Patent Publication Number: US-2021169721-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for table accessory detection

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/945,259 entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TABLE ACCESSORY DETECTION, filed on Dec. 9, 2019, by Andreas Huber, et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to an accessory detection apparatus and, more particularly, to a detection apparatus for a medical support device configured to identify a connected accessory of a plurality of interchangeable accessories. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Modern devices, particularly in the medical field, are implemented in a wide variety of specialized apparatuses and tools that may be specifically designed to suit a desired application. Many such devices may incorporate interchangeable components that may be challenging to track and utilize in automated control systems. The disclosure provides for a detection apparatus that may be implemented to detect one or more interchangeable accessories while maintaining a robust design well suited to medical applications. 
     SUMMARY 
     In at least one aspect, the disclosure provides for an accessory detection apparatus. The accessory detection apparatus may be implemented in combination with a medical support device. The medical support device may include a support portion and at least one support accessory in connection with the support portion via a connection interface. The connection interface may be configured to support the at least one support accessory extending from the support portion. The accessory detection apparatus may comprise at least one detection device in connection with a first portion of the connection interface and at least one identifier element in connection with a second portion of the connection interface. A controller may be in communication with the at least one detection device of the accessory detection apparatus. The controller may be configured to process at least one signal communicated from the at least one detection device. The controller may further be configured to detect an identifier of the at least one support accessory in connection with the medical support device in response to the at least one signal from the at least one detection device. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a projected view of a medical support device comprising a plurality of support accessories connected via a connection interface; 
         FIG. 2  is a projected view of a connection interface comprising an accessory detection apparatus; 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed view of a first mating portion of the connection interface depicted in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed view of a second mating portion of the connection interface depicted in  FIG. 2 ; and 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a controller of the accessory detection apparatus in communication with an actuator of the medical support device in accordance with the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature or component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , the disclosure provides for an accessory detection apparatus  10  that may be implemented in combination with a modular medical device  12 . In some implementations, the modular medical device  12  may form a portion of a modular medical control system  14  that may be configured to detect and control a variety of devices that may be utilized in hospitals or medical treatment environments. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , a medical support device  16  is depicted comprising a plurality of accessories  20 . In operation, the control system  14  may be configured to utilize the accessory detection apparatus  10  to detect specific types, proportions, and/or various properties of the accessories  20  for a variety of types of accessories in order to customize or optimize the operation of the medical support device  16 . 
     In the example depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , the medical support device  16  may correspond to a patient support table or operating room table. In operation, the medical support device  16  may be configured to selectively connect to a plurality of accessories  20 . In the instant example, the accessories  20  may correspond to patient support accessories, which may include a head support accessory  20   a,  a leg support accessory  20   b,  and a variety of additional accessories that may be connected to the medical support device  16 . Each of the accessories  20  may be mechanically coupled to a central support portion  24  of the support device  16  via a connection interface  26 . The connection interface  26  may comprise a plurality of mating components, as demonstrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     In some implementations, the accessory detection apparatus  10  may be incorporated as a portion of the connection interface  26 . In this configuration, the accessory detection apparatus  10  may be operable to detect an identifier indicating a type, model, or specific serial number of the accessory  20  without requiring a hardwired connection. Accordingly, a controller of the system  14  may be configured to identify one or more operating characteristics (e.g., proportions, dimensions, operating parameters, motion characteristics, control inputs, communication protocols, electrical requirements, specific connecting accessories (e.g., lights, data connections, specialty tools, etc.)) of the accessories  20 , such that a control scheme for the accessories  20  may be automatically accessed and implemented by the control system  14 . In this way, the accessory detection apparatus  10  may be implemented to improve the operation of the modular medical device  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , detailed views of examples of the connection interface  26  are demonstrated in further detail. Though specific mating configurations of the connection interface  26  are depicted in the figures, the invention shall not be considered limited to the specific examples discussed herein. As previously discussed, the accessory detection apparatus  10  may be incorporated as a portion of the connection interface  26 . For example, at least one detection device  30  may be in connection with a first portion  26   a  of the connection interface  26 , and an identifier element  32  of the accessory detection apparatus  10  may be in connection with a second portion  26   b  of the connection interface  26 . In this configuration, the detection device  30  may be oriented to align with the at least one identifier element  32  in response to the first portion  26   a  and the second portion  26   b  of the connection interface  26  arranged in a mating, aligned orientation. 
