Movement of the linkage  633  causes the cam  635  to rotate. Rotation of the cam  635  causes the cincher  637  to experience linear displacement along the channel  643  of the rack  650 . Since the channel  643  does not run the entire length of the rack  650 , the post  639  of the cincher  637  abuts the end of the channel  643  and begins to cause linear displacement of the rack  650 . Linear displacement of the rack  650  causes both the first moving jaw  630  and second moving jaw  632  to move, cinch down on, and clamp harder on a clamped object  100 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the linkage  633  is also an over-center linkage. When the pivoting handle  666  moves all the way to the closed position, the linkage  633  assumes an over-center position. When the linkage  633  assumes this over-center position, the clamp apparatus  610  is effectively locked. 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  show another example embodiment of a clamp apparatus  710 . In the clamp apparatus  710  shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , a user rotates a toggle handle  750  to provide the force needed to propel a movable gripper assembly  704  towards a fixed gripper assembly  703  via at least one linkage  770  which may be an over-center linkage. 
     In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the fixed gripper assembly  703  comprises a fixed gripper cradle  711 , a fixed gripper  713 , and a fixed gripper base  717 . The fixed gripper cradle  711  extends off the top face of the fixed gripper base  717 . More specifically, the fixed gripper cradle  711  extends from the right edge (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) of the fixed gripper base  717  at an angle roughly perpendicular to the top face of the fixed gripper base  717  and is fixedly coupled to the fixed gripper base  717 . 
     A fixed gripper  713  is coupled to the face of the fixed gripper cradle  711  which faces the movable gripper assembly  704 . The fixed gripper  713  may be coupled to the fixed gripper cradle  711  by any of a variety of coupling means including, but not limited to, screws, bolts, magnets, adhesive, ultrasonic welds, snap fit, friction fit. In some embodiments the fixed gripper  713  may be overmolded onto the fixed gripper cradle  711 . 
     The fixed gripper base  717  may be a roughly rectangular block as shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D . The fixed gripper base  717  may comprise a cavity  719  which is dimensioned to fit and surround the gripper sled  705  when the clamp apparatus  710  is in the closed orientation. The fixed gripper base  717  may also comprise at least one buttress  715  which helps to support the fixed gripper cradle  711 . The fixed gripper base  717  may comprise one or a number of threaded holes  791 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , four screws  714  run through the housing  712  of the clamp apparatus  710  and into corresponding threaded holes  791  in bottom of the fixed gripper base  717 . The four screws  714  couple the fixed gripper base  717  to the housing  712 . In alternate embodiments, different coupling methods may be employed including, bolts, welds, magnets, adhesive, and any other coupling method known to one skilled in the art. The fixed gripper base  717  may alternatively be a continuous part of the housing  712 . 
     In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the movable gripper assembly  704  comprises a movable gripper cradle  706 , movable gripper  701 , and a gripper sled  705 . As shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the movable gripper cradle  706  extends off the top face of a gripper sled  705 . More specifically, the movable gripper cradle  706  extends from the right edge (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) of the gripper sled  705  at an angle roughly perpendicular to the top face of the gripper sled  705  and is fixedly coupled to the gripper sled  705 . This may differ in alternate embodiments. 
     A movable gripper  701  is coupled to the face of the movable gripper cradle  706  which faces the fixed gripper assembly  703 . The movable gripper  701  may be coupled to the movable gripper cradle  706  by any of a variety of coupling means including, but not limited to, screws, bolts, magnets, adhesive, ultrasonic welds, snap fit, friction fit. 
     The movable gripper  701  and fixed gripper  713  may consist of a material chosen for its gripping ability. The movable gripper  701  and fixed gripper  713  may be made of a high friction material, a compressible material, a material exhibiting both these qualities, or any other suitable material. The movable gripper  701  and fixed gripper  713  are made of a material which allows for a firm grip without the deformation of a clamped object  100 . Suitable materials may include any suitable elastomeric or non-deformable substance, including but not limited to plastic, rubber, metal, foam, fabric, gel, etc. At least a portion of the movable gripper  701  and fixed gripper  713  may comprise roughly semi-circular depressions or contours to accommodate a round clamped object  100  such as a pole. The movable gripper  701  and fixed gripper  713  may be replaceable. 
     In some embodiments, the movable gripper  701  and fixed gripper  713  may comprise gripper teeth  792  (As shown in  FIG.  8 A ) which project from the top and bottom edges of the movable gripper  701  and fixed gripper  713 . The gripper teeth  792  may be disposed about the movable gripper  701  and fixed gripper  713  such that they may interdigitate with each other when the clamp apparatus  710  is in the closed position. The gripper teeth  792  allow the movable gripper  701  and fixed gripper  713  to hold an increased range of clamped object  100  when the clamp apparatus  710  is in the closed position. By disposing the gripper teeth  794  such that they may interdigitate, the movable gripper  701  may move further toward the closed position. The movable gripper cradle  706  and the fixed gripper cradle  711  may comprise cradle teeth  794  which support the gripper teeth  792  on the movable gripper  701  and fixed gripper  713 . The cradle teeth  794  may be disposed about the movable gripper cradle  706  and the fixed gripper cradle  711  such that they interdigitate with each other similarly to the gripper teeth  792 . 
     As illustrated in the example embodiment in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the gripper sled  705  may be roughly rectangular. The gripper sled  705  may be substantially hollow and open to the hollow on one end. In  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the gripper sled  705  is hollow, except for a dividing wall  707  (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) which extends from the interior bottom face of the hollow to the interior top face of the hollow. The dividing wall  707  divides the hollow portion of the gripper sled  705  into two spring bays  709  which are roughly equally dimensioned. The gripper sled  705  in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  is open to the hollow on its right end (relative to  FIG.  8 D ). In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  a spring  730  is seated in each of the spring bays  709 . The spring  730  is a compression spring  730 . In a preferred embodiment, the clamp apparatus  710  may be adapted to fit at least one constant force spring  4012  instead of or in addition to the compression spring  730 . Constant force springs  4012  may be used in other embodiments such as but not limited to those detailed above. Using a constant force spring  4012  is preferable because it may make the clamp apparatus  710  easier to operate, especially when it is being used to clamp a large/thick object. It may also allow the clamp apparatus  710  to be made more compactly. An alternative embodiment comprising a constant force spring  4012  is shown in  FIGS.  8 E- 8 F . 
     The gripper sled  705  may also comprise sled projecting tracks  708  on its front and back faces (relative to orientation in  FIG.  8 D ). The sled projecting tracks  708  fit into guide grooves  721  on a driven member  720 . In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the driven member  720  is roughly “U” shaped. The bottom face  722  of the driven member  720  comprises the bottom span of the “U” shape. Projecting perpendicularly from front and back edges (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) of the bottom face  722  of the driven member  720  toward the top of the page are a front upright wall  723  and a back upright wall  724 . The front upright wall  723  and back upright wall  724  comprise the upright spans of the “U” shape. The guide grooves  721  run along the surfaces of the front upright wall  723  and back upright wall  724  which face each other. 
     In some embodiments, the driven member  720  may comprise at least one appendage  725  which extends from either the front upright wall  723  or back upright wall  724 . In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the driven member  720 , includes two appendages  725 . One appendage  725  extends from the face of the front upright wall  723  opposite the face on which the guide groove  721  of the front upright wall  723  is disposed. The other appendage extends from the face of the back upright wall  724  opposite the face on which the guide groove  721  of the back upright wall  724  is disposed. 
     The appendages  725  are roughly “L” shaped. One portion of each appendage  725  projects from its corresponding front upright wall  723  or back upright wall  724  at an angle substantially perpendicular to the front upright wall  723  and back upright wall  724 . This portion of each appendage  725  comprises the horizontal span of the “L” shape. The vertical span of the “L” shape is formed by a second portion of the appendage  725  which projects toward the top of the page from the distal end of the first portion of the appendage  725  at an angle substantially perpendicular to the first portion of the appendage  725 . As shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  the one or more appendages may be buttressed by at least one support piece  726 . In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the one or more appendages may not span the entire length of the front upright wall  723  and back upright wall  724  of the driven member  720 . In the shown embodiment, the appendages stop short of the left edge (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) of the driven member  720 . 
     The appendages  725  or a portion of the appendages  725  may fit into and slide along a grooved track  740  on front wall  741  and back wall  742  the housing  712 . The bottom of the driven member  720  may ride along the bottom face  743  of the housing  712 . 
     When the clamp apparatus  710  is assembled, the gripper sled  705  fits in the driven member  720  between the front upright wall  723  and back upright wall  724 . When the clamp apparatus  710  is not clamped around a clamped object  100  the gripper sled  705  fits in the driven member  720  such that the right and left faces (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) of the gripper sled  705  are flush with the right and left edges of the driven member  720 . One end of each compression spring  730  abuts the interior left face (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) of the hollow portion of the gripper sled  705 . The other end of each compression spring  730  abuts a compression spring disc  731  which projects toward the top of the page from the right edge (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) of the driven member  720 . The compression springs  730  bias the gripper sled  705  to the unclamped position where the gripper sled  705  is flush with the right and left edges (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) of the driven member  720 . 
     When the clamp apparatus  710  is actuated from the open position to a clamped position the driven member  720  moves toward the fixed gripper assembly  703  and the appendages  725  of the driven member  720  slide along the grooved tracks  740  on the housing  712 . In turn, this displaces the movable gripper assembly  704  toward the fixed gripper  703  assembly. Until the movable gripper  701  contacts a clamped object  100 , the driven member  720  and movable gripper assembly  703  move as a unit. When the movable gripper  701  comes into contact with a clamped object  100 , the movable gripper assembly  704  can make no further progress toward the fixed gripper assembly  703  because the clamped object  100  is in the way. The driven member  720  continues to move toward the fixed gripper assembly  703  compressing the compression springs  730  between the interior left wall (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) of the hollow portion of the gripper sled  705  and the compression spring discs  731 . The restoring force of the compression springs  730  causes the movable gripper assembly  704  to exert a more vigorous clamping force on the clamped object  100 . 
     When the clamp apparatus  710  is moved from a clamped position toward an open position, the restoring force of the compression springs  730  may automatically spring the clamp apparatus  710  back to the unclamped and open position. 
     The clamp apparatus  710  may be moved from the open position to the closed position by user actuation of a toggle handle  750 . One end of the toggle handle  750  may be pivotally coupled to the housing  712  of the clamp apparatus  710 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the toggle handle  750  attaches to the right (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) end cap  745  of the housing  712 . As shown, the right end cap  745  projects perpendicularly from the bottom face  743  of the housing  712  toward the top of the page. The right end cap  745  may be fixedly coupled to the housing  712  via screws, bolts, welds, etc. or may be molded as a continuous part of the housing  712 . 
     The right end cap  745  may comprise a number of other features. As shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the right end cap  745  may comprise a pair of projections  746  which project toward the fixed gripper assembly  703 . The projection  746  may extend parallel to the front wall  741  and back wall  742  of the housing  712 . Extension spring pegs  760  may protrude from each of the pair of projections  746 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , each of the extension spring pegs  760  project substantially perpendicularly from one of the pair of projections  746 . One end of an extension spring  762  is placed around each extension spring peg  760 . The extension springs  762  will be elaborated upon later. 
     Extending from the top edge of the right end cap  745  toward the fixed gripper assembly  703  may be a guide piece  748 . The guide piece  748  may extend parallel to the plane of the bottom face  743  of the housing  712 . The guide piece  748  may overhang the bottom face  743  of the housing  712 . As shown, the guide piece  748  in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , may only extend from the medial section of the top edge of the right end cap  745 . 
     The right end cap  745  may also comprise a pair of U-brackets  747 . In the embodiment shown, the U-brackets  747  are disposed on the right end cap  745  such that the uprights of each U-bracket  747  project in the same direction and plane as the pair of projections  746 . One of the upright sections of one U-bracket  747  may be flush with the front edge of the right end cap  745  and abut the interior face of the front wall when the clamp apparatus  710  is assembled. One of the upright sections of the other U-bracket  747  may be flush with the back edge of the right end cap  745  and abut the interior face of the back wall  742  of the housing  712  when the clamp apparatus  710  is assembled. The other upright of each U-bracket  747  may be offset from the first upright of each U-bracket  747  such that it nearly abuts the extension spring pegs  760 . The bottom span of the U-bracket  747  may be formed by a face of the right end cap  745 . In alternate embodiments, the number, location, and orientation of projections  746 , U-brackets  747 , extension spring pegs  760 , and extension springs  762  may differ. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the toggle handle  750  is pivotally coupled into the U-brackets  747 . As shown, this is accomplished by means of dowel pins  749  which run through the U-brackets  747  and into the coupling spans  752  of the toggle handle  750 . The toggle handle  750  in the exemplary embodiment may be divided up into a number of sections. As indicated above, the toggle clamp may have one or more coupling spans  752  to which other components of the clamp apparatus  710  may be coupled. Relative to  FIG.  8 D , the coupling spans  752  are two vertical spans. As shown, the coupling spans  752  are offset from each other. Extending toward the right of the page from the each coupling span  752  at an angle roughly perpendicular to each coupling span  752  may be a horizontal span  753 . The horizontal spans  753  may be joined by a strut  754 . In some embodiments, the strut  754  may complete the toggle handle  750 . In the illustrated embodiment in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the toggle handle  750  comprises additional sections. Projecting off the strut  754  vertically toward the top of the page (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) are two extension spans  757 . The extension spans  757  may be connected together by a handle grip  758  which a user may grasp when actuating the toggle handle  750 . 
     At least a portion of the handle grip  758  may be made of the same material as the rest of the toggle handle  750 , may be made of a different material, or may be made of a combination thereof. Possible materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, polymer, composite, metal, plastic, foam, fabric, etc. Additionally, the handle grip  758  may comprise ergonomic finger groves, nubs, a ribbed texture, a honeycombed texture, etc. to facilitate ease of grasping and gripping. 
     In addition to the coupling spans  752  coupling the toggle handle  750  to the clamp apparatus  710 , the coupling spans  752  may also comprise a pair of handle extension spring pegs  763 . In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , one of the pair of handle extension spring pegs  763  projects perpendicularly from each coupling span  752  of the toggle handle  750 . In the example embodiment in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the handle extension spring pegs  763  project from the surface of each coupling span  752  which faces the opposite coupling span  752 . The end of the each extension spring  762  not seated on the first pair of extension spring pegs  760  is seated around one of the pair of handle extension spring pegs  763 . In the example embodiment in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the extension springs  762  act as over-center springs. When the toggle handle  750  is in the open position, the extension springs  762  bias the toggle handle  750  to stay in the open position. When the toggle handle  750  is in the closed position, the extension springs  762  move to an over-center position and bias the toggle handle  750  to stay in the closed position. 
     The coupling spans  752  of the toggle handle  750  may additionally couple to linkages  770 . In the example embodiment in  FIG.  8 A- 8 D , one end of each linkage  770  is pivotally coupled to the driven member  720 . As shown, one linkage  770  is pivotally coupled between the front upright wall  723  of the driven member  720  and the vertical span of the appendage  725  which extends off the front upright wall  723  of the driven member  720 . Also as shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the other linkage  770  is pivotally coupled between the back upright wall  724  of the driven member  720  and the vertical span of the appendage  725  which extends off the back upright wall  724  of the driven member  720 . In the example embodiment in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , a dowel  771  is used to pivotally couple the linkages  770  to the driven member  720 . 
     The other end of each linkage  770  pivotally couples to the top of one of the coupling spans  752  of the toggle handle  750 . The linkage  770  and coupling spans  752  may be pivotally coupled by means of a coupling dowel pin  772 . Any other suitable coupling means may also be used. 
     When the clamp apparatus  710  is actuated, the coupling span  752  of the toggle handle  750  and the linkages  770  collectively may act as an over-center linkage. To actuate the toggle handle  750  a user may grasp the handle grip  758  of toggle handle  750 . The user may then rotate the toggle handle  750  substantially a full 90° counter-clockwise from the orientation of the handle toggle handle  750  shown in  FIG.  8 A . In some embodiments, the sufficient degree of rotation may be larger or smaller (e.g. 95°). As the toggle handle  750  is rotated, the linkage  770  and coupling span  752  which comprise the over-center linkage move toward the center position. This pushes the driven member  720  and movable gripper assembly  704  as detailed above. Slightly before the toggle handle  750  has been rotated a full 90° counter-clockwise, the linkage  770  and coupling span  752  comprising the over-center linkage reach the center position. When the linkage and coupling span  752  comprising the over-center linkage reach the center position a large force is generated on the moveable gripper assembly  704  by applying only a small force to the toggle handle  750 . When the toggle handle  750  is rotated the full 90° counter-clockwise, the linkage  770  and the coupling span  752  comprising the over-center linkage reach an over-center position which keeps the toggle handle  750  and clamp apparatus  710  in the closed and clamped position and acts as a passive latch. This clamping action makes actuation of the clamp apparatus  710  easy for the user while also providing a sufficiently strong clamping force. 
     In some embodiments, the toggle handle  750  comprises a toggle handle latch  780  that operatively secures the toggle handle  750  and clamp apparatus  710  in the closed and clamped position. The toggle handle latch  780  may be disposed on the handle grip  758  of the toggle handle  750  such that it fits in a concavity  759  in the handle grip  758 . The toggle handle latch  780  may be pivotally coupled to the handle grip  758  and may be pivotable between an advanced and a retracted position. In some embodiments a pivot pin bearing  781  runs the length of the toggle handle latch  780 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the pivot pin bearing  781  runs along the bottom edge of the toggle handle latch  780 . A pivot pin  782  may pivotally couple the toggle handle latch  780  to the handle grip  758  by running through the pivot pin bearing  781  and into at least part of the handle grip  758 . 
     In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the toggle handle latch  780  may be adapted such that a torsion spring  783  may be slid over at least a portion of the pivot pin bearing  781 . The torsion spring  783  may bias the toggle handle latch  780  to the advanced position. When the toggle handle latch  780  is pivoted toward the retracted position, the torsion spring  783  is spring loaded such that the restoring force of the torsion spring  783  causes the toggle handle latch  780  to automatically pivot back to the advanced position. In the advanced position, the toggle handle latch  780  is in its most protruding position. In the retracted position, the toggle handle latch  780  is pushed into the concavity  759  such that it protrudes minimally from the handle grip  758 . 
     In some embodiments, the toggle handle latch  780  may comprise a stop surface  784  along at a part of at least one face of the toggle handle latch  780 . The stop surface  784  catches on a part of the concavity  759  in the handle grip  758  and ensures the torsion spring  783  cannot eject the toggle handle latch  780  out of the concavity  759 . 
     The toggle handle latch  780  may also comprise a latch projection  785 . The latch projection  785  in the example embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  runs substantially the full length of the toggle handle latch  780  and projects off the toggle handle latch  780  toward the bottom of the page (relative to  FIG.  8 D ). This may differ in alternative embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, the left face (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) of the fixed gripper cradle  711  comprises a ramp catch  786  for the latch projection  785  of the toggle handle latch  780 . The catch  786  in alternative embodiments need not comprise a ramp. The catch  786  may take any other suitable form. 
     In the example embodiment in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , as the toggle handle  750  and toggle handle latch  780  are rotated toward the closed position, the latch projection  785  of the toggle handle latch  780  abuts the catch  786  ramp. As the toggle handle  750  continues to rotate toward the closed position, the latch projection  785  of the toggle handle latch  780  rides up the catch  786  ramp. This causes the toggle handle latch  780  to be pivoted into the retracted position, i.e. into the concavity  759  of the handle grip  758 . In turn, this twists the torsion spring  783  and stores mechanical energy in the torsion spring  783 . When the toggle handle  750  is in the fully closed position, the latch projection  785  of the toggle handle latch  780  clears the catch  786  ramp and the restoring force of the torsion spring  783  causes the toggle handle latch  780  to spring back to the advanced position. This locks the clamp apparatus  710  in the closed position as any movement toward the open position is prevented by the latch projection  785  of the toggle handle latch  780  catching on the lip of the catch  786  ramp. 
     To rotate the toggle handle  750  back toward the open position and/or unclamp the clamp apparatus  710 , a user must manually push in the toggle handle latch  780  to the retracted position. This allows the latch projection  785  of the toggle handle latch  780  to clear the lip of the catch  786  ramp, thus allowing rotation of the toggle handle  750  toward the open position. 
     In some embodiments, the toggle handle latch  780  may have various contours which provide an ergonomic benefit to the user as a user tries to depress the toggle handle latch  780  to the retracted position when opening the clamp apparatus  710 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , the toggle handle latch  780  comprises a valley  788  which may better accommodate a user&#39;s fingertips as they pivot the toggle handle latch  780  into the retracted position. In other embodiments there may be additional ergonomic contours which supplement or replace the valley  788 . 
     In some embodiments including a toggle handle  750  or actuator similar to the toggle handle  750 , the toggle handle  750  or toggle handle latch  780  may include an anti-pinch feature (not shown) to preclude a user from pinching a finger when rotating the toggle handle  750  to the closed position. In some embodiments, the anti-pinch feature may be a guard protrusion. In other embodiments, the anti-pinch feature may be an extended gripping portion on the toggle handle  750  which distances a users fingers from the latch projection  785  and the catch  786 . 
     In some embodiments, the housing  712  of the clamp apparatus  710  may also feature any of a variety of mechanisms  790  (not shown) to attach a load to the clamp apparatus  710 . Such mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, brackets, magnets, straps, suction cups, hooks, screws, bolts, a friction fit, etc. This load could be any number of things, especially a medical device (such as an infusion pump, or peristaltic infusion pump), I.V. bag, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp apparatus  710  may be adapted such that the fixed gripper assembly and  703  movable gripper assembly  704  may be oriented obliquely to the right and left ends (relative to  FIG.  8 D ) of the housing  712 . In embodiments where the gripper assemblies  703  and  704  are oriented obliquely, any load attached to the clamp apparatus  710  by any of the variety of mechanisms  790  detailed above would be at an angle oblique to a clamped object  100  clamped in the clamp apparatus  710 . Such an orientation may be helpful in accommodating the needs of a load attached to the clamp apparatus  710  through any of the variety of mechanisms  790  described in the preceding paragraph. 
