Patent Description:
Medical device suspension systems are used in health treatment settings such as hospital examination rooms, clinics, surgery rooms and emergency rooms. These systems may be mounted to a structure (e.g., a structural plate at the ceiling or wall), and may suspend or support any variety of medical devices or components including surgical lights, supply consoles, patient monitors, camera detector heads, medical instruments, ventilator systems, suction devices, among others.

Many of the medical devices or components that are supported by the extension arms require a hardwired connection (e.g., electrical, network, etc.), which necessitates the running of one or more cables to the medical devices or components. Routing these cables within the medical device suspension system is a desired approach, as externally routed cables may become tangled and/or damaged as the medical device suspension system is used. Internally routed cables are also preferred from the standpoint of aesthetics. However, pressure to reduce the size and profile of the medical device suspension system while maintaining the functionality (e.g., rotatability) of the extension arms, particularly the extension arm(s) located closest to the structure to which the medical device suspension system is mounted, has presented limitations of the ability to internally route cables in the medical device suspension system. The limited space/length provided to route such cables to the top/upper arms results in the inability to route the cable in a manner that allows for the cable to sufficiently move/flex with movement of the arm, and/or results in increased fatigue on the cables when the medical device suspension system is in use. As a result, many conventional medical device suspension system designs including internal cable routing restrict the location of accessories requiring cable routing to the lower arm(s) (through the interior of the spindle and to the lower arm). Other conventional medical device suspension system designs that attempt to provide internal cable routing to the supported medical devices or components require the use of specific cable coupling and harness arrangements that still may restrict the ability of particular medical devices or components to be mounted on the upper arm(s) due to limitations on the size and/or type of cable that can be routed using this specific design.

<CIT> discloses a central pivot pendant arm system for running cabling internally within a shoulder casting through a shaft that provides an axis of rotation and cabling access through a side opening in the shaft. The shoulder casting is pivotable about the axis of rotation and partially encloses a portion of the shaft. The shoulder casting has a protrusion for attachment of a pendant arm and facilitates cabling passage inside the shoulder casting, between the shaft side opening and the pendant arm interior.

<CIT> discloses a covering system for use in connection with an appliance mount having at least one self-closing tubular sleeve and a plurality of retaining rings. The retaining rings are adapted to engage a support structure. The sleeve wraps around the support structure and creates an inwardly directed clamping action which secures the sleeve to the rings.

<CIT> discloses a medical suspension system including a ceiling plate configured for mounting to a support structure. The ceiling plate supports a device that is mounted to the ceiling plate via an articulated arm and a spindle, which is centrally mounted to the ceiling plate. A second device is mounted to the ceiling plate, not through the spindle, in the conventional manner, but via an adapter plate, which is mounted directly to the ceiling plate.

<CIT> discloses a cable management system for managing at least one cable extending through a support arm and through a hub, comprised of a spool disposed in a hub. The spool has an opening extending through a wall of the spool. A cable carrier is disposed within the support arm. The cable carrier is dimensioned to contain at least one cable extending through the support arm, a first end fixed relative to the support arm and a second end extending towards the hub. The cable carrier is disposed in the support arm such that the cable carrier replicates upon itself to define a first run and a second run. The second end of the cable carrier is movable relative to the hub when the support arm rotates about the hub, wherein the first run shortens and the second run lengthens when the support arm rotates in a direction about the hub.

<CIT> discloses a tripod for an X-ray examination device with a telescopic boom.

The present disclosure relates to a medical device suspension system having a cable management assembly for routing cable to a medical device or component mounted to an extension arm of the medical device suspension system.

The invention is as defined in independent claim <NUM>, with further embodiments defined in the dependent claims.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a medical device suspension system includes: a spindle having an outer major surface and extending along a longitudinal axis; a cable management cover surrounding the spindle about the longitudinal axis and having an inner major surface, the cable management cover extending along the longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end such that a gap is formed between the inner major surface of the cable management cover and a portion of the outer major surface of the spindle; a hub rotatably mounted to the spindle, the hub including a hub housing; a top hub cover disposed along the longitudinal axis between the hub and the cable management cover, the top hub cover defining an end of the gap formed between the inner major surface of the cable management cover and the outer major surface of the spindle along the longitudinal axis, the top hub cover including a passage in fluid communication with an internal volume of the hub housing, the top hub cover rotatable with respect to the spindle about the longitudinal axis; and a cable provided within the gap, the cable entering the gap proximate the first end of the cable management cover at a fixed location about the longitudinal axis, the cable passing into the hub housing through the passage of the top hub cover, wherein rotation of the top hub cover about the longitudinal axis causes the position of the passage to rotate about the longitudinal axis, while the position at which the cable enters the gap about the longitudinal axis remains stationary.

