JP2014108357A - Smart cart - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a surgical device storage cart.SOLUTION: A surgical device storage cart 10 is provided and includes a top storage assembly 12 having at least two storage containers, a bottom storage assembly 14 having at least one storage drawer, and an intermediate shelf 16 between the top storage assembly and bottom storage assembly, the shelf including a shelf that is affixed to the bottom storage assembly, a battery charging station that is positioned on the shelf, and an electronic device docking station that is positioned on the top storage assembly.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 732,640, filed December 3, 2012, and priority to the above-mentioned US Provisional Patent Application. The entire disclosure of the patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

Background 1. TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a storage cart for surgical stapling products. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an interactive storage and supply cart that is for power, mounting capability for supporting communication devices, tablet-type computers, and other electrically operated devices. Recharge unit and / or power supply.

2. Background of Related Art During many surgical procedures, it is often necessary to use multiple surgical instruments to properly perform the procedure. Many of these surgical instruments are modular and may include specific refillable or disposable components for each instrument. This is a management strategy that keeps surgical instruments and their associated components separate in order to avoid confusion during surgery and avoid wasting time searching for the correct instrument and associated components. Need. Maintaining an accurate inventory of what is currently on hand can also be a problem.

  Many modern surgical instruments now incorporate power powered features that require a rechargeable battery pack. Multiple battery packs and associated charging are required to be maintained in the operating room to avoid confronting depleted or defective battery packs during surgery. Multiple chargers located in the vicinity of the operating room can cause confusion that results in prolonged operating time and can create a risk of tripping over multiple power cords.

  More complex surgical procedures often require consultation with external sources to obtain real-time information about dealing with possible complications during the surgical procedure.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a storage and supply cart for surgical devices that can maintain and organize multiple surgical instruments and associated components. To provide a storage and supply cart for surgical devices with battery charging capability to ensure that battery packs that are fully available at all times are easily and safely available to surgical staff It is even more desirable. Receiving a computer for inventory control and instructional materials, or a communication device (eg, iPod ^™ , or iPad ^™ ) to provide real-time consultation with an external source (eg, another surgeon or similar specialist) It is even more desirable to provide a storage and supply cart for surgical devices having a docking station for.

SUMMARY A storage cart for storing, displaying, and supplying surgical instruments and associated attachments is disclosed. A storage cart generally includes a top storage assembly having at least two storage containers and a bottom storage assembly having at least one storage drawer. The shelf is positioned midway between the top storage assembly and the bottom storage assembly and is attached to the bottom storage assembly. The battery charging station may include a battery charger for receiving and charging a rechargeable battery positioned on the shelf and a battery charger holder for supporting the battery charger on the shelf. An electronic device docking station is positioned on the top storage assembly and provided to receive the electronic device, the electronic device is for tracking the contents of the cart, as well as displaying product or surgical procedure information It is intended to provide real-time communication with external information sources.

  The top storage assembly includes a power strip for supplying power to the battery charging station and the electronic device docking station. In one embodiment, the at least two storage containers are of different sizes. Multiple rows of different sized storage containers are provided to accommodate different product packaging sizes. In certain embodiments, the top storage assembly has a dome-shaped cover to prevent its use as a placement surface. This is to prevent placing items on the top storage assembly and to prevent those items from falling from the cart. The top storage assembly also has one or more document holders to support product and patient information and charts. In one embodiment, the top storage assembly has at least one cable locking strap for securing the contents of the docking station.

  The shelf positioned midway between the top and bottom storage assemblies includes at least one storage tray, which is for frequently used items and has not been previously removed prior to surgery It is for collecting personal items.

  The lower storage assembly includes a rear access panel to facilitate access to at least one drawer for refilling. The lower storage assembly also includes at least one window for viewing the contents of the at least one storage drawer. The lower storage assembly further includes a wheel assembly to facilitate moving the storage cart. The wheel assembly may include one or more locking wheels or casters to secure the storage cart in place.

  A surgical device storage cart is also disclosed that includes a top storage assembly having a storage container and a bottom storage assembly having a storage drawer. The shelf includes at least one battery charger positioned midway between the top storage assembly and the bottom storage assembly and positioned on the shelf. In one embodiment, at least one battery charger is positioned on the side of the shelf.