       FIGS.  8 E- 8 F  show an alternative embodiment of the example clamp apparatus  710  shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D . As shown, the alternative embodiment of the clamp apparatus  710  shown in  FIG.  8 E  comprises a fixed gripper assembly  703  similar to the fixed gripper assembly  703  shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D . The fixed gripper assembly  703  in  FIG.  8 E  is somewhat simplified and allows the clamp apparatus  710  to have a more open concept which facilitates ease of cleaning. The fixed gripper assembly  703  in  FIG.  8 E  does not include a fixed gripper base  717  as it does in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D . The fixed gripper assembly in  FIG.  8 E  features two support legs  4000 . Each support leg  4000  may be coupled to the left (relative to  FIG.  8 E ) face of the fixed gripper cradle  711 . The support legs  4000  may be coupled to the fixed gripper cradle  711  at an angle which is substantially perpendicular to the left face of the fixed gripper cradle  711 . In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in  FIG.  8 E , the support legs  4000  may be formed as a continuous part of the fixed gripper cradle  711   b.    
     One support leg  4000  may coupled to the fixed gripper cradle  711  near the front edge of the fixed gripper cradle  711 . The second support leg  4000  may be coupled to the fixed gripper cradle  711  near the back edge of the fixed gripper cradle  711 . The support legs  4000  are slightly arched in the example embodiment shown in  FIG.  8 E . As shown, the width of the support legs  4000  may gradually decrease as the support legs  4000  extend toward the bottom of the page. The bottom of the support legs  4000  may be substantially parallel to the direction of elongation of the housing  712 . 
     As shown in the example embodiment in  FIG.  8 E , the threaded holes  791  which are located in the fixed gripper base  717  in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  may be disposed at the bottom of the support legs  4000 . The threaded holes  791  may extend through the bottom of the support legs  4000  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front and back faces of each support leg  4000 . As shown, four screws  714  may run through the housing  712  of the clamp apparatus  710  and into the corresponding threaded holes  791  in the bottom of the support legs  4000  thereby coupling the fixed gripper assembly  703  to the housing  712 . 
     As shown, the alternative embodiment of the clamp apparatus  710  shown in  FIGS.  8 E- 8 F  comprises a movable gripper assembly  704  similar to the movable gripper assembly  704  shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D . As shown, the movable gripper assembly  704  comprises a gripper sled  705 . The gripper sled  705  may be roughly planate and rectangular. The gripper sled  705  in  FIGS.  8 E- 8 F  is roughly planate and rectangular though one end of the rectangular gripper sled  705  is rounded. The gripper sled  705  may comprise a dovetail cutout  4002  as shown in  FIG.  8 E . The gripper sled  705  may be extruded. 
     The dovetail cutout  4002  of the gripper sled  705  may be sized to accommodate and slide along a dovetail projection  4004  on the housing  712  of the clamp apparatus  710 . As shown in the example embodiment in  FIG.  8 E , the dovetail projection  4004  in the housing  712  may run roughly parallel with the front wall  741  and back wall  742  of the housing  712 . The dovetail projection  4004  on the housing  712  may run along the medial portion of the bottom face  743  of the housing  712 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8 E , the housing  712  may include roller tracks  4006 . As shown, the roller tracks  4006  are similar to the grooved tracks  740  shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D . The roller tracks of the housing  712  will be further elaborated on later. The housing  712  may also include any number of housing voids  4008 . The housing voids  4008  may be cut into the housing  712  or may be created during manufacture of the housing  712 . The housing voids  4008  help to keep debris and unwanted matter from accumulating in and on the clamp apparatus  710 . The housing voids  4008  may also aid in making the clamp apparatus  710  easier to clean. In some embodiments, the housing  712  may be extruded. In such embodiments, the clamp  710  may be extruded from any suitable material. 
     The movable gripper assembly  704  may comprise a number of additional components in addition to the gripper sled  705 . Projecting perpendicularly from the top face of the gripper sled  705  on the right (relative to  FIG.  8 E ) of the gripper sled  705  there may be a spring housing  4010 . The spring housing  4010  may project in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the top face of the gripper sled  705 . The spring housing  4010  may be dimensioned such that the sides of the spring housing  4010  are flush with the edges of the gripper sled  705 . The spring housing  4010  may be coupled to the gripper sled  705  by any of a variety of fastening means. 
     In some embodiments, the movable gripper cradle  706  may be coupled to the left side (relative to  FIG.  8 E ) of the spring housing  4010 . In such embodiments, the movable gripper cradle  706  may be coupled to the spring housing  4010  by any suitable fastener. In the example embodiment, the movable gripper cradle  706  is made as a continuous part of the spring housing  4010 . As shown, the movable gripper cradle  706  is disposed on the spring housing  4010  such that it is at substantially the same height as the fixed gripper cradle  703 . 
     As shown in the cross section of the clamp apparatus  710  in  FIG.  8 F , the spring housing  4010  is substantially hollow. Within the hollow portion of the spring housing  4010  a constant force spring  4012  is housed. In some embodiments, there may be more than one constant force spring  4012  housed in the spring housing  4010 . The constant force spring  4012  in some example embodiments may be a rolled ribbon of spring steel. The constant force spring  4012  may be a laminar spring. In some embodiments, the constant force spring  4012  may be a triple laminar spring. In some embodiments, the constant force spring  4012  may be an approximately 19 lb constant force spring  4012 . Use of a constant force spring  4012  provides many benefits over other varieties of bias members as detailed above. 
     As shown, the constant force spring  4012  may be disposed about a mandrel  4014  which is capable of rotating about the axis of an axle  4016 . In the example embodiment, the mandrel  4014  is a solid spindle. In other embodiments, the mandrel  4014  may not be solid. In some embodiments, the mandrel  4014  may be a hollow cylinder. In some embodiments, the mandrel  4014  may be mostly hollow and comprise a number of supporting spokes. The axle  4016  may span across the hollow section of the spring housing  4010 . The axle  4016  may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall  741  and back wall  742  of the housing  712  shown in  FIG.  8 E . 
     In the example embodiment in  FIG.  8 F , the gripper sled  705  features a raised section  705   a . The raised section  705   a  of the gripper sled  705  projects off the gripper sled  705  toward the top of the page in manner substantially perpendicular to the rest of the gripper sled  705 . As shown, a small gap  4018  may be left between the top of the raised portion  705   a  of the gripper sled  705  and the bottom of the left side of the spring housing  4010 . The constant force spring  4012  may extend out of the spring housing  4010  through the small gap  4018 . 
     To help keep debris and other matter from entering the spring housing  4010 , spring housing sealing member  4020  may be placed at the bottom of the left side of the spring housing  4010 . As shown in the example embodiment in  FIG.  8 F , a part of the spring housing sealing member  4020  may be seated in a cavity recessed into the bottom face of the left side of the spring housing  4010 . The spring housing sealing member  4020  may be made of a deformable material. As the constant force spring  4012  is advanced and retracted out of and back into the spring housing  4010  during operation of the clamp apparatus  710 , the spring housing sealing member  4020  blocks any debris or other matter on the constant force spring  4012  from being pulled into the spring housing  4010  as the constant force spring  4012  retracts back into the spring housing  4010 . 
     One end of the constant force spring  4012  may be located exterior to the spring housing  4010  at all times. The end of the constant force spring  4012  located exterior to the spring housing  4010  may be fixedly coupled to a roller axle  4022 . By pulling the roller axle  4022  toward the left of the page (relative to  FIG.  8 F ) the constant force spring  4012  is unwound and spooled out of the spring housing  4010 . If the roller axle  4022  is released, the restoring force of the constant force spring  4012  will cause the roller axle  4022  to be biased back to the position shown in  FIG.  8 F . The constant force spring  4012  will also retract back into the spring housing  4010 . 
     A roller  4024  may be seated on each end of the roller axle  4022 . One of the rollers  4024  is visible in  FIG.  8 F . The rollers  4024  are capable of rotation about the axis of the roller axle  4022 . As shown in  FIGS.  8 E- 8 F , the rollers  4024  may ride and roll along the roller tracks  4006  on the front wall  741  and back wall  742  of the housing  712 . 
     Referring back to  FIG.  8 E , the linkages  770  extending from the toggle handle  750  may be coupled onto the roller axle  4022 . As such, the roller axle  4022  functions similarly to the driven member  720  in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  and may be referred to as an alternative driven member. When the clamp apparatus  710  is actuated from the open position to a clamped position via rotation of the toggle handle  750 , the roller axle  4022  moves toward the fixed gripper assembly  703  and the rollers  4024  on the roller axle  4022  slide along the roller tracks  4006  on the housing  712 . In turn, this displaces the movable gripper assembly  704  toward the fixed gripper  703  assembly. Until the movable gripper  701  contacts a clamped object  100 , the roller axle  4022  and movable gripper assembly  703  move as a unit. When the movable gripper  701  comes into contact with a clamped object  100 , the movable gripper assembly  704  can make no further progress toward the fixed gripper assembly  703  because the clamped object  100  is in the way. The roller axle  4022  continues to move toward the fixed gripper assembly  703 . This causes the constant force spring  4012  to be pulled out of the spring housing  4010 . The restoring force of the constant force spring  4012  causes the movable gripper assembly  704  to exert a more vigorous clamping force on the clamped object  100 . 
     When the clamp apparatus  710  is moved from a clamped position toward an open position by rotation of the toggle handle  750 , the restoring force of the constant force spring  4012  may automatically spring the clamp apparatus  710  back to the unclamped and open position. 
       FIG.  8 G  shows an alternate embodiment of a moveable gripper assembly  7000  with a housing  7005  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The moveable gripper assembly  7000  may be similar to the moveable gripper assembly shown in  FIG.  8 F . The moveable gripper assembly  7000  includes a moveable gripper  7001 , a driven member  7002 , and a gripper sled  7003  with a housing  7005 . The driven member  7002  is guided via guide members  7008  along a track  7006 . Note that the contact force spring  7010  (e.g., spring  4012  as shown in  FIG.  8 F ) is secured to the driven member  7002  by fasteners  7004 . 
     A Rack Apparatus 
       FIG.  9   a    depicts one exemplary embodiment of a rack  1810 . The rack  1810  includes a cylindrically-shaped support pole  1812 . A clamp assembly  1814  may be attached to a first end portion of the support pole  1812 . The clamp assembly  1814  may further include a clamp mechanism  1818  and an elongated, U-shaped handle  1820  that may be oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the support pole  1812 . The clamp assembly  1814  and the clamp mechanism  1818  may be configured to removably couple with a support structure such as an IV pole. As should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, any number of clamp mechanisms may be used to accomplish this objective, including the clamp mechanisms described below and above. The handle  1820  enables the rack  1810  and any received medical devices to be carried as unit from one location to another. In certain embodiments, the handle  1820  may serve as a means to actuate the clamp mechanism  1818 . One such embodiment could include a handle  1820  that shares an axis of rotation with a clamp mechanism  1818 , wherein the clamp mechanism  1818  includes at least one fixed gripper and at least one mobile gripper that may be coupled to the handle  1820 . Actuation of the clamp mechanism  1818  may be achieved by rotating the handle  1820  in a first direction such that the at least one mobile gripper rotates towards the at least one fixed gripper and a support structure therebetween. The at least one mobile gripper and the at least one fixed gripper may be secured in a clamped position by a latch or any other means known in the relevant art when the aforementioned grippers exert a sufficient clamping force on the support structure. Rotating the handle  1820  in a second, opposite direction may rotate the at least one mobile gripper away from the at least one fixed gripper, and the clamp mechanism  1818  may be decoupled from the support structure when the at least one mobile gripper is sufficiently far from the support structure. 
     A variety of medical device mounts may be disposed between the first end and a second end of the support pole  1812 .  FIGS.  9   a  and  9   b    depict an exemplary embodiment where the mounts may be elongated support plates that extend perpendicularly to the support pole  1812 .  FIG.  9   a    depicts a rack  1810  having a first support plate  1822 , a second support plate  1824 , and a third support plate  1826 .  FIG.  9   b    depicts an embodiment of an individual support plate  1856 . The support plate  1856  may be sized to receive and support a medical device. Examples of medical devices that may be received by the support plate  1856  include syringe pumps, infusion pumps, dialysis machines, pill dispensers, and chemotherapy devices. A first end portion of the support plate  1856  may be coupled to the support pole  1812  using a joint member  1830 . The support plate  1856  may include a first support plate projection  1834  and a second support plate projection  1836  that may interface with the joint member  1830  (see  FIG.  9 C ) to facilitate coupling. To more securely receive and retain a medical device, the support plate  1856  may include a flange  1828  that extends upwardly from a second end portion of the support plate  1856 . 
     To reduce the need to run power cables from electrical outlets to each individual medical device, each support plate  1856  may include a mount connector  1838  that may be adapted to transmit electrical power to a received medical device. In certain embodiments, the mount connector  1838  may also be adapted to enable signals to be communicated between two or more medical devices and thus provide each medical device with a network connection. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  9   a   , a corresponding number of joint members  1830  couple each of the support plates  1822 ,  1824 ,  1826  to the support pole  1812 . Each joint member  1830  may be configured to receive a support plate  1856  such that the joint member  1830  enables the received support plate  1856  to rotate around a longitudinal axis of the support pole  1812 .  FIG.  9   c    depicts an exemplary joint member  1830  that permits rotation around a longitudinal axis of the support pole  1812 . The joint member  1830  may include a joint member aperture  1862  that is sized to receive the support pole  1812 . The joint member  1830  may be rotated and re-secured to the support pole  1812  by loosening a threaded screw  1844 , rotating the exemplary joint member  1830  and a received support plate  1856  to the desired position, and retightening the threaded screw  1844 . 
     As depicted in  FIG.  9   c   , the exemplary joint member  1830  may include a first clamping arm  1846  and a second clamping arm  1848 , each having an inner surface that forms a portion of the joint member aperture  1862 . The first and the second clamping arms  1846 ,  1848  may further include a first threaded aperture  1850  and a second threaded aperture  1852  respectively. The first threaded aperture  1850  and the second threaded aperture  1852  may be aligned along a line A-A and each may be sized to receive the threaded screw  1844 . As will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, rotating the threaded screw  1844  in a first direction, generally clockwise, may pull the first and the second clamping arms  1846 ,  1848  towards one another and enable the joint member aperture  1862  to exert a predominantly horizontal force against a received support pole  1812  such that the received support pole  1812  may support, against the force of gravity, the weight of the joint member  1830 , the received support plate  1856 , and any received medical devices. Turning the threaded screw  1844  in a second, opposite, and generally counter-clockwise direction may push the first and the second clamping arms  1846 ,  1848  apart and may reduce the force applied to the support pole  1812  by the joint member aperture  1862  and may enable the joint member  1830  to be rotated about the support pole  1812 . 
     In addition, the joint member  1830  may be hingably coupled with a received support plate  1856 , and the joint member  1830  may be placed in one of a vertical or a horizontal orientation such that the received support plate  1856  (eg.  1822 ,  1824 ,  1826  in  FIG.  9   a   ) can rotate in a transverse plane or a longitudinal plane of the support pole  1812 .  FIGS.  9   b  and  9   c    respectively depict an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein a support plate  1856  and a joint member  1830  are configured to be hingably coupled, and wherein the resulting hinged joint may be placed in a substantially horizontal orientation such that the support plate  1856  may rotate in a longitudinal plane of the support pole  1812 .  FIG.  9   a    depicts an embodiment wherein the rack  1810  includes three of this type of coupling mechanism. Alternatively, a support plate  1856  or other type of medical device mount may be fixedly and rigidly coupled to the support pole  1812  in different embodiments. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  9   b   , the support plate  1856  may include a first support plate projection  1834  and a second support plate projection  1836  that extend in substantially parallel directions from a first end portion of the support plate  1856 . The first support plate projection  1834  and the second support plate projection  1836  respectively include a first support plate aperture  1858  and a second support plate aperture  1862  that may be aligned along a line B-B, and wherein each is sized to receive a pin  1842 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  9   c   , the joint member  1830  may include a first joint member projection  1832  and a second joint member projection  1856  that extend in substantially parallel directions. The first joint member projection  1832  and the second joint member projection  1856  may respectively include a first joint member aperture  1864  and a second joint member aperture  1866  that may be aligned along a line B-B, and wherein each is sized to receive a pin  1842 . 
     To hingably couple the support plate  1856  to the joint member  1830  as depicted in  FIG.  9   a   , the first and the second support plate projections  1834 ,  1836  and the first and the second joint member projections  1832 ,  1856  (referring now also to  FIGS.  9   b - c   ) may be respectively sized and disposed on the support plate  1856  and joint member  1830  such that the respective projections  1832 ,  1834 ,  1836 ,  1856  are capable of interleaving. The apertures  1864 ,  1866  of the joint member  1830  are configured to align with the apertures  1860 ,  1858  of the support plate  1856  such that all four apertures  1858 ,  1862 ,  1864 ,  1866  will align along the line B-B when the four projections  1832 ,  1834 ,  1836 ,  1856  are interleaved. When properly aligned, a pin  1842  may be inserted through and retained in the four apertures  1858 ,  1862 ,  1864 ,  1866  such that the joint member  1830  retains the support plate  1856 . As will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, a number of methods are available to maintain the position of the support plate  1856  about the pin  1842 . In certain embodiments, the friction between the interleaved projections  1832 ,  1834 ,  1836 ,  1856  and/or the friction between the pin  1842  and the four apertures  1858 ,  1862 ,  1864 ,  1866  in which the pin  1842  is disposed may be sufficient to maintain the position of the support plate  1856  about the pin  1842 . Any other structure may secure the joint member  1830  to the support plate  1856  known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. 
     In other embodiments, the position of the support plate  1856  about the pin  1842  may be maintained at one of several predefined positions by a detent pin (not shown) that is capable of engaging one of several detents (not shown) in an inner joint member projection. The detents may be annularly inscribed at several positions about the pin  1842 . In embodiments having such detents, a detent pin aperture may retain the detent pin and be disposed in an outer support plate projection so as to enable the detent pin to selectively engage any one of the detents in the inner joint member projection. Once a healthcare provider engages the detent pin with the appropriate detent, the detent and the detent pin can prevent the support plate  1856  from rotating out of the selected position. 
     In particular embodiments, like the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  9   a   , the weight of multiple received medical devices may cause the rack  1810  to become unbalanced and begin to rotate about the point where the clamp mechanism  1818  couples with a support structure like an IV pole. To mitigate this type of rotation, a base member  1816  may be employed that exerts a stabilizing force on the support structure. As depicted in  FIG.  9   a   , the base member  1816  may comprise an elongated housing  1868  that is coupled to a second end portion of the support pole  1812  and that extends perpendicularly to the support pole  1812 . The base member  1816  may include a rounded notch  1840  that is configured to abut a substantially cylindrical support structure. The notch  1840  may be disposed on the elongated housing  1868  such that the base member  1816  and the clamp mechanism  1818  position the support pole  1812  in spaced relation to and substantially parallel to an elongated, cylindrical support structure like an IV pole. In other embodiments, the base member may comprise a second clamp assembly like the clamp assembly  1814  that may be coupled to the first end of the support pole  1812 . 
     An advantage of the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG.  9   a   , is that the base member  1816  and the elongated housing  1868  can serve other functions in addition to providing a counterbalancing force to the rack  1810 . For example, the elongated housing  1868  may serve as a bedside surface on which a healthcare provider may temporarily store items that are needed to care for a patient. In another embodiment, the elongated housing  1868  could also be configured to receive a medical device and include the same features as a support plate  1856 , such as a mount connector  1838  that is configured to provide one or both of electrical power and a network connection to a received medical device. In embodiments where the base member  1816  does not include an elongated housing  1868 , the base member  1816  may nevertheless be configured to receive, power, and provide a network connection to an additional medical device. 
     Another advantage of the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG.  9   a    and the exemplary base member  1816  depicted in  FIG.  9   d    is that the elongated housing  1868  may provide space to contain certain elements of a power system.  FIG.  9   d    depicts an exemplary power system that includes a power supply  1870 , a power connector  1872 , power transmission cables  1874 , and a main power cable  1876 . As discussed above, embodiments that include a power system may have the advantage of reducing the number of cables that are needed to power the received medical devices. Rather than having to run a separate power cable from an electrical outlet to each medical device, a single power cable may be connected from an electrical outlet to a power connector  1872  that is preferably located on the elongated housing  1868  of the base member  1816 . A main power cable  1876  may then deliver power to a power supply  1870 . The power supply  1870  may be configured to convert balanced or unbalanced AC current to direct current and provide the desired voltage and amperage for any received medical devices. A respective power transmission cable  1874  may be used to transmit electrical power from the power supply  1870  to a respective mount connector  1838  and a received medical device. The power transmission cables  1874  may provide one more DC voltages for use by any received medical devices. In certain embodiments, the respective power transmission cable  1874  may operatively run from a power supply  1870 , up through a hollow support pole  1812 , and may be operatively distributed to the respective mount connector  1838 . Each of the support plates  1856  may include a mount connector  1838  and receive a respective power transmission cable  1874  that enables the mount connector  1838  to supply electrical power to a received medical device. In some embodiments, a common power bus may be positioned within a hollow support pole  1812  that receives power from the power transmission cables  1874 ; each mount connector  1838  may be electrically coupled to the power bus. 
     In addition to supplying power to a received medical device, the exemplary mount connector  1838  depicted in  FIG.  9   b    may be configured to provide a network connection to a received medical device. In embodiments that are capable of receiving two or more medical devices, it may be advantageous to enable the received medical devices to communicate with one another. For example, a patient may require a regime of several different drugs that are administered by respective syringe pumps. In other instances, it may be desirable to arrange are relay infusion of the same drug using two or more pumps. Enabling the rack  1810  to transmit signals between network-capable syringe pumps may allow for each syringe pump to know how much of which drugs were delivered by the other syringe pumps in the rack  1810  network. To achieve this objective, exemplary embodiments like the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  9   a    may include a central bus  1878  that is operatively coupled to the support pole  1812 . Each of the support plates  1856  may include a support-plate bus  1880  that operatively interfaces with the central bus  1878  and that is coupled to a mount connector  1838 . 