In some embodiments, the medical device suspension system further includes a mounting plate, wherein the spindle is mounted to the mounting plate. In some embodiments, the mounting plate includes cable routing orifice in fluid communication with the gap. In some embodiments, the cable management cover is mounted to the mounting plate and the top hub cover is rotatable with respect to the cable management cover about the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the spindle includes a drop tube portion and a hub mounting portion; the drop tube portion extends along the longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end; the hub mounting portion extends along the longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end; the first end of the hub mounting portion is mounted to the drop tube portion proximate the second end of the drop tube portion; and the hub is mounted to the hub mounting portion.

In some embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion along the longitudinal axis is <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the gap is an annular gap, and the cable is wrapped at least <NUM>° around the spindle.

In some embodiments, the medical device suspension system further includes an additional hub rotatably mounted to the spindle, the additional hub located further from the top hub cover along the longitudinal axis than the hub.

In some embodiments, the gap between the inner major surface of the cable management cover and the portion of the outer major surface of the spindle is <NUM> or less.

In some embodiments, the top hub cover includes: a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface and spaced apart from the first major surface along the longitudinal axis; a side wall extending from the first major surface in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a recessed portion of the major surfaces that is offset relative to the remainder of the major surfaces along the longitudinal axis, the recessed portion constituting the passage in fluid communication the internal volume of the hub housing.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a medical device suspension system includes: a mounting plate including a cable routing orifice; a spindle mounted to the mounting plate, the spindle having an outer major surface and extending along a longitudinal axis; a cable management cover surrounding the spindle about the longitudinal axis and having an inner major surface, the cable management cover extending along the longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end such that a gap is formed between the inner major surface of the cable management cover and a portion of the outer major surface of the spindle, the cable routing orifice in fluid communication with the gap; a hub rotatably mounted to the spindle, the hub including a hub housing; and a top hub cover disposed along the longitudinal axis between the hub and the cable management cover, the hub cover defining an end of the gap formed between an inner major surface of the cable management cover and an outer major surface of the spindle along the longitudinal axis, the top hub cover including a passage in fluid communication with an internal volume of the hub housing, the top hub cover rotatable with respect to the spindle about the longitudinal axis wherein rotation of the top hub cover about the longitudinal axis causes the position of the passage to rotate about the longitudinal axis, while the position at which the cable enters the gap about the longitudinal axis remains stationary.

In some embodiments, the cable management cover is mounted to the mounting plate and the top hub cover is rotatable with respect to the cable management cover about the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the medical device suspension system further includes an additional hub rotatably mounted to the spindle, the additional hub located from the top hub cover along the longitudinal axis than the hub.

In some embodiments, the gap between the inner major surface of the cable management cover and the portion of the outer major surface of the spindle is less than <NUM>.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features according to aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

The annexed drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, show various aspects of the present disclosure.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as described herein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates, as long as they remain within the scope of the invention as claimed.

With initial reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an exemplary medical device suspension system having a cable management assembly is shown at <NUM>. The medical device suspension system <NUM> includes a primary (e.g., central) spindle <NUM> that is suspended from a mounting plate <NUM>. A proximal end <NUM> of the spindle <NUM> is mounted to the mounting plate <NUM>, and the spindle <NUM> extends along a longitudinal axis <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> of the spindle <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> may be mounted to a structural plate <NUM>, which may be provided as part of a building structure (e.g., at the ceiling or wall). In the example shown, three extension arms <NUM> are respectively mounted to the spindle <NUM> for rotational movement about the spindle via hubs <NUM> at the proximal ends the extension arms. The extension arms <NUM> each include at their distal end <NUM> (distal the hub <NUM> and spindle <NUM>) a knuckle joint assembly <NUM>. Load balancing arms <NUM>, which are also referred to as counterbalancing arms, are respectively mounted to the extension arms via the knuckle joint assembly <NUM>. The knuckle joint assembly <NUM> may rotatably support a spindle <NUM> of a respective load balancing arm <NUM> at a proximal end <NUM> of the load balancing arm <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> of each load balancing arm <NUM> is configured with a suitable support hub to support a medical device <NUM>. The medical device <NUM> may include a surgical light as shown, or a supply console, a patient monitor, a camera detector head, a medical instrument, a ventilator system, a suction device, among others. While the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG> include three extension arms <NUM> and load balancing arms <NUM>, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the medical device suspension system may include fewer (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) or more (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) extension arms than is shown.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the mounting plate <NUM> includes a first major surface <NUM> and a second major surface <NUM> opposite the first major surface <NUM>. The length and width dimensions of each of the major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are greater, typically ten or more times greater, than the thickness of the mounting plate <NUM>. The thickness is the dimension of the mounting plate <NUM> in a thickness direction orthogonal to the major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the thickness direction may be parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