     The first portion  26   a  of the connection interface  26  may be in connection with the central support portion  24  of the support device  16 . In this configuration, a controller of the medical control system  14  may be coupled to and/or in communication with the detection device  30 . Accordingly, the detection device  30  may correspond to an actively controlled device configured to detect one or more properties of the at least one identifier element  32 . Additionally, the second portion  26   b  of the connection interface  26  may be in connection with each of the accessories  20 , and the identifier elements may correspond to passive devices or structure that may be wirelessly charged, activated, and/or detected by the detection device  30 . In this configuration, the detection device  30  in connection with the first portion  26   a  may be configured to detect one or more properties of the support a accessories  20  based on a configuration or presence of the at least one identifier element  32 , which may be disposed in the second portion  26   b.    
     In the exemplary implementations depicted in the appended figures, the second portion  26   b  may correspond to a hook-like appendage  40  extending from the accessory  20  along an engaging profile  42 . The engaging profile  42  may be configured to form a locking engagement with a complementary surface of the first portion  26   a  of the connection interface  26 . In operation, the hook-like appendage  40  of the second portion  26   b  may be configured to engage a complementary receiving channel  44  formed in the first portion  26   a.  The engaging profile  42  may extend from the receiving channel  44  to a distal end portion  46  of the second portion  26   b.  Proximate to the distal end portion  46 , the engaging profile  42  of the first portion  26   a  may form a receiving notch  50  configured to receive a retaining arm  52  of the second portion  26   b.  In this configuration, the hook-like appendage  40  of the second portion  26   b  may be configured to engage the complementary receiving channel  44  of the first portion  26   a  and interlock the second portion  26   b  to the first portion  26   a  via the interface between the receiving notch  50  of the first portion and the retaining arm  52  of the second portion  26   b.  Though discussed in detail in the specific mating configuration depicted in  FIGS. 2-4 , the accessory detection apparatus  10  may be implemented in a variety of mating assemblies and configurations without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. 
     As previously discussed, the accessory detection apparatus  10  may be incorporated in one or more portions of the connection interface  26 . In the exemplary embodiment, the at least one identifier element  32  comprises a plurality of identifier elements  32 , which may correspond to a first identifier element  32   a,  a second identifier element  32   b,  etc. Each of the identifier elements  32  may be disposed in one or more apertures or openings formed in the second portion  26   b  of the connection interface  26 . As depicted, the first and second identifier elements  32   a,    32   b  are disposed in apertures formed proximate to the retaining arm  52 . Each of the identifier elements  32  may be aligned with a corresponding magnetic sensor  60  of the detection device  30 . For example, a first magnetic sensor  60   a  may be aligned with the first identifier element  32   a,  and a second magnetic sensor  60   b  may be aligned with the second identifier element  32   b  in response to the mating portions of the connection interface  26  connected in the interlocking configuration depicted in  FIG. 2 . In this configuration, each of the magnetic sensors  60  may be configured to identify one or more properties or conditions of the corresponding identifier elements  32  aligned therewith. 
