DE29920378U1 - Interface system for medical devices - Google Patents

Description

BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT

LAW FIRM

Boehmcrt & Bochmert · POB. 43 02 54 ■ D-80732 Munich

German Patent and Trademark Office
Zweibrückenstr. 12
80297 Munich

DR-[NG. KARL BOEHMERT, PA (1899-1973) D1PL.-ING. ALBERT BOEHMERT, PA (1902-1993) WILHELM J. H. STAHLBERG, Attorney-at-Law, Bremen DR.-ING. WALTER HOORMANN. PA·. Brew DIPL-PHYS. DR. HEINZ GODDAR, PA·, Mönchen DR-ING. ROLAND LIESEGANG, PA·. Munich WOLF-DIETER KUNTZE. Attorney. Bremen. Alicante DlPL PHYS. ROBERTMDNZHUBER, PA(1933-1992) DR. LUDWIG KOUKER, LAWYER, Bremen DR. (CHEM.) ANDREAS VWNKLER, PA·, Brno MICHAELA HUTH-DIERIG, RA, Mönchen DIPL-PHYS. DR. MARIONTONHARDT,PA·,DaueUnf DR. ANDREAS EBERT-WEIDENFELLER, LAWYER Bremen DIPL-ING. EVA LIESEGANG. PA·. Some DR, AXEL NORDEMANN, RA, Berlin DIPL-PHYS. DR. DOROTHEE WEBER-BRULS, PA·. Franklin DIPL-PHYS. DR. STEFANSCHOHE.PA·,Munich DR-ING. MATTHIAS PHILIPP,PA·,Bielefeld DR. JAN BERND NORDEMANN, LLM, RA, Berlin PA - PalenlanwaH/Puent Attorney RA - Attorney/Attomey al Law

·■ European Patent Attorney

Alk BiEdUKb on behalf of the European Monetary Fund Profewian«! IUpCiMWilion H the Community Trtdemirk Office, Aliarte

PROF. DR. WILHELM NORDEMANN, RA, Bravienborg DIPL.-PHYS EDUARD BAUMANN, PA·. Hohenkirchen DR-ING. GERALD KLÖPSCH,PA·.IWidorr DIPL-ING. HANS W. GROENING, PA·, Munich DIPL-ING. SIEGFRIED SCHIRMER, PA·, Bielefeld DIPL.-PHYS. LORENZ HANEWINKEL. PA·, Paderborn DIPL-ING. DR. JAN TÖNNIES, PA, RA, Kiel DIPL.-PHYS. CHRISTIAN BIEHL, PA·, Kiel MARTIN WIRTZ, RA. Da»ddorr DR. DETMAR SCHÄFER, RA, Bremen DIPL.-PHYS. DR.-ING. UWE MANASSE, PA·, Bremen DR. CHRISTIAN CZYCH0WSK1, RA, Bertin DR. CARL-RICHARD HAARMANN, Ra, Munich D)PL-BlOL. DR. ARMIN K. BOHMANN, PA, Manche DIPL.-PHYS. DR. THOMAS L. BITTNER, PA·, Bed™ DR. VOLKER SCHMITZ, RA, Munich DR. FRIEDRICH NICOLAUS HEISE, RA. Potsdam DIPL.-PHYS. CHRISTIAN APPELT, PA, Manche»

in cooperation with

DIPL-CHEM. DR. HANS ULRICH MAY. PA·. Some

Your sign
Your ref.

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A 30004 (M) Munich,

07 February 2000

Alaris Medical UK Ltd. The Crescent

Jay's Close

Basingstoke, Hampshire

RG22 4BS

England

INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL DEVICES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an interface system for medical devices and in particular to an interface for securing a medical device to a mounting device, such as a rail or a post. The invention also relates to device docking devices, which

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provide electrical energy and connections between a device associated with the interface and an external device.

In today's hospitals, it is common for numerous medical devices, such as syringe pumps, infusion pumps, vital sign monitors, which are to be used simultaneously, to treat and monitor a patient individually. In such situations, the devices are usually securely attached to a mounting device located near the patient. A frequently provided mounting device is a mounting rail or a mounting bracket with standardized height and depth dimensions. Typically, such rails are arranged on the walls of hospital rooms at various heights along the entire length of the room. The rails are attached to the wall via spacers to accommodate a mounting device between the wall and the back of the rail. A typical device for attaching a medical device to a mounting rail is an L-bar and a screw clamp. The L-bar is positioned on the back of a device near the head of the device so that when the device is mounted on the rail, the bracket rests on the top of the rail and extends downward behind the back of the rail. The screw clamp is located on the back of the device and is positioned so that when tightened, the screw is clamped against the back of the rail. This mounting device is disadvantageous in that it requires the clamping screw to be turned in a space that is usually too small to be moved comfortably by hand.

Another common mounting device is a post, such as a freestanding post or a post attached to the patient's bed. Post clamps are commonly used and are rigidly mounted to the back of medical equipment. However, unless they are designed to be moved out of the way, they can interfere with other mounting devices on the equipment. Such fixed clamps can also be inconvenient to handle and store the equipment due to the protrusion of the clamp. Therefore, the art has recognized a need for a more convenient post clamp.

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Once properly secured to a mounting fixture, the medical devices must be connected to a power outlet. This is accomplished by plugging each individual power line from each device into a wall power outlet or into a power extension cord connector with multiple power outlets. Arranging power outlets in this manner can be problematic in that cables can become entangled, making it difficult to trace a single cable to its associated outlet and then move a single device. Safety issues can arise in that using a power extension connector for multiple devices can overload a power outlet. The more cables on the hospital floor, the greater the risk of entanglement for a patient or caregiver. In addition to power lines, most medical devices may also include data connections to an external device, such as a computer. Connecting individual data communication cables to each device increases the aforementioned problems and difficulties.

Therefore, a need has been recognized in the art for an interface that allows a device to be mounted either on a mounting rail or on a mounting post. A need has also been recognized for a docking station that can accommodate a variety of devices and can route power and communication signals to the devices through the docking station rather than through individual cables. The invention fulfills these and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the invention is directed to an interface system for securing a medical device to a mounting fixture, such as a rail or post. Further, the invention is directed to a device docking device that provides power and establishes electrical communication between the device associated with the interface and an external device.