  In an alternative embodiment, the at least one battery charger includes first and second battery chargers, the first and second battery chargers being positioned at opposite corners of the front of the shelf. .

  The storage cart further includes an electronic device docking station positioned on the shelf. The storage cart further includes a power strip in electrical communication with the at least one battery charger and the electronic device docking station, the power strip including the battery charger and the docking station, and other power surgical procedures. Provide power to the device.

  Still further disclosed is a surgical device storage cart that includes a top storage assembly having a storage container, a bottom storage assembly having a storage drawer, and a power strip positioned within the top storage assembly. In one embodiment, the battery charger is positioned on the top storage assembly. An electronic device docking station is also positioned on the top storage assembly. In certain embodiments, the top storage assembly has a dome-shaped cover and the battery charger is mounted on the dome-shaped cover. The storage cart includes at least one document holder positioned on the top storage assembly.

For example, the present invention provides the following items.
(Item 1)
Surgical device storage cart, the surgical device storage cart comprising:
A top storage assembly having at least two storage containers;
A bottom storage assembly having at least one storage drawer;
A shelf intermediate the top storage assembly and the bottom storage assembly, the shelf being attached to the bottom storage assembly;
A battery charging station positioned on the shelf;
An electronic device docking station positioned in the top storage assembly.
(Item 2)
The storage cart of any of the preceding items, wherein the top storage assembly includes a power strip for supplying power to the battery charging station and the electronic device docking station.
(Item 3)
The storage cart according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the at least two storage containers are of different sizes.
(Item 4)
A storage cart according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the top storage assembly has a dome-shaped cover to prevent its use as a placement surface.
(Item 5)
A storage cart according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the top storage assembly has a document holder.
(Item 6)
A storage cart according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the top storage assembly has at least one cable locking strap for securing the contents of the docking station.
(Item 7)
A storage cart according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the shelf includes at least one storage tray.
(Item 8)
The storage cart of any one of the preceding items, wherein the bottom storage assembly includes a rear access panel.
(Item 9)
A storage cart according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the bottom storage assembly includes at least one window for viewing the contents of the at least one storage drawer.
(Item 10)
The storage cart of any one of the preceding items, wherein the bottom storage assembly includes a wheel assembly to facilitate movement of the storage cart.
(Item 11)
Surgical device storage cart, the surgical device storage cart comprising:
A top storage assembly having a storage container;
A bottom storage assembly having a storage drawer;
A shelf intermediate between the top storage assembly and the bottom storage assembly;
A storage cart comprising: at least one battery charger positioned on the shelf.
(Item 12)
The storage cart according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the at least one battery charger is positioned on a side of the shelf.
(Item 13)
The item, wherein the at least one battery charger includes first and second battery chargers, the first and second battery chargers being positioned at opposite corners of a front portion of the shelf. The storage cart according to any one of the above.
(Item 14)
The storage cart of any one of the preceding items, further comprising an electronic device docking station positioned on the shelf.
(Item 15)
The storage cart of any one of the preceding items, further comprising a power strip for providing power to the at least one battery charger and the electronic device docking station.
(Item 16)
Surgical device storage cart, the surgical device storage cart comprising:
A top storage assembly having a storage container;
A bottom storage assembly having a storage drawer;
And a power strip positioned within the top storage assembly.
(Item 17)
The storage cart of any of the preceding items, further comprising a battery charger positioned on the top storage assembly.
(Item 18)
The storage cart of any one of the preceding items, further comprising an electronic device docking station positioned on the top storage assembly.
(Item 19)
A storage cart according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the top storage assembly has a dome-shaped cover and the battery charger is mounted on the dome-shaped cover.
(Item 20)
The storage cart of any one of the preceding items, wherein the top storage assembly includes at least one document holder.

(Summary)
An interactive surgical device storage and supply cart is provided, with a top storage assembly having a plurality of storage containers for product packaging of various sizes and a drawer for holding a larger package of sterilized devices. A bottom storage assembly having an intermediate shelf with a storage tray for frequently used items. One or more battery chargers are provided for supplying fully charged batteries in the cart. A docking station is provided in the cart to receive a computer for inventory management and display instruction material. The docking station may also receive a communication device for real-time consultation with an external source. In addition, a power strip is provided to power the battery charger (s) and docking station, as well as other ancillary devices, power powered devices and equipment.