     Each of the identifier elements  32  may correspond to magnetic inserts  66  that may be connected to the second portion  26   b  of the connection interface  26  in a variety of ways. In an exemplary implementation, the magnetic inserts  66  are incorporated in apertures  68  formed in a surface directed toward a mating interface  70  between the first portion  26   a  and the second portion  26   b.  In this configuration, the magnetic inserts  66  may be aligned with each of the magnetic sensors  60  over the mating interface  70 , such that the controller of the medical control system  14  may be configured to detect one or more properties of the magnetic inserts  66 . As discussed in reference to the magnetic inserts  66 , the identifier elements  32  may also or alternatively correspond to one or more ferrous or non-ferrous materials (e.g., ferrous metal inserts, non-ferrous plastic or polymer plugs). In such configurations, the controller of the medical control system  14  may be configured to detect the presence of one or more ferrous materials located proximate to the magnetic sensors  60 . The controller of the medical control system  14  is further discussed with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     The magnetic sensors  60 , as discussed herein, may correspond to any form of magnetic detection device. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic sensors  60  may be implemented as Hall-effect sensors or similar sensors that may be operable to detect variations in a direction, strength, and/or density of a magnetic field. In operation, the magnetic sensors  60  may be configured to detect at least a presence of a magnetic field exceeding a predetermined threshold for a corresponding identifier element  32  arranged in a complementary portion of the connection interface  26 . In some implementations, one or more of the magnetic sensors  60  may be configured to identify a direction or orientation of a magnetic field of a corresponding magnetic insert  66 . For example, the first magnetic sensor  60   a  may be configured to detect if a north pole of the first identifier element  32   a  is directed toward or away from the mating interface  70 . Finally, in some implementations, one or more of the magnetic sensors  60  may be configured to detect a density or strength of a magnetic field of the corresponding identifier element  32 . Accordingly, the controller of the control system  14  may be configured to identify a variety of unique properties of each of the identifier elements  32  based on one or more signals communicated via the at least one magnetic sensor  60 . 
     In some examples, the magnetic sensors  60  may be configured to identify the strength or density of the magnetic field of the corresponding identifier element  32  aligned therewith via the connection interface  26 . Based on the strength or density of the magnetic field, one or more of the magnetic sensors  60  may communicate a corresponding signal strength to the controller of the medical control system  14 . Based on the signal strength or a corresponding value communicated from the at least one magnetic sensor  60 , the controller may determine if a strength or density of the magnetic field of one or more of the identifier elements  32  exceeds one or more thresholds. Accordingly, each of the identifier elements  32  may be scanned by the corresponding detection devices  30  in order to identify a coded sequence of identifiers or characters that may identify a type, a specific serial number, a proportion, or various additional information of the accessory  20  connected to the modular medical device  12 . 
     For example, the controller of the medical control system  14  may be configured to determine if a strength of the magnetic field of the first identifier element  32   a  exceeds a first threshold value communicated from the first magnetic sensor  60   a.  Similarly, the controller may be configured to determine if the strength or density of the magnetic field of the first identifier element  32   a  exceeds a second threshold value communicated via the first magnetic sensor  60   a.  The second threshold value may correspond to a higher or increased level of strength of the magnetic field of the first identifier element  32   a.  In this way, the controller of the control system  14  may be configured to identify whether one or more of the identifier elements  32  exceeds one or more threshold strengths based on the strength or intensity of the magnetic insert  66 . Accordingly, the controller of the control system  14  may further be operable to distinguish among the magnetic inserts  66  implemented for one or more of the identifier elements  32  based on a magnetic field intensity or strength of the corresponding magnetic material or magnet. 
     As discussed in reference to a first threshold and a second threshold, it may be understood that the magnetic field strength of each of the magnetic inserts  66  may be determined or reported by the magnetic sensors  60  at various levels of accuracy and/or resolution. Accordingly, the determination by the controller of the magnetic strength of the one or more magnetic inserts  66  may be compared to multiple threshold values in order to identify the type, operation, and/or various properties of the accessories  20 . For example, the controller of the control system  14  may be configured to distinguish among a variety of the magnetic inserts  66  based on the magnetic field strengths exceeding a number of different threshold values. As the number of detectable threshold values of the magnetic field strength of the magnetic inserts  66  increases, so does the resolution or numeric base associated with each of the identifier elements  32  that may be communicated to the controller of the medical control system  14 . 