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In a first aspect, the invention relates to an interface forming part of an instrument housing for securing the instrument housing to a mounting rail mounted to a surface. The interface includes a back panel, a first portion projecting rearwardly therefrom, and a first recess provided therein. The first recess is sized to receive the mounting rail. The interface further includes a rail cam rotatably mounted in the projecting portion. The rail cam is aligned with the first recess to receive and retain the mounting rail.

According to a detail aspect of the interface, the projecting portion further includes a circular cutout partially located in the first recess, and the rail cam includes a circular cam base having a surface substantially flush with the first recess. The cam base is mounted for pivotal movement in the circular cutout. The rail cam further includes two opposing arms near the periphery of the cam base. The arms extend substantially perpendicular to the surface of the cam base and each have an arm base which forms a locking surface. The arms are positioned on the cam base such that the distance between the two locking surfaces is sufficiently large to receive the mounting rail. According to a further advantageous detail of the interface, each arm has a guide portion at the head of the arm base for contacting the mounting rail during seating of the rail cam on the mounting rail and for transmitting the contact force with the mounting rail to the cam base to produce rotation of the rail cam therein.

According to another advantageous detail, the mounting rail has a height and a depth, and the guide portion of each rail cam arm has a first portion that slopes from a first height near the outer periphery of the arm base to a second height inward of the outer periphery of the arm base. The second height is less than the first height. The guide portion further comprises a second portion that adjoins the first portion and extends outwardly from the arm base over the locking surface. The

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Distance between the cam base and the bottom of the second section is slightly greater than the depth of the mounting rail, and the distance between the ends of the opposing second sections is less than the height of the mounting rail.

According to a further advantageous detail, the first recess comprises a head region formed by at least one substantially flat head surface and one curved head surface, the curved head surface forming a curved head region. The first recess further comprises a foot region formed by at least one substantially flat foot surface and one curved foot surface, the curved foot surface forming a curved foot region. The rail cam has a closed/locking position in which the second portion of one of the arms is positioned above at least one foot surface and the second portion of the other arm is positioned below at least one head surface, and the rail cam has an open/release position in which the second portion of one of the arms is positioned above the at least one foot surface and the second portion of the other arm is positioned below the at least one head surface.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to an interface device for securing a device to a docking station, comprising a housing that includes at least one signal port and a mounting rail received in a recess of the housing. The interface device includes a back panel that forms part of a device housing for receiving the device, a first portion projecting rearwardly from the back panel, and a first recess in the projecting portion. The first recess is sized to receive the mounting rail. The interface device further includes a rail cam rotatably mounted in the projecting portion and aligned with the first recess to receive and retain the mounting rail therein, and at least one signal port carried by the first portion. The first portion is sized to fit into the recess of the housing such that the rail cam is positioned to receive the mounting rail and the at least one signal port of the first portion is complementarily aligned with at least one housing signal port.

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According to an advantageous development, the interface device comprises a post clamp assembly positioned near the first and second sections. The post clamp assembly has a pivot member which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position and a bolt with an axis. The bolt is axially movably mounted on the pivot member such that the axis of the bolt is substantially parallel to the back panel when the pivot member is retracted and substantially perpendicular to the back panel when the pivot member is extended. According to a further detail, the at least one electrical port associated with the first section comprises a power inlet and the at least one housing electrical port comprises a power outlet. According to a further detail, the housing comprises a relay for controlling the supply of power to the power outlet in an activated state and the first section comprises a magnet which is positioned such that when the first section is in the recess of the housing, the magnet activates the relay. In further aspects, the at least one electrical port of the first portion includes a data communication port with an IR port, while the housing and the first portion include a plurality of complementary signal ports.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a rail cam forming part of the device housing for securing the same to a mounting rail having a height and a depth and attached to a surface. The rail cam has a cam base with a surface. The cam base is mounted for rotational movement relative to the remaining parts of the housing. The rail cam further comprises two opposing arms near the periphery of the cam base. The arms extend substantially perpendicular to the surface of the cam base, each arm having an arm base which forms a locking surface. The arms are positioned on the cam base such that the distance between the two locking surfaces is substantially equal to the height of the mounting rail. The rail cam further comprises a guide portion on the head of each arm base for contacting the mounting rail during placement of the rail cam on the mounting rail and for transmitting the contact force with the mounting rail to the cam base to permit rotation of the rail cam from a locking position therein.

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/locking position to an open/receiving position where the rail cam receives the mounting rail, and subsequently removing the force from the cam base to allow rotation of the rail cam from the open/receiving position to the closed/locking position where the rail cam retains the mounting rail.

In a single aspect, the guide portion has a first portion that slopes from a first height near the outer periphery of the arm base to a second height inwardly relative to the outer periphery of the arm base. The second height is less than the first height. The guide portion further includes a second portion adjacent to the first portion and extending outwardly from the arm base beyond the locking surface. The distance between the cam base and the bottom of the second portion is slightly greater than the depth of the mounting rail, and the distance between the ends of the opposing second portions is less than the height of the mounting rail. In a further detail, the rail cam may further include a lever coupled thereto such that movement of the lever produces rotation of the rail cam between the closed locking position and the open/release position in which the mounting rail can be removed from the rail cam, the open/release position being substantially equal to the open receiving position.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a docking station for receiving at least one device with a housing which has a rail cam and a recess and at least one signal port. The docking station comprises a housing with a plurality of mounting brackets which are arranged in a recessed manner at a distance from the front of the housing, with a docking plate secured to the mounting brackets and a rail attached to the docking plate at a distance therefrom. The mounting rail is dimensioned to fit into the housing recess and the rail cam. The docking station also has at least one signal port attached to the docking plate. A portion of this signal port projects forward from the docking plate and is designed such that it can be coupled to at least one housing signal port when the mounting rail is in the housing recess and

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the rail cam. The signal port further comprises a portion projecting rearwardly from the docking plate for interaction with a signal source.

According to a detail, the mounting brackets comprise channels running along the housing, and the docking plate can be adjustably positioned along these channels. According to a further detail, the docking station further comprises an electrical circuit mounted on the rear of the docking plate. The electrical circuit provides an electrical connection between the at least one signal port of the docking plate and an external electrical device. According to a further detail, a plurality of docking plates are arranged side by side along the length of the housing. The docking plates are spaced from one another to enable the mounting of a plurality of devices of standard or standard height. According to a further detail, the docking station comprises a plurality of spacer plates arranged between adjacent docking plates to thereby equip the docking station to accommodate devices of non-standard height. According to a further detail, the docking station may further comprise a base docking plate for outputting signals to all other docking plates.