The mounting plate <NUM> includes plate mounting orifices arranged in one or more patterns for mounting to the structural plate. In the embodiment shown, one group of plate mounting orifices <NUM> is arranged in a hexagon pattern and spaced apart from one another in such a manner that the mounting plate may mount to a structural plate having a hexagon mounting pattern. The plate mounting orifices <NUM> extend through the opposed major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> in the thickness direction (along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). Such a hexagon pattern is typically used as a standardized mounting pattern for medical device suspension systems in health treatment settings such as hospital examination rooms, clinics, surgery rooms and emergency rooms. As an alternative to structural plates having a hexagon mounting pattern, some structural plates (e.g., some in the U. ) have a square (rectangular) mounting pattern. Accordingly, as exemplified in <FIG>, in some embodiments the mounting plate also includes another group of plate mounting orifices <NUM> arranged in a square (rectangular) pattern. The plate mounting orifices <NUM> extend through the opposed major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> in the thickness direction (along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). However, it will be understood that in some embodiments, the mounting plate <NUM> may only include the group of plate mounting orifices <NUM> arranged in the hexagon pattern; or may only include the group of plate mounting orifices <NUM> arranged in the rectangular pattern. In still other embodiments, the mounting plate may include a different arrangement of plate mounting orifices for mounting the mounting plate to the structural plate.

The mounting plate <NUM> includes a primary orifice <NUM> extending through the opposed major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> in the thickness direction (along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). Primary spindle mounting orifices <NUM> surround the primary orifice and extend through the opposed major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> in the thickness direction (along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). As further shown in the exemplary embodiment, in some embodiments, the primary orifice <NUM> and the primary spindle mounting orifices <NUM> may also be located adjacent (or between) one or more cable routing orifices <NUM> extending through the opposed major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the mounting plate <NUM> includes one or more auxiliary orifices <NUM> extending through the opposed major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> in the thickness direction. Each auxiliary orifice <NUM> may be surrounded by a respective group of auxiliary spindle mounting orifices <NUM>. The auxiliary spindle mounting orifices <NUM> extend through the opposed major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> in the thickness direction and may be used for mounting an auxiliary spindle to the mounting plate. The exemplary embodiment shown includes four auxiliary orifices. In other embodiments, the mounting plate may include a different number of auxiliary orifices or may not include an auxiliary orifice.

With additional reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments the spindle <NUM> is formed of two or more parts. Although in other embodiments, the spindle may be a single part. In the embodiment shown, the spindle includes a drop tube portion <NUM> and a hub mounting portion <NUM>. The drop tube portion <NUM> extends along the longitudinal axis <NUM> between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> and includes an outer major surface <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the drop tube portion <NUM> is a tubular member that also includes an inner major surface <NUM> that defines an interior volume <NUM>. The diameter of the outer major surface <NUM> of the drop tube portion as viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM> may be any suitable size. In some embodiments, the diameter of the outer major surface <NUM> of the drop tube portion <NUM> is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. In some embodiments, the diameter of the outer major surface <NUM> of the drop tube portion <NUM> is <NUM>. The length of the drop tube portion <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM> may be any suitable length, but may be provided with a short length, to thereby provide a low profile of the medical device suspension system (i.e., the overall length of the spindle may be reduced, thereby allowing the length of the device extending from the mounting plate to be minimized). As an example, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) may be less <NUM> or less. In some embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) is <NUM>. In some embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) is <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) is <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) is <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) is <NUM>. Of course, in some applications where it is desired/required for the length of the spindle to be longer, the drop tube portion may be longer. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) is <NUM> or less. In still other embodiments, the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) may be longer than <NUM>.

