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 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.

In these health treatment settings there is often a need for low level lighting that may provide a low level of illumination for a purpose such as ambient lighting, endo procedures, task lighting, accent lighting, and the like. Conventional lighting assemblies providing this functionality are typically provided as separate, additional components that can be difficult to assemble and/or attach to the medical device suspension system, and can detract from the aesthetics and/or functionality of the medical device suspension system. A prior art medical device suspension system is known from <CIT>.

The invention relates to a medical device suspension system according to claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the invention are subject of the depending claims. The lighting assemblies of the present disclosure may provide low level of illumination for purposes such as ambient lighting, endo procedures, task lighting, accent lighting, and the like, and may also provide added functionality that allows the lighting assembly to replace one or more components utilized with a conventional medical device suspension system. In many instances, the lighting assemblies of the present disclosure may be retrofitted to existing conventional medical device suspension systems by substituting the lighting assembly with an existing component (e.g., a gasket and/or securement ring).

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting assembly includes: an elongate gasket body extending along a length and formed of a resilient, optically transmissive material, the gasket body including: a light source cavity extending along the length, the light source cavity at least partially defined by a light transmission portion, the light source cavity being enclosed as viewed in a plane transverse to the length; and an attachment channel extending along the length, the attachment channel configured to attach the gasket body to a mount; and a light source disposed in the light source cavity and extending along the length, the light source arranged such that light emitted from the light source is incident and transmitted through the light transmission portion of the gasket body.

In some embodiments, the gasket body further includes a sealing protrusion extending along the length, the sealing protrusion including a cavity extending along the length and being at least partially defined by a convex contact portion as viewed in a plane transverse to the length.

In some embodiments, the gasket body further includes an additional attachment channel extending along the length, the additional attachment channel configured to attach the gasket body to an additional mount.

In some embodiments, the gasket body extends along the length between a first end and a second end, the light source cavity being open at at least one of the first end and the second end.

In some embodiments, the length of the gasket extends along a perimeter of the canopy.

In some embodiments, the material of the gasket body includes silicone, rubber, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polymer, thermoset polymer, plastic, or blends thereof. In some embodiments, the material diffuses light emitted from the light source and transmitted therethrough.

In some embodiments, the light source includes one or more solid-state light emitters.

In some embodiments, the one or more solid-state light emitters are mounted on a flexible substrate.

According to the invention, the attachment channel includes protrusions configured to engage the mount upon insertion into the attachment channel.

In some embodiments, the protrusions include one or more of ribs, barbs, and bumps.

In some embodiments, the light transmission portion includes an inner surface facing a light emitting surface of the light source; and a distance from the light emitting surface of the light source to the inner surface along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface is <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, the distance from the light emitting surface of the light source to the inner surface along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface is <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a thickness of the light transmission portion along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface is <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the spindle extends through a ceiling or wall structure and the canopy is positioned adjacent a surface of the ceiling or wall structure with the lighting assembly in contact with the surface. In some embodiments, a securement ring retains the canopy in place with respect to the spindle. In some embodiments, the securement ring includes an additional light source. In some embodiments, the spindle extends along a longitudinal axis, and the lighting assembly is configured to radially emit light about the longitudinal axis.

In accordance with another aspect, a securement ring is mountable to a cylindrical support member, the securement ring having a height along a longitudinal axis and including: a clamp portion including a first segment and a second segment, each of the first and second segments of the clamp portion being semi-annular in shape and curving about the longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the first end of the first segment coupled to the second end of the second segment and the second end of the first segment coupled to the first end of the second segment such that the segments collectively form an aperture; and a lighting assembly portion including a first segment and a second segment, each of the first and second segments of the lighting assembly portion being semi-annular in shape and curving about the longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, an outer surface of each segment of the lighting assembly portion including a recess in which a light source is disposed.

In some embodiments, the one or more solid-state light emitters are arranged to radially emit light about the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the securement ring further including a lens cover at the outer surface that covers the light source. In some embodiments, the lens cover diffuses light emitted from the light source and transmitted therethrough.

In some embodiments, the segments of the lighting assembly portion are removably attached to respective segments of the clamp portion.

In some embodiments, a bottom surface of the first segment of the lighting assembly portion includes pins and a top surface of the first segment of the clamp portion includes holes that cooperate with the pins.

In some embodiments, a medical device suspension system includes: a mounting plate; a spindle attached to the mounting plate; a canopy including opposed major surfaces that are spaced apart from one another in a thickness direction, an end surface extending between the opposed major surfaces, and an orifice extending through the opposed major surfaces, the spindle extending through the orifice; and the securement ring of the present disclosure retaining the canopy in place with respect to the spindle. In some embodiments, the spindle extends through a ceiling or wall structure and the canopy is positioned adjacent a surface of the ceiling or wall structure. In some embodiments, the medical device suspension system further including a gasket at the end surface of the canopy. In some embodiments, the gasket includes an additional light source.