According to further embodiments of the docking station, the base docking plate includes a power inlet for receiving external power to be conducted to the various docking plates, and the base docking plate further includes a data communication port for connecting the docking plates to an external computer system.

In a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a docking plate for receiving a device having a rail cam and a recess and at least one electrical port. The docking plate comprises a plate and a rail mounted to the plate at a distance therefrom. The rail is sized to fit within the housing recess and the rail cam. The docking plate further has at least one signal port secured to the plate. A portion of the signal port protrudes therefrom and is aligned for coupling with at least one housing signal port when the rail is in the housing recess and

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the rail cam. The port also includes a section that protrudes to the rear and serves as an interface for a signal source.

In particular, the docking plate further comprises an electrical circuit for providing electrical communication between the at least one plate signal port and an external electrical device. In further detail, the at least one plate signal port may have a power inlet. In yet another embodiment, the electrical circuit comprises a magnetic relay for supplying power to a power outlet when actuated. Furthermore, the at least one electrical port of the plate is a port for data communication, namely an IR port.

According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a post clamp assembly which forms part of an equipment housing having a back panel having a post clamp recess. The post clamp assembly serves to secure the equipment housing to a post and has a pivot member which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The post clamp assembly further comprises a bolt having an axis. The bolt is axially movably attached to the pivot member such that the axis of the bolt is substantially parallel to the back panel when the pivot member is retracted and substantially perpendicular to the back panel when the pivot member is extended. The bolt is sized and oriented such that when the pivot member is retracted a portion of the bolt lies in the post clamp recess.

More particularly, the post clamp recess is formed by a generally curved surface and the bolt includes a threaded shaft and a handle having opposite curved sides substantially conforming to the shape of the curved surface. The handle is disposed at one end of the threaded shaft such that when the pivot member is retracted, a portion of the handle lies within the post clamp recess. The handle further includes two opposite rounded ends, wherein upon application of a force to each of the rounded ends, the handle is rotated such that

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such that one of the two curved sides of the handle is generally aligned with the curved surface forming the post clamping recess. In another detail, the post clamping assembly further includes a bracket attached to the back panel. The bracket has a bolt recess and the pivot member generally includes an L-shaped arm having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is attached to the bracket for pivotal movement and the second leg is for receiving the threaded shaft. The second leg extends relative to the first leg into an area near the post clamping recess such that a portion of the threaded shaft comes to rest in the bolt recess of the bracket.

According to a seventh aspect, the invention relates to an interface for securing a housing to a docking station comprising a housing, wherein a mounting rail is mounted in an alignment section of the housing. The interface has an alignment part which forms part of a device housing for housing the device, and a rail cam which is rotatably attached to the device housing and is configured to receive and retain the mounting rail. The alignment part cooperates with the alignment section to position the rail cam to receive the mounting rail.

In particular, the alignment portion of the housing has a recess and the alignment part has at least one portion that projects away from the device housing and has a width slightly smaller than the width of the recess.

These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example the features of the invention. In the drawings:

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a medical interface system according to the invention showing a plurality of medical devices each secured to a docking station via a medical device interface;

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the docking station of Fig. 1, with the medical devices removed, including a housing in which a plurality of docking plates and a base plate are recessed;

3 is a rear isometric view of a medical device having an interface on the back of the device, the interface including a rail cam assembly, a post clamp assembly, a power connector, an IR communication port, and a device alignment portion;

Fig. 4A is an isometric view of the device of Fig. 3 attached to a mounting rail by means of the rail cam assembly, with portions of the rail cut away for clarity;

Fig. 4B is a plan view illustrating the cooperation of the alignment part on the back of the medical device of Fig. 3 with the alignment recess of the docking station housing to correctly and automatically align the power and communications devices of the device with those of the docking plate;

Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the medical device of Fig. 3 secured to a post by the post clamp assembly;

Fig. 6 is a front view of the base plate according to Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is an isometric view of one of the docking plates of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a side view of the docking plate of Fig. 7 with a mounting rail, a power connector, signal ports and a circuit board mounted on the back of the docking plate;

Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of the circuit board according to Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is an isometric view of a portion of the housing of Fig. 2;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the housing according to Fig. 10;

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Fig. 12 an alternative configuration of a docking station with three docking plates and a base plate;

Fig. 13 shows another alternative configuration of a docking station with two vertical housings and a horizontal connecting housing arranged adjacent to the heads of the vertical housings;

Fig. 14 shows another alternative configuration of a docking station with a stand;

Fig. 15 a docking station with a bag holder for holding infusion fluid for use with one or more medical devices that may be mounted on the docking station;

Fig. 16 is a view of the interface of Fig. 3 as seen from the outside of the device, with portions of the rail cam cut away for clarity;

Fig. 17 is a view of the interface of Fig. 3 seen from the inside of the device, showing the coupling of the rail cam with an externally arranged cam control lever and also a spring for tensioning the rail cam;

Fig. 18a and 18b are isometric views of the rail cam according to Fig. 3;

Fig. 18c to 18e are a plan view, a front view and a side view of the rail cam according to Fig. 18a and 18b;

Fig. 19a is an isometric view of the post clamp assembly of Fig. 3 in the open position;

Fig. 19b is an isometric view of the post clamp assembly of Fig. 3 in the closed position;

Fig. 19c is a plan view of the post clamping arrangement according to Fig. 19a and

Fig. 19d is a plan view of the post clamping arrangement according to Fig. 19b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to designate like or corresponding elements, Figs. 1 to 3 show an interface system 10 for medical

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nic devices (Fig. 1) in use with several individual medical devices 12, such as a syringe infusion pump 14 and a peristaltic infusion pump 16. Each medical device 12 is removably secured to a docking station 18 (Fig. 2) by means of an interface 48 (Fig. 3) on the back of each device.

The docking station 18 according to Fig. 2 comprises a plurality of docking plates 20 and a base plate 22, all of which are attached to a housing 24. Each docking plate 20 has a mounting rail 26 attached thereto, which is attached to a plate 28. The mounting rail 26 has standardized height and depth dimensions. Furthermore, the plate 28 has a power outlet 30 and a data communication port 32 for cooperation with complementary power supply and data communication components on the rear of the devices 12 (Fig. 3). The docking plates 20 have a fastener 34 in each corner of the plate 28 for connecting the docking plate to the housing 24.