The hub mounting portion <NUM> extends along the longitudinal axis <NUM> between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> and includes an outer major surface <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the hub mounting portion <NUM> is a tubular member that also includes an inner major surface <NUM> that defines an interior volume <NUM>. The drop tube portion and the hub mounting portion are coupled via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, pins, etc.) and/or adhesive. In the embodiment shown, the outer diameter of the first end <NUM> of the hub mounting portion <NUM> fits within the inner diameter of the drop tube portion <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the drop tube portion <NUM>, and the hub mounting portion <NUM> is mounted to the drop tube portion <NUM> via fasteners (e.g., screws). The length of the hub mounting portion <NUM> may be any suitable length. In some embodiments, the length of the hub mounting portion <NUM> is configured such that it may retain a desired number of hubs. In the embodiment shown, three hubs are mounted to the hub mounting portion <NUM>. In embodiments where the spindle includes the drop tube portion <NUM> and the hub mounting portion <NUM>, the first end <NUM> of the drop tube portion <NUM> may correspond to the proximal end <NUM> of the spindle and the second end <NUM> of the hub mounting portion <NUM> may correspond to the distal end <NUM> of the spindle.

The spindle <NUM> is mounted to the mounting plate <NUM>. Respective fasteners (e.g., screws) pass through the primary spindle mounting orifices <NUM> and are secured to the first end <NUM> of the drop tube portion <NUM> of the spindle. The spindle is mounted to mounting plate such that an interior volume <NUM>, <NUM> of the spindle is in fluid communication with the primary orifice <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more cables may pass through the primary orifice and into the interior volume <NUM>, <NUM> of the spindle for routing, for example, the one or more lower extension arms.

With additional reference to <FIG>, one or more extension arms <NUM> are mounted to the hub mounting portion <NUM> of the spindle <NUM>. <FIG> show the mounting of one extension arm <NUM>. This extension arm is located closest to the drop tube portion <NUM> of the spindle <NUM>, and may also be referred to as the top extension arm. The top extension arm is mounted to the hub mounting portion <NUM> of the spindle <NUM> proximate the second end of the drop tube portion <NUM> of the spindle <NUM>. Accordingly, the hub associated with the top extension arm may be located approximately the length of the drop tube portion (along the longitudinal axis) away from the mounting plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, additional extension arms may be mounted to the mounting portion of the spindle below the top extension arm. However, as described above, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the medical device suspension system may include fewer (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) or more (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) extension arms than is shown. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the top extension arm may be the only extension arm.

The hub <NUM> is mounted to the hub mounting portion <NUM> of the spindle <NUM> for rotational movement about the spindle (e.g., about the longitudinal axis). The hub <NUM> may be mounted on the hub mounting portion <NUM> of the spindle <NUM> in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the hub <NUM> may be mounted using a spanner nut on the spindle that is used to sandwich the hub bearings of the one or more hubs together, with a retaining ring acting as spacers between hubs. In other embodiments, the hub <NUM> may be mounted by being fastened via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws) to the spindle. The hub <NUM> may include one or more bearing assemblies <NUM> for effecting rotational movement of the extension arm. The hub may also include one or more other features for effecting and/or limiting rotation of the extension arm. For example, in some embodiments, the hub includes a brake assembly <NUM> for stopping/restricting rotation of the hub <NUM> and extension arm <NUM>.

One or more stops, such as one or more adjustable stop pin(s) (not shown) may be attached to the spindle <NUM> to prevent continuous rotation of the extension arm in one or both directions. In other embodiments, the components of the hub <NUM> (e.g., the bearings or another component) may operate to limitation rotation of the extension arm in one or both directions. The hub <NUM> may be configured to rotate a predetermined amount about the spindle (e.g., about the longitudinal axis). In some embodiment, the hub <NUM> is configured to rotate about <NUM>° about the spindle. In other embodiments, the hub is configured to rotate <NUM>° about the spindle. In other embodiments, the hub is configured to rotate about <NUM>° about the spindle.