  Various embodiments of an interactive, surgical product storage, supply, and display cart, or “smart cart” of the present disclosure are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a smart cart for use in a surgical operating room. FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the smart cart. FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the smart cart. FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the smart cart. FIG. 5 is a rear plan view of the smart cart. FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the opposite side of the smart cart. FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the smart cart. FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the smart cart. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the smart cart with the top and bottom storage assemblies separated. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bottom storage assembly with parts separated. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the top storage assembly with parts separated. FIG. 12 is a further perspective view of the top storage assembly with parts separated. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the top storage assembly with the back panel removed showing the power strip. FIG. 14 is a rear plan view of an alternative embodiment of a smart cart. FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the smart cart of FIG. FIG. 16 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of an intermediate shelf portion for use with the smart cart of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a smart cart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a product storage, supply, and display cart, or “smart cart” of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like references The numbers represent the same or corresponding elements in each of the several figures. As is common in the art, the term “proximal” refers to a part or component closer to the user or operator, ie, a nurse, surgeon, or physician, and the term “distal” refers to the user. Refers to a further portion or component.

With reference to FIGS. 1-13 and initially with reference to FIGS. 1-8, an interactive, surgical instrument storage, display and supply cart or smart cart 10 for use in a surgical room. One embodiment of is illustrated. Although not specifically shown, the smart cart 10 stores and displays ENDO GIA ^™ , TRI-STAPLE ^™ , and iDRIVE ^™ surgical stapling products (including equipment and refill components) in the operating room and provides them to the surgeon. And provided to feed their assistants. In addition, the smart cart 10 supports, for example, computers and display devices such as iPad ^™ , iPod ^™, etc., and the ability to power them, as well as iDrive ^™ Ultra for use with iDrive ^™ surgical instruments. Provides the ability to charge the battery and provide a fully charged iDrive ^™ Ultra battery. The smart cart 10 typically does not need to be sterilized and can be held in a central core. When smart cart 10 is moved out of the central core, a drape (not shown) is provided to cover the cart.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the smart cart 10 generally includes a top storage assembly 12, a bottom storage assembly 14, and an intermediate shelf or shelf portion 16 positioned between the top storage assembly 12 and the bottom storage assembly 14. . The first side edge 18 of the shelf portion 16 includes a removable battery charger 20 that recharges the battery pack 22 and provides a fully charged battery pack 22. Is for. The battery charger 20 can be mounted directly on the first side edge 18 of the shelf portion 16 or can be positioned in a removable charger holder 24 that is positioned on the first side edge 18. The use of the removable charger holder 24 allows the user to pre-configure the smart cart 10 based on the particular power powered surgical device used.

  With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 6, the first side panel 26 of the top storage assembly 12 may be used for various purposes such as, for example, instrument inventory and instructions, patient records, and the like. A document holder 28 is provided. The document holder 28 may also be used to hold electronic devices and communication instructions, as well as related contact phone / email / texting numbers and addresses. The first side panel 26 of the top storage assembly 12 also allows a user to connect and view various tablet-type computers, electronic communication via mobile phones, WiFi and / or Bluetooth devices. An electronic device mounting or docking station 30 is provided that allows access and viewing of the display device. This allows the surgeon to view information about surgical products and procedures and / or consult with external sources in real time. The top storage assembly further includes a top cover 32 with an information retention cap 34. A cap 34 is provided for displaying a particular patient chart or other document for immediate viewing.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, a top storage assembly 12 is provided in more detail for storing and displaying various surgical stapling refill components (see FIG. 12). A plurality of rows of differently sized storage containers 36, 38, 40, and 42 are provided for top storage assembly to hold, identify, and / or display components as described in more detail below. 12 on the front side 44 of the twelve.

  A pair of inventory storage trays 46 and 48 are provided on the front side 50 of the shelf portion 16 to hold patient and donor items that have not been previously removed prior to surgery.