     In some embodiments, each received medical device may broadcast its data over the central bus  1878 . In other embodiments a turn-based communication scheme may be used by the received medical devices to communicate with each other using the central bus  1878 . In yet additional embodiments, a carrier-sense, multiple-access with optional collision avoidance communication scheme may be used by the medical devices when communicating via the central bus  1878 . 
     Yet another advantage of the exemplary embodiment of the rack  1810  depicted in  FIG.  9   a    and the exemplary base member  1816  depicted in  FIG.  9   d    is that the elongated housing  1868  may optionally include provisions, such as casters and the like, for coupling with two or more wheels. In addition to the handle  1820 , wheels may allow the rack  1810  to be more easily moved from one location to another, particularly when transporting multiple received medical devices. As should be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, wheels may be coupled to the elongated housing  1868  by any number of well-known means. In addition, two or more wheels may be coupled to a wheel assembly structure that enables the wheels to be coupled to or decoupled from the elongated housing  1868  as a group. In other exemplary embodiments, the support pole  1812  may include provisions for mounting two or more wheels or a wheel assembly. 
       FIG.  9   e    depicts one exemplary embodiment of a rack  6010 . The rack  6010  includes a cylindrically-shaped support pole  6012 . A clamp mechanism  6018  and a U-shaped handle  6020  on a handle plate  6021  may be oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the support pole  6012 . The clamp mechanism  6018  may be configured to removably couple with a support structure  6014  such as an IV pole. As should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, any number of clamp mechanisms  6018  may be used to accomplish this objective, including the clamp mechanisms described below and above. The handle  6020  enables the rack  6010  and any received medical devices to be carried as unit from one location to another. In certain embodiments, the handle  6020  may serve as a means to actuate the clamp mechanism  6018 . One such embodiment could include a handle  6020  that shares an axis of rotation with a clamp mechanism  6018 , wherein the clamp mechanism  6018  includes at least one fixed gripper and at least one mobile gripper that may be coupled to the handle  6020 . Actuation of the clamp mechanism  6018  may be achieved by rotating the handle  6020  in a first direction such that the at least one mobile gripper rotates towards the at least one fixed gripper and a support structure  6014  therebetween. The at least one mobile gripper and the at least one fixed gripper may be secured in a clamped position by a latch or any other means known in the relevant art when the aforementioned grippers exert a sufficient clamping force on the support structure  6014 . Rotating the handle  6020  in a second, opposite direction may rotate the at least one mobile gripper away from the at least one fixed gripper, and the clamp mechanism  6018  may be decoupled from the support structure  6014  when the at least one mobile gripper is sufficiently far from the support structure  6014 . 
     A variety of medical device mounts may be disposed between the first end and a second end of the support pole  6012 .  FIG.  9   e    depicts an exemplary embodiment where the mounts may be elongated support plates that extend perpendicularly to the support pole  6012 .  FIG.  9   e    depicts a rack  6010  having a first support plate  6022 , a second support plate  6024 , and a third support plate  6026 . The first support plate  6022 , second support plate  6024 , and third support plate  6026  may be sized to receive and support a medical device such as any of those described above. One end portion of each of the first support plate  6022 , a second support plate  6024 , and a third support plate  6026  may be coupled to the support pole  6012  via a joint member  6016 . The joint member  6016  may be similar to the joint member  1830  described above. 
     The third support plate  6026  may perform the same function as the base member  1816  and elongate housing  1868  in  FIGS.  9   a - d   . In some embodiments, the third support plate  6026  may also house elements of a power system like the power system described above and may include a mount connector  6038  (best shown in  FIG.  10 E ) that is configured to provide one or both of electrical power and a network connection to a received medical device. As described above in relation to  FIGS.  9   a - d    the first support plate  6022 , second support plate  6024 , and third support plate  6026  may each include a mount connector  6038 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   e   , the first support plate  6022 , a second support plate  6024 , and a third support plate  6026  each may include a first guide trough  6034  and a second guide trough  6028 . As shown, the third support plate  6026  only includes a first guide trough  6034 . As shown, the handle plate  6021  also includes a handle plate guide trough  6029 . The guide troughs  6026 ,  6034 ,  6029  may also include guide rails  6033 . The guide rails  6033  may be the sides of the guide troughs  6026 ,  6034 ,  6029 , or may be projections which project off the first support plate  6022 , second support plate  6024 , and third support plate  6026  or handle plate  6021 . In embodiments where the guide rails  6033  are projections, the guide rails  6033  may define the sides of the guide troughs  6026 ,  6034 ,  6029 . As in the exemplary embodiment in  FIG.  9   e   , the ends of the guide rails  6033  may bow out or angle out away from the longitudinal axis of the guide troughs  6026 ,  6034 ,  6029 . This may allow a medical device to be easily and sightlessly slid into the guide troughs  6026 ,  6034 ,  6029  and docked on the supports plates  6022 ,  6024 ,  6026 . In some embodiments, the medical device may include a feature or features such as a flanges  6062  (see  FIG.  10   d   ) which may be sized to fit within the guide troughs  6026 ,  6034 ,  6029 . 
       FIG.  9   f    depicts one exemplary embodiment of a rack  7010 . The rack  7010  includes a support pole  7012 . A clamp mechanism or assembly (not shown) may be attached to a first end portion of the support pole  7012 . The rack  7010  may include handle  7020  that may be oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the support pole  7012 . The clamp mechanism or assembly may be configured to removably couple with a support structure such as an IV pole. As should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, any number of clamp mechanisms or assemblies may be used to accomplish this objective, including the clamp mechanisms and assemblies described herein. The handle  7020  enables the rack  7010  and any received medical devices to be carried as unit from one location to another. In certain embodiments, the handle  7020  may serve to actuate the clamp mechanism the clamp mechanism or assembly. The example rack  7010  shown in  FIG.  9   f    also includes a hanger feature  7014  which may for example be used to hang IV bags, IV lines, etc. 
     The rack  7010  may include a base member  7016  similar to that described in  FIG.  9   d   . In such embodiments, the base member  7016  may include, for example, certain elements of a power system. The base member  7016  may also include certain components of a communication system. The base member  7016  may include wheels to aid in transporting the rack  7010  and any attached medical devices. 
     The rack  7010  depicted in  FIG.  9   f    may optionally include, in yet additional embodiments, support plates like those embodiments depicted in  FIGS.  9   a - e   . The rack  7010  includes a number of collars  7022  which help to assure that a medical device coupled to the rack  7010  is correctly and securely coupled to the rack  7010 . The collars  7022  may be coupled to the support pole  7012  at suitable locations. In some embodiments, the collars  7022  may be spaced apart from one another at equal intervals. The example embodiment depicted in  FIG.  9   f    includes four collars  7022 . 
     Referring now also to  FIGS.  9   g - h   , the collars  7022  may include a number of alignment features  7024 .  FIG.  9   g    depicts a front perspective view of an example collar  7022  and  FIG.  9   f    depicts a back perspective view of the same example collar  7022 . The alignment features  7024  may be one of or any combination of protuberances, recesses, steps, cutouts, pegs, posts, or any other suitable feature in various embodiments. The alignment features  7024  may be dimensioned such that any medical device which is to be attached to the rack  7010  can only be attached in a correct orientation. In some embodiments, the alignment features  7024  may not be included on a collar  7022  but rather on the support pole  7012  itself. Such embodiments may not include collars  7022 . 
     In the example embodiment in  FIGS.  9   f - h   , the alignment features  7024  include a number of protuberances and cutouts. The alignment features  7024  are dimensioned such that a clamp apparatus (for example, the clamp apparatus  710  in  FIGS.  8   a - f   ) is prevented from clamping closed on the support pole  7012  in all but a correct orientation. In turn, this causes a medical device which is attached to the clamp apparatus to be correctly oriented on the rack  7010 . 
       FIG.  9   i    shows a view of the back of the example rack  7010  in  FIG.  9   f   . As shown, the base member  7016  includes an opening  7017  to allow for a power cable, communications cable, etc. to enter the interior of the base member  7016 . The base member  7016  may also includes a number of projections  7019  which may be used to wrap a power cable, communications cable, etc. around when the entire length of the cable is not needed or the cable is not in use. In some embodiments, the rack  7010  may include at least one plug or receptacle which may be configured to receive a power cable, communications cable, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   i    the rack  7010  may include one or a number of mount connectors  7038 . The mount connectors  7038  may be configured to provide one or both of electrical power and a network connection to a received medical device. In some embodiments, the mount connectors  7038  may be configured to allow a received medical device to communicate over a CANbus and/or over USB. In other embodiments, the mount connectors  7038  may allow for communication using other communication schemes, such as, for example, any of those described above in relation to  FIGS.  9   a - d   . The rack  7010  may include a mount connector  7038  for each attached medical device. In the example embodiment, the rack  7010  includes three mount connectors  7038 . As shown, the mount connectors  7038  are included as a part of the support pole  7012  and are located on the back of the support pole  7012 . In other embodiments, the mount connectors  7038  may be located elsewhere on the rack  7010 . In embodiments which include mount connectors  7038 , the collars  7022  may assure that a medical device can only be received by the support pole  7012  in a manner in which it operatively engages a respective mount connector  7038 . Referring now to  FIG.  9   j   , another example embodiment of a rack  7200  is shown. The rack  7200  may be an IV pole, as shown. The rack  7200  may include a support pole  7212  to which a number of medical devices may be coupled. In some embodiments of the rack  7200 , the rack  7200  may include collars and/or alignment features similar to those described in reference to  FIGS.  9   f - i   . The collars and/or alignment features may help to ensure that medical devices are attached to the rack  7200  in a correct and secure manner. In other embodiments, the rack  7200  may include one or more support plates such as any of those described in reference to  FIGS.  9   a - e   . In some embodiments, the rack  7200  may include a combination of collars alignment features and support plates. 
     A hanger feature  7214  may also be included on the rack  7200 . In the example embodiment, a hanger feature  7214  is attached to the top end of the support pole  7212 . In alternate embodiments, the hanger feature  7214  may be located elsewhere on the rack  7200 . The hanger feature  7214  may be used to hang IV bags, IV lines, etc. 
     The bottom of the support pole  7212  of the rack  7200  may couple into a base member  7216  as it does in  FIG.  9   j   . The base member  7216  may include a number of wheels or casters  7215  which may allow the rack  7200  and any attached devices to be easily moved around a care facility. The base member  7216  may be similar to that described in  FIG.  9   d   . For example, the base member  7216  may include certain elements of a power system as described in relation to  FIG.  9   d   . In other embodiments, the base member  7216  may also include certain elements of a communication system. 
     Referring now also to  FIG.  9   k   , the support pole  7212  may be similar to that depicted in  FIGS.  9   f - i   . The support pole  7212  may include a number of mount connectors  7238 . The mount connectors  7238  may be configured to provide one or both of electrical power and a network connection to a received medical device. In some embodiments, the mount connectors  7238  may allow a received medical device to communicate over a CANbus and/or over USB. In other embodiments, the mount connectors  7238  may allow for communication using other communication schemes, such as, for example, any of those described above in relation to  FIGS.  9   a - d   . The rack  7200  may include a mount connector  7238  for each attached medical device. In the example embodiment, the rack  7200  may, for example, include up to nine mount connectors  7238  and be capable of receiving nine medical devices. In other embodiments, the number of mount connectors  7238  and number of medical devices which can be received may differ. In embodiments which include mount connectors  7038 , collars and/or alignment features (such as the collars  7022  and alignment features  7024  shown in  FIG.  9   i   ) may be included. The collars and/or alignment features may assure that a medical device can only be received by the support pole  7212  in a manner in which it operatively engages a respective mount connector  7238 . 
     As will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the racks  1810 ,  6010 ,  7010 ,  7200  and their components can be made from a variety of rigid, engineering materials. Possible materials include aluminum alloys, stainless steel alloys, steel alloys, and engineering polymers. In addition, a variety of coatings may be applied to the racks  1810 ,  6010 ,  7010 ,  7200  and their components. Many of the possible coatings may provide a means of reducing the likelihood of cross-contamination. Cross-contamination may pose a serious health risk to young and old patients and patients with weakened immune systems. Optionally, an antibacterial, an antiviral, or an antimicrobial coating may be applied to the structural components of the racks  1810 ,  6010 ,  7010 ,  7200  to kill or inhibit the growth bacteria, viruses, fungi, and various other microorganisms. Exemplary coatings may include copper, copper particles, silver, silver particles, or other materials that have antibacterial, antiviral, or antimicrobial properties. 
     Rack Systems 
       FIG.  10   a    shows an exemplary rack system  1900 . The exemplary embodiment of a rack  1810  depicted in  FIG.  9   a    may be one element of a rack system  1900  shown in  FIG.  10   a   . Another element of the rack system  1900  may be a device that includes a mounting mechanism that is configured to couple with the rack, such as a clamp mechanism like any one of those described above. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG.  9   a    is but one embodiment of a rack that may be used in a rack system, and alternative embodiments of the rack and mounting mechanism may depart, perhaps substantially, from the exemplary embodiments described herein. 
       FIG.  10   a    depicts an embodiment of a rack system  1900  comprising a rack  1910  that is substantially the same as the rack  1810  embodiment described above and depicted in  FIGS.  9   a - d   , a medical device  1920  that may be received by a support plate  1950  of the rack  1910 , and a clamp mechanism  1940  that is coupled to a first side of a medical device  1920  and that is adapted to securely couple the medical device  1920  to the rack  1910 .  FIG.  10   b    depicts the same embodiment as  FIG.  10   a    but from a different perspective.  FIG.  10   b    includes a view of the clamp mechanism  1940 , described in detail below, and a mount connector  1960  that is disposed on the support plate  1950 .  FIG.  10   c    is yet another perspective of the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  10   a  and  10   b    and includes a view of a device connector  1970  that is disposed on the medical device  1920 . The mount connector  1960  and the device connector  1970  are preferably disposed on the support plate  1950  and the medical device  1920  respectively so that they are operatively aligned and capable of coming into contact when the clamp mechanism  1940  couples the medical device  1920  to the rack  1910 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the rack system  1900 , the clamp mechanism  1940  may be a mechanism like the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  8   a - 8   d    or described in relevant portions of the specification above. The clamp mechanism  1940  may latch onto the support pole  1980  depicted in  FIGS.  10   a   - 10   c.    
     As should be evident from the description of the above embodiments of a clamp mechanism  1940 , actuating the clamp mechanism  1940  to couple an attached medical device  1920  to a support pole  1980  may have a first phase and a second phase. Refer now to  FIGS.  8   a - 8   d    and  FIGS.  10   a   - 10 C. In the first phase, user rotation of the handle  702  may move the driven member  710  and the slidably attached mobile gripper  704  towards the fixed gripper  703  until the girth of the support pole  1980  arrests the movement of the mobile gripper  704 . Thus, the first phase ends when the fixed gripper  703  and the mobile gripper  704  contact the support pole  1980 . In the second phase, continued rotation of the handle  702  may continue to drive the driven member  710  towards the fixed gripper  703  and bias the compression spring  730  (or other bias member) because the driven member  710  may continue to move independently of the mobile gripper  704 . Therefore, the second phase enables the user to increase the clamping force and ensure that the medical device  1920  is securely coupled to the rack  1910 . 
     In some embodiments, the medical device may be a monitoring client (e.g., a tablet computer) to monitor the operation of the other medical devices (e.g., via wireless communications such as WiFi or Bluetooth, for example). The monitoring client may have a serial interface to connect to the mount connector  1960  (see  FIG.  10 B ). Additionally, as mentioned above, the monitoring client may couple to a clamp such as any of those described herein. The clamp may then be used to secure the monitoring client to a rack  1910 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  10   a - 10   c   , the rack system  1900  may be best employed where a patient requires treatment with a coordinated regime of drugs, particularly where the drugs are to be administered by syringe pumps. Because syringe pumps are capable of continuously or discretely delivering precise quantities of fluid over a period of time, syringe pumps are well-suited to administering a regime of different drugs at predefined times. Computerized and networked syringe pumps may allow such a regime to be administered automatically. Embodiments of the present disclosure, like the embodiment of a rack system  1900  depicted in  FIGS.  10   a - c   , may enable a healthcare provider to quickly setup a group of networked syringe pumps to administer such a regime of drugs. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure, like the embodiment of a rack system  1900  depicted in  FIGS.  10   a - c   , may help to minimize the number of cords and cables which would otherwise be present when a group of pumps is setup. 
     For example, a healthcare provider may quickly couple the clamp assembly  1990  to a support structure  1930 , such as an IV pole, and connect the rack  1910  to a source of electrical power. If no syringe pumps or other devices are already coupled to the rack  1910 , the healthcare provider may proceed to couple the required syringe pumps to the rack  1910  one at a time. The healthcare provider may couple each syringe pump to the rack  1910  by placing a portion of each syringe pump on one of the support plates  1950  such that the support plate  1950  bares at least a portion of the weight of the syringe pump, allowing the healthcare provider to more easily maneuver the syringe pump into position. Once the support pole  1980  is positioned between the fixed gripper  703  (see  FIGS.  8   a - 8   d   ) and the mobile gripper  702  (see  FIGS.  8   a - 8   d   ) and once the mount connector  1960  and the device connector  1970  are in general alignment, the healthcare provider may rotate the handle  702  through the first phase of operation. During the first phase of operation, the device clamp-mechanism  1940  may automatically adjust to the size of the support pole  1980  and the mount connector  1960  and the device connector  1970  may be brought into contact with one another. The healthcare provider may secure the syringe pump to the rack  1910  by continuing to rotate the handle  702  through the second phase of operation, and the healthcare provider may repeat the procedure for as many syringe pumps as may be desired. Thus, the healthcare provider may provide each syringe pump with electrical power and a network connection to other syringe pumps via the mount connector  1960  and device connector  1970  without having to run multiple power and network cables that may complicate the setup procedure and clutter the environment around the patient. Moreover, any one of the syringe pumps may be decoupled from the rack  1910 , or another syringe pump may be coupled to the rack  1910 , without having to detach or attach any additional cables. When treatment is complete, certain syringe pumps may remain coupled to the rack and continue to treat the patient while others may be decoupled, again without having to detach any additional cables, and used to treat a different patient. Alternatively, a healthcare provider could transport the entire rack system  1900  and any syringe pumps coupled thereto by decoupling the rack  1910  from the support structure  1930 . A rack  1910  that includes a handle  1820  and/or wheels may make transporting the rack system  1900  and medical devices  1920  easier in this scenario. 
       FIG.  10   d    shows a view of another embodiment of a rack system  6100  including the rack  6010  embodiment shown in  FIG.  9   e   . A medical device, which for exemplary purposes is shown as an infusion pump  6060 , is in place on the rack  6010 . A medical device may also, for example, be a monitoring client, PCA, physiological monitor, etc. As shown, the flanges  6062  of the infusion pump  6060  are disposed within the guide troughs  6028 ,  6034  of the first support plate  6022  and second support plate  6024 , respectively. A clamp mechanism  1940  is included on the infusion pump  6060  and is shown clamped around the support pole  6012 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG.  10   d   , the joint members  6030  of the support plates  6022 ,  6024 ,  6026  may include functional protrusions  6031 . In the example embodiment, the functional protrusions  6031  are hooks or hangers. The functional protrusions  6031  may, for example, be used to hang various cabling, lines, or IV bags. 
       FIG.  10   e    depicts an infusion pump  6060  with a flange  6062  which is in place within a guide trough  6034  of the second support plate  6024 . As shown, the infusion pump  6060  includes a device connector  1970  and the second support plate  6024  includes a mount connector  6038 . The mount connector  6038  may be included in the side wall of the guide trough  6034 . The device connector  1970  and the mount connector  6038  are not in contact with one another in  FIG.  10   e   . Additionally, the flange  6062  of the infusion pump  6060  is relatively loose within the guide trough  6034 . As mentioned above, any or all of the support plates  6022 ,  6024 ,  6026  may include mount connectors  6038  which may or may not be similarly disposed. 
     Referring now back to  FIG.  10   d   , the device connector  1970  and the mount connector  6038  are shown in contact with one another. Additionally, the flanges  6062  of the infusion pump  6060  are well retained within the guide troughs  6034 ,  6028  of the support plates  6022 ,  6024 . In order to bring the device connector  1970  and the mount connector  6038  into contact and firmly retain the flanges  6062  within the guide troughs  6034 ,  6028  it may be needed, in some specific embodiments, to actuate the clamp mechanism  1940  to the clamped position. 
     In  FIG.  10   e   , the clamp mechanism  1940  (not shown) is not in the clamped position. When the clamp mechanism  1940  is not in the clamped position, the flanges  6062  of the infusion pump  6060  may be easily moved around within the guide troughs  6034 ,  6028 . This may be helpful in inserting the infusion pump  6060  and in aligning the device connector  1970  and mount connector  6038 . The clamp mechanism  1940  may then be actuated as described above into the clamped position. This action may drive the device connector  1970  and the mount connector  6038  into contact and cause the flanges  6062  to cinch up against a side wall of the guide troughs  6028 ,  6034  thus retaining the infusion pump  6060  on the rack  6010 . 
     The healthcare provider may repeat the procedure for as many infusion pumps  6060  or medical devices as may be desired. Thus, the healthcare provider may provide each infusion pump  6060  or medical device with electrical power and a network connection to other infusion pumps  6060  or medical devices via the mount connector  6038  and the device connector  1970  without having to run multiple power and network cables that may complicate the setup procedure and clutter the environment around the patient. Moreover, any one of the infusion pumps  6060  or medical devices may be decoupled from the rack  6010 , or another infusion pump  6060  or medical device may be coupled to the rack  6010 , without having to detach or attach any additional cables. When treatment is complete, certain infusion pumps  6060  or medical devices may remain coupled to the rack  6010  and continue to treat the patient while others may be decoupled, again without having to detach any additional cables, and used to treat a different patient. Alternatively, a healthcare provider could transport the entire rack  6010  and any infusion pump  6060  or medical devices coupled thereto by decoupling the rack  6010  from a support structure  6014  (see  FIG.  9   e   ). A rack  6010  that includes a handle  6020  and/or wheels may make transporting the rack  6010  and infusion pumps  6060  or medical devices easier in this scenario. 