The components of the hub <NUM> are disposed in a hub housing <NUM>. The hub housing <NUM> may also be referred to as a hub cover. The hub housing <NUM> encloses the bearing assembly <NUM> (and the brake assembly and stop pins, if included). As shown, in some embodiments, the hub housing may include a removable panel <NUM>, e.g., for access to the components of the hub. In some embodiments, the hub housing <NUM> may be mounted to a housing <NUM> of the extension arm <NUM>. In other embodiments, the hub housing and housing of the extension arm may be a single piece. The hub may include a mount for mounting the extension arm thereto.

With additional reference to <FIG>, a top hub cover <NUM> is provided proximate the second end <NUM> of the drop tube portion <NUM> of the spindle <NUM>. The top hub cover <NUM> is disposed along the longitudinal axis <NUM> between the hub <NUM> of the top extension arm <NUM> and the drop tube portion <NUM> of the spindle <NUM> such that the top hub cover <NUM> is located above the top extension arm.

In the embodiment shown, the top hub cover <NUM> includes a first major surface <NUM> and a second major surface <NUM> opposite the first major surface <NUM> and spaced apart from the first major surface <NUM> in a thickness direction. With reference to <FIG>, the thickness direction may be parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the top hub cover are annular in shape as viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The major surfaces of the top hub cover has an outer circumference and an orifice <NUM> extends therethrough in the thickness direction. A side wall <NUM> is proximate the outer circumference of the major surfaces and extends from the first major surface. In the example shown, the side wall <NUM> extends from the first major surface <NUM> in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. With specific reference to <FIG>, when the top hub cover is oriented on the spindle, the side wall may extend along the longitudinal axis from the first major surface toward the first end of the drop tube. Projections <NUM> extend from the first major surface in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and connect to the side wall. The projections are arranged such that they also extend radially inward from the side wall.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a portion of the major surfaces are non-planar and form a recessed portion <NUM> that is offset relative to the remainder of the major surfaces along the longitudinal axis. As described below, the recessed portion <NUM> may serve as a passage for one or more cables to pass into the hub. In other embodiments, the top hub cover may include another structure instead of the recessed portion that serves as a passage for cable to pass into the hub. Examples include a separate orifice that extends through the major surfaces, a protuberance in the circumference of the orifice, etc. Furthermore, although no specifically shown, in some embodiments the top hub cover may include more than one passage for routing additional cables (e.g., an additional recessed portion, protuberance, and/or orifice).

The hub mounting portion <NUM> of the spindle <NUM> may pass through the orifice <NUM> of the top hub cover <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> of the drop tube portion <NUM> of the spindle may abut the first major surface <NUM> of the top hub cover. The protrusions <NUM> may be arranged and configured such that end surfaces <NUM> of the protrusions <NUM> are proximate and may abut against the outer major surface <NUM> of the drop tube portion <NUM> of the spindle.

With additional reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the top hub cover <NUM> may be mounted to the hub housing <NUM>. In the example shown, the top hub cover <NUM> includes fastening orifices <NUM> through which fasteners (e.g., screws) may pass and be fastened to the hub housing. In other embodiments, the top hub cover <NUM> may be fastened to the housing of the top hub in any other suitable manner (e.g., fasteners, adhesives, etc.). The top hub cover may rotate about the spindle together with housing of the top hub during rotation of the extension arm. Accordingly, rotation of the top hub cover and the hub occurs about the stationary spindle.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the recessed portion <NUM> of the top hub cover <NUM> is adjacent a side of the hub housing <NUM> of the top hub <NUM>. More specifically, the recessed portion is adjacent the access opening that may be at least partially covered by the access panel <NUM>. The recessed portion (and portion of the side wall <NUM>) of the top hub cover <NUM> and the access panel <NUM> may collectively cover the access opening of the hub cover <NUM>. The recessed portion adjacent to the access opening <NUM> may constitute a passage that provides fluid communication between the gap <NUM> and the hub housing <NUM>.