     For example, if a controller is operable to determine if the magnetic field of each of the magnetic inserts  66  exceeds five or more threshold values, the controller may be operable to identify eleven or more different states of each of the magnetic inserts  66 . In such a system, the eleven different states may be based on the presence detection of the magnetic insert, each of the five threshold levels of the magnetic field of the magnetic insert  66 , and the detected orientation or direction of the polarity of the magnetic field of the magnetic inserts  66 , which essentially doubles the number of thresholds for detection. Accordingly, the disclosure may provide for a sophisticated solution that may identify information from each of the accessories  20  to the controller of the medical control system  14  via the magnetic sensors  60  in order to communicate a variety of information identifying or distinguishing each of the accessories  20  configured to connect to the modular medical device  12 . 
     Though discussed generally in reference to two identifier elements  32  and corresponding magnetic sensors  60 , the accessory detection apparatus  10  may comprise a variety of different configurations with one to ten or more identifier elements  32  and corresponding magnetic sensors  60 . The number of identifier units may be changed to adjust a number of units or characters coded to an accessory  20 . Additionally, the number of thresholds of magnetic strength of each of the identifier elements  32  that may be identified by the controller in combination with the corresponding direction of polarity of each of the identifier elements  32  may determine a base of each identifier or significant figure for a numeric positioning system (i.e., a base of a numbering system). In operation, the controller may be configured to decipher or identify an identification number, code, or serial number identifying the accessory  20  from each of the identifiers. By adjusting the number of identifier elements  32  and the numeric base of each of the identifier elements  32 , the accessory detection apparatus  10  may be scaled or adjusted to provide the information to the controller from each accessory  20  that may be necessary to identify and control the modular medical device  12  based on the operating requirements or parameters of each of the accessories  20 . Accordingly, the accessory detection apparatus  10  may be scaled or modified to suit a desired application without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , in some implementations, the medical support device  16  may comprise an actuator assembly  80  that may be configured to adjust an orientation of the central support portion  24  and/or one or more of the connected accessories  20 . However, due to the nature of the modular medical device  12  and the variations in the proportions and/or applications of the accessories  20 , a range of motion “R” of the modular medical device  12  may vary based on the specific accessories  20  connected therewith. In order to assure that the range “R” of the actuator assembly  80  does not result in interference between or among the accessories  20 , a support base  82 , a floor  84 , and/or additional portions of the modular medical device  12 , the controller may access a table or database identifying kinematic parameters (e.g., the operating range) of the modular medical device  12  in connection with the identified accessories  20 . In this way, the controller may automatically adjust the range “R” of the actuator assembly  80  based on control information. The kinematic parameters as discussed herein may correspond to a rotational range of motion, a translational range of motion, rate of motion, a power setting or associated force limit of an actuator of the actuator assembly  80 , an intensity setting of a lighting device or accessory, etc. In some instances, the control information may include one or more operating routines, preconfigured positions, operating limits, communication parameters, etc. of the connected accessories  20 . 