       FIG.  10   f    shows yet another embodiment of a rack system  7100  which includes the example rack  7010  shown in  FIGS.  9   f - i   . The rack system  7100  may allow for a number of medical devices to be coupled onto the rack  7010 . The rack system  7100  may also be configured to provide power and/or a network connection to any medical devices coupled to the rack  7010 . Some embodiments of the rack system  7100  may differ, perhaps substantially, from the embodiment shown herein. 
     A number medical devices, which for exemplary purposes, are shown as an infusion pumps  7060 , are in place on the rack  7010  in  FIG.  10   f   . A medical device may also, for example, be a monitoring client, a PCA, physiological monitor, etc. As shown, a clamp apparatus  7110  is coupled to each of the infusion pumps  7060 . The clamp apparatuses  7110  shown are similar to those in the embodiments depicted above in  FIGS.  8   a - 8   g   . In other embodiments, the clamp apparatuses  7110  may be any suitable clamp described herein. The clamp apparatuses  7110  are shown in the open position in  FIG.  10   f   . The infusion pumps  7060  may be securely coupled to the rack  7010  by actuating the example clamp apparatuses  7110  to the closed position as described above in reference to  FIGS.  8   a - 8   f   . The collars  7022  ensure that as the clamp apparatuses  7110  are closed, the infusion pumps  7060  are in the proper orientation on the support pole  7012  of the rack  7010 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG.  10   g   , a view of the support pole  7012  of the rack system  7100  is shown. The collars  7022  have been removed from the support pole  7012  in  FIG.  10   g   . As depicted also in  FIG.  9   i   , the support pole  7012  includes a number of mount connectors  7038 . At least a part of the mount connectors  7038  project through openings in and are proud of the tube which forms the support pole  7012  in the example embodiment. As mentioned above, the mount connectors  7038  may provide power to received medical devices. As also mentioned above, the mount connectors  7038  may be configured to enable a received medical device to communicate over CANbus and/or over a USB. 
     Referring now also to  FIG.  10   h    the mount connectors  7038  may be included on a mount connector strip  7140 . The mount connector strip  7140  may help to facilitate assembly. When assembled, the mount connectors  7038  may be snap fit onto the mount connector strip  7140 . The mount connector strip  7140  may then be placed into the tube which forms the support pole  7012 . This ensures that the mount connectors  7038  are easily lined up with the openings in the tube of the support pole  7012 . Fasteners may then be used to fixedly couple the mount connectors  7038  on the mount connector strip  7140  to the support pole  7012 . 
       FIG.  10   i    depicts a close up view of a portion of the support pole  7012  for the rack system  7100 . As shown, an example mount connector  7038  is disposed in its assembled location. Holes  7142  are included in the support pole  7012 . Fasteners (not shown) may be inserted into the holes  7142  to fixedly couple the mount connectors  7038  on the mount connector strip  7140  to the support pole  7012 . An end of the mount connector strip  7140  is also shown protruding from the end of the support pole  7012 . 
     As shown, in some embodiments, the end of the mount connector strip  7140  may include a coupling feature  7144 . The coupling feature  7144  may be configured to receive a coupling feature  7144  on another mount connector strip  7140 . This may be useful in assembly of alternative embodiments of rack systems which are designed to receive a large number of pumps. In such embodiments, multiple mount connector strips  7140  may, for example, be coupled together and fed into a longer tube of a longer support pole  7012 . In embodiments a coupling feature  7144  on a mount connector strip  7140  may couple into the end cap of a support pole  7012 . 
       FIG.  10   j    depicts a side view of an example mount connector  7038  which has been snap fit into place on an example mount connector strip  7140 . The example mount connector  7038  includes a bottom portion  7148 , a top portion  7154 , connector pins  7150 , and sockets  7152 . Two snap fit features  7146  are visible and are holding the bottom portion  7148  in place on the mount connector strip  7140 . The top portion may also be held in place on the mount connector strip  7140  by snap fit features  7146 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  10   j   , the snap fit features  7146  holding the top portion  7154  in place are not visible. 
     The connector pins  7150  may be biased to project off the top portion  7154  of the mount connector  7038 . In such embodiments, compression springs (not shown) may provide the biasing force. Also as shown, the two outside connector pins  7150  are prouder of the top portion  7154  than all other connector pins  7150 . These two connector pins  7150  may be connected to ground in order to ensure a ground connection is made before other connections. As shown, the connector pins  7150  may always be engaged in the sockets  7152 . This may be done to ensure that a received medical device will always be provided with electrical power and/or a network connection via the mount connector  7038 . In some embodiments, a different number of connector pins  7150  and sockets  7152  may be included. 
     The example mount connector  7038  also includes a hall sensor  7151 . The hall sensor  7151  may be tripped by a magnet on a received medical device or a clamp on a medical device, for example. When tripped, the hall sensor  7151  may create a delay of predetermined duration before power is supplied to the received medical device. 
     In the example embodiment, the bottom portion  7148  of the mount connector  7140  is a PCB. The PCB may be configured and populated such that it may allow a received medical device to communicate over a CANbus and over USB. In such embodiments, and referring now also to  FIG.  10   f   , the base member  7016  of the example rack  7010  may include a USB port (not shown) to allow for connection to a computer. Such a computer may be used, for example, by trained personnel to update, access data or logs from, perform diagnostics on, etc. an attached medical device. 
     In order to reduce cost, in some embodiments, the PCB making up the bottom portion  7148  may not be entirely populated. For example, some PCBs may not include the components which would enable USB communication. A care facility, such as a hospital, thus may only have a few rack systems  7100  which are CANbus and USB configured. These may be used, for example, as special diagnostic rack systems  7100  when needed while less expensive, non-USB capable rack systems  7100 , may be used to provide everyday patient care. 
     Referring now  FIG.  10   k   , an example embodiment of a gripper  7112  of a clamp apparatus  7110  is shown. The gripper  7112  is similar to the fixed gripper assembly  703  shown in  FIG.  8   e   . The gripper  7112  includes a device connector  7114 . As shown, the device connector  7114  includes a number of connector pins  7116  attached to a PCB  7118 . A high friction, compliant gripper material (not shown) may be attached to the gripping face of the gripper  7112 . In such embodiments, the gripper material may be overmolded onto the gripper  7112 . The gripper material, may include holes through which the connector pins  7116  may interface with a mount connector  7038  on a support pole  7012 . In some embodiments the gripper material may have a thickness such that the connector pins  7116  do not protrude out of the gripper material. 
     As shown, the gripper  7112  may also include a magnet  7111 . In such embodiments, the magnet may or may not be covered by the overmolded gripper material. The magnet  7111  may trip a hall sensor  7151  on a mount connector  7038  (see  FIG.  10   j   ) as the gripper  7112  comes into close proximity of the mount connector  7038 . Tripping the hall sensor  7151  may cause a delay of predetermined duration before power is supplied from the mount connector  7038  to the device connector  7114  in the gripper  7112 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG.  10 I , a clamp apparatus  7110  attached to an infusion pump  7060  is depicted as it is being attached to the support pole  7012  of a rack  7010 . The gripper  7112  is in contact with the support pole  7012 . The device connector  7114  on the gripper  7112  is in contact with a mount connector  7038  (see, for example,  FIG.  10   g   ) on the support pole  7012 . The clamp apparatus  7110  may be actuated to the clamped position to couple the infusion pump  7060  onto the rack  7010  and keep the device connector  7114  in contact with the mount connector  7038 . A connection from the device connector  7114  to the infusion pump  7060  (not shown) may be included to provide power and/or a network connection to the infusion pump  7060 . In some embodiments, a connector on the on infusion pump  7060  may be disposed such that the infusion pump  7060  may be provided power and/or a network connection via another connector on the clamp apparatus  7110  when the clamp apparatus  7110  and infusion pump  7060  are coupled together. 
     Once an infusion pump  7060  is attached, the healthcare provider may repeat the procedure for as many infusion pumps  7060  or medical devices as may be desired. Thus, the healthcare provider may provide each infusion pump  7060  or medical device with electrical power and a network connection to other infusion pumps  7060  or medical devices via the mount connector  7038  and the device connector  7114  without having to run multiple power and network cables that may complicate the setup procedure and clutter the environment around the patient. Moreover, any one of the infusion pumps  7060  or medical devices may be decoupled from the rack  7010 , or another infusion pump  7060  or medical device may be coupled to the rack  7010 , without having to detach or attach any additional cables. When treatment is complete, certain infusion pumps  7060  or medical devices may remain coupled to the rack  7010  and continue to treat the patient while others may be decoupled, again without having to detach any additional cables, and used to treat a different patient. Alternatively, a healthcare provider could transport the entire rack  7010  and any infusion pump  7060  or medical devices coupled thereto by decoupling the rack  7010  from a support structure such as an IV pole. A rack  7010  that includes a handle  7020  (best shown in  FIG.  9   f   ) and/or wheels may make transporting the rack  7010  and infusion pumps  7060  or medical devices easier in this scenario. 
       FIG.  10   m    depicts yet another embodiment of an example rack system  7300  including the example rack  7200  shown in  FIGS.  9   j - k   . The rack system  7300  may allow for a number of medical devices to be coupled onto the rack  7200 . The rack system  7300  may also be configured to provide power and/or a network connection to any medical devices coupled to the rack  7200 . Some embodiments of the rack system  7300  may differ from the embodiment shown herein. 
     As shown, the example rack system  7300  also comprises a number of medical devices  7360  and a number of clamps  7310  which are coupling the medicals devices  7360  to the rack  7200 . In the example embodiment, the medical devices  7360  are depicted as infusion pumps. Other medical devices  7360 , for example, a monitoring client, PCA, physiological monitor, etc. may also be coupled to the rack  7200 . Also as shown, the clamps  7310  are similar to the clamp apparatus  710  embodiments depicted in relation to  FIGS.  8   a - g   . In other embodiments, the clamps  7310  may differ. For example, the clamps  7310  may be, but are not limited to, other embodiments of clamps described herein. 
     As shown, only five medical devices  7360  are coupled to the rack  7200 . In the example embodiment shown in  FIG.  10   m   , there is space above the five coupled medical devices  7360  for additional medical devices  7360  to be coupled to the support pole  7212  of the rack  7200  if necessary. In some embodiments, a user may couple another rack (eg. any of racks  1810 ,  1910 ,  6010 ,  7010  shown and described in relation to  FIG.  10   a - l   ) to the rack system  7300 . 
     A clamp  7310  attached to a medical device  7360  may be actuated to a closed and clamped position around the support pole  7212  of the rack  7200  in order to couple a medical device  7360  to the rack  7200 . Referring now also to  FIG.  10   n   , two medical devices  7360  are shown coupled to the support pole  7212 . The clamps  7310  holding the medical devices  7360  in place on the support pole  7212  are shown actuated to the closed position. As mentioned above in relation to  FIG.  9   j   , one or more collars and/or alignment features may be included to help ensure that medical devices  7360  are coupled to the support pole  7212  in a correct and secure manner. 
     As mentioned in reference to  FIG.  9   k   , the example rack  7200  of the rack system  7300  may include a number of mount connectors  7238  which may provide power and/or a network connection to attached medical devices  7360 . In such embodiments of the rack system  7300 , the mount connectors  7238  may, for example, be similar to any those described above in relation to  FIG.  10   f - l   . Additionally, the clamps  7310  of the example rack system  7300  may include a device connector which is similar to the device connector  7114  described above in relation to  FIG.  10   k - l   . When a medical device  7360  is coupled to a support pole  7212  as shown in  FIGS.  10   m - n   , the medical device  7360 , a respective mount connector  7238  and respective device connector may operatively engage and provide power and/or a network connection to the medical device  7360 . In embodiments where the rack system  7300  is configured to allow other racks to couple into the rack system  7300 , the rack system  7300  may provide power and/or a network connection to the other racks in a similar manner. 
     Once a medical device  7360  is coupled to the rack  7200 , the healthcare provider may repeat the procedure for as many infusion pumps or medical devices  7360  as may be desired. Thus, the healthcare provider may provide each infusion pump or medical device  7360  with electrical power and a network connection to other infusion pumps or medical devices  7360  via the mount connector  7238  and a device connector without having to run multiple power and network cables that may complicate the setup procedure and clutter the environment around the patient. Moreover, any one of the infusion pumps or medical devices  7360  may be decoupled from the rack  7200 , or another infusion pump or medical device  7360  may be coupled to the rack  7200 , without having to detach or attach any additional cables. When treatment is complete, certain infusion pumps or medical devices  7360  may remain coupled to the rack  7200  and continue to treat the patient while others may be decoupled, again without having to detach any additional cables, and used to treat a different patient. Alternatively, a healthcare provider could transport the entire rack  7200  and any infusion pump or medical devices  7360  coupled thereto. A rack  7200  that includes a handle and/or wheels  7215  may make transporting the rack  7200  and infusion pumps or medical devices  7360  easier in this scenario. 
     Protective Mechanisms 
     In addition, the medical device mounts of the rack  1810 ,  1910 ,  6010 ,  7010 ,  7200  may each include a protective mechanism that may protect the mount connector when not in use and during cleaning. For example, the mount connector  2068 ,  3078  may be covered by a pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  or a clamshell mechanism  3000 . Such protective mechanisms may also be used in other systems, for example, in medical systems beyond the rack embodiments described herein.  FIG.  11   a    depicts an embodiment of a pivotable-cover mechanism  2000 .  FIG.  12   a    depicts an embodiment of a clamshell mechanism  3000 . In the embodiments depicted in  FIGS.  11   a  and  12   a    of the pivotable-cover and clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000  respectively, coupling an electronic device, such as syringe pump, to the mechanism may automatically reveal the mount connector  2068 ,  3078  and allow the mount connector  2068 ,  3078 , to interface with the connector of the received electronic device. 
     Pivotable-Cover Mechanism &amp; Clamshell Mechanism: Common Components 
     In the embodiments of the present disclosure depicted in  FIGS.  11   a  and  12   a   , the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  and the clamshell mechanism  3000  may utilize similar components to receive an electronic device and initiate steps to reveal the respective mount connector  2068 ,  3078 . However, the two mechanisms  2000 ,  3000  are only two of many possible embodiments to complete the process of revealing the mount connector  2068 ,  3078 . The two example mechanisms  2000 ,  3000  may respectively include a guide member  2002 ,  3002 , a first rail projection  2056 ,  3066  and a second rail projection  2062 ,  3072 . The first rail projection  2056 ,  3066  and the second rail projection  2062 ,  3072  may be disposed on a guide member face  2003 ,  3003 , and run in parallel to one another along a longitudinal axis of the guide member  2002 ,  3002  such that the first and the second rail projections  2056 ,  3066 ,  2062 ,  3072  are capable of aligning the connector of a received device with the mount connector of the protective mechanisms  2068 ,  3078 . 
     The pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  and the clamshell mechanism  3000  may also each include a backstop member  2006 ,  3006  having a backstop member face  2007 ,  3007  to which the mount connector  2068 ,  3078  may be coupled. The backstop member face  2007 ,  3007  may be approximately perpendicular to the guide member face  2003 ,  3003 . The first and the second rail projections  2056 ,  3066 ,  2062 ,  3072  may extend to the backstop member face  2007 ,  3007  such that the first and the second rail projections  2056 ,  3066 ,  2062 ,  3072  are long enough to support and stabilize a received electronic device. The mount connector  2068 ,  3078  may be coupled to the backstop member face  2007 ,  3007  such that the mount connector  2068 ,  3078  is operatively positioned to interface with the connector of a received electronic device. The protective mechanisms  2000 ,  3000  may also include a bus  2072 ,  3082  that is operatively coupled to the respective mount connector  2068 ,  3078 . In preferred embodiments of the two protective mechanisms  2000 ,  3000 , the mount connector  2068 ,  3078  may be coupled to the backstop member face  2007 ,  3007  such that the mount connector  2068 ,  3078  is positioned between the first and the second rail projections  2056 ,  3066 ,  2062 ,  3072 . 
     To provide a mechanism for initiating the process of revealing the mount connector  2068 ,  3078 , the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  and the clamshell mechanism  3000  may respectively include an actuation member  2008 ,  3010  that is pivotally coupled to the guide member  2002 ,  3002  at a first, stationary pivot  2010 ,  3012 , wherein the first, stationary pivot  2010 ,  3012  may be disposed between the backstop member face  2007 ,  3007  and a first end of the guide member  2002 ,  3002 . The actuation member  2008 ,  3010  may include a sloped portion  2012 ,  3014  that extends from the first, stationary pivot point  2010 ,  3012  towards the mount connector  2068 ,  3078 . The sloped portion  2012 ,  3014  may further include a sloped face  2014 ,  3016 , wherein the sloped face  2014 ,  3016  may be configured such that it may slope upwardly and out of the plane of the guide member face  2003 ,  3003  from the first, stationary pivot  2010 ,  3012  towards the mount connector  2068 ,  3078 . Thus, the sloped portion  2012 ,  3014  may protrude from the plane of the guide member  2002 ,  3002  when the actuation member  2008 ,  3010  is in a first position and the mount connector  2068 ,  3078  is covered. To reveal the mount connector  2068 ,  3078 , the actuation member  2008 ,  3010 , the sloped portion  2012 ,  3014 , and the sloped face  2014 ,  3016  may pivot about the first, stationary pivot  2010 ,  3012  in a first direction from the first position to a second position. When the actuation member  2008 ,  3010  is in the second position and the mount connector  2068 ,  3078  is uncovered, the sloped face  2014 ,  3016  may lie substantially in the plane of the guide member  2002 ,  3002 . 
     In addition, actuation springs  2016 ,  3018  may provide a mechanism for biasing the actuation members  2008 ,  3010  such that the actuation members  2008 ,  3010  may automatically return to the first position. To house the actuation springs  2016 ,  3018 , the guide members  2002 ,  3002  may include an actuation spring pocket  2018 ,  3020 . In certain embodiments, the actuation springs  2016 ,  3018  and the actuation spring pockets  2018 ,  3020  may be disposed on the guide members  2002 ,  3002  such that the actuation springs  2016 ,  3018  may be coupled to and exert a biasing force on the sloped portion  2012 ,  3014  of the actuation member  2008 ,  3010 .  FIG.  11   b    depicts the actuation spring  2016  of an embodiment of the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  acting on the sloped portion  2012  of the actuation member  2008 , wherein the actuation spring  2016  is disposed in the actuation spring pocket  2018 . The clamshell mechanism  3000  may be similarly configured. 
     The pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  and the clamshell mechanism  3000  may also respectively include a latch member  2042 ,  3050  that may be configured to latch onto a received electronic device when the latch member  2042 ,  3050  is in a latched position. The latch member  2042 ,  3050  may be disposed within an aperture or a guide member recess  2004 ,  3004  defined by the guide member  2002 ,  3002 . In addition, the guide member recess  2004 ,  3004  and the latch member  2042 ,  3050  may be adapted to extend below a portion of the backstop member  2006 ,  3006  such that a first end portion of the latch member  2042 ,  3050  may be adjacent to the sloped portion  2012 ,  3014  of the actuation member  2008 ,  3010 , and a second, opposite end portion of the latch member  2042 ,  3050  may be disposed within the guide member recess  2004 ,  3004  on the opposite side of the backstop member  2006 ,  3006 . 
     To allow a user to selectively engage or disengage the latch member  2042 ,  3050 , the latch member  2042 ,  3050  may be adapted to pivot about a third, stationary pivot  2050 ,  3060 . To latch onto a received electronic device, the latch member  2042 ,  3050  may include a latch projection  2046 ,  3054  disposed on a first end portion of the latch member  2042 ,  3050  and adapted to protrude from the guide member face  2003 ,  3003  when the latch member  2042 ,  3050  is in the latched position. The latch member  2042 ,  3050  may also include a latch member aperture  2044 ,  3052  through which the actuation member  2008 ,  3010  may pass, and thus, the latch member aperture  2044 ,  3052  may be sized and adapted to allow the actuation member  2008 ,  3010  to pivot through its full range of motion without interference from the latch member  2042 ,  3050 . 
     Like the actuation member  2008 ,  3010 , the latch member  2042 ,  3050  may be adapted such that a biasing force automatically returns the latch member  2042 ,  3050  to the latched position. Thus, a latch member spring  2048 ,  3056  may be disposed within a latch member spring pocket  2049 ,  3058  operatively defined by the guide member  2002 ,  3002  or the backstop member  2006 ,  3006 . In a preferred embodiment, the backstop member  2006 ,  3006  defines the latch member spring pocket  2049 ,  3058  such that the latch member spring  2048 ,  3056  may exert a downward force on the latch member  2042 ,  3050  between the third, stationary pivot  2050 ,  3060  and the second end portion of the latch member  2042 ,  3050 . To position the latch member projection  2046 ,  3054  at a desired height above the guide member face  2003 ,  3003 , the backstop member  2006 ,  3006  may be operatively sized and disposed on the guide member  2002 ,  3002  such that the backstop member  2006 ,  3006  may arrest pivotal movement of the latch member  2042 ,  3050  at the correct position relative to the guide member face  2003 ,  3003 . An alternative mechanism may include at least one arrester projection operatively disposed within the guide member recess  2004 ,  3004  and adapted to do the same. In a preferred embodiment, a first arrester projection  2052 ,  3062  (not shown) and a second arrester projection  2054 ,  3064  (not shown) may be disposed on opposite sides of the guide member recess  2004 ,  3004  between the third, stationary pivot point  2050 ,  3060  and the second end portion of the latch member  2042 ,  3050 , wherein the first and second arrester projections  2052 ,  2054 ,  3062 ,  3064  are capable of exerting a normal moment of force to counteract the moment of force that the latch member spring provides  2048 ,  3056 . 
     As will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the pivotable-cover and clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000  and their components can be made from a variety of rigid, engineering materials. Possible materials include aluminum alloys, stainless steel alloys, steel alloys, and engineering polymers. In addition, a variety of coatings may be applied to the mechanisms  2000 ,  3000  and their components. Many of the possible coatings provide a means of reducing the likelihood of cross-contamination. Cross-contamination may pose a serious health risks to young and old patients and patients with weakened immune systems. Optionally, one or more of an antibacterial, an antiviral, or an antimicrobial coating may be applied to the structural components of the pivotable-cover and clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000  to kill or inhibit the growth bacteria, viruses, fungi, and various other microorganisms. Exemplary coatings may include copper, copper particles, silver, silver particles, or other materials that have antibacterial, antiviral, or antimicrobial properties. 