In some embodiments, a medical device suspension system includes: a mounting plate; a spindle attached to the mounting plate; a cable management cover disposed around a portion of the spindle; a canopy including opposed major surfaces that are spaced apart from one another in a thickness direction, an end surface extending between the opposed major surfaces, and an orifice extending through the opposed major surfaces, the spindle extending through the orifice; and the securement ring of any one of claims <NUM>-<NUM> retaining the canopy in place with respect to the cable management cover. In some embodiments, the spindle extends through a ceiling or wall structure and the canopy is positioned adjacent a surface of the ceiling or wall structure. In some embodiments, the medical device suspension system further including a gasket at the end surface of the canopy. In some embodiments, the gasket includes an additional light source.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative embodiments. 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.

With initial reference to <FIG>, parts of an exemplary medical device suspension system are 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. 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>. The extension arms <NUM> may include respective housings <NUM> through which one or more cables may be routed. 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> includes 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 are shown.

It will also be appreciated that while the exemplary the medical device suspension system is not shown in <FIG> as including auxiliary spindles (i.e., the exemplary medical device suspension system in <FIG> only includes a primary spindle), in other embodiments the medical device suspension system may include one or more auxiliary spindles. <FIG> shows an exemplary embodiment in which one auxiliary spindle <NUM> is provided in addition to the primary spindle <NUM> mounted to the mounting plate <NUM>. In other embodiments, the medical device suspension system may include more than one auxiliary spindle (e.g., two, three, four) mounted to the mounting plate <NUM>.

With specific reference to <FIG>, parts of the medical device suspension system may extend through an opening <NUM> of a structure <NUM> into the room in which the device is mounted. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the medical device suspension system is mounted to a structural plate and passes through an opening <NUM> in a ceiling structure <NUM> (e.g., a ceiling tile or panel). In other exemplary embodiments, the medical device suspension system is mounted to a structural plate and passes through an opening in a wall structure.

With additional reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the medical device suspension system includes a canopy assembly <NUM>. The canopy assembly <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> that when engaged with the ceiling or wall structure provides a cosmetic and/or functional cover. The canopy <NUM> includes opposed major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> that are spaced apart from one another in a thickness direction. The canopy also includes an end surface <NUM> that may face the ceiling or wall structure when the canopy is mounted to the medical device suspension system. The end surface <NUM> extends between the major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the canopy. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the canopy is a bowl-shaped configuration and the end surface is annular in shape as viewed in a direction along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The major surfaces include a planar portion <NUM> and a curved portion <NUM>. In other embodiments, the canopy may have another suitable shape, e.g., a drum shape, a dome shape, a hemispherical shape, a box shape, or any other suitable shape. In such embodiments, the major surfaces may be constituted by a combination of one or more bottom surfaces and/or side surfaces, depending on the specific shape of the canopy. These other suitable canopy shapes may also include one or more end surfaces that may face the ceiling or wall structure <NUM> when the canopy is mounted to the medical device suspension system.

The exemplary canopy shown in <FIG> includes an orifice <NUM>. When mounted to the medical device suspension system, the primary spindle <NUM> passes through the orifice <NUM>. In other embodiments where the medical device suspension system includes one or more auxiliary spindles, the canopy may include a suitable number of auxiliary orifices (not shown) and when the canopy is mounted to the medical device suspension system, the auxiliary spindle(s) may respectively pass through the auxiliary orifice(s).

With additional reference to <FIG>, the canopy may be retained by a securement ring <NUM> that is attached to the primary spindle <NUM> (or in some embodiments as described below, the securement ring <NUM> may be attached to the cable management cover). As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the securement ring <NUM> is a clamp ring. The clamp ring is seated below the canopy <NUM> adjacent the orifice <NUM>. The clamp ring may be annular in shape, forming an inner aperture having a dimension such that the clamp ring is retained in position on the primary spindle <NUM> via pressure and frictional forces when clamped to the spindle. The body of the clamp ring extends radially from the spindle such that the clamp ring overlaps a portion of the major surfaces of the canopy in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis <NUM>, thereby retaining the canopy and preventing it from sliding down the spindle away from away from the mounting plate.

The shape of the canopy <NUM> may provide a space within which one or more components may be housed between the canopy and the mounting plate <NUM>. For example, one or more power supplies, controllers, cables, boards, and the like may be mounted to the mounting plate or spindle, or otherwise provided in and/or routed through the space between the canopy and the mounting plate. Accordingly, in addition to providing aesthetics, the canopy may also protect the components housed within this space.