     Additionally, based on the identifier or code detected by the detection apparatus  10 , the controller may access a table or database to identify various additional control information related to the connected accessory. The table or database may be accessed in a local memory or via a connected server or device in communication therewith. In this way, the controller of the system  14  may ensure proper operation of the system  14  and avoid interference between the device  12 , its accessories  20 , and/or its operating environment. In addition to the range of motion “R,” various operating characteristics of the modular medical device  12  may be controlled based on the identifier or information communicated or detected by the accessory detection apparatus  10 . Such characteristics, may include, but are not limited to, motion characteristics, control inputs, communication protocols, electrical requirements, specific connecting accessories (e.g., lights, data connections, specialty tools), and a variety of additional information that may be implemented to track the usage of or control the operation of each of the accessories  20  of the modular medical device  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a block diagram of a controller  90  of the medical control system  14  for the medical support device  16  is shown. As discussed herein, the medical support device  16  may correspond to a patient support table or operating room table configured to connect to at least one support accessory  20 . Though discussed in reference to the support accessories  20 , the modular medical device  12  may more generally be connected with one or more modular accessories  20 , which may correspond to attachments or devices configured to provide a variety of utilities. In various implementations, the control system  14  may comprise the controller  90  in communication with the accessory detection apparatus  10 . The controller  90  may include a memory  92  and a processor  94 . The memory  92  may store computer-executable commands (e.g., routines) which are controlled by the processor  94 . For example, the processor  94  may access the memory to identify a configuration for each of the accessories  20  in response to the identifier determined from the information captured via the detection device  30  of the accessory detection apparatus  10 . According to various examples, the memory  92  may include a database of accessory configurations, operating characteristics, dimensions, operating ranges, weight limits, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the system  14  may further comprise one or more communication circuits  96 , which may be in communication with the processor  94 . The communication circuit  96  may be configured to communicate data and control information for operating the modular medical device  12 , which may further comprise a user interface  98 . The user interface  98  may comprise one or more input or operational elements configured to control the system  14 , which may be configured to control the operation of the at least one actuator assembly  80  as previously discussed. The communication circuit  96  may further be in communication with additional devices or systems that may operate in combination with the system  14 , particularly in a medical facility or operating room. The communication circuit  96  may be configured to communicate via various communication protocols. For example, communication protocols may correspond to a communication interface (e.g., Ethernet, serial peripheral interface (SPI), I 2 C protocol, controller area network (CAN), etc.) as well as various wireless communication protocols. For example, the communication circuit  96  may communicate via wireless protocols including, but not limited to, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi (802.11a, b, g, n, etc.), ZigBee®, Z-Wave®, etc. 
     In some implementations, the controller  90  may further be operable to track or monitor the usage of the modular accessories  20 . For example, in response to determining the identifier (e.g., serial number) of a connected modular accessory  20  based on information communicated from the accessory detection apparatus  10 , the controller  90  may track a time of usage, type of usage, and/or any form of usage information that may be stored in the memory and/or a remote server or database  100 , which may be in communication with the controller  90  via the communication circuit. In this way, the system  14  may be configured to track the usage of the modular accessories  20  and detect a timing for replacement, maintenance, sterilization, or various other periodic services related to the modular accessories  20 . 
     The at least one actuator assembly  80  may comprise one or more motors or actuators that may be configured to adjust a position or orientation of the modular medical device  12  and one or more connected accessories  20 . The actuator(s) of the actuator assembly  80  may include, but are not limited to, electric motors, servo motors, electric solenoids, pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, etc. The actuator may be connected to the modular medical device  12  and/or modular accessories  20  via gears (e.g., pinion gears, racks, bevel gears, sector gears, etc.), levers, pulleys, or other mechanical linkages. The actuator assembly  80  may also act as a brake by applying a force or torque to prevent the transitioning of the modular medical device  12  and accessories  20 . 
     In some aspects, the disclosure may provide for an accessory detection apparatus for a modular medical device. The detection device may correspond to a means for identifying a model indication, serial number, or various information identifying one or more properties of an accessory configured to connect to the modular medical device. The means for identifying the model indication may correspond to a sensory device that may include a magnetic sensor, Hall-effect sensor, or similar devices. The accessory may be connected to the modular medical device via a mechanical connection means, which may comprise a first portion configured to interlock with a second portion. The means for identifying the model indication of the connected accessory may comprise one or more magnetic identifier elements aligned with corresponding magnetic sensors. In operation, the magnetic sensors may be configured to detect a presence of a ferrous material, a direction of a polarity of a magnet, and/or a plurality of thresholds of magnetic strength of the aligned magnetic identifiers. Based on the detected properties of the identifier elements, a controller may determine an identification code or information required to effectively operate the modular medical device with a specific accessory connected. 
     In some aspects, the disclosure provides for an accessory detection apparatus for a modular medical device. The modular medical device includes a support portion and at least one support accessory in connection with the support portion via a connection interface. The connection interface is configured to support the at least one support accessory extending from the support portion. The accessory detection apparatus includes at least one detection device in connection with a first portion of the connection interface and at least one identifier element in connection with a second portion of the connection interface. The apparatus further includes a controller in communication with the at least one detection device. The controller is configured to process at least one signal communicated from the at least one detection device and detect an identifier of at least one support accessory in response to the at least one signal. 