The top hub cover may be located approximately the length of the drop tube portion (along the longitudinal axis) away from the mounting plate <NUM>. As an example, in some embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be less <NUM> or less. In some embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM>. In some embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM> or less. In still other embodiments, the length of the top hub cover away from the mounting plate (along the longitudinal axis) may be longer than <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a cable management cover <NUM> surrounds the spindle <NUM> about the longitudinal axis <NUM> along a portion of the length of the spindle. The cable management cover <NUM> extends along the longitudinal axis <NUM> between the mounting plate <NUM> and the top hub cover <NUM>. The length of the cable management cover <NUM> (along the longitudinal axis) may be any suitable length. This length may depend, for example, on the length of the drop tube portion <NUM> of the spindle <NUM>. The cable management cover <NUM> is a tubular member that includes an outer major surface <NUM> and an inner major surface <NUM>. The cable management cover includes a first end <NUM> proximate the mounting plate and a second end <NUM> proximate the top hub cover <NUM>.

The inner diameter of the cable management cover <NUM> is larger than an outer diameter of the drop tube portion <NUM> of the spindle such that an annular gap <NUM> is located between the inner diameter of the cable management cover <NUM> and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion <NUM>. The gap <NUM> may be provided as any suitable distance between the inner surface of the cable management cover and the outer surface of the drop tube portion. In some embodiments, the gap <NUM> between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle in a direction orthogonal the longitudinal axis is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the gap <NUM> between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle in a direction orthogonal the longitudinal axis is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the gap <NUM> between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle in a direction orthogonal the longitudinal axis is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the gap <NUM> between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle in a direction orthogonal the longitudinal axis is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the gap <NUM> between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle in a direction orthogonal the longitudinal axis is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the gap <NUM> between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle in a direction orthogonal the longitudinal axis is <NUM> or less. The gap <NUM> extends along the longitudinal axis <NUM> between the mounting plate <NUM> and the top hub cover <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the cable management cover <NUM> sits inside the side wall <NUM> of the top hub cover. With reference to <FIG>, the second end <NUM> of the cable management cover <NUM> may abut the top surfaces <NUM> of the protrusions <NUM>. The top hub cover <NUM> may define an end of the gap <NUM> formed between the inner major surface of the cover and the outer major surface of the spindle along the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

The length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be approximately the length between the mounting plate and the top hub cover (e.g., the length of the drop tube portion (along the longitudinal axis) away from the mounting plate <NUM>). As an example, in some embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be less <NUM> or less. In some embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM>. In some embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM> or less. In other embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be <NUM> or less. In still other embodiments, the length of the gap (along the longitudinal axis) may be longer than <NUM>.

The cable management cover <NUM> may in some embodiments be fixedly mounted to the mounting plate <NUM>. As an example, the assembly may include a flange <NUM> (<FIG>) on the proximal end (proximal the mounting plate) for mounting to the mounting plate. Rotation of the extension arm <NUM> may result in the top hub cover <NUM> and hub housing <NUM> rotating relative to the cable management cover <NUM> and the spindle <NUM>. In other embodiments, the cable management cover <NUM> may be fixedly mounted to the top hub cover <NUM>. Accordingly, rotation of the extension arm <NUM> may result in the cable management cover <NUM>, top hub cover <NUM>, and hub housing <NUM> rotating relative to the spindle.

In some embodiments, the cable management cover is a two-piece assembly and includes two segments <NUM>, <NUM>. Interlocking fingers (not shown) may be positioned along the length of the cable management cover segments to maintain alignment and attachment of the segments. In some embodiments, a trim ring <NUM> may be provided at the outer major surface of the cable management cover for retaining the pieces of the cable management cover. In some embodiments where the medical device suspension system includes a canopy (not shown), the trim ring may also retain the canopy.

A cable <NUM> is internally routed through the medical device suspension system from the mounting plate <NUM> to the extension arm <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, a cable routing path is provided through a cable routing orifice <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM>, through the gap <NUM> between the inner surface of the cable management cover and the outer surface of the drop tube portion of the spindle, through the top hub cover, and though the hub housing <NUM>. As shown specifically in <FIG>, the cable routing orifice(s) is in fluid communication with the gap <NUM> between the inner major surface of the cable management cover <NUM> and the outer major surface of the drop tube portion of the spindle. Accordingly, the cable may be routed through the cable routing orifice and into the gap <NUM> proximate the mounting plate. As shown specifically in <FIG>, the recessed portion <NUM> of the top hub cover <NUM> is adjacent a side of the hub housing <NUM> of the top hub <NUM>. In the example shown, the recessed portion abuts a portion of the access orifice <NUM> and provides a passage. Accordingly, the interior of the hub housing is in fluid communication with the gap <NUM> via the passage. The cable may be routed through the recessed portion of the top hub cover and into the housing of the top hub. The cable may then be routed into the extension arm <NUM>.