With reference to <FIG>, a gasket <NUM> is provided at the end surface <NUM> of the canopy <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> extends along at least a portion of the end surface and may provide a damper and/or or seal against a surface <NUM> of the ceiling or wall structure <NUM> (e.g., a ceiling tile, panel, and the like). In addition, the gasket <NUM> is configured as a lighting assembly. As such, in some embodiments, the gasket <NUM> may provide low level illumination for purposes such as ambient lighting, endo procedures, task lighting, accent lighting, and the like.

The gasket <NUM> includes an elongate gasket body <NUM>. In some embodiments, and as exemplified in <FIG>, the gasket extends in along a length between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> may be provided in a predetermined length or may be cut to length and attached to the canopy <NUM>. In other embodiments, the gasket <NUM> is formed such that it extends along a perimeter of a predetermined shape and size such that there is no defined first end and second end. <FIG> are schematic top views showing exemplary formed shapes of the gasket <NUM>. In <FIG>, the gasket <NUM> is formed such that it extends along a perimeter of a square. In <FIG>, the gasket <NUM> is formed such that it extends along a perimeter of a circle. Other exemplary shapes include a rectangle, an octagon, a hexagon, an oval, and the like. The gasket <NUM> may be flexible so it may be attached to the end surface <NUM> of the canopy <NUM> and conform to the shape thereof (e.g., shape of the perimeter as defined by the end surface). Accordingly, even if the gasket <NUM> is not formed into a predetermined perimeter shape, the gasket <NUM> can be manipulated such that it conforms to the shape of the component to which it is attaching (e.g., the end surface of the canopy).

The gasket <NUM> may be formed of a resilient, optically transmissive material. Exemplary materials include materials consisting solely of or including silicone, rubber, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polymer, thermoset polymer, plastic, blends thereof, and the like.

With specific reference to <FIG>, the gasket body <NUM> includes an attachment channel <NUM> extending along the length of the gasket. The attachment channel <NUM> is configured to attach the gasket body <NUM> to a mount (e.g., a protrusion, flange, wall, or other mounting portion). In the example shown in <FIG>, the mount is the mounting portion <NUM> of the canopy <NUM> proximate the end surface <NUM> of the canopy. The walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the channel include protrusions <NUM> extending from the surfaces thereof that are configured to engage the major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the canopy <NUM> proximate the end surface <NUM> and retain the position of the gasket upon insertion of the portion of the canopy proximate the end surface into the attachment channel. In the example shown, the protrusions <NUM> are resilient ribs that deflect upon insertion of the canopy into the channel and retain the gasket in position via frictional forces. In other embodiments, the protrusions <NUM> may have another suitable shape, such as barbs, bumps, and the like. In still other embodiments, the protrusions <NUM> may be a mix of one or more types of shapes. In still other embodiments, the attachment channel <NUM> may not include protrusions <NUM> but the mount may be retained in the attachment channel using an adhesive and/or based on the dimensions of the channel relative to the thickness of the mount. In still other embodiments, the attachment channel <NUM> may include protrusions <NUM> and the mount may also be retained in the attachment channel using an adhesive.

The gasket body <NUM> also includes a sealing protrusion <NUM> extending along the length of the gasket body <NUM>. The sealing protrusion <NUM> includes a cavity <NUM> extending along the length of the gasket. As shown in the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, the cavity <NUM> is at least partially defined by a contact portion <NUM> of the gasket body <NUM>. The contact portion <NUM> is convex in shape and includes an inner wall <NUM> that at least partially defines the cavity <NUM>. When mounted to the canopy <NUM>, for example, the contact portion <NUM> may come into contact with the ceiling or wall structure <NUM> when the canopy is in place (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). The cavity <NUM>, together with the shape of the contact portion <NUM> and the resilient property of the gasket material, may allow for the contact portion to deform as a force is applied from the canopy against the ceiling or wall structure <NUM>.

The gasket body <NUM> further includes a light source cavity <NUM> extending along the length of the gasket body <NUM>. As shown in the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, the light source cavity <NUM> is at least partially defined by a light transmission portion <NUM> of the gasket body <NUM>. The light transmission portion <NUM> is convex in shape and has an inner wall <NUM> that at least partially defines the light source cavity <NUM>. An additional inner wall <NUM> also at least partially defines the light source cavity <NUM>, and may also be referred to as a light source mounting portion <NUM> of the gasket body <NUM>.

A light source <NUM> is disposed in the light source cavity <NUM> and extends along the length of the gasket body <NUM>. The light source <NUM> is arranged such that light emitted from the light source is incident and transmitted through the light transmission portion <NUM> of the gasket body <NUM>. The light source cavity <NUM> is enclosed as viewed in the cross-section shown in <FIG> (transverse to the length) and in some embodiments is open only at the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. Even in such embodiments, the open ends <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged such that they abut one another. As such, closed nature of the light source cavity <NUM> may provide protection for the light source <NUM> from liquids or contaminants.