     In some aspects of the disclosure, the disclosure may provide for one or more of the following features alone or in any combination:
         the identifier comprises coded information identifying an operating configuration of the support accessory;   the at least one accessory is one of a plurality of interchangeable accessories configured to connect to the support portion via the connection interface;   the identifier element comprises at least one magnetic insert;   the at least one magnetic insert comprises a plurality of magnetic inserts, and the detection device is configured to detect a direction of polarity of each of the magnets;   the at least one magnetic insert comprises a plurality of magnetic inserts, and the controller is configured to detect the identifier by determining at least two conditions of each of the plurality of magnetic inserts;   the at least two conditions comprise a magnetic field strength and a magnetic field direction for each of the magnetic inserts;   the at least one detection device comprises a magnetic sensor configured to distinguish a magnetic strength of the at least one magnetic insert among a plurality of magnetic strength thresholds;   the at least one detection device comprises a plurality of magnetic sensors configured to detect a plurality of magnetic properties of each of the magnetic inserts indicating the identifier;   the support portion comprises a medical support table, and wherein the controller is further configured to control at least one operation of the medical support table in response to the identifier indicating at least one of a type and a proportion of the at least one support accessory;   the medical support table is an adjustable support table comprising at least one actuator configured to adjust a position of at least a portion of the at least one support accessory;   the controller is further configured to identify a range of motion of the at least one actuator for the at least one support accessory in connection with the medical support table based on the identifier; and/or   the at least one support accessory comprises at least one of a leg support and a head support in connection with the medical support table via the connection interface.       

     In other aspects, the disclosure provides for a method for detecting an accessory for interchangeable connection with a modular medical device. The method includes providing the accessory comprising a mating connection to the modular medical device and detecting a polarity of at least one identifier element of the accessory in response to the connection of the accessory to the modular medical device. The method further includes interpreting an identifier signal corresponding to the polarity of the at least one identifier element that indicates an identifier of the accessory. The method further includes accessing a control configuration in a table or database based on the identifier and controlling a control parameter of the accessory in connection with the modular medical device in accordance with the control configuration. 
     In some aspects of the disclosure, the disclosure may provide for one or more of the following features or steps alone or in any combination:
         detecting the polarity of the at least one identifier element comprises detecting a magnetic field presence and a magnetic field direction for a plurality of magnetic inserts;   detecting the polarity of the at least one identifier element comprises detecting a plurality of magnetic strength thresholds of the polarity of a plurality of magnetic inserts;   the control configuration identifies a range of motion of the accessory in connection with the modular medical device based on a kinematic relationship of the accessory to the modular medical device; and/or   the control configuration identifies at least one of a rotational range of motion, a translational range of motion, rate of motion, a power setting, and a force limit of an actuator configured to adjust the accessory relative to the modular medical device.       

     In other aspects, the disclosure provides for an accessory detection apparatus for a modular medical device. The modular medical device includes a support portion and at least one support accessory in connection with the support portion via a connection interface. The connection interface is configured to support the at least one support accessory extending from the support portion. The apparatus includes at least one detection device in connection with a first portion of the connection interface and connected to the modular medical device and at least one identifier element in connection with a second portion of the connection interface and connected to the support accessory. The apparatus further comprises a controller in communication with the at least one detection device. The controller is configured to process at least one signal communicated from the at least one detection device and detect an identifier of at least one support accessory in response to the at least one signal. The identifier comprises coded information identifying an operating configuration of the support accessory. In response to the identifier, the controller access a control configuration in a table or database and sets a control parameter of the accessory in connection with the modular medical device in accordance with the control configuration. The controller configuration of the controller is configured to identify at least one of a rotational range of motion, a translational range of motion, rate of motion, a power setting, and a force limit of an actuator configured to adjust the support accessory relative to the modular medical device. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described device and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the device disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 
     The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.