     A Pivotable-Cover Mechanism 
     While both the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  and the clamshell mechanism  3000  may include the aforementioned elements to receive an electronic device and initiate the steps to reveal the mount connector  2068 ,  3078 , the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  and the clamshell mechanism  3000  employ additional, different mechanical linkages to complete the task. 
       FIGS.  11   a - 11   i    depict an exemplary embodiment of the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000 .  FIGS.  11   a  and  11   e    depict an embodiment of the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  wherein the mount connector  2068  is covered by a protective member  2030 .  FIG.  11   e    depicts a cross-section of the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  wherein the mechanism has received an electronic device, the actuation member  2008  is in the second position, and the mount connector  2068  is uncovered. In addition,  FIG.  11   e    depicts a number portions that may comprise the actuation member  2008 , including: the sloped portion  2012 , a bridge portion  2020 , a first channeled projection  2022 , and a second channeled projection  2026 .  FIG.  11   d    more clearly shows the first and second channeled projections  2022 ,  2026  and the gap between them. 
     The protective member  2030  of the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  may be pivotally coupled to either the backstop member  2006  or the guide member  2002  at a second, stationary pivot  2032 . As depicted in  FIG.  11   f   , the protective member  2030  is coupled to the backstop member  2006  in this particular embodiment. The third, stationary pivot  2050  lies on the guide member  2002  immediately above the second, stationary pivot  2032 . Additionally, the protective member  2030  may comprise a cover portion  2038  and a stem portion  2031  that couples the cover portion  2038  to the backstop member  2006 . The cover portion  2038  may be configured to cover the mount connector  2068 . The protective member  2030  may also include first and second actuation projections  2034 ,  2036  (not shown) wherein the first and second actuation projections  2034 ,  2036  are adapted to respectively engage the first channel  2024  and the second channel  2028  of the first and second channeled projections  2022 ,  2026  of the actuation member  2008 . Therefore, the first and second channeled projections  2022 ,  2026  may be shaped and sized such that the pivotal moment of the actuation member  2008  from the first position to the second position may pivot the protective member  2030  from a protective position, wherein the cover portion  2038  covers the mount connector  2068 , to a non-protective position, wherein the protective member  2030  is disposed within the guide member recess  2004 . Consequently, the bridge portion  2020  of the actuation member  2008  may be curved between the sloped portion  2012  and the first and second channeled projections  2022 ,  2026  to allow the protective member  2030  to nest within the actuation member  2008  when the protective member  2030  is in the non-protective position.  FIGS.  11   e - 11   i    depict the positions of the actuation member  2008  and the protective member  2030  as they move from their respective positions when the mount connector  2068  is uncovered and in contact with the connector of an electronic device ( FIG.  11   e   ) to their respective positions when the mount connector  2068  is covered ( FIG.  11   i   ). 
     In addition, the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  may include a latch member  2042  having a latch member aperture  2044  adapted to operatively receive a portion of the protective member  2030  when the protective member  2030  is in the non-protective position.  FIG.  11   d    depicts the protective member  2030  in the non-protective position and shows the latch member aperture  2044  receiving the cover portion  2038  of the protective member  2030 .  FIG.  11   d    also depicts the stem portion  2031  of the protective member  2030  disposed between the first and second channeled projections  2022 ,  2026 . 
     To protect the mount connector  2068  during cleaning and normal maintenance, the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  may include a compliant gasket  2074  configured to, when the protective member  2030  is in the protective position, mechanically seal the mount connector  2068  within a cover portion recess  2039  defined by a perimeter rib  2040  of the cover portion  2038 . In an exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG.  11   k   , the compliant gasket  2074  may encompass and abut the mount connector  2068 . In a preferred embodiment, the actuation spring  2016 , acting through the actuation member  2008 , may bias the protective member  2030  such that the protective member  2030  may automatically return to the protective position. Consequently, the spring force of the actuation spring  2016  may enable the perimeter rib  2040  to contact and compress the compliant gasket  2074  when the protective member  2030  is the protective position. Thus, the perimeter rib  2040  may create mechanical seal with the compliant gasket  2074 .  FIG.  11   k    depicts an exemplary embodiment of the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  wherein the perimeter rib  2040  has created a mechanical seal with the compliant gasket  2074 . 
     As will be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the compliant gasket  2074  may be made of any suitably compliant material; such materials may include, but are not limited to, isobutylene, natural rubber, neoprene, styrene butadiene, and silicone. In addition, the compliant gasket material may be chosen so that the compliant gasket  2074  is capable of resisting corrosion from solvents ordinarily used for cleaning device surfaces. 
       FIGS.  11   j  and  11   k    depict an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the mount connector  2068  is of a type having multiple spring contacts  2070 . To protect the spring contacts  2070  when the cover portion  2038  covers the mount connector  2068 , the cover portion recess  2039  may include a compressible material, including but not limited to a polyurethane foam, disposed within the cover portion recess  2039  and adapted to receive the spring contacts  2070 . 
     A Clamshell Mechanism 
     Whereas the protective member  2030  of the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000  is capable of pivoting towards the guide member  2002  to expose the mount connector  2068 , the clamshell mechanism  3000  includes a cover member  3040  that is capable of pivotally sliding across the backstop member face  3007  to expose the mount connector  3078 . 
       FIG.  12   a    depicts an exemplary embodiment of the clamshell mechanism  3000 , wherein the cover member  3040  is in a non-protective position and the mount connector  3078  is exposed.  FIG.  12   b    depicts the same embodiment of the clamshell mechanism  3000 , wherein the cover member  2040  is in a protective position and the mount connector  3078  is covered. 
     To pivotally slide the cover member  3040  across the backstop member face  3007 , the clamshell mechanism  3000  may include at least one first link-member  3028  and at least one second link-member  3030  to enable movement of the actuation member  3010  to pivotally slide the cover member  3040 . In the embodiment of the clamshell mechanism  3000  depicted in  FIG.  12   a   , the actuation member  3010  includes a sleeve portion  3024  that is coupled to the bridge portion  3022  and that is opposite to the sloped portion  3014 .  FIG.  12   c    depicts an embodiment having a pair of first-link members  3028  that are pivotally coupled at respective first end portions to the sleeve portion  3024  of the actuation member  3010  at a first moveable pivot  3026 . In addition, the pair of first link-members  3028  of the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  12   c    are pivotally coupled at respective second end portions to respective first end portions of a pair of second link-members  3030  at a second moveable pivot  3032 . As should be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the backstop member  3006  is adapted to and coupled to the guide member  3002  so as to enable the at least one first link-member  3028  to couple with the actuation member  3010  and pass behind the backstop member face  3007 . Moreover, the backstop member  3006  may be adapted to enable the at least one first and second link-members  3028 ,  3030  to move through their respective ranges of motion without interference from the backstop member  3006 . 
     By way of movement of the at least one second link-member  3030 , the cover member  3040  may pivotally slide across the backstop member face  3007  to reveal the mount connector  3078 . In the embodiment of the clamshell mechanism  3000  depicted in  FIGS.  12   d - 12   h   , the respective first end portions of the pair of second link-members  3030  are coupled to respective second end portions of the pair of first link-members  3028  at the second moveable pivot  3032  and to the backstop member  3006  at a stationary clamshell pivot  3034 .  FIGS.  12   d - 12   h    also depict the pair of second link-members  3030 , wherein respective second end portions of the pair of second link-members  3030  are coupled to the cover member  3040  at a third moveable pivot  3042 . In addition, the backstop member  3006  defines first and second pass-thru apertures  3036 ,  3038 , depicted in  FIGS.  12   i  and  12   j   , through which the pair of second-link members  3030  respectively pass to couple with the cover member  3040 . The first and second pass-thru apertures  3036 ,  3038  may be respectively shaped and sized so as to enable the pair of second link-members  3030  to move through their respective ranges of motion without interference from the backstop member  3006 . 
     As the clamshell mechanism  3000  progresses through the stages of uncovering the mount connector  3078  depicted in  FIGS.  12   e - 12   h   , movement of the actuation member  3010  in a first direction from a first position to a second position may cause the cover member  3040  to move from a protective position, wherein the mount connector  3078  is covered, to a non-protective position, wherein the mount connector  3078  is uncovered. During the uncovering process, pivotal movement of the actuation member  3010  in the first direction may cause the pair of first link-members  3028  to pivot slightly about the first moveable pivot  3026  and to move in a substantially translational direction towards the guide member  3002 . In turn, the substantially translational movement of the pair of first link-members  3026  may cause the second moveable pivot  3032  to transit a plane that is parallel to the guide member face  3003  and that passes through the stationary clamshell pivot  3034 . In doing so, the second moveable pivot  3032  may move from a first position to a second position, wherein the second moveable pivot  3032  is closer to the guide member  3002  in the second position than in the first position. Movement of the second moveable pivot  3032  from the first position to the second position may thereby cause the pair of second link-members  3030  to pivot about the stationary clamshell pivot  3034  and pivotally slide the cover member  3040  from the protective position to the non-protective position. The reverse process, depicted in the progression of figures from  FIG.  12   h    to  FIG.  12   e   , may be used to cover the mount connector  3078 . 
     Like the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000 , an actuation spring  3018  may be used to bias the clamshell mechanism  3000  so that the actuation member  3010  automatically returns to the first position under the force of the actuation spring  3018 , and acting through the at least one first link-member  3028  and the at least one second link-member  3030 , the actuation member  3010  may thereby cause the cover member  3040  to automatically return to the protective position. 
     To house the cover member  3040  when it is in the non-protective position, the backstop member may define a backstop member recess  3008  that the cover member  3040  may pivotally slide into as it pivotally slides across the backstop member face  3007  and exposes the mount connector  3078 .  FIGS.  12   e - 12   h    depict the progression of the cover member  3040  as it uncovers the mount connector  3078  and slides into the backstop member recess  3008 . As depicted in  FIGS.  12   e - 12   h   , the deepest portion of the backstop member recess  3008  may be an end portion that is furthest from the guide member  3002 , and the backstop member recess  3008  may slope from the deepest portion towards the backstop member face  3007 . The backstop member recess  3008  may be shaped and sized such that the cover member  3040  lies below the plane of the backstop member face  3007  when the cover member  3040  is in the non-protective position. In addition, the backstop member recess  3008  may be shaped and sized such that the cover member  3040  may surround and cover the mount connector  3078  when the cover member is in the protective position. 
     The clamshell mechanism  3000  may also include a compliant gasket system  3084  designed to protect the mount connector  3078 , wherein the compliant gasket system  3084  includes a first gasket portion  3086 , a second gasket portion  3088 , and a transitional gasket portion  3090 . The second gasket portion  3088  may mirror the first gasket portion  3086  and may be disposed on an opposite side of the transitional gasket portion  3090 .  FIGS.  12   i  and  12   j    depict an exemplary embodiment of a series of the clamshell mechanisms  3000  with compliant gasket systems  3084 .  FIG.  12   i    depicts the cover member  3040  in relation to the compliant gasket system  3084  when the cover member  3040  is in the protective position. In contrast,  FIG.  12   j    depicts the cover member  3040  in relation to the compliant gasket system  3084  when the cover member  3040  is in the non-protective position. As depicted in  FIG.  12   d   , the cover member  3040  may include a perimeter rib  3044  that may be shaped and sized such that, when cover member  3040  is in the protective position, the perimeter rib  3044  may compress the first gasket portion  3086  and a portion of the transitional gasket portion  3090 . Likewise,  FIG.  12   j    depicts the mechanical seal created by the perimeter rib  3044  (see  FIG.  12   d   ) the second gasket portion  3088 , and a portion of the transitional gasket portion  3090 . In both of  FIGS.  12   i  and  12   j   , the perimeter rib  3044  compresses respective portions of the transitional gasket portion  3090  such that the first and second pass-thru apertures  3036 ,  3038  are within the mechanical seal created by the perimeter rib  3044  and the compliant gasket system  3084 . The first and second pass-thru apertures  3036 ,  3038  may be contained with the mechanical seal to protect at least the first and second pairs of link-members  3028 ,  3030  against the threat of contamination from foreign matter, particularly during cleaning of the clamshell mechanism  3000 . 
     Like the compliant gasket  2074  of the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000 , the compliant gasket system  3084  of the clamshell mechanism  3000  may be made of any suitably compliant material; such materials may include, but are not limited to, isobutylene, natural rubber, neoprene, styrene butadiene, and silicone. In addition, the compliant gasket material may be chosen so that the compliant gasket system  3084  is capable of resisting corrosion from solvents ordinarily used for cleaning device surfaces. 
     Additionally, and like the pivotable-cover mechanism  2000 , the mount connector  3078  of the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  12   a - 12   j    may be of a type having multiple spring contacts  3080 . Moreover, the cover member  3040  may likewise include a compliant material, such as but not limited to a polyurethane foam, that may be shaped and sized to receive and protect the spring contacts  3080  when the cover member  3040  is in the protective position. 
     A System for Receiving a Device 
     The aforementioned pivotable-cover or clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000  may be an embodiment of a protective mechanism  5002  that is a first element of a system for receiving a device  5000 . A second element of the system for receiving a device  5000  may be a receivable device  5020  that may include a device connector  5022  and a means for being received by the protective mechanism  5002 , such as the pivotable-cover or clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000 . 
       FIG.  13   a    depicts an exemplary embodiment of a receivable device  5020 , wherein the receivable device includes a device connector  5022  that is disposed on a first face  5024  of the receivable device  5020  such that the device connector  5022  is adapted to interface with a mechanism connector  5004  like the respective mount connectors  2068 ,  3078  of the pivotable-cover and clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000 . 
     To receive the receivable device  5020 , the protective mechanism  5002  may include at least one rigid member  5008  disposed on a guide member  5006 . The at least one rigid member  5008  may be similar to the respective first and second rail projections  2056 ,  3066 ,  2062 ,  3072  of the pivotable-cover and clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000  as described herein. The receivable device  5020  may include at least one channel  5028  defined by a second face  5026  of the receivable device  5020  and each of the at least one channel  5028  may be adapted to receive a respective at least one rigid member  5008  of the protective mechanism  5002 . In embodiments of the protective mechanism  5002  that include respective first and second rail projections  2056 ,  3066 ,  2062 ,  3072  like those of the pivotable-cover and clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000 , the at least one channel  5028  may comprise a first channel  5030  adapted to receive the respective first rail projection  2056 ,  3066  and a second channel  5032  adapted to receive the respective second rail projection  2062 ,  3072 .  FIGS.  13   a  and  13   b    depict an embodiment of the receivable device  5020  that includes the aforementioned first and second channels  5030 ,  5032  that are adapted to receive the respective first and second rail projections  2056 ,  3066 ,  2062 ,  3072  of the pivotable-cover and clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000 . 
     To secure the receivable device  5020  in place after the protective mechanism  5002  receives the receivable device  5020 , the protective mechanism  5002  may include a latch member  5014  having a latch member projection  5016  that engages a latch recess  5034  defined by the second face  5026  of the receivable device  5020 .  FIGS.  13   a  and  13   b    depict an exemplary embodiment having a latch recess  5034 , and  FIG.  13   c    depicts how the latch member projection  5016  may engage the latch recess  5034  to secure a received receivable device  5020 . Additionally, the protective mechanism  5002  may include any of the features discussed above with respect to the pivotable-cover and clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000 ; such features may include, but are not limited to, a latch member spring  2048 ,  3056  and latch member aperture  2044 ,  3052 , for example. 
     When used in combination, the receivable device  5020  may cause the protective mechanism  5002  to automatically reveal the mechanism connector  5004  as the protective mechanism  5002  receives the receivable device  5020 , thereby allowing the mechanism connector  5004  and the device connector  5022  to interface with each other. For example, the progression of  FIGS.  13   d - 13   g    demonstrates how receiving a receivable device  5020  may cause the clamshell mechanism  3000  to automatically reveal a mechanism connector  5004 . As each of the at least one rigid member  5010  of the a respective protective mechanism slides within a corresponding at least one channel  5028  of the receivable device  5020 , the receivable device  5020  engages the sloped face  5011  of the actuation member  5010  as it slides towards the backstop member face  5007  and mechanism connector  5004  ( FIG.  13   d   ). As the receivable device  5020  continues to slide toward the backstop member face  5007 , the receivable device  5020  may begin to pivot the actuation member  5010  in a first direction from a first position to a second position ( FIGS.  13   e  and  13   f   ). As described above with respect to the pivotable-cover and clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000 , or other embodiment of the protective mechanism  5002 , this pivotal movement of the actuation member  5010  may cause the cover member  5018  to reveal the mechanism connector  5004 . The receivable device  5020  may slide toward the backstop member face  5007  until it is in a received position where it contacts the backstop member face  5007  and the device connector  5022  interfaces with the mechanism connector  5004  ( FIG.  13   g   ). 
     The progression from  FIG.  13   g    to  FIG.  13   d    depicts the reverse process wherein decoupling the receivable device  5020  from the protective mechanism  5002  may cause the actuation member  5010  to pivot from the second position to the first position under the force of an actuation spring  5012  and thereby cover the mechanism connector  5004 . 
     As should be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the at least one protective mechanism  5002  may be designed such that the cover member  5020  is capable of pivoting from the protective position to the non-protective position as the receivable device  5020  slides towards the backstop member face  5007  and the mechanism connector  5004 . The pivotable-cover and clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000  described above are but two exemplary embodiments wherein the mechanical linkages and the constituent components are shaped and sized so as to pivot or otherwise move through their respective ranges of motion while the receivable device  5020  causes the actuation member  5010  to pivot as the receivable device  5020  coupled or decouples with a protective mechanism  5002 . 
     When the receivable device  5020  is in the received position, the latch member  5014  of the respective protective mechanism  5002  may pivot to a latched position such that the latch member projection  5016  engages the latch recess  5034  defined by a second face of the receivable device  5020 . In a preferred embodiment of the system for receiving a device  5000 , the latch recess  5034  may be disposed on the first face of the receivable device  5020  such that it is between the first channel  5030  and the second channel  5032 . Like the sloped face  5011 , the latch member projection  5016  may slope away from the plane of the guide member  5006  and towards the backstop member face  5007  such that the receivable device  5020  may cause the latch member projection  5016  and latch member  5014  to pivot out of the way as the receivable device  5020  slides towards the backstop member face  5007 . As described above with respect to the pivotable-cover and clamshell mechanisms  2000 ,  3000  a latch spring  5019  may be used to automatically restore the latch member  5014  to the latched position when the receivable device  5020  is in the received position. 
     To decouple the receivable device  5020  from the protective mechanism  5002 , pivoting the latch member  5014  away from the latched position may cause the latch member projection  5016  to disengage from the latch recess  5034  and allow the receivable device  5020  to slide in the opposite direction away from the backstop member face  5007  and the mechanism connector  5004 . Pivoting the latch member  5014  away from the latched position may be achieved by manually pulling on a latch member release tab  5017  that is disposed on an opposite end portion of the latch member  5014  with respect to the latch member projection  5016 . Where the latch member release tab  5017  is on an opposite side of the latch member pivot point  5015  with respect to the latch member projection  5016 , pulling towards the mechanism connector  5004  causes the latch member projection  5016  to disengage from the latch recess  5034 . 
     Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. Additionally, while several embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown in the drawings and/or discussed herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. And, those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. Other elements, steps, methods and techniques that are insubstantially different from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. 
     The embodiments shown in drawings are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. And, the drawings described are only illustrative and are non-limiting. In the drawings, for illustrative purposes, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to a particular scale. Additionally, elements shown within the drawings that have the same numbers may be identical elements or may be similar elements, depending on the context. 
     Where the term “comprising” is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g. “a” “an” or “the”, this includes a plural of that noun unless something otherwise is specifically stated. Hence, the term “comprising” should not be interpreted as being restricted to the items listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps, and so the scope of the expression “a device comprising items A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. This expression signifies that, with respect to the present disclosure, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. 
     Furthermore, the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and the like, whether used in the description or in the claims, are provided for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances (unless clearly disclosed otherwise) and that the embodiments of the disclosure described herein are capable of operation in other sequences and/or arrangements than are described or illustrated herein. 
     In one example embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  14 A- 14 E , a clamp apparatus  1400  is depicted. The clamp apparatus  1400  comprises a body  1402 . In the shown embodiment, the clamp apparatus  1400  has a first handle  1403  and a second handle  1404 . The first handle  1403  and the second handle  1404  may be operatively coupled to the body  1402 . The clamp apparatus also includes a first movable gripper  1405  and a second movable gripper  1406 . The first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406  are coupled to the first handle  1403  and the second handle  1404 , respectively. In one example embodiment, the body  1402  is positioned intermediately between the handles and the grippers. The first handle  1403  and the second handle  1404  are fixedly coupled to the first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406 , respectively, thereby controlling the movement of the first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406 . The clamp apparatus  1400  also includes a first gear set  1407  and a second gear set  1408  that are operatively coupled to the first handle  1403  and the second handle  1404 , respectively, as well as the first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406 , respectively, and are also rotatably coupled to the body. The first gear set  1407  and the second gear set  1408  are configured to operatively engage one another. In one example embodiment, the first gear set  1407  may include an upper first gear  1407   a , and a lower first gear  1407   b  that is fixedly coupled to the upper first gear  1407   a , such that the upper first gear  1407   a  and the lower first gear  1407   b  move together in unison. Similarly, the second gear set  1408  may include an upper second gear  1408   a , and a lower second gear  1408   b  that is fixedly coupled to the upper second gear  1408   a , such that the upper second gear  1408   a  and the lower second gear  1408   b  move together in unison. The upper first gear  1407   a  and the lower first gear  1407   b  may be configured to operatively engage the upper second gear  1408   a  and the lower second gear  1408   b , respectively. 