The light source <NUM> includes one or more solid-state light emitters <NUM>. Exemplary solid-state light emitters <NUM> include such devices as LEDs, laser diodes, and organic LEDs (OLEDs). In an embodiment where the solid-state light emitters <NUM> are LEDs, the LEDs may be top-fire LEDs or side-fire LEDs, and may be broad spectrum LEDs (e.g., white light emitters) or LEDs that emit light of a desired color or spectrum (e.g., red light, green light, blue light, or ultraviolet light), or a mixture of broad-spectrum LEDs and LEDs that emit narrow-band light of a desired color. In one embodiment, the solid-state light emitters <NUM> emit light with no operably-effective intensity at wavelengths greater than <NUM> nanometers (nm) (i.e., the solid-state light emitters <NUM> emit light at wavelengths that are predominantly less than <NUM>). In some embodiments, the solid-state light emitters <NUM> constituting light source <NUM> all generate light having the same nominal spectrum. In other embodiments, at least some of the solid-state light emitters <NUM> constituting light source <NUM> generate light that differs in spectrum from the light generated by the remaining solid-state light emitters <NUM>. For example, two different types of solid-state light emitters <NUM> may be alternately located along the light source <NUM>.

The light source may include one or more additional components. In the example shown, the solid-state light emitters <NUM> are mounted to a substrate <NUM> such as a flexible and/or conformable substrate. In other embodiments, the solid-state light emitters <NUM> may be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). The solid-state light emitters <NUM> may be arranged linearly or in another suitable pattern along the length of the gasket. The light source <NUM> may additionally include circuitry, power supply, electronics for controlling and driving the solid-state light emitters <NUM>, and/or any other appropriate components. In some embodiments, one or more of these additional components may be provided in the gasket (e.g., in the light source cavity <NUM> or otherwise integrated in the gasket). In other embodiments, one or more of these additional components may be provided in the space provided between the mounted canopy and the mounting plate, and may be connected to the solid-state light emitters <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the light source (e.g., the solid-state light emitters <NUM> mounted to the substrate) may be inserted into the light source cavity after formation of the gasket through one of the open ends of the gasket body. In other embodiments, the light source (e.g., the solid-state light emitters <NUM> mounted to the substrate) may be provided in the light source cavity during formation of the gasket (e.g., in a co-extrusion, injection molding, or over molding process). The closed nature and geometry may result in adhesive not being required to mount the light source in the light source cavity <NUM>. Although, in some embodiments, adhesive tape (e.g., UV activated adhesive) may be utilized to maintain the light source in the cavity. The light source including a UV activatable adhesive on the substrate may be inserted into the light source cavity from one of the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the gasket, and UV light may be applied to activate the adhesive.

The light source cavity <NUM> is configured such that there is a predetermined distance or gap between the light-emitting surface <NUM> of the solid-state light emitter <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion <NUM>. This distance or gap may serve as light mixing region where light emitted from the solid-state light emitters <NUM> may spread and mix prior to entering the light transmission portion <NUM> of the gasket body <NUM>. This distance or gap may help to reduce an unwanted visual effect of LED "hot spots" where LED light sources in the gasket are seen as bright point sources. The reduction in hot spots provides a more uniform appearance of the intensity of the light emitted from the gasket. The distance from the light emitting surface <NUM> of the light source to the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion may be defined as the distance along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the distance from the light emitting surface of the light source to the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface is <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the distance from the light emitting surface of the light source to the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface is <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the distance from the light emitting surface of the light source to the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface is <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the distance from the light emitting surface of the light source to the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface is <NUM> to <NUM>. Although, in still other embodiments, the light emitting surface may be arranged such that it is adjacent and in contact with the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion.

In some embodiments, the gasket material may be specularly transmissive in that it does not provide an optical modifying characteristic to the light passing therethrough (other than refraction that may occur). In other embodiments, the gasket material may modify the light output distribution of the light emitted from the solid-state light emitters <NUM> and passed through the light transmission portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gasket material is diffusive such that light emitted from the solid-state light emitters <NUM> and passed through the light transmission portion <NUM> is output from the light transmission portion in a diffuse manner. In some embodiments, the gasket material includes light scattering elements dispersed therein such that light emitted from the LEDs and passed through the light transmission portion is incident a light scattering element and reflected and/or refracted and output from the light transmission portion in a diffuse manner. Diffusion of the light passing through the light transmission portion <NUM> may help to reduce the unwanted visual effect of LED hot spots and provide a more uniform appearance of the intensity of the light emitted from the gasket.

The light transmission portion <NUM> has a predetermined thickness (i.e., distance) between the inner wall <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the light transmission portion (along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface). In some embodiments, the thickness of the light transmission portion is <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the thickness of the light transmission portion is <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the thickness of the light transmission portion is <NUM> to <NUM>. The thickness of the light transmission portion <NUM> may help to reduce an unwanted visual effect of LED "hot spots".