The base plate 22 includes a main power inlet 36 and a main on/off switch 38 for connecting the docking plates 20 to an external power source. In some embodiments, the base plate 22 further includes a data communication port 40 for connecting each docking plate 20 to an external data communication device, such as a computer. The base plate 22 is connected to the housing 24 via front panel fasteners 42. The interior of the housing 24 and the plate 28 are sized to allow the plate to fit within the housing.

Referring to Fig. 3, a medical device interface (MDI) 48, which in this case forms part of a device housing 12, is provided on the rear of the device. The device mounting housing 50 has a back panel 76 to which the MDI 48 is attached. The MDI includes an alignment member 51 whose purpose is to automatically align the remaining components of the MDI with complementary components of the docking station or other station. In this embodiment, the alignment member 51 has a first portion 52 and a second portion 54, each of which projects rearwardly from the back panel. The first projecting portion 52 has a first recess 56 and the second projecting portion 54 has a first recess 56.

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jumping section 54 has a second recess 58. Each recess 56, 58 is dimensioned to accommodate the mounting rail 26 (Fig. 2) of a docking plate 20.

The MDI 48 (Fig. 3) further includes a rail cam 60 pivotally mounted in the first recess 56. The rail cam 60 is biased to a closed/locked position. The rail cam 60 has two opposed arms 62, each having an arm base 78 and a guide portion 64 at the top of the arm base. Each guide portion 64 has a sloping surface with a portion 80 that extends beyond the arm base 78 of the arm. The arm bases 78 are spaced apart slightly greater than the height of the mounting rail so that the mounting rail fits between the arms. The distance between the tips of the portions 80 is less than the height of the mounting rail.

The guide portion 64 is beveled to accommodate the force of a mounting rail 26 during installation and to produce rotation of the rail cam 60 against its resilient bias to an open receiving position, with the mounting rail sliding into the space between the arm bases 78. Once the mounting rail 26 is positioned in the rail cam 60, the rail cam rotates back to its closed/locked position. In the closed/locked position of the rail cam 60, the portions 80 of the arms 78 reach behind the mounting rail 26, thereby retaining the mounting rail in the rail cam and the first and second recesses 56, 58.

The MDI 48 also includes a lever 66 located on the head of the mounting housing. The lever 66 rotates the rail cam 60 from its closed/locking position against its spring bias to an open/release position whereupon the medical device can be removed from the mounting rail 26. The open/release position and an open/receive position are identical. This position is sometimes referred to as the open/release/receive position. The MDI 48 also includes a power inlet 68 and a

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Data communication ports 70 aligned with complementary power and data communication components on the docking plates 20 (Fig. 2).

The MDI 48 also includes a post clamp assembly 72 which is extendable for the purpose of securing the medical device 12 to a post. The post clamp assembly 72 includes an arm 82 and a threaded bolt 84. The arm 82 is pivotally mounted to the back panel 76 and moves between an open position and a closed position. The threaded bolt 84 is axially movably mounted to the arm 82 by screwing in. The post clamp assembly 72 is positioned relative to the first and second sections 52 and 54 such that when the post clamp assembly is closed, the threaded bolt 84 is received in a recess between the two sections. When the post clamp assembly 72 is opened, the threaded bolt 84 is substantially perpendicular to the back panel 76. In this position, the threaded bolt 84 can be rotated to achieve a clamping action on a post placed between the tip of the threaded bolt and the back panel 76.

In operation, as shown in Fig. 4A, a medical device 12 is secured to a mounting rail 26 by visually aligning the first recess 56 and the second recess 58 with the mounting rail. Upon alignment, the rail cam 60 is slid against the mounting rail 26. The force exerted by the mounting rail 26 on the guide portions 64 of the rail cam 60 causes the rail cam to twist such that the mounting rail slides into the space between the arm bases 78. Once the mounting rail 26 is positioned in the rail cam 60, the rail cam returns to its closed/locked position and the portions 80 of the arm 62 hold the device 12 to the rail. When the mounting rail 26 forms part of the docking station 18 (Fig. 2), the power inlet 68 (Fig. 4) of the medical device 12 and the power outlet 30 (Fig. 2) of the docking plate 20 are connected to each other. In a similar manner, the data communication ports 32, 70 of the two interface structures are connected. To remove the medical device 12 from the rail cam, the lever 66 is activated to rotate the rail cam to its open release position, whereupon the sections 80

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device no longer restrained on the mounting rail 26. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 4B, a medical device 12 is secured to a docking station 20 by visually aligning the alignment portion 51 of the device in the recess formed in the housing 24. Once aligned, the rail cam 60 is pressed against the mounting rail 26 and secured thereto as described above with respect to Fig. 4A.

Alternatively, the medical device 12 may be mounted to a post 74 using the post clamp assembly 72 as shown in FIG. 5. To do so, the arm 82 of the post clamp assembly 72 is pivoted to its open position. The medical device 12 is placed on the post 74 so that the post lies in the area between the first and second sections 52, 54 of the MDI 48. The threaded bolt 84 is then rotated until its tip contacts the post, thereby clamping the device 12 to the post 74.

Further detailed descriptions of the docking station 18 (Fig. 2) and the interface 48 (Fig. 3) follow.

docking station

As previously mentioned with respect to FIG. 2, the docking station 18 includes a plurality of docking plates 20 and a base plate 22, all of which are mounted to a housing 24. The base plate 22 is typically provided near the bottom of the docking station to allow for easy connection to power and data communication cables. The docking plates 20 are arranged adjacent to one another, one above the other, or side by side. The docking plates 20 are sized to be sufficiently spaced apart when assembled to accommodate a medical device 12 of standard height and/or width dimensions. Spacer plates (not shown) may be provided between adjacent docking plates 20 to increase the spacing and thus also allow for the accommodation of non-standard sized medical devices 12 without physical overlap between these devices. The docking station 18 may be either

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a "simple" station that only supplies power to the medical devices, or an "intelligent" station that provides both power and data communication for the medical devices. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the docking station 18 has a vertical housing 44 and a horizontal housing 46. The housings 44, 46 are connected to each other by a T-piece 47 that fits into the top of the vertical housing 44 and is attached to the back of the horizontal housing 46. A removable end cap 49 is located on each end of the horizontal housing 46.