     The clamp apparatus  1400  also includes at least one bias member  1410  operatively engaged with the first handle  1403  and the second handle  1404 , such that the handles are configured for operation by a user so as to overcome the at least one bias member  1410 . The at least one bias member  1410  is configured to bias the first handle  1403  and the second handle  1404  toward a first position. The first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406  are engaged with one another, defining a clamped position, when the first handle  1403  and the second handle  1404  are in the first position. The first handle  1403  and the second handle  1404  are configured to thereby move, under actuation, to a second position, whereby the first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406  are disengaged from one another, defining an unclamped position. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp apparatus further comprises a gripping surface on the first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406 , configured to engage a clamped object. In some embodiments, the grippers are configured to clamp onto a pole. In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus  1400  is for use with medical devices and medical accessories. In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus  1400  is configured to couple a medical device  1401  to a support pole. The pole may be an IV pole. The medical device  1401  may be a monitor comprising a tablet computer. In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus  1400  is configured to couple an infusion pump to a support pole. The infusion pump may be a peristaltic infusion pump. In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus  1400  is capable of automatically mimicking the girth of a variety of different clamped objects. 
     In one example embodiment, at least part of at least one of the first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406  may be comprised of a material which will firmly grip, but not deform, a clamped object. In some embodiments, at least a part of at least one of the first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406  may be comprised of polyurethane. In some embodiments, at least part of at least one of the grippers may be comprised of rubber, or may be coated in a rubbery, gripping material. In some embodiments, at least one of the first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406  may be at least partially covered by a removable surface. In some embodiments, at least one of the first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406  may comprise at least one approximately arcuate, semi-circular, or contoured face at least on the gripping surface. 
     In one example embodiment, at least a part of at least one of the first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406  has fingers. In one example embodiment, the first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406  both have fingers. As shown in  FIG.  14 A , the fingers of the first movable gripper  1405  and the second movable gripper  1406  are interdigitated when the grippers are engaged with one another, corresponding to the handles being in the first position. As shown in  FIG.  14 E , the fingers of each gripper are partially interdigitated due to partial engagement of the grippers with one another, corresponding to the handles being in an intermediate position between the first and second positions. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one bias member  1410  is a spring. Further, the at least one bias member  1410  may be a flat spring. The at least one bias member  1410  may also be a leaf spring. In one example embodiment, the at least one bias member may be at least one array of multiple bias members. Further, the at least one bias member may be an array of multiple flat springs arranged in a layered configuration. In one example embodiment, the at least one bias member  1410  may be made of a flexible, compressible material. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  15 A- 15 D , the at least one bias member  1410  may comprise a first bias member and a second bias member. In one embodiment, the first bias member may be a first bias member array  1509 , including multiple individual bias members  1509   a , and the second bias member may be a second bias member array  1510 , including multiple individual bias members  1510   a . In one example embodiment, the first and second bias members may each include a single bias member. Additionally, the first and second bias members or the individual bias members  1509   a  and  1510   a  may be springs, or, in one example embodiment, may be torsion springs. 
     In one example embodiment, the first handle  1503  and the second handle  1504  may be paddles. In one example embodiment, the handles may be concave shaped away from or towards the body  1502 , the handles being actuatable. The handles may be configured to be pulled by a user from a first side, or pushed by the user from a second side, in order to move the grippers from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the first handle  1503  and the second handle  1504  may further comprise a palm support. The member adapted as a palm support may be U-shaped. In one example embodiment, the first handle  1503  and a second handle  1504  may provide a pair of pull handles configured for operation by a user so as to actuate the first movable gripper  1505  and the second movable gripper  1506  from the first position to the second position. 
     In one example embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  16 A- 16 E , a clamp apparatus  1600  is depicted. The clamp apparatus  1600  comprises a third gear set  1627  and a fourth gear set  1628 , the gear sets operatively coupled to the first handle  1603  and the second handle  1604 , respectively, and rotatably coupled to the body  1602 . In one example embodiment, the third gear set  1627  and fourth gear set  1628  may share an axis of rotation with the first gear set  1607  and the second gear set  1608 , respectively. The third gear set  1627  and the fourth gear set  1628  may be operatively coupled to the first movable gripper  1605  and the second movable gripper  1606 , respectively. The third and fourth gear sets may be configured to operatively engage a locking mechanism in association with the handles. The locking mechanism comprises a first hook  1617 , a first catch  1619 , a second hook  1618 , and a second catch  1620 . In one example embodiment, the third and fourth gear sets may be operatively engaged with one another. 
     In one example embodiment, the handles and third and fourth gear sets may be configured to permit slight initial rotational movement of the handles in advance of subsequent rotational movement of the grippers, when moving the first and second handles from the first position to the second position. Similarly, the handles and gears may be configured to permit slight additional rotational movement of the handles after the grippers stop their rotational movement, when moving the first and second handles from the second position back to the first position. The initial slight rotational movement of the handles may perform an unlocking function, freeing the grippers to move, while the additional slight rotational movement of the handles after the grippers stop moving may perform a locking function, preventing the grippers from moving. 
     In one example embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  17 A- 17 E , a clamp apparatus  1700  is depicted. The clamp apparatus  1700  comprises a body  1702 , the body  1702  having a first end and a second end. The clamp also includes a lever  1704 , the lever  1704  operatively coupled to the first end of the body  1702 . The clamp apparatus  1700  also includes a movable gripper  1708 . The movable gripper  1708  is coupled to an intermediate portion of the body  1702 , between the first end and second end. The clamp apparatus  1700  includes a first fixed gripper  1706  and a second fixed gripper  1705 . The fixed grippers are positioned at the second end of the body  1702 . The fixed grippers are configured to approximately oppose the movable gripper  1708  such as to secure a pole from opposing sides. The clamp apparatus  1700  also includes a connector member  1712 . The connector member  1712  has a first end operatively coupled to the lever  1704  and a second end operatively coupled to the movable gripper  1708 . 
     In one example embodiment, the movable gripper  1708  is rotatable about a coupling point of the intermediate portion of the body  1702 . The movable gripper  1708  is approximately wedge-shaped, having a narrow end and a wide end. The narrow end of the movable gripper  1708  is coupled to the body  1702 , and the movable gripper  1708  is rotatable about the narrow end. The wide end of the movable gripper  1708  may have a ridged surface. Further, the ridged surface may extend along the wide end of the wedge-shaped movable gripper  1708 . The wide end of the movable gripper  1708  may have a contoured face  1722  opposing the at least two fixed grippers. In some embodiments, the contoured face  1722  may be a semi-circular or wedge-shaped face. The face  1722  of the wide end of the movable gripper  1708  may be configured to complement the shape of a pole. 
     In one example embodiment, the grippers further comprise gripping surfaces configured to engage a clamped object. The gripping surfaces may be made of a material which will firmly grip, but not deform, a clamped object. In one example embodiment, the grippers are configured to close onto a pole. In one example embodiment, the grippers are rubber. In another example embodiment, the grippers are coated in a rubbery, gripping material. 
     In one example embodiment, the body  1702  may comprise a back plate  1720  to which the first fixed gripper  1706  and the second fixed gripper  1705  are fixed. 
     In one example embodiment, the movable gripper  1708 , the first fixed gripper  1706  and the second fixed gripper  1705  may be configured such that the movable gripper  1708  and the fixed grippers are substantially opposite and are capable of automatically mimicking the girth of a clamped object. 
     In one example embodiment, the connector member  1712  is configured to rotate the movable gripper  1708  about the narrow end upon actuation of the connector member  1712 . 
     In one example embodiment, the connector member  1712  includes a bias member  1710 . In one example embodiment, the bias member  1710  is a spring, and in some embodiments the spring is a compression spring. In other embodiments, the bias member  1710  may be a compressible or expandable spring. In some embodiments, the connector member  1712  includes a piston. The piston may be a spring-biased piston. The bias member  1710  is oriented such that movement of the connector member  1712  towards the movable gripper  1708  stores mechanical energy in the bias member  1710 . 
     In one example embodiment, the connector member  1712  is rotatably connected to the lever  1704  at the first end of the connector member  1712 . The connector member  1712  is coupled to a lever joint  1775 , the lever joint  1775  positioned at, and also operatively coupled to, an end of the lever  1704 . The connector member  1712  may also be rotatably connected to the movable gripper  1708  at the second end of the connector member  1712 . The connector member  1712  is configured to, under actuation of the lever  1704 , extend towards the movable gripper  1708 , thereby rotating the movable gripper  1708  towards the fixed grippers. 
     In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus  1700  further comprises a bias member support  1750  coupled to the connector member  1712 . The bias member support  1750  has a portion with a diameter less than a diameter of the bias member  1710 . The portion of the bias member support  1750  is positioned to fit inside the diameter of the bias member  1710 . 
     In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus  1700  further comprises a bias member housing  1751  coupled to the connector member  1712 . The bias member housing  1751  is hollow and has a sealed end. The bias member housing  1751  has a diameter greater than the diameter of the bias member  1710 . In one example embodiment, the lever  1704  of the clamp apparatus  1700  is a handle. The lever  1704  is configured to, under actuation, rotate towards the body  1702 . The lever  1704  is configured to move the connector member  1712  toward a first position and thereby move the movable gripper  1708  toward the fixed grippers. The lever  1704  is further configured to move the connector member  1712  toward a second position and thereby move the movable gripper  1708  away from the fixed grippers. In one example embodiment, the lever joint  1775  is a cam, such that when the lever  1704  is moved to the first position, the cam pushes the connector member  1712 , thereby pushing the movable gripper  1708  closer to the fixed grippers. In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus  1700  is configured to allow the moveable gripper  1708  to stop when abutting against an object while allowing the connector member  1712  to continue to move as the lever  1704  is further actuated. 
     In one example embodiment, the lever  1704  includes a slideable ring  1770  coaxially aligned with and surrounding the top end of the lever  1704 , the top end being nearest the lever joint  1775 . The slideable ring  1770  is configured to free the lever  1704  from a locked position. The slideable ring  1770  is configured to slide out of a notch in the lever joint  1775 , thereby unlocking the lever  1704  and freeing the lever  1704  to rotate. The slideable ring  1770  includes a ring bias member  1776 , the ring bias member  1776  configured to bias the slideable ring  1770  to a notched position. In one example embodiment, the ring bias member  1776  is a compression spring, while in another embodiment the ring bias member  1776  is an expansion spring. 
     In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus  1700  further comprises a locking assembly, the locking assembly configured to interact with the movable gripper  1708 . The locking assembly includes a pawl  1714 , and the pawl  1714  includes a pawl bias member  1715 . In one example embodiment, the pawl bias member  1715  is a spring, and in some embodiments the pawl bias member  1715  is a torsion spring. The pawl  1714  is rotatably coupled to the locking assembly, the pawl  1714  configured to rotate into contact with an upper ridged surface of the movable gripper  1708 , locking the gripper in place. 
     In one example embodiment, the locking assembly further comprises a slideable member  1718 , and the pawl  1714  positioned in contact with the slideable member  1718 . The slideable member  1718  has a first end in contact with the lever joint  1775 . The slideable member  1718  contacts an outer surface of the lever joint  1775 , the outer surface having a depressed portion. The locking assembly is configured to move the slideable member  1718  into the depressed portion of the lever joint  1775 , allowing the pawl  1714  to rotate into contact with the movable gripper  1708  and thereby locking the movable gripper  1708  in place. 
     In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus  1700  is configured for use with medical devices and medical accessories. In one example embodiment, the body  1702  includes a means of coupling the clamp to a load. In one example embodiment, the load is a medical device. In some embodiments, the medical device is a peristaltic infusion pump or syringe infusion pump. In one example embodiment, the clamp apparatus  1700  is configured to couple a medical device to a support pole. In one embodiment, the pole may be an IV pole. In one embodiment, the medical device is a monitor comprising a tablet computer. 
       FIG.  18    depicts a prospective, side view illustration of an example support system  6200 ( a ) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  18    further provides a representational view of the support system  6200 ( a ) such that various embodiments of the support system  6200 ( a ) may be illustrated under this view. The support system  6200 ( a ) may serve to ensure an easy and efficient clamping of a device  6207  or a plurality of similar or dissimilar devices  6207  to another component. 
     The present disclosure may provide one or more engagement mechanisms between a component that is to be clamped and a component on which clamping takes place. Such an engagement mechanism may serve to facilitate safe, easy and robust clamping of the clamped device. Additional engagement mechanisms may be configured to be in conjunction with, in addition to, or independent of the primary engagement mechanism. Such additional engagement mechanisms may provide further stability for the clamped device  6207  and the clamp arrangement  6200 ( b ), as a whole. Various embodiments of the present disclosure mainly illustrate the clamping of medical devices in a hospital facility or a medical setting. Such devices may include, but are not limited to infusion pumps such as: syringe pumps, peristaltic pumps, cassette-based pumps, etc. Additionally, other devices such as physiological monitors, gravity-fed drug delivery devices and any other suitable medical equipment may be clamped as well. In some embodiments, the support system  6200 ( a ) may be configured to allow clamping of a portable computing device such as a smart phone, tablet, or other similar devices with a keypad, a touch screen, or any other sufficient user interface. Though the present disclosure is described for use in a hospital facility or a medical setting, the support system  6200 ( a ) embodiment or its exemplary components described herein may also be used as a combination or independently, in any other setting. Additionally, various components of the embodiments described herein need not be used exclusively within the context of the embodiments described herein. For example, the clamping devices  6207  described in relation to the embodiments disclosed herein may be used by themselves to clamp to an object or any other suitable support such as a pole (e.g. IV pole), rod, or the like. 
     A support system  6200 ( a ) may comprise components that may be assembled in a pre-defined manner to allow clamping of a device or devices  6207  to other components. The exemplary support system  6200 ( a ) in  FIG.  18    may include a backbone structure  6201  that may be secured to a pole, such as an IV pole or may independently position itself, such that a vertical axis A 19  (shown in dotted line in  FIG.  19 A ) may pass through it. In some embodiments the backbone structure  6201  may include a sturdy base component that may allow the independent positioning of the support system  6200 ( a ) on a flat surface such as flat ground, floor or a table top. Such a base component may be removably attached or permanently engineered to the backbone structure  6201 . To facilitate such independent positioning, some embodiments may include a base structure which may be attached to a bottom of the backbone structure  6201 . Optionally, the base structure may also provide wheels for mobility. 
     The backbone structure  6201  may be hollow and may further provide one or more data communication ports  6213  and power supply inlets  6214  to facilitate information exchange between one or more devices  6207  clamped on the backbone structure  6201  and allow charging of a clamped device or devices  6207 . The hollow feature of the backbone structure  6201  may facilitate housing internal circuitry related to data communication and power supply circuits. In some specific embodiments, other circuitry may also or instead be housed in the hollow interior of the backbone structure  6201 . 
     The backbone structure  6201  may be made of a variety of suitable materials. It may be desirable that the material chosen are low density and therefore low weight, high strength, superior malleability, easy machining, corrosion resistance, rust resistance, especially from air and moisture, and good thermal and electrical conductivity etc. However, other materials with similar qualities or different qualities may also be used. In some specific embodiments, metal alloys like stainless steel or metals like aluminum may be used. Additionally, alternatively, or optionally, plastics possessing similar qualities may be used. In other embodiments, a combination of different materials, providing such features, may be used. Additionally, the backbone structure  6201  may be of a pre-defined breadth and length to engage a known number of holding structures  6203  with sufficient clearance between a plurality of attachable devices  6207 . Though multiple holding structures  6203  are depicted in the example embodiment, in some specific embodiments, a single holding structure  6203  may be used. 
     A holding structure  6203  may serve to engage another component of the support system  6200 ( a ) with the backbone structure  6201 . A first set of fixation points may be provided on the backbone structure  6201 . A second set of complementary set of fixation points may also be provided on the holding structure  6203 . The holding structure  6203  may be configured to provide a substantially graspable feature such that when the holding structure  6203  is engaged with the backbone structure  6201 , the substantially graspable feature may stand generally parallel to the axis A 19  of the backbone structure  6201 . Additionally, the holding structure  6203  may be engaged with the backbone structure  6201  in such a fashion as to provide electrical communication with the backbone structure  6201  via a base portion  6237 , as depicted in  FIG.  18   . The plurality of holding structures  6203  may be disposed at necessary intervals on the backbone structure  6201 . The general view in  FIG.  18   , shows four sequential holding structures  6203 . 
     The holding structure  6203  in a clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) is equipped with other components to illustrate the complete clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) in the support system  6200 ( a ). Some of the following drawings show supplementary, explicit views of a specific embodiment of the clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) on a single holding structure  6203 . The drawings also depict exemplary embodiments of individual components and their inter-relation to form the clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ). 
     The support system  6200 ( a ) may further provide an intermediate clamp assembly  6205 . A first face of the clamp assembly  6205  may engage with a device  6207  which is to be clamped, and the opposing face may be engaged with the holding structure  6203 . Hence, the clamp assembly  6205  may serve to clamp the device  6207  on the holding structure  6203 . A first side of the device  6207 , which is distal from the clamp assembly  6205  may be a work station or interface for the user of the device  6207  in various embodiments. 
     A clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) may also provide a power supply pack  6209  configured to detachably engage with a device  6207 . The pack  6209  may function as an alternative power supply source when the device  6207  is not clamped on the holding structure  6203 . The detachable power supply pack  6209  may be further configured to clamp along with the device  6207  and positionally adjust to facilitate an uninterrupted engagement between the clamp assembly  6205  and the holding structure  6203 . The detachable power supply pack  6209  may be configured so as to receive a base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203  into a housing provided on the detachable power supply pack  6209 . The power supply pack  6209  may be removably coupled with the device  6207  via a separate engagement mechanism. Additionally, once attached to the device  6207 , the detachable power supply pack  6209  may not require any supplementary efforts for clamping it to the holding structure  6203 , other than the ones employed by the user for clamping the device  6207  to the holding structure  6203 . Thus, the power supply pack  6209  may be clamped on the holding structure  6203  via the engagement mechanisms between device  6207  and the clamping assembly  6205  and a second engagement between the clamp assembly  6205  and the holding structure  6203 . 
       FIG.  19    depicts a proximal, side view illustration of an exemplary support system  6200 ( a ), as shown in  FIG.  18   . Two holding structures assemblies,  9019  and  9020  are shown in  FIG.  19   . A complete clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) is shown on holding structure assembly  9020 , suggesting that an identical arrangement may be provided on the holding structure assembly  9019 , if required. Additionally, if other holding structures are present, identical arrangements may be provided on them. Alternatively, one or more holding structures  6203  included in the support system  6200 ( a ) may be configured such that its complete clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) differs from others in the support system  6200 ( a ). For example, embodiments allowing clamping of a portable computing device such as a tablet, smart-phone, etc., as well as an infusion pump, the complete clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) for each, may differ. A clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) is shown in section  9020  of  FIG.  19   . A similar assembly or arrangement may be achieved for section  9019  of  FIG.  19   . 
     A data communication port  6213  and a power supply source  6214  provided on the backbone structure  6201 , may be used to facilitate data communication between a device or devices  6207  and supply power to all the devices  6207 , respectively, clamped on a single backbone structure  6201 . The data communication and power supply may be achieved through internal circuitry within the backbone structure  6201 . This internal circuitry for the data communication and power supply may be provided wholly or partially within an internal hollow cavity inside the backbone structure  6201 . The power supply source  6214  on the backbone structure  6207  may be a plug-in from the main power source (e.g., AC mains, for example). 
     Various components of a specific embodiment of a support system  6200 ( a ) are also shown in the isometric view depicted in  FIG.  20 A . The support system  6200 ( a ) depicted in  FIG.  20 A  may be one of many specific examples of the generic embodiment depicted in  FIG.  18   .  FIG.  20 A  shows a backbone structure  6201 , which may be a longitudinal, hollow, substantially rectangular structure. Additionally, the backbone structure  6201  may serve as a principal support structure for the complete support system  6200 ( a ). The backbone structure  6201  may also include one or more protrusion which in the example embodiment is shown as a number of tube management members  6269 ( a ). The tube management members  6269 ( a ) shown in  FIG.  20 A  may collectively serve as a tube management system for managing a plurality of tubes coming out or going into a device or devices  6207  that may be clamped on the backbone structure  6201 . Various embodiments of the tube management members will be described later in further detail herein. It should also be noted that in some embodiments, one or more protrusion, such as the side protrusions or tube management members  6269 ( a ) depicted in  FIG.  20 A , may be used to hang various medical supplies. Such supplies may include, for instance, an IV bag or a gravity-fed drug infusion set-up. 
     Components of the support system  6200 ( a ) are also shown in the isometric view depicted in  FIG.  20 B . The embodiment depicted in  FIG.  20 B  may be one of many specific examples of the generic embodiment depicted in  FIG.  19   . The holding structure  6203  shown in  FIG.  20 B  includes a rod portion  6238  and a base portion  6237  which is an exemplary embodiment of the holding structures  6203 . Section  9019  and section  9020  each include a holding structure  6203 . An example of a completely assembled clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) is shown in section  9020  of  FIG.  19 B  and  FIG.  20 B  to illustrate that a similar arrangement may be achieved for section  9019  of  FIG.  19    and  FIG.  20 B . Alternatively, in embodiments where a wide variety of devices  6207  may be attached to a support system, the arrangement in section  9020  may differ. 
       FIG.  21 A  depicts an exploded, isometric view of an example embodiment of a complete clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) and depicts a positional relationship between components of a clamping arrangement  6200 ( b )). The clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) may comprise a backbone structure  6201  that may be generally planar. The backbone structure  6201  may further comprise a first set of fixation points  6211  configured to engage or attach a holding structure  6203  to the backbone structure  6201 . The holding structure  6203  may be engaged such that a rear face of the holding structure  6203  may be configured to mate with a front surface of the backbone structure  6201 . As shown, the front face of the holding structure may provide pre-determined one or more mechanisms for engaging additional components that are described in-depth later in the present disclosure. The holding structure  6203  may comprise a top portion  6235 . The top portion  6235  may be configured to show or visually indicate a clear distinction between holding structure  6203  placed longitudinally adjacent to another holding structure  6203  on the backbone structure  6201 . This distinction may be useful since a single plate of the backbone structure  6201  may provide attachment sites for a plurality of holding structures  6203 . 