The thickness of the light transmission portion <NUM> and the distance from the light emitting surface <NUM> of the LED to the inner wall of the light transmission portion along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface <NUM> may be set in order to achieve a desired reduction/elimination of the hot spot visual appearance. With reference to <FIG>, these parameters were tested to determine the effectiveness of the elimination of hot spots. The gasket material used in the test was silicone having a diffusive optical property. Light emitted from the light source was incident the inner wall <NUM> and passed through the light transmission portion <NUM>, with the light passing through the light transmission portion <NUM> being diffused as a result of the optical property of the silicone material. As shown in <FIG>, as the thickness of the light transmission portion is increased, the minimum depth required to eliminate the presence of hot spots decreases. It is also shown that as the thickness of the light transmission portion is increased, the overall thickness (i.e., the distance from the light emitting surface of the LED to the inner surface of the light transmission portion along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface together with the thickness of the light transmission portion) is decreased.

The gasket of the present disclosure provides a single component that integrates lighting components and sealing functionality within a small, cost-effective design. The design provides a minimum profile, and may eliminate the need to provide additional components for low level illumination. The gasket design is flexible and allows installation as a single piece without having to be split for maintenance. This may allow the design to have no interruption of the light output. The gasket may provide a seal between the component (e.g., canopy) to which it is attached and the abutted surface (e.g., ceiling) to control transfer of undesired contamination into or out of the room. The gasket provides a lighting solution that does not require interruption of the light source as a compromise to maintainability.

While the gasket has been shown and described primarily in the context of a seal for use in connection with the canopy of a medical device suspension system, it will be appreciated that the gasket may be used in other applications such as table lighting, EMS lighting, cabinet lighting, task lighting, ambient lighting, accent lighting, etc. It will further be appreciated that the design of the gasket may be modified in accordance with the particular application thereof.

For example, <FIG> show another exemplary embodiment of a gasket <NUM> including alternative structural features. Similar to the gasket <NUM>, the gasket <NUM> includes an elongate gasket body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gasket extends along a length between a first end and a second end (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). In other embodiments, the gasket is formed as a predetermined shape (e.g., formed such that it extends along a perimeter of a circle or square like as shown in <FIG>, or in another exemplary shape such as a rectangle, an octagon, a hexagon, an oval, and the like).

The gasket may be formed of a resilient, optically transmissive material. Exemplary materials include materials consisting solely of or including silicone, rubber, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polymer, thermoset polymer, plastic, blends thereof, and the like.

The gasket body <NUM> includes an attachment channel <NUM> extending along the length of the gasket. The attachment channel <NUM> is configured to attach the gasket body <NUM> to a mount (e.g., a protrusion, flange, wall, or other mounting portion). The walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the channel include protrusions <NUM> that are configured to engage the mount (e.g., the major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the canopy <NUM> proximate the end surface <NUM>) and retain the position of the gasket upon insertion of the mount into the attachment channel. In the example shown, the protrusions <NUM> are resilient ribs that deflect upon insertion of the mount into the channel and retain the gasket in position via frictional forces. In other embodiments, the protrusions <NUM> may have another suitable shape, such as barbs, bumps, and the like. In still other embodiments, the protrusions <NUM> may be a mix of one or more types of shapes. In still other embodiments, the attachment channel <NUM> may not include protrusions <NUM> but the mount may be retained in the attachment channel using an adhesive and/or based on the dimensions of the channel relative to the thickness of the mount. In still other embodiments, the attachment channel <NUM> may include protrusions <NUM> and the mount may also be retained in the attachment channel using an adhesive.

The gasket body <NUM> includes an additional attachment channel <NUM> extending along the length of the gasket. The additional attachment channel <NUM> is configured to attach the gasket body <NUM> to a mount (e.g., a protrusion, flange, wall, or other mounting portion). The mount attached to the additional attachment channel <NUM> is different from the mount attached to the attachment channel <NUM>. The walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the channel include protrusions <NUM> that are configured to engage the mount and retain the position of the gasket upon insertion of the mount into the additional attachment channel. In the example shown, the protrusions <NUM> are resilient ribs that deflect upon insertion of the mount into the channel and retain the gasket in position via frictional forces. In other embodiments, the protrusions <NUM> may have another suitable shape, such as barbs, bumps, and the like. In still other embodiments, the protrusions <NUM> may be a mix of one or more types of shapes. In still other embodiments, the additional attachment channel <NUM> may not include protrusions <NUM> but the mount may be retained in the attachment channel using an adhesive and/or based on the dimensions of the channel relative to the thickness of the mount. In still other embodiments, the additional attachment channel <NUM> may include protrusions <NUM> and the mount may also be retained in the attachment channel using an adhesive.