As shown in Figure 6, the base plate 22 has a main power inlet 36 and an on/off switch 38 for connecting all of the docking plates 20 to an external power source. Power is supplied to each docking plate 20 in a daisy chain manner through a connection provided by adjacent plates, as described below. The base plate 22 includes a connection port through which a ground connection is made to the back of the housing 24. In an intelligent docking station, the base plate 22 also has a data communication port 40 for connecting all of the docking plates 20 to an external data communication device, such as a computer. The base plate 22 coordinates data communication with all of the individual docking plates 20 on the docking station. Such communication may be established by means of a central hospital computer which may monitor the status or location or both of an individual device mounted on the docking station. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate 22 may include Ethernet circuitry for interfacing with an Ethernet system. Alternatively, the base plate 22 may include the interface necessary for communicating with other devices via an RS-232 bus or other similar bus configuration.

As shown in Figures 7-9, each docking plate 20 includes a standard size mounting rail 26 mounted to a square plate 28. The mounting rail 26 has a standard height and depth. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting rail 26 has a height of about 25 mm and a depth of about 10 mm. The mounting rail 26 is spaced from the plate 28 by a plurality of spacers 100. The spacers

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The spacers 100 are dimensioned to position the mounting rail 26 relative to the plate 28 so that during assembly the plate does not contact the back surface of the first and second sections 52, 54 (Fig. 3). The spacers 100 thus ensure that the plate 28 does not hinder the insertion of the mounting rail 26 into the first and second recesses 56, 58 and into the rail cams 60.

Also mounted on the plate 28 (Fig. 7) are a plurality of signal ports, such as power outlet 30 and a data communication port 32. The power outlet 30 is positioned on the plate 28 to align with a complementary power inlet 68 (Fig. 3) located on the back of a medical device. During installation of the medical device 12 on a docking plate 20 (Fig. 7), the complementary power transmitting components connect. Similarly, the data communication port 32 is positioned on the plate 28 to align with a complementary data communication component 70 (Fig. 3) located on the back of a medical device 12. In a preferred embodiment, the complementary data communication components are infrared ("IR") ports.

A printed circuit board or circuit card 102, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, is mounted on the back of the plate 28. The circuit card 102 carries a plurality of circuit components for connecting the signal ports 30, 32 of individual docking plates 20 to corresponding signal ports on the base plate 22. With respect to power, each docking plate 20 receives power via the base plate 22.

Power terminals 104 on the circuit board receive power from the base plate power source via power cables 106. Adjacent docking plates 20 are connected to one another in a daisy chain manner via power cables 106. This power is fed from the power inlet 30 via a relay 110. A cable 108 provides a ground connection to the housing 24 (Fig. 2). The circuit board 102 also has a relay 110 which is activatable by means of a magnet 342 (Fig. 17) positioned in the medical device. When the medical device 12 is mounted to the docking plate 20, the

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Magnet 342 activates a reed switch 122 which in turn activates relay 110 to supply power through power outlet 30. Activation of relay 110 is indicated by illumination of a red LED on circuit board 102 and is visible on the front of docking plate 20 (Fig. 7). LED 120 illuminates when the relay is activated. Relay 110 acts as a safety feature by blocking the power signal from power outlet 30 in the absence of a medical device. Should relay 110 fail in the activated position, LED 120 will indicate the presence of power at outlet 30 even after medical device 12 is removed from docking plate 20.

In a simple docking station, the relay 110 is energized by a 12 volt DC power signal fed from power terminals 126. These terminals 126 receive power from the base plate 22. The power signal is fed through adjacent docking plates 20 in a daisy chain manner. In an intelligent docking station, the circuit board 102 further includes data communication connectors 112. These connectors 112 feed the DC power signal to energize the relay 110. These connectors 112 also communicate with a data cable 114 to provide an interface between the IR port 32 and the main data communication port 40 of the base plate 22. Adjacent docking plates 20 are daisy chained together via connectors 112 to provide communication between each docking plate and the communication device connected to the base plate 22.

Each docking plate 20 is individually attached to the docking station housing 24 (Fig. 2) by means of fasteners 34 located at each corner of the plate 28. Each fastener 34 includes a screw 116 and a square nut 118. The square nut 118 fits into a square mounting channel in the housing 24, as described below.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the housing 24 of the docking station has two sides 200. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 24 is made of aluminum. This provides the housing with structural rigidity and electromagnetic shielding (EMC) capability, i.e. protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and also weight

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Reduction. However, the housing could be made of a non-metallic material and the EMI shielding could be provided on the inside to provide the same level of EMI protection as if the housing were made of metal. Each side 200 is substantially semi-circular and hollow along its entire length. These hollow sides 200 provide rigidity to the housing 24 while reducing weight. A curved back panel 202 connects the two sides 200. At the junctions 204 of the back panel 202 and the sides 200, a rear channel support 206 is provided which runs the entire length of the housing 24. A channel filler strip 208 is inserted into each of these channel supports 206 (Fig. 11). The channel filler strips 208, which may be molded from rubber, may be removed and a bracket (not shown) may be installed across the back of the housing 24 to mount the housing to a wall or other support medium.

On the inside of the housing 24 is a central channel support 210. The central channel support 210 receives the ground conductor 108 (Fig. 8) and thus provides a grounding bridge. Also within the housing 24 near each side 200 is a recessed channel support 212 which runs the entire length of the housing 24. This recessed channel support 212 is rectangular in cross-section and is sized to receive the square nuts 118 (Fig. 7) associated with the docking plate fasteners 34 as described above. The housing 24 also includes a pair of threaded channels 222 which receive screws 224 (Fig. 2) for securing the end caps 49 to the housing.

The distance between the inner walls 214 of the sides 200 is dimensioned slightly larger than the width of a docking plate 28 (Fig. 7) so that the plate can be mounted in the recess 215 between the sides 200. The distance between the front of the recessed channels 212 and the front 216 of the housing, i.e. the depth of the docking station, is selected to be slightly larger than the dimension by which the first and second sections 52, 54 (Fig. 3) of the alignment part 51 of the MDI 48 protrude from the back panel 76. The recess 215 between the sides 200 thus forms an alignment mounting recess which is used for the automatic introduction of the alignment part 51 (Fig. 3) of the medical device

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12 into proper alignment with the interface components of the panel mounted in the recess, such as power connector, data communications, and mounting rail. The curved configuration of the front 216 of the housing helps to properly and automatically align the components of the device with the components of the docking panel 20 when the interface 48 of the device is pressed into the recess 215. This curved shape tends to guide the interface 48 of the device into the recess 215.