  With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the bottom storage assembly 14 includes an upper drawer 52 and a lower drawer 54 that are respectively attached to the front side 60 of the bottom storage assembly 14 with handles 56 and 58. Have An upper drawer 52 and a lower drawer 54 are provided for holding various surgical instruments. An upper viewing window 62 and a lower viewing window 64 are provided on the first side 66 of the bottom storage assembly 14 to facilitate viewing the contents of the upper drawer 52 and the lower drawer 54. For operating the storage cart 10 in the operating room, the bottom storage assembly 14 includes a wheel assembly 68 described in more detail below. Upper drawer 52 and lower drawer 54 include front plates 70 and 72, which may be transparent for viewing the contents, or the contents of upper drawer 52 and lower drawer 54. It can be used to support the described label or other indicia.

  Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the second side panel 74 of the top storage assembly 12 also includes a document holder or sleeve 76 for holding patient records and the like. The top storage assembly 12 further includes a removable back panel 78.

  The bottom storage assembly 14 includes a frame 80. The second side 82 of the bottom storage assembly 14 also includes viewing windows 84 and 86 for viewing the contents of the bottom storage assembly 14.

  2 and 5, the back side 88 of the bottom storage assembly 14 includes a removable door panel 90 to facilitate refilling the upper drawer 52 and the lower drawer 54 (FIG. 1). The removable door panel 90 includes viewing windows 92 and 94 for viewing the contents of the upper drawer 52 and the lower drawer 54, respectively. Locking handles 96 and 98 are provided on the door panel 90 to engage the frame 80 and secure the door panel 90 to the frame 80.

  With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the top cap 32 has a dome-shaped outer side to prevent its use as a tray or surface where items can be inadvertently placed and wiped out or dropped. It has a surface 100. To prevent damage to the smart cart 10, the shelf portion 16 includes a flexible polymer or rubber peripheral edge or bumper 102.

  2 and 7, the shelf portion 16 includes a second side edge 104 having an item tray 106 for receipt of various items frequently used during a surgical procedure. The back side 108 of the shelf portion 16 also includes a pair of inventory pockets or trays 110 and 112 similar to the trays 46 and 48 on the front side 50 of the shelf portion 16.

  For the moment, referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the bottom storage assembly 14 includes a floor panel 114 on the frame 80. In addition, the wheel assembly 68 includes a pair of front rotating wheels 116 and 118 and a pair of rear locking wheels 120 and 122.

  With reference now to FIGS. 9-13, the construction features of the smart cart 10 will now be described. Referring initially to FIG. 9, a fully assembled top storage assembly 12 and a fully assembled bottom storage assembly 14 may be provided separately so that components can be replaced as used. In order to supply the correct battery 22 for the surgical instrument contained in the bottom storage assembly 14, the shelf portion 16 is provided with the bottom storage assembly 14. The top storage assembly 12 includes a pair of mounting plates 124 and 126 that engage the inner edge 128 of the frame 80 of the bottom storage assembly 14 and the frame 80 of the bottom storage assembly 14. It is comprised so that it may fix to the inner edge 128 of this.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the shelf portion 16 is attached to a rectangular upper plate 130 that is provided on the frame 80 of the bottom storage assembly 14. In particular, the shelf portion outer frame 132 engages and is secured to the upper plate 130 of the bottom storage assembly 14. As shown, the charger holder 24 is mounted in the recess 134 of the outer frame 132 and the item tray 106 is mounted in the recess 136 of the outer frame 132. The battery charger 20 and the charger holder 24 form a charging assembly 140 that is mounted on the shelf portion 16.

  As mentioned above, the wheel assembly 68 includes rotating front wheels 116 and 118 and locking rear wheels 120 and 122. Front wheels 116 and 118 are attached to wheel frames 142 and 144 and include respective mounting pins 146 and 148. Pins 146 and 148 are rotatably mounted at first lower front corner 150 and second lower front corner 152 of frame 80 of bottom storage assembly 14, respectively. To protect the rear locking wheels 120 and 122 from rotation, the bottom storage assembly 14 includes a pair of mounting brackets 154 and 156 that are attached to the lower rear edge 158 of the frame 80.