In some embodiments, the gasket <NUM> may be provided at the end surface <NUM> of the canopy <NUM> and may extend along at least a portion of the end surface and provide a damper and/or or seal against a surface <NUM> of the ceiling or wall structure <NUM> (e.g., a ceiling tile, panel, and the like). As an example, the end surface of the canopy may be retained in the attachment channel <NUM>, and a separate mount associated with the surface of the ceiling or wall structure may be retained in the additional attachment channel <NUM>. In other embodiments, as exemplified in <FIG>, the gasket <NUM> may function to retain two parts <NUM>, <NUM> of a component of the medical device suspension system (e.g., two parts of the canopy, two parts of a cable management cover, etc.), or two different parts of the medical device suspension system. The gasket <NUM> may join the parts together.

A light source <NUM> is disposed in the light source cavity <NUM> and extends along the length of the gasket body <NUM>. The light source <NUM> is arranged such that light emitted from the light source is incident and transmitted through the light transmission portion <NUM> of the gasket body <NUM>. Details of the light source are discussed above in connection with the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

With reference to the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, the light source cavity <NUM> is shown as an enclosed cavity. However, the light source cavity <NUM> differs from light source cavity <NUM> in that the light source cavity <NUM> is openable. One of the ends <NUM> of the light transmission portion <NUM> is removably connected to a surface of the gasket body. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the end <NUM> of the light transmission portion <NUM> is a bulbous end portion <NUM> that is inserted into and retained in an indentation <NUM> in the gasket body <NUM>. Because the material of the gasket body is resilient, the other end <NUM> of the light transmission portion that is integrated with and therefore fixedly attached to the remainder of the gasket body <NUM> acts as a hinge by which the light transmission portion may move (may be rotated away from the light source <NUM> upon separation of the removable end <NUM> from the gasket body). Accordingly, the light transmission portion <NUM> is separable from the mounting portion at one end <NUM>, which may expose and provide access to the light source <NUM>. The light source as installed in the light source cavity may be accessed by disconnecting the removable end <NUM> of the light transmission portion <NUM> from the gasket body <NUM> and opening the light source cavity via the hinged end <NUM> of the light transmission portion.

In some embodiments, the light source <NUM> may be inserted into the light source cavity after formation of the gasket through one of the open ends of the gasket body. In some embodiments, the closed nature and geometry may result in adhesive not being required to mount the light source. Although, in some embodiments, adhesive (e.g., UV activated adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive) may be utilized to maintain the light source in the cavity.

It will be appreciated that while the embodiment of the gasket <NUM> shown in <FIG> include an openable light source cavity, in some embodiments, the gasket <NUM> may be provided with a light source cavity that is not openable (e.g., similar to that described in connection with the embodiment of the gasket <NUM> shown in <FIG>). Similarly, while the embodiment of the gasket <NUM> shown in <FIG> include a non-openable light source cavity, in some embodiments, the gasket <NUM> may be provided with an openable light source cavity (e.g., similar to that described in connection with the embodiment of the gasket <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

The light source cavity <NUM> is configured such that there is a predetermined distance or gap between the light-emitting surface of the solid-state light emitter <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion <NUM>. This distance or gap may serve as light mixing region where light emitted from the solid-state light emitters <NUM> may spread and mix prior to entering the light transmission portion <NUM> of the gasket body <NUM>. This distance or gap may help to reduce an unwanted visual effect of LED hot spots where LED light sources in the gasket are seen as bright point sources. The reduction in hot spots provides a more uniform appearance of the intensity of the light emitted from the gasket. The distance from the light emitting surface of the light source to the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion may be defined as the distance along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface. In some embodiments, the distance from the light emitting surface of the light source to the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface is <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the distance from the light emitting surface of the light source to the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface is <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the distance from the light emitting surface of the light source to the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface is <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the distance from the light emitting surface of the light source to the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface is <NUM> to <NUM>. Although, in still other embodiments, the light emitting surface may be arranged such that it is adjacent and in contact with the inner wall <NUM> of the light transmission portion.

The light transmission portion <NUM> has a predetermined thickness (i.e., distance between the inner wall <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the light transmission portion. In some embodiments, the thickness of the light transmission portion is <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the thickness of the light transmission portion is <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the thickness of the light transmission portion is <NUM> to <NUM>. The thickness of the light transmission portion <NUM> may help to reduce an unwanted visual effect of LED "hot spots".

The thickness of the light transmission portion and the distance from the light emitting surface of the LED to the inner wall of the light transmission portion along a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface may be set in order to achieve a desired reduction/elimination of the hot spot visual appearance. Reference to <FIG> (described above), which shows the effectiveness of these parameters in the elimination of hot spots.