While the foregoing description of a docking station 18 is with reference to the configuration of Fig. 2, modified configurations may be assembled. Examples of modified configurations are shown in Figs. 12-14. Fig. 12 shows a docking station having three docking plates 20 and a single base plate 22, all mounted in a housing 24. The housing 24 is capped at the top and bottom, and in such a configuration the entire assembly is particularly suitable for wall mounting by means of a mounting bracket inserted into the rear channel supports 206 of the housing (Fig. 11). With particular reference to Fig. 13, it should be noted that the horizontal deck portion of the docking station 18 comprises the same housing as vertical members. In assembly, the docking plates 20 are simply rotated and connected to the housing side by side. This is possible because of the square dimensions of the docking plate 28.

As previously mentioned, docking stations 18 may be wall mounted using brackets attached to the back of the housing. Alternatively, a docking station 18 may include a stand 218 which allows the docking station to be placed at a location remote from a wall. The stand of Fig. 14 may have wheels at the end of each leg so that the stand can accompany a patient being moved. The medical devices housed in the docking station 18 have battery backed power which allows the devices to continue operating during such movement. As shown in Fig. 15, a docking station may also include accessories such as a hook device 220 for hanging bags of infusion fluid. A clamp assembly 219 is provided in this arrangement at the end of the horizontal housing 46 in place of an end cap 49 (Fig.

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2). The clamp arrangement 219 allows control over the height of the hook device 220.

Medical device interface

As previously mentioned with reference to Fig. 3, an interface (MDI) 48 which forms part of or is attached to a device housing is provided on the rear of the device. The MDI is typically made of plastic. The MDI 48 includes a rail cam 60 and a post clamp assembly 72. Referring to Figs. 3, 16 and 17, the alignment member 51 which forms part of the mounting housing 50 has a first portion 52 which projects rearwardly from the housing a distance not greater than the depth of the docking station 20. The first portion 52 has a height not greater than the height of the docking plate 20 and a width not greater than the width of the docking plate 20.

In the upper region 300 of the first section 52 there is a first recess 56. The first recess 56 has a head region 302 and a foot region 304. The head region 302 is defined by two substantially flat head surfaces 306 and a curved head surface 308. The portion of the first recess 56 which is delimited by the curved head surface 308 forms a curved head region 310. In the same way, the foot region 304 is defined by two substantially flat foot surfaces 312 and a curved foot surface 314. The portion of the first recess 56 which is delimited by the curved foot surface 314 forms a curved foot region 316. The flat head and foot surfaces 306, 312 are substantially parallel to one another.

The first recess 56 has a height defined by the distance between the flat head and foot surfaces 306, 312. This height is slightly greater than the height of a mounting rail 26. The first recess 56 has a depth defined by the distance between the back surface 318 (Fig. 3) and the surface 320 of the first section. This depth is greater than the depth of the mounting rail 26. Given the height and depth of the first recess 56, after placing a mounting rail in the first recess

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with flush contact with the back surface 318, the mounting rail is recessed at a given height and depth of the first recess 56 relative to the surface 320 of the first section.

A power inlet 68, a data communication port 70 and a potential equalization connector 324 are provided on the surface 320 of the first section 52 in the lower region 322. The power inlet 68 and the data communication port 70 are positioned on the surface 320 of the first section relative to the first recess 56 so that they are aligned with the power outlet 30 (Fig. 2) and the data communication port 32 on the docking plate and cooperate therewith when the docking plate mounting rail is placed in the first recess. A roof 344 disposed above the power inlet 68 serves to prevent fluid from entering the power inlet so that when the medical device 12 is used in a stand-alone configuration, i.e., not on a docking station, the risk of power starvation is reduced.

The back surface 318 of the first recess 56 includes a circular cutout positioned such that the head and foot portions of the cutout align with the curved head and foot surfaces 308, 314. A track cam 60 is positioned within the circular cutout. As shown in Figures 18a-18e, the track cam 60 has a circular cam base 400 which fits within the circular cutout such that the surface 402 of the circular cam base is substantially flush with the back surface of the first recess 56. The cam base 400 is mounted for pivotal movement within the cutout. Proximate the periphery of the cam base 400 and extending substantially perpendicular to the surface 402 of the cam base is a pair of opposed arms 62.

Each arm 62 has an arm base 404 which forms a locking surface 406. The arms 62 are positioned on the cam base 400 such that the distance between the two opposing locking surfaces 406 is slightly greater than the height of a mounting rail 26 to allow placement of the mounting rail between the locking surfaces. Each arm 62 also has a release surface 412. Each arm 62 further has a

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a guide portion 64 located at the top of the arm base 404. The guide portion 64 includes a first portion 408 that slopes from a first height near the outer periphery of the arm base 404 to a second height inward toward the outer periphery of the arm base. The second height is less than the first height.

The guide portion 64 further includes a second portion 410 adjacent the first portion 408. The second portion 410 extends outwardly of the arm base 404 beyond the locking surface 406 and acts as a lip for retaining a mounting rail 26. The arms 62 are sized such that the distance between the surface 402 of the cam base 400 and the bottom of the second portion 410, as best shown in Fig. 18e, is substantially equal to the depth of the mounting rail 26 and that the distance between the ends of the opposing second portions 410 is less than the height of the mounting rail, as best shown in Fig. 18a. Accordingly, the mounting rail 26 fits within the rail cam 60 and is retained in the rail cam by means of the second portions 410.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 16, the track cam 60 is oriented in the cutout such that the cam is rotatable between a closed/locking position and an open receiving/releasing position. In Fig. 3, the track cam is shown in its closed/locking position. In this position, the locking surface 410 (Fig. 18d) of each arm 62 is substantially flush with the head and foot surfaces 306, 312 of the first recess, and the second portion 410 of each arm extends into the space between the head and foot surfaces. When the rail cam is in its open engagement/release position, the release surface 412 of each arm is substantially flush with the head and foot surfaces 306, 312 of the first recess, and the second portion 410 of each arm 62 is positioned within the curved head and foot regions 310, 316 and thus outside the space between the head and foot surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the rail cam 60 is molded from plastic and can support a load between 9 and 13.5 kg (20 to 30 pounds). To support larger loads, the rail cam must be made of metal.