It will be understood that <FIG> and <FIG> show one example of the path in which the gap <NUM> may be in fluid communication with the interior of the hub housing. As another example, in embodiments where the top hub cover includes a separate orifice that extends through the major surfaces or a protuberance in the circumference of the orifice, this separate orifice or protuberance may provide fluid communication into the hub cover for passage of the cable therethrough.

The cable <NUM> may constitute a single wire or a bundle of wires. The diameter of the cable is less than the gap between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle. In some embodiments where the gap between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle in a direction orthogonal the longitudinal axis is <NUM>, the diameter of the cable is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments where the gap between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle in a direction orthogonal the longitudinal axis is <NUM>, the diameter of the cable is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments where the gap between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle in a direction orthogonal the longitudinal axis is <NUM>, the diameter of the cable is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments where the gap between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle in a direction orthogonal the longitudinal axis is <NUM>, the diameter of the cable is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments where the gap between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle in a direction orthogonal the longitudinal axis is <NUM>, the diameter of the cable is <NUM> or less. In other embodiments where the gap between the inner diameter of the cable management cover and the outer diameter of the drop tube portion of the spindle in a direction orthogonal the longitudinal axis is <NUM>, the diameter of the cable is <NUM> or less. The difference in size allows for the cable to pass through and move within the gap.

As shown specifically in <FIG>, the cable <NUM> enters the gap <NUM> provided between the cable management cover <NUM> and the drop tube portion <NUM> via the cable routing orifice <NUM> of the mounting plate. The cable <NUM> is at least partially wrapped around the drop tube portion <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the cable is wrapped once around the drop tube (i.e., <NUM>°). In other embodiments, the cable may be wrapped more than once around the drop tube (e.g., up to <NUM> times, or up to <NUM> times, or up to <NUM> times). In still other embodiments, the cable may be wrapped less than once around the drop tube portion (e.g., less than <NUM>°). It is noted that the above-referenced amount of wrapping around the drop tube portion is with respect to the extension arm being in the rotated position in which the cable is wrapped most around the drop tube portion. For example, if the extension arm is limited to <NUM>° of rotation and counterclockwise rotation of the extension arm results in the cable being more wrapped around the drop tube portion, the above-referenced amount of wrapping refers to the amount of wrapping with the extension arm rotated counterclockwise until it is prevented from rotating any further (e.g., by a brake and/or a stop pin). The cable <NUM> exits the gap <NUM> and passes through the recessed portion <NUM> of the top hub cover <NUM> and into the hub housing <NUM>.

Accordingly, the cable <NUM> enters the gap <NUM> proximate the first end of the spindle at a fixed location about the longitudinal axis, and exits the gap through the top hub cover <NUM>. Rotation of the top hub cover <NUM> about the longitudinal axis <NUM> causes the position of the recessed portion <NUM> about the longitudinal axis at which the cable exits the gap to rotate about the longitudinal axis, while the position at which the cable enters the gap about the longitudinal axis remains the same. This rotation causes the wrapped cable to become more or less wrapped around the drop tube, which results in the distance between each rotation to increase or decrease. As an example, as viewed along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end of the drop tube, if the cable <NUM> is wrapped counterclockwise around the drop tube, rotation of the extension arm in a clockwise direction will cause the cable to become less wrapped around the drop tube and rotation of the extension arm in a counterclockwise direction will cause the cable to become more wrapped around the drop tube.

Because the top hub cover <NUM> rotates with the hub <NUM>, the amount of wrapping of the cable around the hub mounting portion of the spindle does not vary due to rotation of the extension arm.

In some embodiments, once routed, the cable is retained at the recessed portion <NUM> from moving further into or out of the hub housing <NUM> so that the coiling/uncoiling occurs without movement of the cable <NUM> into and out of the gap. In other embodiments, the cable is not retained in this manner.

It will also be understood that while the figures schematically show a cable (whether it is a single wire or bundle of wires), in other embodiments more than one cable may be routed. Such routing may involve the use of the same or additional cable routing orifices of the mounting plate and use of the same or additional passages of the top hub cover.