Turning now to <FIG>, another exemplary embodiment of a medical device suspension system including a lighting assembly is shown at <NUM>. The medical device suspension system includes components similar to those described in connection with <FIG>, including a mounting plate <NUM>, spindle <NUM>, and canopy <NUM>. However, the gasket <NUM> provided between the canopy and the ceiling does not include a lighting assembly. The gasket <NUM> may be formed of a resilient material, and may be opaque or optically transmissive. Exemplary gasket materials include materials consisting solely of or including silicone, rubber, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polymer, thermoset polymer, plastic, blends thereof, and the like.

In addition, a securement ring <NUM> is attached to the primary spindle <NUM> for retaining the canopy <NUM>. As such, in some embodiments, the securement ring <NUM> includes a light source that may provide low level illumination for purposes such as ambient lighting, endo procedures, task lighting, accent lighting, and the like. With additional reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the securement ring <NUM> includes a clamp portion <NUM> and a lighting assembly portion <NUM>. The securement ring <NUM> is seated below the canopy <NUM> adjacent the orifice (e.g., as a result of securing the clamp portion <NUM> to the spindle via the clamp portion). The securement ring <NUM> may be secured to the primary spindle <NUM> or surface to which it is secured (e.g., via pressure and frictional forces when clamped thereto), and may retain the canopy and prevent it from sliding down the spindle (or surface to which it is mounted) away from away from the mounting plate.

The clamp portion <NUM> of the securement ring <NUM> includes a first segment 356a and a second segment 356b that collectively form a clamp ring. The formed clamp ring is annular in shape and includes inner surface <NUM> (formed from the inner surfaces of the clamp portion segments) that forms an inner aperture <NUM>, as well as an outer surface <NUM> (formed from the outer surfaces of the clamp portion segments) that is displaced radially outwardly from the inner surface <NUM>. The inner aperture <NUM> may have a dimension such that the clamp ring is retained in position on the primary spindle <NUM> via pressure and frictional forces when clamped to primary spindle. Each clamp portion segment 356a, 356b is semi-annular in shape and curves about the longitudinal axis <NUM> between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. Each clamp portion segment also has a height along the longitudinal direction and includes a top end <NUM> and a bottom end <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> curves about the longitudinal axis between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> and also extends along the longitudinal axis. Similarly, the inner surface <NUM> curves about the longitudinal axis between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> and also extends along the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the first end <NUM> of one segment 356a of the clamp portion <NUM> includes a fastening interface that is complimentary to the fastening interface provided at the second end <NUM> of the other segment 356b of the clamp portion <NUM>. In an example, each segment 356a, 356b of the clamp portion <NUM> may include a female screw receptacle at its first end <NUM> and an orifice <NUM> at its second end <NUM>. When the segment 356a, 356b of the clamp portion <NUM> are arranged such that the first end <NUM> of the first segment 356a is adjacent the second end <NUM> of the second segment 356b, a fastener (e.g., screw) may be used to secure the portions together via the attachment interfaces. Similarly, when the second end <NUM> of the first segment 356a is adjacent the first end <NUM> of the second segment 356b, a fastener (e.g., screw) may be used to secure the portions together via the attachment interfaces. In other embodiments (not shown), a hinge may couple one of the ends of one segment 356a of the clamp portion <NUM> to another end of the other segment 356b. In such embodiments, the segments 356a, 356b may move relative to one another via the hinge (e.g., for purposes of mounting the securement ring <NUM>), and the segments 356a, 356b may be fastened together using the respective attachment interfaces at their unhinged ends.

The lighting assembly portion <NUM> of the securement ring <NUM> includes a first segment 376a and a second segment 376b that collectively form a light source ring. The formed light source ring is annular in shape and includes inner surface <NUM> (formed from the inner surfaces of the clamp portion segments) that forms an inner aperture <NUM>, as well as an outer surface <NUM> (formed from the outer surfaces of the clamp portion segments) that is displaced radially outwardly from the inner surface <NUM>. Each lighting assembly portion segment 376a, 376b is semi-annular in shape and curves about the longitudinal axis <NUM> between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. Each lighting assembly portion segment also has a height along the longitudinal direction and includes a top end <NUM> and a bottom end <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> curves about the longitudinal axis between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> and also extends along the longitudinal axis. Similarly, the inner surface <NUM> curves about the longitudinal axis between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> and also extends along the longitudinal axis.

The segments 376a, 376b of the lighting assembly portion <NUM> correspond to the segments 356a, 356b of the clamp portion <NUM> and may in some embodiments be removably attached to the segments of the clamp portion <NUM>. A segment of the lighting assembly portion may be attached to a segment of the clamp portion via pins/holes, slots/grooves, screws, clamps, adhesive, and/or any other suitable fasteners. In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the bottom surface <NUM> of the segment of the lighting assembly portion includes pins <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of the corresponding segment of the clamp portion includes holes <NUM> that cooperate with the pins. Upon inserting the pins into the respective holes, frictional forces between the pins and holes may retain the segment of the lighting assembly portion and the corresponding segment of the clamp portion together.