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16 and 17, the MDI 48 further includes a lever assembly 326 coupled to the rail cam 60. The lever assembly 326 includes an external release lever 66 located on the outside of the MDI. The external release lever 66 is coupled to an internal release lever 328 positioned below the external release lever on the inside of the MDI. The lever assembly 326 further includes a rail cam lever 330 coupled to the rail cam 60 and located on the inside of the MDI. The rail cam lever 330 is biased into the locked position by a spring 334. The rail cam lever 330 and the internal release lever 328 are coupled by a release linkage 332. Rotation of the external release lever 66 produces rotation of the internal release lever 328, which in turn displaces the release linkage 332. Displacement of the release linkage 332 causes the rail cam lever 330 to rotate against the force of the spring 334, which in turn rotates the rail cam 60. Movement of the lever 66 rotates the rail cam 60 from its closed/locking position to its open receiving/releasing position.

3, 16 and 17, the mounting housing 50 has a second portion 54 that projects rearwardly from the housing. The second portion 54 has a second recess 58 defined by a substantially planar head surface 336 and a substantially planar foot surface 338. The second recess 58 has a height defined by the distance between the planar head and foot surfaces 336, 338. As with the first recess 56, the height of the second recess 58 is slightly greater than the height of a mounting rail 26. The second recess 58 is aligned with the first recess so that a mounting rail can be positioned in both recesses simultaneously. The first portion 52 and the second portion 54 are spaced apart to permit placement of a portion of the post clamp assembly 72 therebetween. A post clamp recess 340 is provided between the first portion 52 and the second portion 54. The post clamp recess 340 has a generally curved surface and is sized and oriented to receive a portion of the post clamp assembly.

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19a-19d, the post clamp assembly 72 includes a bracket 500, a pivot member 502, and a threaded bolt 504. The bolt 504 has a threaded shaft 506 and a handle 508. The bracket 500 is typically mounted to the back panel 72 (Fig. 3) of the MDI 48 proximate the first and second sections 52, 54. The pivot member 502 is generally L-shaped with a first leg 510 and a second leg 512. The first leg 510 is pivotally connected to the bracket 500 so that the pivot member 502 is movable between an open, extended position (Figs. 19a and 19c) and a closed, retracted position (Figs. 19b and 19d). The second leg 512 has a threaded hole for receiving the threaded shaft 506 and for its axial movement.

As shown in Fig. 19c, the bracket 500 has a generally V-shaped cross-section. At the apex of the V is a bolt recess 514 having a semi-circular cross-section and an associated axis 516. The second leg 512 of the pivot member is positioned relative to the first leg 510 so that when the post clamp assembly 72 is in the closed position, it projects above the bracket 500 with the axis of the bolt being substantially parallel with the axis 516 of the bolt recess. When the post clamp assembly is in the open position, the axis of the bolt is substantially perpendicular to the axis 516 of the bolt recess.

The handle 508 is disposed at one end of the shaft 506 and is shaped to have opposing curved sides 518 that substantially follow the arcuate shape of the curved surface of the post clamp recess 340 (Fig. 3). The handle 508 is further shaped to have opposing rounded ends 520. When the pivot member 502 is in the closed position, a portion of the handle 508 and bolt 506 lie in the post clamp recess 340 with a portion of the bolt lying in the bolt recess 514. The post clamp assembly components are made of metal and may be extruded or cast.

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As explained above with reference to Figure 4, a medical device 12 is secured to a mounting rail 26 by visually aligning the first recess 56 and the second recess 58 with the mounting rail. Once aligned, the rail cam 60 is pressed against the mounting rail 26. The force of the mounting rail 26 on the inclined guide portion 64 of the cam rail 60 causes the cam rail to rotate to the open receiving position. In this position, the mounting rail can slide into the space between the arm bases 404 and come to rest between the locking surfaces 406 of the head and foot surfaces of the first and second recesses 56, 58.

Once the mounting rail 26 is positioned within the rail cam 60, the rail cam returns to its closed locking position and the second portions 410 of the arms retain the device 12 on the rail. To remove the device 12 from the rail cam, the outer release lever 66 is activated to rotate the rail cam to its open release position, with the second portions 410 of the arms 62 driving into the curved head and foot regions 310, 316, thereby permitting removal of the device from the mounting rail 26.

During installation of the medical device 12 to a mounting rail 26, the handle 508 may be oriented so that one of its rounded ends 520 faces the mounting rail. So oriented, the handle 508 may initially interfere with the assembly process by contacting the mounting rail 26 as it enters the recessed portions 56, 58. However, because of the rounded shape of the ends 520, the handle readily translates the force exerted from contact between the rounded end 520 and the mounting rail 26 into a rotational movement of the handle. The rounded ends slide along the surface of the mounting rail during rotation of the handle 508, thereby orienting the handle so that one of the curved sides 518 of the handle is generally aligned with the curved surface defining the post clamp recess 340 (Fig. 3).