     The holding structure  6203  may further comprise a base portion  6237  that provides a passage  6234  for a data communication and a power supply circuitry that may extend from a hollow interior of a backbone  6201  to the device  6207 . The passage  6234  may receive the data communication and power supply circuitry from a data communication port  6213  and power supply outlet  6214  on the backbone structure  6201  which extends to the device  6207  via the passage  6234 . The base portion  6237  may further provide a coupling element for engaging a clamp assembly  6205 . One embodiment of the coupling element may be a recess  6236  that receives a complementary coupling element that may be provided on the clamp assembly  6205 . The coupling element or recess  6236  may serve as an additional engagement mechanism between the holding structure  6203  and the clamp assembly  6205 . This additional engagement mechanism may also serve as an alignment mechanism to bring together the holding structure  6203 , the clamp assembly  6205  and the device  6207 , in line with one another. Moreover, the engagement of the coupling element or recess  6236  on the holding structure  6203  with a complimentary coupling element on the clamp structure  6205  may serve to increase the robustness of the connection between the holding structure  6203  and the clamp structure  6205 . The holding structure  6203  may further provide an intermediate rod portion  6238  between the top portion  6235  and the base portion  6237 . 
       FIG.  21 A  further depicts an intermediate rod portion  6238  that may be a graspable structure and may serve as an important element to provide the primary engagement between a holding structure  6203  and a clamp assembly  6205 . An embodiment of the intermediate rod  6238  portion may generally be a cylindrical structure. In other embodiments, the intermediate rod portion  6238  may have a different yet graspable structure. For example, the intermediate rod structure  6238  may have any number of suitable cross-sectional shapes. This intermediate rod portion  6238  may be disposed at a minimal distance from the backbone structure  6201  in order to avoid any interference when griping this portion. A top portion  6235  and a base portion  6237  may be engaged with the backbone structure  6201  via a first set of fixation points  6211  that may be provided on the backbone structure  6201 . The minimum distance between the intermediate rod portion  6238  and the backbone structure  6201  may be dependent upon the dimensions of the top portion  6235  and the base portion  6237 . In the example embodiment, the intermediate rod portion  6238  may extend in a manner substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the backbone structure  6201 . In some other embodiments the intermediate rod shaped portion  6238  may extend from the base portion  6237  at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the backbone structure  6201  and the intermediate rod portion  6238  may form skew lines which may lie in substantially parallel planes. This may be desirable to allow a device or devices  6207  to be oriented at a particular angle when clamped on the backbone structure  6201 . The holding structure  6203  may be made of hard and light weight materials including but not limited to thermosetting plastics like PVC or uPVC, etc. the holding structure may also be made of metal alloys with similar qualities. Regardless, the material for making the holding structure  6203  may be equivalent or lighter than the material for making the backbone structure  6201 . 
     An intermediate rod portion  6238  may be gripped by a clamp assembly  6205 . The clamp assembly  6205  may provide a griping means that may be configured to secure the intermediate rod portion  6238 . A rear portion of the clamp assembly  6205  may provide an additional engagement mechanism for receiving one or more devices  6207  that is to be clamped to the holding structure  6203 . Thus, the clamp assembly  6205  may serve as a liaison between the holding structure  6203  and the device  6207 . Additionally, the clamp assembly  6205  may provide operable means that may be employed by a user for controlling the clamping and un-clamping of the device  6207 . The operable means may be configured to control the movement of the gripping means provided on the clamp assembly  6205 . These sub-components are disused in further detail hereinafter. 
     An engaging mechanism between a clamp assembly  6205  and a device  6207  may include the use of a latch  6221  that may assist in locking or unlocking the engagement between the device  6207  and the clamp structure  6205 . The latch  6221  may be received in a socket or bay  6241  that may be provided on a rear face of the clamp assembly  6205 . The latch  6221  may be further disposed in the socket  6241  via a flexible member that may be configured to facilitate a pivoting movement of the latch  6221 . In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible member may be a spring. 
       FIG.  21 A  further depicts a device  6207  with an alternative detachable power supply pack  6209 . The detachable power supply pack  6209  may be engaged with a device  6207  such that it does not interfere when the device  6207  is clamped to a holding structure  6203 . The detachable power supply pack  6209  may be further configured to accommodate a base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203  when the device  6207  along with the detachable power supply pack  6209  is clamped to the intermediate rod portion  6238  of the holding structure  6203  through the clamp assembly  6205 . The detachable power supply pack  6209  may be used when the device  6207  is unclamped from the holding structure  6203 . The device  6207  may further include a back plate  6257  that may be configured to pair the device  6207  with the clamp assembly  6205 . 
       FIG.  21 B  depicts an exploded, top view of a clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ). The  FIG.  21 B  further illustrates the alignment of the components that make up the clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ). The top view of the clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) depicts a top end of a backbone structure  6201  along with a side protrusion  6269 ( a ) that may serve as a tube management member. A single plate of backbone structure  6201  may comprise a plurality of side protrusions  6269 ( a ) that may be placed successively and made of similar dimensions for efficient tube management. The top portion of the holding structure  6235  may be a flat formation with a generally-crescent shape at the end of the formation. The generally crescent shape may serve to guide a user about the manner of engaging the clamp assembly  6205  with the holding structure  6203 , since the top planar surface  6223  of the frame structure  6215  may provide an opposing crescent shape (i.e., complementary shape) at the end of the top planar surface  6223 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  21 B , a base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203  may be in sequence with a top portion  6235 . The base portion  6237  may be further elongated than the top portion  6235  of the holding structure  6203 . Such dimensional relation between the two sub-components may be conducive to the purpose of the holding structure  6203  which is to provide a graspable means for engaging a clamp assembly  6205  of the clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ). However, the inter-relation between the dimensions of the top portion  6235  and the base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203  may differ in various embodiments. 
     Further description of the base portion  6237  may be provided by referring to both  FIG.  21 A  and  FIG.  21 B , in combination. A passage  6234  may be provided in the base portion  6237 . The passage  6234  (referring to  FIG.  21 A ) may be configured to primarily house a data communication and power supply circuitry extending from the backbone structure  6201  to a device  6207 . Besides the data communication and power supply circuitry, the base portion may also provide an alignment component or recess  6236 . The recess  6236  may serve to enhance the stability of the clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ). 
     Referring again to  FIG.  21 B , one or more devices  6207  may provide a detachable power supply pack  6209 . The detachable power supply pack  6209  may be configured to receive a base portion  6237  of a holding structure  6203 . The base portion  6237  may be received in a depression or housing  6233  that may be provided on the detachable power supply pack  6209 . Thus the detachable power supply pack  6209  may be positionally accommodated below the clamp assembly  6205  as the base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203  is received by the housing or depression  6233  on the detachable power supply pack  6209 . 
       FIG.  22 A  depicts an exploded view of a part of the clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ), illustrating the positional relationship between a backbone structure  6201 , a holding structure  6203  and a detachable power supply pack  6209 . This isometric view of the backbone structure  6201  illustrates one or more data communication ports  6213  and a power supply inlet  6214  on a side of the backbone structure  6201 . The power supply inlet  6214  may serve as a plug in point for a power supply source that may be received from the main power supply. Alternatively, the data communication ports  6213  and power supply inlet  6214  may be disposed at any other convenient site on the backbone structure, depending upon a desired configuration of the clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ). The backbone structure  6201  may further provide a first set of fixation points  6211  that may facilitate engaging the holding structure  6203  or like, with the backbone structure  6201 . The first set of fixation points  6211  may provide an attachment mechanism in form of set screws, pins, splin, or the like. In some embodiments the holding structure  6203  may be permanently fastened to the backbone structure  6201 . 
       FIG.  21 A  further depicts a backbone structure  6201  which may further provide a power supply outlet  6210 . The outlet  6210  may serve to extend the power supply circuitry from the backbone structure  6201  to the base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203 . A passage  6234  in the base portion of the holding structure  6237  may facilitate a connection between the power supply outlet  6210  and the device  6207 . There may be additional embodiments that may provide a different configuration to facilitate electrical communication between the backbone structure  6201  and the device  6207 . Some of these embodiments may not require the holding structure  6203  as an intermediary component. 
     The holding structure  6203  may further provide a rib portion  6245 ). The rib portion  6245  may serve as a grip enhancing means on the intermediate rod portion  6238  of the holding structure  6203 . In some specific embodiments, the rib portion  6245  is an outcropping on the intermediate rod portion  6238 . Additionally or optionally, the rib portion  6245  may be made of an identical material as the holding structure  6203  or a distinct material therefrom. The intermediate rod portion  6238  may be provided with a single or a plurality of rib portions  6245 . The number of rib portions  6245  may depend on the degree of grip-enhancement required by an embodiment. 
     An exemplary embodiment of a detachable power supply pack  6209  is also depicted in the  FIG.  22 A . The detachable power supply pack  6209  may be engaged with a device  6207  that is be clamped on the backbone structure  6201 . The detachable power supply pack  6209  may mate with the device  6207  from one side such that its opposing side may extend towards the holding structure  6203 . The detachable power supply pack  6209  may further provide an opening, housing or depression  6233 . The depression  6233  may serve to accommodate, receive or house the base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203 , e.g., partially or completely. The engagement between the holding structure  6203  and the backbone structure  6201  may accomplish more than one purpose. For example, one purpose may be to mechanically fasten the holding structure  6203  to the backbone structure  6201 . Another purpose of this engagement may be to provide an electrical contact between the power supply outlets  6210  and the base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203 . Continuous circuitry may extend from the power supply outlet  6210  to the base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203 . 
       FIG.  22 B  depicts a front view of an example embodiment of a positional relationship between a backbone structure  6201 , a holding structure  6203 , and a detachable power supply pack  6209 . A depression or housing  6233  on the detachable power supply pack  6209  may accommodate a base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203 . The base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203  may comprise a recess  6236  and a passage  6234  between the backbone structure  6201  and the device  6207 . The passage  6234  may comprise power supply circuitry. Further, the passage  6234  of the base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203  may be received by a depression or housing  6233  in the detachable power supply pack  6209 . Another embodiment of the detachable power supply pack  6209  may provide a different non-interfering feature. The non-interfering feature of a different embodiment may serve the same purpose as the depression or housing  6233  in the detachable power supply pack  6209  of the present disclosure. The design or shape of the detachable power supply pack  6209  may vary in-order to provide the non-interfering feature therein. 
       FIG.  22 C  depicts a partial assembly of a clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) comprising a backbone structure  6201  and a holding structure  6203 . The backbone structure  6201  may comprise one or more data communication ports  6213  and at least one power supply inlet  6214 . The backbone structure  6201  may further comprise various sites for engaging the holding structure  6203  such that a top portion  6235  of the holding structure and a base portion  6237  of the holding structure may affix with the backbone structure  6201 . The holding structure  6203  may further provide an intermediate rod portion  6238  that may be bounded by the top portion  6235  and the base portion  6237 . As described earlier, the backbone structure  6201  may house an internal circuitry related to the data communication and the power supply. This circuitry may be extended to an identified component through a passage  6234  provided in the base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203 . Consequently, the holding structure  6203  may be engaged with the backbone structure  6201  in a way that an outlet for the circuitry may be aligned with the passage  6234  of the holding structure  6203 . 
       FIG.  23 A- 23 B  depict an exemplary backbone structure  6201  that may be used in a support system. The backbone structure  6201  may generally be a planar configuration and serve as a primary support for the support system. Additionally, the backbone structure may also comprise a hollow interior which may serve to contain a communication bus or the like. The  FIG.  23 A  depicts a back view of the backbone structure  6201  that may be held by a pole such as a rod or an IV pole. The backbone structure  6201  may be removably held by the pole through various fastening means e.g. screw clamping, bolts, pins, etc. Alternatively, the backbone structure  6201  may be permanently secured by a flat surface such as a wall, framework, etc or the like. A different embodiment of the backbone structure  6201  may be independently positioned on a flat surface such as a flat ground, floor or a table top. The backbone structure  6201  may also provided with at least one power supply inlet  6214  and one or more data communication ports  6213 . A front face of the backbone structure  6201 , as depicted by  FIG.  23 B  may provide various engaging means for attaching a pre-identified component.  FIG.  23 B  further depicts a power supply outlet  6210  that may serve to extend circuitry housed in the backbone structure  6201  to the pre-identified component. A plurality of fixation points  6211  may be provided to facilitate this engagement. 
       FIG.  24 A  to  FIG.  24 C  depict exemplary embodiments of tube managing members  6269 ( b ),  6269 ( c ) and  6269 ( d ) on a backbone structure  6201 . The depicted embodiments share similar functional aspects. However, one of the embodiments may be preferred over the other in case of specific dimensions or material of the tubes. Structurally, the tube managing feature may be varieties of protrusions that may serve to provide an organized handling of the tubes, conduits or channels, etc, attached to a clamped component. The tube management features  6269  ( b ), ( c ) and ( d ), may be designed to engage or receive the freely suspending tubes. A single backbone structure  6201  may provide a plurality of tube managing features  6269 .  FIG.  24 A  and  FIG.  24 B  illustrate that a single protrusion may provide tube management for one or more tubes attached to the clamped device. Additionally, the tube management features  6269  may be provided at any suitable site on the backbone structure  6201 . Alternatively, other resources for managing tubes or conduits may be placed on any suitable component of a support system to provide further convenience or comfort to the user of the clamping arrangement.  FIG.  24 C  depicts a plurality of protrusions  6269 ( b ) to provide a multitude of tube management options. 
       FIG.  25 A  and  FIG.  25 B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a device  6207  to be clamped and a detachable power-supply pack  6209 . The components of  FIG.  25 A  and  FIG.  25 B  are described with simultaneous reference to  FIG.  21 A . A pairing plate  6257  is also depicted by  FIG.  25 A  which may be disposed on the back of the device  6207 . The pairing plate  6257  may be fixed to the device  6207  via screws, bolts, or the like or may be permanently fastened to the back of the device  6207 . Considering  FIG.  21 A  wherein an exploded view of the clamp assembly  6205  illustrates the positional relationship between the pairing plate  6257  and the device  6207 . Thus, the pairing plate  6257  may serve as an intermediate coupling member to attach the device  6207  to the clamp assembly  6205 . The pairing plate  6257  may provide one or more paring members  6259  that may serve to engage the device  6207  to the clamp assembly  6205 . The pairing members  6259  may be outward extensions that may be trapped in a suitable engaging means that may be provided in a clamp assembly  6205 . Further, the pairing members  6259  may be configured to endure the weight of the device  6207  along with one or more additional components they engage with the clamp assembly. 
     A detachable power supply pack  6209  may be mechanically fastened to the device  6207 . The detachable power supply pack  6209  may be configured to avoid interference to the data communication and power supply connection that is extended to the clamping device  6207 . Additionally, no separate mechanism may be involved in clamping of the detachable power supply pack  6209  along with the device  6207 . A snap button  6208  may be provided on the detachable power supply pack  6209 . The snap button  6208  may serve to engage and/or disengage the detachable power supply pack  6209  with the device  6207 . The detachable power supply pack  6209  may continue to be engaged to the device  6207  irrespective of the device being clamped on any other clamp-able structure such as a pole or a vertical rod. The detachable power supply pack  6209  may serve to charge a battery of the device  6207  when it is not clamped to a clamp-able structure that may provide the necessary power supply to the device  6207 . 
       FIG.  26    depicts a back, right-side view of a partially assembled clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ), specifically illustrating a backbone structure  6201 , holding structures  6203 , clamp assembly  6205  and a detachable power supply pack  6209 .  FIG.  26    further depicts two holding structures  6203 , one of which may be provided with a partial clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ). A similar or different clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ), depending upon the purpose, may be achieved with the other holding structure  6203 . The base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203  may provide a passage  6234  for an electrical contact that may serve as a data communication and power supply source to the clamping device  6207 . This base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203  may be received by a depression or housing  6233  provided on the detachable power supply pack  6209 . Such an arrangement may ensure that the detachable power supply pack  6209  does not obstruct the electrical contact between the holding structure  6203  and the device  6207 .  FIG.  26    further provides a conceptual view of a back planar surface  6239  of a frame structure  6215 . The back planar surface  6239  may provide a socket  6241  for receiving a pre-determined clamping device and a latch  6221 . The socket  6241  may serve to provide an engagement location for coupling the clamp assembly  6205  with the pre-determined clamping device. The latch  6221  may enable a locking mechanism for coupling the clamp assembly  6205  and the clamping device. As the device is received in the socket  6241 , the latch  6221  may pivotally displace to obstruct the detaching of the clamping device with the clamp assembly  6205 . A mechanical force from a user on the latch  6221  may allow detaching of the clamping device from the clamp structure  6205 . 
       FIG.  27    depicts an exemplary embodiment of a partial clamp arrangement  6200 ( b ), specifically illustrating a clamping engagement between a clamp assembly  6205  and a holding structure  6203 . A partial gripping of the holding structure  6203  by the clamp assembly  6205  is depicted through  FIG.  27   . The clamp assembly  6205  is illustrated in a second position. This second position may be described as opening of a mouth of the clamp assembly  6205 , such that a first jaw shaped end  6219  of a gear plate  6249  may travel away from an opposing jaw shaped end  6219  of an opposing gear plate  6249 . Thereby the clamp assembly  6205  in its second position may be configured to secure an intermediate rod shaped portion  6238  of the holding structure  6203 . In the first position of the clamp assembly  6205  the jaw shaped ends  6219  of the two gear plates  6249  in a clamp assembly  6205  may be interlocked. An actuator or handle  6217  may be provided on the exemplary clamp assembly  6205 . The embodiment of the partial clamp arrangement  6200 ( b ) shown in  FIG.  27    depicts the use of two actuators  6217  in the example clamp assembly  6205 . The actuators  6217  may be user operated components of the clamp assembly  6205 . A displacement of the actuators  6217  may cause resultant displacement of the gear plates  6249 , consequently shifting the clamp assembly  6205  from the first position or closed position to the second position or open position. The intermediate rod shaped portion  6238  may further provide a rib portion  6245  that may be a member that serves in enhancing the grip between the clamp assembly  6205  and the holding structure  6203  by causing the jaw shaped ends to slide over the rib portion  6245  to securely grasp onto the holding structure  6203 . That is, the jaw shaped end  6219  of the gear plate  6249  may grip the intermediate rod portion  6238  such that a part of one or more jaws of the clamp assembly  6205  may slide over the rib portion  6245  and grip the intermediate holding structure  6238  via the spring biasing of the jaw shaped ends  6219  toward each other. The rib portion  6245  may be configured to provide a minimum friction or resistance to the incoming jaw shaped end  6219  of the plate  6249 . It must be noted, that different embodiments of a clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ) may provide an alternative grip enhancing feature on the holding structure  6203  or the clamp assembly  6205 . 
       FIGS.  28 A through  28 E  depict various isometric views of a specific embodiment of a clamp assembly  6205 . Additionally, the subsequent views further depict the clamp assembly  6205  in a first position which may be a closed position and a second position which may be an open position. The exemplary clamp assembly  6205  may comprise a frame  6215  which may be similar to three face housing which when viewed in a profile that may resemble a “C” like structure. The frame  6215  may provide a top surface  6223 , a bottom surface  6225  and a back surface  6239 . The back surface  6239  may be more clearly visible through  FIG.  28 B . Additionally, the frame structure  6215  may further provide attachment points  6216  for engaging and retaining various supplementary components of the clamp assembly  6205 . 
     A top surface  6223  and a bottom surface  6225  may be generally parallel to each other. Further, a back surface  6239  may be generally perpendicular to the top surface  6223  and the bottom surface  6225 . The top and bottom surfaces  6223  and  6225 , respectively, may further include an indentation  6240  each, of substantially identical dimensions. The indentations  6240  may be curved or crescent shaped and recessed into the outward projecting edges of the top and bottom surfaces  6223  and  6225 , respectively. The curved or crescent shaped indentation  6240  is depicted on the top surface  6235  of the frame  6215 ; this unique shape of the indentations  6240  may guide a user about appropriately engaging the clamp assembly  6205  with a clamp-able structure. As the jaw shaped ends  6219  grip the clamp-able structure, the curved or crescent shaped indentations  6240  may receive the clamp-able structure without any interference with the gripping mechanism between the clamp assembly  6205  and the holding structure  6203 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  28 B , a back surface  6239  of a frame structure  6215  may provide a socket  6241 . The socket  6241  may be configured to serve a dual purpose. It may serve as an attach site for a pre-determined clamping device. Further, the socket  6241  may be divided into two sections. A first section may be a latch receiving section  6241 ( a ) and a second section may be a device receiving section  6241 ( b ). As the device receiving section  6241 ( b ) engages the pre-determined clamping device, a latch  6221  retained in the latch receiving section  6241 ( a ) may provide a locking mechanism to fasten the pre-determined clamping device with the clamp assembly  6205 . The latch  6221  may require user interference in order to disengage the pre-determined clamping device and the clamp assembly  6205 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  28 C , a bottom surface  6225  of the frame structure  6215  may provide an alignment component  6263 . The alignment component  6263  may be made of a material other than the material used for making the frame structure  6215 . The material used for the alignment component  6263  may be comprised of a metal, a metal alloy or other suitable material. The alignment component  6263  may be fastened to the frame structure  6215  by one or more fastening screws, bolts, nuts, etc. Moreover, the alignment component  6263  may be configured to cooperate with a complementary alignment component that may be provided on a clamp-able or graspable structure that may receive the clamp assembly  6205 . The engagement between the alignment component  6263  and the complementary alignment component may be useful in maintaining the stability of the clamp assembly  6205  as it engages with the clamp-able structure. Further, this engagement may be an additional engagement mechanism between the clamp assembly  6205  and the clamp-able structure, ensuring that no alterations occur to the complete clamping system during any allied unexpected occurrence. In other words, the interaction of the alignment component  6263  and the complementary alignment component  6236  in the holding structure  6203  may serve to inhibit relative movement between the clamp assembly  6205  and the clamp-able structure. The alignment component  6263  and the cooperating feature on the clamp-able structure may interact in a variety of ways, for example, they may interact with a tongue in groove or dovetailed type mating arrangement. 