With additional reference to <FIG>, each segment of the lighting assembly portion includes a recess <NUM> at its outer surface. The segment of the lighting assembly portion shown in <FIG> is shown without a lens so that the recess can be seen. A light source <NUM> is disposed in the recess and includes one or more solid-state light emitters <NUM>. The light source <NUM> may also include one or more additional components. In the example shown, the solid-state light emitters <NUM> are mounted to a substrate <NUM>. Details of the light source, including the solid-state light emitters and one or more additional components are discussed above in connection with the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

In some embodiments, a lens cover <NUM> covers the recess <NUM>. The lens cover <NUM> may be any suitable material, including plastic, glass, rubber, silicone, and the like. The light source <NUM> is arranged such that light emitted from the light source <NUM> is incident and transmitted through the lens cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lens cover <NUM> provides an optical modifying characteristic to the light transmitted therethrough. For example, the lens cover may modify the light output distribution (e.g., in a diffuse manner) and/or the spectrum of light that is output from the light source <NUM> and transmitted therethrough. The lens cover may also protect the light source from damage. In other embodiments, no lens cover is provided.

One or more cables <NUM> may be provided for powering/controlling the light source. In some embodiments, the cables <NUM> may be routed through the canopy (e.g., through the orifice <NUM> or through one or more additional orifices provided in the canopy <NUM>).

In embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the diameter of the aperture <NUM> of the clamp portion <NUM> is different (e.g., smaller) than the diameter of the aperture formed by the lighting assembly portion <NUM>. As such, only the inner surface of the clamp portion may be in contact with the spindle. The clamp portion (if removable) may be interchanged with other clamp portion of different diameters to accommodate attachment to different sized spindles or other components. Hence, the clamp portion may be swapped out for a clamp portion having a different sized aperture (e.g., one suitable for attachment to a cable management cover <NUM> placed over the spindle). The interchangeability of the clamp portion is exemplified in <FIG> and <FIG>. In this exemplary embodiment, a cable management cover <NUM> is provided over the spindle. As such, the clamp portion of the securement ring <NUM> is attached to the outer major surface of the cable management cover <NUM> instead of the spindle. As shown in <FIG>, the clamp portion that may be attached to the lighting assembly portion has a larger inner diameter such that fastening of the segments of the clamp portion together around the cable management cover <NUM> results in the support right being maintained in position via frictional forces.

While embodiments described above show that the clamp portion may be removably attached to the lighting assembly portion, in other embodiments, the clamp portion may be fixedly attached to the lighting assembly portion. In some embodiments, the clamp portion and the lighting assembly portion are integrally formed. In other embodiments, the clamp portion and the lighting assembly portion are separate pieces that may be permanently attached to one another (e.g., via glue or adhesive).

In the embodiments described above, the medical device suspension system is shown as including one of the gasket including a light source or the securement ring including a light source. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the medical device suspension system <NUM>, <NUM> may include both the gasket including a light source and the securement ring including a light source. In both <FIG> and <FIG>, a gasket is included similar to that shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the securement ring is attached to the spindle and the securement ring is configured similar to that shown in <FIG> and <FIG> where the clamp portion has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer major surface of the spindle (and is smaller than that of the inner diameter of the lighting assembly portion). In <FIG>, the securement ring is attached to the cable management cover <NUM> and the securement ring is configured similar to that shown in <FIG> and <FIG> where the clamp portion has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer major surface of the cable management cover <NUM> (and is about the same than that of the inner diameter of the lighting assembly portion).

Claim 1:
A medical device suspension system (<NUM>), comprising:
a canopy (<NUM>) comprising opposed major surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) that are spaced apart from one another in a thickness direction, and an end surface (<NUM>) extending between the opposed major surfaces; and
a mounting plate (<NUM>); and
a spindle (<NUM>) attached to the mounting plate, wherein the canopy comprises an orifice extending through the opposed major surfaces, the spindle extending through the orifice; and
a lighting assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
an elongate gasket body (<NUM>) extending along a length and formed of a resilient, optically transmissive material, the gasket body (<NUM>) comprising:
a light source cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending along the length, the light source cavity at least partially defined by a light transmission portion (<NUM>, <NUM>), the light source cavity being enclosed as viewed in a plane transverse to the length; and
an attachment channel (<NUM>) extending along the length, the attachment channel configured to attach the gasket body to a mount, wherein the end surface of the canopy is disposed in the attachment channel;
wherein the attachment channel (<NUM>) comprises protrusions (<NUM>) configured to engage the mount upon insertion into the attachment channel;
and
a light source (<NUM>) disposed in the light source cavity and extending along the length, the light source arranged such that light emitted from the light source is incident and transmitted through the light transmission portion of the gasket body.