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As previously mentioned and shown in Fig. 5, the medical device 12 can be attached to a post 74 using the post clamp assembly 72. To do so, the arm 82 of the post clamp assembly 72 is pivoted to its open, extended position. The medical device 12 is placed on the post 74 so that the post lies within the post clamp recess 340 (Fig. 16) and the bracket 500 (Fig. 19a). The threaded bolt 84 is then twisted until the tip of the bolt contacts the post, thereby clamping the device 12 to the post 74.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that, while the specific embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. An interface ( 48 ) forming part of a housing for devices ( 12 ) and securing the housing to a mounting rail ( 26 ) mounted on a surface ( 28 ), comprising:
a back panel ( 76 );
a first portion ( 52 ) projecting rearwardly from the back panel ( 76 );
a first recess ( 56 ) in the projecting portion ( 52 ), the first recess ( 56 ) being sized to receive the mounting rail ( 26 ); and
a rail cam ( 60 ) rotatably mounted in the protruding portion ( 52 ) and aligned with the first recess ( 56 ) to receive and retain the mounting rail ( 26 ). 2. Interface according to claim 1, wherein the projecting portion ( 52 ) has a circular cutout partially located in the first recess ( 56 ) and the rail cam ( 60 ) comprises:
a circular cam base ( 400 ) mounted for pivotal movement in the circular cutout and having a surface ( 402 ) substantially flush with the first recess; and
two opposed arms ( 62 ) adjacent the periphery of the cam base ( 400 ) extending substantially perpendicular to the surface ( 402 ) of the cam base ( 400 ), each arm ( 62 ) having an arm base ( 404 ) with a locking surface ( 406 ), the arms ( 62 ) being arranged on the cam base ( 400 ) such that the distance between the two locking surfaces ( 406 ) is sufficiently large to receive the mounting rail ( 26 ). 3. The interface of claim 2, wherein each arm ( 62 ) includes a guide portion ( 64 ) at the head of the arm base ( 404 ) for contacting the mounting rail ( 26 ) during placement of the rail cam ( 60 ) onto the mounting rail ( 26 ) and for transmitting the contact force with the mounting rail ( 26 ) to the cam base ( 400 ) to produce rotation of the rail cam ( 60 ) therein. 4. Interface according to claim 3, wherein the mounting rail ( 26 ) has a height and a depth and the guide section ( 64 ) comprises:
a first portion ( 408 ) sloping from a first height near the outer periphery of the arm base ( 404 ) to a second height inward of the outer periphery of the arm base ( 404 ), the second height being less than the first height; and
a second portion ( 410 ) contiguous to the first portion ( 408 ) and extending outwardly from the arm base ( 404 ) beyond the locking surface ( 406 );
wherein the distance between the cam base ( 400 ) and the bottom of the second section ( 410 ) is slightly greater than the depth of the mounting rail ( 26 ) and the distance between the ends of the opposing second sections ( 410 ) is less than the height of the mounting rail ( 26 ). 5. Interface according to claim 4, wherein the recess ( 56 ) comprises:
a head region ( 302 ) formed by at least one substantially planar head surface ( 306 ) and one curved head surface ( 308 ), the curved head surface ( 308 ) forming a curved head region ( 310 ); and
a foot region ( 304 ) formed by at least one substantially planar foot surface ( 312 ) and a curved foot surface ( 314 ), the curved foot surface ( 314 ) forming a curved foot region ( 316 );
wherein the rail cam ( 60 ) has a closed locking position in which the second portion ( 410 ) of one of the arms ( 62 ) is positioned above at least one foot surface ( 314 ) and the second portion ( 410 ) of the other arm ( 62 ) is positioned below at least one head surface ( 308 ), and the rail cam ( 60 ) has an open release position in which the second portion ( 410 ) of one of the arms ( 62 ) is positioned above the at least one foot surface ( 314 ) and the second portion ( 410 ) of the other arm ( 62 ) is positioned below the at least one head surface ( 308 ). 6. The interface of claim 5, wherein a lever ( 66 ) is coupled to the rail cam ( 60 ) such that movement of the lever ( 66 ) produces rotation of the rail cam ( 60 ) between the closed locking position and the open release position. 7. The interface of claim 1, wherein a second portion ( 54 ) projects rearwardly from the back panel ( 76 ), the second portion ( 54 ) being spaced apart from the first portion ( 52 ), and
a second recess ( 58 ) is provided in the second projecting portion ( 54 ), the second recess ( 58 ) being substantially aligned with the first recess ( 56 ) and being dimensioned to receive the mounting rail ( 26 ). 8. Interface according to one of the preceding claims with a post clamp arrangement ( 72 ) comprising:
a pivot member ( 502 ) movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and
a bolt ( 504 ) having an axis which is axially movably mounted on the pivot member ( 502 ) such that the axis of the bolt is substantially parallel to the back panel ( 76 ) when the pivot member ( 502 ) is retracted and substantially perpendicular to the back panel ( 76 ) when the pivot member ( 502 ) is extended. 9. The interface of claim 8, wherein the back panel ( 76 ) further includes a bolt clamp recess ( 340 ) sized and oriented to receive the bolt ( 504 ) when the pivot member ( 502 ) is in the retracted position. 10. Interface ( 48 ) according to one of the preceding claims with an alignment part ( 51 ), the arrangement being such that the interface ( 48 ) is attached to a docking station ( 18 ) with a housing ( 24 ) which has the mounting rail ( 26 ) mounted in an alignment section ( 215 ) of the housing ( 24 ), the alignment part ( 51 ) cooperating with the alignment section ( 215 ) such that the rail cam ( 60 ) is positioned to receive the mounting rail ( 26 ). 11. Interface according to claim 10, wherein the alignment portion ( 215 ) of the housing has a recess and the alignment part ( 51 ) has at least one portion whose width is slightly smaller than the width of the recess. 12. Interface according to one of the preceding claims with a signal port ( 70 ) arranged on the first projecting portion ( 52 ), the arrangement being such that the interface ( 48 ) can be secured to a docking station ( 18 ) with a housing ( 24 ) with at least one housing signal port ( 32 ) and the mounting rail ( 26 ); the first portion ( 52 ) being dimensioned to fit into the recessed portion of the housing ( 24 ) such that the rail cam ( 60 ) is positioned to receive the mounting rail ( 26 ) and the at least one signal port ( 70 ) is aligned complementarily to the at least one housing signal port ( 32 ). 13. Docking station ( 18 ) for use with an interface ( 48 ) according to one of the preceding claims for receiving at least one device ( 12 ) with a housing which has a rail cam ( 60 ) and a recess ( 56 ) and at least one signal port ( 70 ), comprising:
a housing ( 24 ) having a plurality of mounting brackets ( 212 ) recessed at a distance from the front of the housing ( 24 );
a docking plate ( 20 ) arranged on the mounting brackets ( 212 );
a rail ( 26 ) spaced from the docking plate ( 20 ) and sized to fit into the housing recess ( 56 ) and the rail cam ( 60 ); and
at least one signal port ( 32 ) attached to the docking plate ( 20 ), a portion of which projects forwardly and is oriented to be coupled to at least one housing signal port ( 70 ) when the mounting rail ( 26 ) is received in the housing recess ( 56 ) and the rail cam ( 60 ), the signal port ( 32 ) further having a rearwardly projecting portion for cooperation with a signal source. 14. Docking station according to claim 13, wherein the mounting brackets ( 212 ) have channels running along the housing ( 24 ) and the docking plate ( 20 ) is adjustably positioned along these channels ( 212 ). 15. Docking station according to claim 13 or 14, comprising an electrical circuit ( 102 ) mounted on the back of the docking plate ( 20 ) and establishing electrical communication between at least one plate signal port ( 32 ) and an external electrical device. 16. Docking station according to one of claims 13, 14 or 15, in which a plurality of docking plates ( 20 ) are arranged side by side at a distance along the longitudinal extent of the housing ( 24 ) in order to enable the mounting of numerous devices ( 12 ) of standard height. 17. Interface ( 48 ) according to claim 12 in conjunction with a docking station ( 18 ) according to one of claims 11 to 14.