     Referring to  FIG.  28 D , a clamp assembly  6205  may further comprise one or more gear plates  6249 . An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure exhibits a clamp assembly  6205  with two gear plates  6249 . The material of the gear plates  6249  may be the same as the material of the frame structure  6215 . The gear plates  6249  may further provide a gear shaped or toothed end  6261  and a jaw shaped end or portion  6219 . The gear plates  6249  may be disposed in the frame structure  6215  in a way such that the gear shaped ends  6261  are proximal to the back surface  6239  of the frame structure and the jaw shaped ends  6219  are distal from the back surface  6239 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  28 E , gear plates  6249  may be engaged with a frame structure  6215  through various connectors  6265  such as a hinge pin or the like. Further,  FIG.  28 E  depicts the clamp assembly  6205  in a second position i.e., an open position, wherein the jaw shaped ends  6219  of the opposing gear plates  6249  may separate from each other. A comparative viewing of  FIG.  28 A  and  FIG.  28 E , easily explains the displacement of the clamp assembly  6205  from a first position (as shown in  FIG.  28 A ) to a second position (as shown in  FIG.  28 E ). Besides the opening and closing of a mouth, formed by the jaw shaped ends  6219  of the clamp assembly  6205 , a displacement of the actuators  6217  when the clamp assembly  6205  shifts from the first position to the second position, may also be perceived from  FIG.  28 A  and  FIG.  28 E . 
       FIG.  28 F  depicts an exploded view of a clamp assembly  6205  and displays the positional relationship between the sub-components of the clamp assembly  6205 . An interior of a frame structure  6215  may be configured to accept a stack  6271  of bias members  6273  (e.g., planar leaf springs) inside the frame structure  6215 . The jawed components or gear plates  6249  may provide structural means for retaining the stack  6271  of bias members  6273 . The stack  6271  of bias members  6273  may be retained in the interior of the frame structure  6215  in a way such that the edges  6277  of the stack  6271  of the bias members  6273  may be held by the one or more retainers provided in the gear plates  6249 . A bias member  6273  may be a flexible, elastomeric object with an ability to store mechanical energy, when deformed, or any suitable spring. When the bias members  6273  are exposed to a force in a pre-determined manner, their reflex action may cause the desired movement of the clamp assembly  6205 . The exemplary embodiment illustrated in the  FIGS.  28 A- 28 F  may provide a spring steel sheet which may exert restorative force when deformed. Various other embodiments may employ other types of springs, for example, a compression spring or torsion spring, as a bias member  6273 . 
     For the present embodiment, a bias member  6273  may be disposed in the interior of a frame structure  6215 , with its edges received by one or more retaining means provided in a gear plate  6249 . Such assembly of the bias member  6273  may not require a pre-load. However, this may depend on the material and type of respective bias members  6273 , chosen for a specific embodiment. The stack  6271  of the bias members  6273  in the present embodiment may provide sheet-metal springs that may be initially bent in order to allow them to buckle as they are placed in the interior of the frame  6215 . A mechanical force on the edges  6277  of the stack of the bias members  6271  may further axially compress or buckle the stack of the bias members  6273 . Such a method of deforming the bias members  6273  may result in a relatively constant force that may be required for further compressing the bias members  6273 . Additionally, the relatively constant force may be comfortable for the user and also provide a nearly consistent clamping force on various size poles. 
     An exploded view of a clamp assembly  6205  in  FIG.  28 F  further depicts the assembling of the components in the clamp assembly  6205 . A frame structure  6215  may be placed on its back surface such that the edges of a top surface  6223  and a bottom planar surface  6225  of the frame  6215  point away from the level at which the frame  6215  is placed. The top surface  6223  and the bottom surface  6225  may be generally parallel to each other and the back surface  6239  may be generally perpendicular to the top surface  6223  and the bottom surface  6225 . Such an orientation may provide three ways of entering an interior of the frame  6215 . One of the three ways may be a top entrance  9033  such that an incoming component may be opposite to the back surface  6239  of the frame  6215 . The other two entrances may be from the sides adjacent to the back surface  6239 . These may be depicted as a first side entrance  9036  and a second side entrance  9039 . The gear plates  6249  may be received by the frame  6215  from the side entrances  9036  and  9039 . The stack  6271  of bias members  6273  may be received by the interior of the frame  6215  from the top entrance  9033 . The gear plates  6249  may be pivotally fastened when placed in the interior of the frame  6215 . A pivotal fastening may facilitate the gear plates  6249  to move from a first position with closed jaw shaped ends  6219  to a second position with open jaw shaped ends  6219 . Such pivotal motion may occur around a connector  6265  such as a hinge-pin that may also serve to attach the gear plates  6249  with the frame  6215 . A different embodiment of the clamp assembly  6205  may provide a varied fastening means for facilitating the pivotal motion of the gear plate  6249 . Alternatively, two separate mechanisms may be used for fastening the gear plates  6249  with the frame  6215  and facilitating the pivotal motion of the gear plate  6215 . 
     An actuator  6217  is depicted by the  FIG.  28 F , whose one end may be configured to be received by a gear plate  6249  and the other end may be operated by a user. The first end of the actuator  6217  may be an inserting member  6253  and the second end of the actuator may be a paddle member  6251 . The inserting member  6253  may be received by a section  6220  of the gear plate  6249 , thus attaching the actuator  6217  with the gear plate  6249 . The engagement of the actuator  6217  and the gear plate  6249  may be configured to facilitate the operation of the gear plates  6249  via the actuators  6217 . Consequently, when a user applies a downward mechanical force on the actuator  6217 , displacement of the gear plates  6249  may be achieved by the actuator&#39;s  6217  rotation around the connectors  6265 . Such displacement may cause the jaw shaped ends  6219  to open or close, as desired. This enables the jaw-shaped end  6219  of the gear plates  6249  to grip or un-grip a graspable component. 
       FIG.  29 A to  29 D  depict cross-section views of an exemplary embodiment of a clamp assembly  6205 . The cross-section views in  FIG.  29 A to  29 D , best explain the motion of the clamp assembly  6205  as the gear plates  6249  displace from a first position to a second position. The exemplary clamp assembly disclosed herein employs two gear plates  6249 . The gear plates  6249  may be displaced such that the jaw shaped ends  6219  and the gear shaped ends  6261  of both the gear plates  6249  may face each other. A stack of bias members  6271  may be disposed in the interior of the partially depicted frame  6215 . The stack of the bias members  6271  may be disposed such that the edges  6277  of the stack of the bias member  6271  may occupy the pockets  6275  of both the opposing gear plates  6249 . As the stack of the bias members  6271  is engaged on its edges  6277 , any force on the bias members may be applied only on the engaged portion. The stack of bias members  6271  employed in present embodiment may be a stack of sheet of spring steel. A pre-determined number of spring metal sheets may be stacked to produce a desired force on additional compression or buckling of the stack of spring metal sheets.  FIG.  29 A  &amp;  FIG.  29 B  depicts the positioning of the stack of bias members  6271  between the gear plates  6249  when the clamp assembly  6205  is in the first position, while  FIG.  29 C  and  FIG.  29 D  depict the positioning of the stack of bias members  6271  between the gear plates  6249  when the clamp assembly  6205  is in the second position. 
     In a second position, the jaw shaped ends  6219  of the two opposing gear plates  6249  are distant from each other to facilitate griping of a graspable structure. A downward force on a paddle portion  6251  of an actuator  6217  may cause displacement of the opposing gear plates  6249  each of which may be engaged with the respective actuators  6217 . The resultant displacement of the gear plates  6249  may cause deformation of a stack  6271  of bias members  6273 , engaged in the pockets  6275  of the opposing gear plates  6249 . The deformation of the stack of bias members  6271  is depicted in  FIG.  29 C  and  FIG.  29 D . As a result, an opposing mechanical force may be generated and stored in the stack of bias members  6271 . The stored force in the stack of bias members  6271  may react when the force on the actuators  6217 , is released. Releasing the actuators  6217  may cause the stack of bias members  6271  to return to its earlier position, as depicted in  FIG.  29 A  and  FIG.  29 B . The gear shaped ends  6261  of the opposing gear plates  6249  may be in conjunction such that the tooth of the opposing gear shaped ends  6261  may mesh and un-mesh as the clamp assembly  6205  displaces from the first position to the second position, respectively. 
       FIG.  30 A  and  FIG.  30 B  depict an exemplary embodiment of the positional relationship between a frame  6215 , a stack of bias members  6271 , one or more connectors  6265  and a latch  6221 . The connectors  6265  may serve as attachment components between the frame  6215  and other components to form a clamp assembly. However, the connectors  6265  may be additionally configured to control the deformation of the stack of bias members  6271  disposed in the interior of the frame  6215 .  FIG.  30    A and  FIG.  30 B  further depict, the positional relationship between the connectors  6265  and the stack of bias members  6271 , to serve the purpose of controlling the deformation of the stack of the bias members  6271 . As explained through earlier figures, the stack of bias members  6271  may be a number of spring steel sheets that may be engaged from its edges  6277  extending away from an interior of the frame  6215 . A force on the edges  6277  may cause a deflection of the stack of bias members  6271 . Such deflection may aid in appropriately retaining the stack of bias members  6271  inside the frame  6215 . Additionally, such retainment may require further support as the stack of the bias members  6271  may undergo increased deflection when a clamp assembly  6205  displaces from a first position to a second position. 
     A connector  6265  may serve to provide a required additional support for retaining the stack of bias members  6271  when a clamp assembly  6205  displaces to a second position. To provide such additional support, the connectors  6265  may be placed substantially closer to the edges  6277  of the stack of the bias members  6271  and in an interior of the frame  6215 . The connectors  6265  may be configured to be parallel to the edges  6277  of the stack of bias members  6271 . Furthermore, the connectors  6265  may extend from a top surface  6223  of the frame  6215  to a bottom surface  6225  of the frame  6215  thus covering the entire length of the stack of bias members  6271 . The present embodiment may allow the connectors  6265  to fulfill a dual purpose of engaging additional components with the frame  6215  and also providing a required support for retaining the edges  6277  of the stack of bias members  6271 A. Another embodiment of the clamp assembly  6205  may provide separate components for accomplishing the respective purposes. Alternatively, the mechanism of engaging the stack bias members  6271  may be different in different embodiments of the clamp assembly  6205 . 
       FIG.  30 C  depicts a latch  6221  engaged to a back planar surface  6239  of an exemplary embodiment of a frame  6215  of a clamp assembly  6205 . A socket  6241  may be provided on the back surface  6239  of the exemplary frame  6215 . The socket  6241  may be divided into two parts viz.  6241 ( a ) and  6241 ( b ). A first part  6241 ( a ) may be configured to receive the latch  6221  and a second part  6241 ( b ) may be configured to receive an additional pairing member to engage a clamping device.  FIG.  30 C  also depicts the engagement of the latch  6221  with back surface  6239  of the frame  6215 , via the socket  6241 . The socket  6241  may define a boundary in the back surface  6239  of the frame  6215 . The boundary may be such as to show an inverted triangular shaped socket  6241 . The latch  6221  may occupy the first part  6241 ( a ) of the socket  6241  and may engage so as to pivot about a side of the inverted triangular shaped socket  6241 . The side of the socket  6241  that engages the latch  6221  may further include an obstruction that may restrict the pivoting motion of the latch  6221 . 
     A latch  6221  may provide a flap portion  6224  and a lever portion  6222 . The latch  6221  may serve to connect a clamping device with the frame  6215 . The latch  6221  may be received by a socket  6241  such that the flap portion  6224  and the lever portion  6222  may pivot about a point of attachment between the latch  6221  and the socket  6241 . One or more paring members (not shown in this figure) may be received by the socket  6241  to engage the clamping device and may push the flap portion  6224  of the latch  6221  towards an interior of the frame  6215 . The flap portion  6224  may pivot towards the interior of the frame  6215  and return to its original position when the paring members are completely received by a portion of the socket  6241 . Consequently, by returning to the original position, the flap portion  6224  may lock the pairing members inside the socket  6241 . The lever portion  6222  of the latch  6221  may be a user operative part of the latch  6221 . The lever portion  6222  may originally rest on a groove  6254  provided on a connecting rim between the top surface  6223  and the back surface  6239  of the frame  6215 . Forcing the lever portion  6222  away from the groove  6254  may cause the flap portion  6224  to pivot towards the interior of the frame  6215  thus releasing the pairing members from the socket  6241 . 
     The representational view in  FIG.  30 D  illustrates the assembling of components depicted in  FIG.  30 A ,  FIG.  30 B  and  FIG.  30 C . A bottom surface  6225  of the frame  6215  may provide an additional engagement component  6263 . The additional engagement component  6263  may be a plate configured to couple with additional component The component  6263  may be attached to the bottom surface  6225  by fastening elements such as, but not limited to screws, bolts, nuts, etc. Additionally, a plurality of plate attaching points  6264  may be provided on the bottom surface  6225  of the frame  6215 . Furthermore,  FIG.  30 D  also depicts the assembling of a latch  6221  with a back planar surface  6239  of the exemplary frame  6215 . The latch  6221  may be retained in a socket  6241  in the back planar surface  6239  of the frame  6215 . A flexible member  6226  may be provided to pivotally engage the latch  6221  with the socket  6241 . The examples of the flexible member  6226  may include, but not limited to, a coil spring or an elastomeric component. The latch  6221  may be substantially retained in the socket  6241 . However, a part of the latch  6221  may also rest on the groove  6254 , provided on an edge between the back planar surface  6239  and the top planar surface  6223 . The latch  6221  may serve the purpose of engaging additional components to the back planar surface  6239  of the frame  6215 . It must be noted, that the present embodiment of the clamp assembly discloses the component  6263  as an additional engagement component. Other embodiments of the clamp assembly may provide varied engagement components which may function differently to provide a dissimilar engagement mechanism. 
       FIG.  31 A  to  FIG.  31 C  depict representational views of an embodiment frame  6215  of an exemplary clamp assembly. The frame  6215  may serve as a primary base component configured to receive the other components of a clamp assembly.  FIG.  31 A  depicts a front view of the example frame  6215 , illustrating the interior of the frame  6215 . A socket  6241  may be provided on a back surface  6239  of the frame  6215 . The front view of the frame  6215  represents the socket  6241  as a generally V-shaped groove in the back surface of  6239  of the frame  6215 . The functional and structural features of the socket  6241  have been described earlier through  FIG.  28 B .  FIG.  31 B  depicts a top surface  6223  of the frame  6215 .  FIG.  31 C  depicts a bottom surface  6225  of the frame  6215 . Various connecting points that receive the other components of the clamp assembly have been illustrated in  FIG.  31 B  and  FIG.  31 C . Connector receiving points  6266  are depicted on the top surface  6223  and the bottom surface  6225  of the frame  6215 . Attaching points  6216  on the bottom surface  6225  of the frame  6215  may serve in connecting an additional engagement component  6263  as previously described in  FIG.  30 D . 
       FIG.  32 A  to  FIG.  32 C  depict representational views of an embodiment of a gear plate  6249  in an exemplary clamp assembly.  FIG.  32 A  depicts a front, representational view of the gear plate  6249 .  FIG.  32 A  further illustrates a jaw shaped end  6219  and the gear shaped end  6261  of the gear plate  6249 . The jaw shaped end  6219  may serve to grip a portion of a graspable structure and facilitate an engagement between the clamp assembly and the graspable structure. The jaw shaped end  6219  end may further accommodate a layer configured to enhance the grip of the jaw shaped end  6219  on a portion of the graspable structure. The layer may occupy a layer receiving surface  6248  on the jaw shaped end  6219  of the gear plate  6249 . This layer may be made of an elastomeric material. Alternatively, the layer may be made of any material that maintains a high friction coefficient with the material of that portion of the graspable structure that is gripped by the jaw shaped end  6219  of the gear plate  6249 . A different embodiment may provide an elastomeric layer on the gripped portion of the graspable structure. Other embodiments of the clamp assembly may provide similar or unique grip enhancing features. 
       FIG.  32 A , also depicts an embodiment of a gear shaped end  6261  of an exemplary gear plate  6249 . The gear shaped end  6261  may be formed by a set of teeth imprinted on side edges  6262  of the gear plate  6249 . A first toothed side edge  6262 ( a ) may be substantially parallel and substantially adjacent to a second toothed side edge  6262 ( b ). The teeth on the first toothed side edge  6262 ( a ) of the gear shaped end  6261 , may be offset by a desired tooth spacing with respect to the teeth on the second toothed side edge  6262 ( b ) of the gear shaped end  6261 . Such an embodiment may allocate an identical gear plate  6249  to be used as an opposing gear plate in the clamp assembly  6205 .  FIG.  32 B  depicts a side view of the gear plate  6249 . The offset spacing  9030  between the teeth on the two toothed side edges  6262 ( a ) and  6262 ( b ), can be best seen through  FIG.  32 B . Alternatively, a different embodiment of the clamp assembly may provide two differently designed gear plates that oppose each other in a clamp assembly.  FIG.  32 B  also depicts the connector grooves  6267  on the gear plate  6249 . The connector grooves  6267  are configured to receive the connectors that may engage the gear plates  6249  with the frame  6215 , as shown by  FIG.  28 F . 
       FIG.  32 A  further depicts a room  6276  between the adjacent toothed side edges  6262 ( a ) and  6262 ( b ) may include a pocket  6275 . The pocket  6275  may extend from a first toothed side edge  6262 ( a ) of the gear plate  6249  to a second toothed side edge  6262 ( b ) of the opposing gear plate. The pocket  6275  may further serve to receive a portion of a stack of bias members  6273 , as depicted in  FIG.  29 A  and  FIG.  29 B . A similar pocket may be provided in an opposing gear plate  6249  of an exemplary clamp assembly. The stack of bias members may be substantially held by the two opposing pockets  6275  of the opposing gear plates  6249 . 
       FIG.  32 C  depicts a representational, back view of an embodiment of a gear plate  6249  of an exemplary clamp assembly  6205 . The components of  FIG.  32 C  are hereby discussed in combination with  FIG.  28 F , as shown before. A section  6220  is depicted in  FIG.  32 C , which may serve to receive a portion of the actuator  6217 . An inserting member  6253  of the actuator  6217  may be disposed in the section  6220  of the gear plate  6249 , as shown in  FIG.  28 F . The section  6220  may also provide a set of attaching points  6250 , depicted in  FIG.  32 C , which may serve to engage the inserting member  6253  of the actuator  6217 . The inserting member  6253  may be fastened with the gear plate  6249  using screws, bolts, nuts, pins, etc. 
       FIG.  33 A  and  FIG.  33 B  respectively depict a front and back, representational view of an exemplary actuator  6217  of an example clamp assembly  6205 . The components of  FIG.  33 A  and  FIG.  33 B  are hereby discussed in combination with  FIG.  28 F . The actuator  6217  may be divided into an inserting member  6253  and a paddle member  6251 . The inserting member  6253  may serve as a coupling component for joining the actuator  6217  with a gear plate  6249 , as shown in  FIG.  28 F . The inserting member  6253  may be received by a section  6220  of the gear plate  6249 , as shown in  FIG.  28 F .  FIG.  33 B  depicts a set of attaching points  6218  may be provided on the inserting member  6253  to engage the actuator  6217  with the gear plate  6249  as shown in  FIG.  28 F . These attaching points  6218  may be in conjunction with a set of attach points provided on the gear plate  6249 . 
     A paddle member  6251  may be a user operated component and may facilitate the user to operate a clamp assembly. The paddle member  6251  may extend outward from the frame  6215  of a clamp assembly  6205 , as shown in  FIG.  28 F . A downward force on the paddle member  6251  of the actuator  6217 , may cause the clamp assembly  6205  to displace from a closed position (shown in  FIG.  29 A ) to an open position (shown in  FIG.  29 C ). 
       FIG.  34 A  and  FIG.  34 B , respectively depict front and back representational views of an embodiment of a latch  6221  in an exemplary clamp assembly. The components of  FIG.  34 A  and  FIG.  34 B  may be explained with reference to  FIG.  30 C . As shown earlier through  FIG.  30 C , the latch  6221  may be configured to be received by a socket  6241  provided on a back surface  6239  of a frame  6215 . The latch  6221  may serve as a locking mechanism for the engagement between the clamp assembly  6205  and a clamping device. The latch  6221  may further comprise a flap portion  6224  and a lever portion  6222 . Continuing reference to  FIG.  30 C  the latch  6221  may be coupled with the socket  6241  in a way that the flap portion  6224  and the lever portion  6222  may restrictively pivot around a rim of the socket  6241 . 
     A lever portion  6222  of the latch  6221  may be a user operated portion. As shown in  FIG.  30 C , the lever portion  6222  may rest on a groove  6254  provided on the connecting edge between a top surface  6223  and a back surface  6239  of a frame  6215 . The latch  6221  may be attached with the frame  6215  via a flexible member  6223 , as shown in  FIG.  30 C . The flexible member  6223  may be glued to the frame  6215  or mechanically fastened using screws, bolts, nuts, pins, etc. 
       FIG.  35 A  and  FIG.  35 B  depict back and front, representational views, respectively, of an embodiment of a holding structure  6203 , in an exemplary clamp assembly  6205 . The components of  FIGS.  35 A and  35 B  can be better explained in combination with  FIG.  21 A . The holding structure may be divided into a top portion  6235 , an intermediate rod shaped portion  6238  and a base portion  6237 . The intermediate rod shaped portion  6238  may serve as a grasping portion that may be received by a jaw shaped end  6219  of the clamp assembly  6205 , as shown in  FIG.  21 A . The intermediate rod portion  6238  may further provide a rib portion  6245 . The rib portion  6245  may serve as a slide-able component as the jaw shaped end  6219  of the clamp assembly  6205 , begins to grip the intermediate rod shaped portion  6238 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  35 B  and  FIG.  21 A , a base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203  may provide a passage  6234  for extending a data and power supply circuitry from a backbone  6201  to a clamped device  6207  of an exemplary clamping arrangement  6200 ( b ). The base portion  6237  may further comprise an alignment component  6236  configured to receive a complementary alignment component  6263  provided on the clamp assembly  6205 . The engagement between the alignment component  6236  and the complementary alignment component  6263  may provide an additional engagement between the holding structure  6203  and the clamp assembly  6205 , as shown in  FIG.  21 A . Furthermore, the base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203  may be received by a depression or a housing  6233  in a detachable data and power supply pack  6209 . Such an engagement may facilitate an unobstructed electrical communication between the base portion  6237  of the holding structure  6203  and the device  6207 .