The configuration of the medical device suspension system may provide one or more advantages. For example, the configuration may allow for medical devices/accessories requiring cable to be mounted to the top extension arm while maintaining both the desired functionality (e.g., rotatability) of the top extension arm and form factor (e.g., low profile design) of the medical device suspension system. The cable does not need to be externally routed, which would otherwise provide disadvantages in terms of safety/reliability (e.g., risk of tangling/damage of the externally routed wire) and/or aesthetics. The configuration of the medical device suspension system also may eliminate the need for specialized rotation mechanisms that would otherwise limit the type of wire (e.g., brand, thickness, bendability) that can be used to those types of wires compatible with the rotation. The internal routing provided by the configuration of the medical device suspension system may also minimize or eliminate the need to provide external holes in the extension arm, which may maintain its structural integrity.

Physical testing was performed on an automated test fixture to confirm the performance of the design. Cable management covers were provided with both a <NUM> and <NUM> gap relative to the outer major surface of the drop tube portion, respectively, and assemblies including a cable (bundle of wires) routed through the gap were individually tested via an equivalent <NUM>-year life check to test the wires for wear and function. For the <NUM> gap assembly, a cable constituting a bundle of <NUM> wires was passed through a cable routing orifice of the mounting plate and wrapped once around the drop tube portion of the spindle and routed through the top hub cover and hub. The diameter of the outer major surface of the drop tube portion was <NUM> and the length of the drop tube portion (along the longitudinal axis) was <NUM>. The cable management cover was placed around the cable and drop tube portion, and the wires were tested and found to have a fiber signal of - <NUM> dBm and a continuity of <NUM>. The assembly was subjected to rotation cycling where the hub was rotated from a position at which the hub was rotated in a counter-clockwise direction until it reached a stop point where it could not rotate any further, and back in the clockwise direction until it reached a stop point where it could not rotate any further (i.e., one cycle) a total of <NUM>,<NUM> times. The hub was configured to rotate about <NUM>° about the spindle. After the rotation cycling, the performance of the cables were again tested and it was confirmed that the wires maintained a fiber signal of -<NUM> dBm and a continuity of <NUM>.

For the <NUM> gap assembly, a cable constituting a bundle of <NUM> wires was passed through a cable routing orifice of the mounting plate and wrapped once around the drop tube portion of the spindle and routed through the top hub cover and hub. The diameter of the outer major surface of the drop tube portion was <NUM> and the length of the drop tube portion (along the longitudinal axis) was <NUM>. The cable management cover was placed around the cable and drop tube portion, and the wires were tested and found to have a fiber signal of -<NUM> dBm and a continuity of <NUM>. The assembly was subjected to rotation cycling where the hub was rotated from a position at which the hub was rotated in a counter-clockwise direction until it reached a stop point where it could not rotate any further, and back in the clockwise direction until it reached a stop point where it could not rotate any further (i.e., one cycle) a total of <NUM>,<NUM> times. The hub was configured to rotate about <NUM>° about the spindle. After the rotation cycling, the performance of the cables were again tested and it was confirmed that the wires maintained a fiber signal of -<NUM> dBm and a continuity of <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A medical device suspension system (<NUM>), including:
a spindle (<NUM>) having an outer major surface and extending along a longitudinal axis (<NUM>); and;
a hub (<NUM>) rotatably mounted to the spindle, the hub including a hub housing (<NUM>); the medical device suspension system (<NUM>) is characterized by
a cable management cover (<NUM>) surrounding the spindle about the longitudinal axis and having an inner major surface (<NUM>), the cable management cover extending along the longitudinal axis between a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>) such that a gap (<NUM>) is formed between the inner major surface of the cable management cover and a portion of the outer major surface of the spindle; and
a top hub cover (<NUM>) disposed along the longitudinal axis between the hub and the cable management cover, the top hub cover defining an end of the gap formed between the inner major surface of the cable management cover and the outer major surface of the spindle along the longitudinal axis, the top hub cover comprising a passage in fluid communication with an internal volume of the hub housing, the top hub cover rotatable with respect to the spindle about the longitudinal axis;
wherein rotation of the top hub cover about the longitudinal axis causes the position of the passage to rotate about the longitudinal axis, while the position at which a cable can enter the gap about the longitudinal axis remains stationary.