  Locking wheels 120 and 122 also include frames 160 and 162 and respective mounting pins 164 and 166. Pins 164 and 166 extend through cutouts in brackets 154 and 156 and engage the lower rear edge 158 of frame 80. Wheels 120 and 122 are positioned in cutouts 168 and 170 formed in brackets 154 and 156, thereby preventing wheels 120 and 122 from rotating. Locking levers 174 and 178 are provided in the frames 160 and 162 to lock the smart cart 10 and prevent the locking wheels 120 and 122 from rotating. Functions in a known manner to lock the wheels 120 and 122 from rotation. Further, a third locking lever 176 can be provided at one of the front wheels (eg, the frame 142 of the front wheel 116) to further secure the smart cart 10 against movement.

  As noted above, upper drawer 52 and lower drawer 54 are provided for storing surgical instruments. Upper drawer 52 is slidably attached to frame 80 of bottom storage assembly 14 and includes a drawer frame 178, which has a first side 180, a second side 182, and a back surface 184. The rollers 186a, b are attached to the first side 180 and the second side 182 of the drawer frame 178 and ride on tracks 188a, b attached to the frame 80, respectively. Similarly, the lower drawer 54 includes a drawer frame 190 slidably attached to the frame 80 and having a first side 192, a second side 194, and a back surface 196. The rollers 198a, b are attached to the first side 192 and the second side 194, respectively, and ride on the tracks 200a, b attached to the frame 80, respectively.

  An upper wire basket 202 is provided in the upper drawer 52 to hold the sterilized product packaging 204. The sterilized product package 204 is configured and dimensioned to include a sterilized surgical instrument (not shown). Similarly, a lower wire basket 206 is provided in the lower drawer 54 and is configured and dimensioned to include one or more sterilized product packages 208 and 210. Upper wire basket 202 and lower wire basket 206 are easily removed for refilling by opening door panel 90 (FIG. 2) to access upper drawer 52 and lower drawer 54 from the rear of smart cart 10.

  With reference to FIGS. 11-13 and initially with reference to FIG. 11, the top storage assembly 12 includes an inner box 212 having a top 214, a first side 216, and a second side 218. Mounting plates 124 and 126 extend from first side 216 and second side 218. The first side panel 26 overlaps the first side 216 of the inner box 212 and is attached to the first side 216 of the inner box 212. A fixed back case 220 is attached to the first side panel 26 and is provided for mounting the docking station 30. The holes 222 and 224 formed through the first side panel 26 and the first side 216 allow communication and / or power cables (not shown) to extend from the docking station 30 to the inside of the inner box 212.

  The second side panel 74 overlaps the second side 218 of the inner box 212 and is attached to the second side 218 of the inner box 212. A document protector 228 is provided adjacent to the document holder 76. The top cover 32 overlaps the top 214 of the inner box 212 and is attached to the top 214 of the inner box 212 and includes a recess 230 for attaching the cap 34. Cap 34 includes a clip or slot 232 to hold a patient related data chart. Alternatively, the cap 34 can be configured to hold a communication or display device.

  Turning now to FIG. 12, the inner box 212 includes storage containers 234 (ae), 236 (a-) of various sizes corresponding to the storage containers 36, 38, 40, and 42 described above. e) Specify 238 (ae) and 240 (ae). Storage containers 234-240 are provided to hold supplements (eg, product boxes 242, 244, 246, 248, and 250) for various surgical instruments. The product box includes two parts and dual and radial components in the form of a sterilized small component, medium component or large component, and a disposable filling unit or “DLU”. obtain.

  Swivel face plates 248 (ae), 250 (ae), 252 (ae), and 254 (ae) are provided to cover the storage containers 234-240, respectively. The swiveling faceplates of the present disclosure in a row can be swiveled independently or connected together. For example, the swivel plates 248a, 248b, 248c, 248d, and 248e can be independently swung to individually show the storage containers 234 (ae), or can be swung simultaneously to store storage containers 234 (a- The contents of e) can all be represented simultaneously.

  The swivel plates 248-254 have respective card holders 248 (fj), 250 (fj) for holding information product cards (not shown) specific to the contents of the respective storage containers 234-240. , 252 (f-j), and 254 (f-j). Product cards can be color coded or otherwise marked to quickly and easily match the contents with a particular surgical instrument.

  To pivot the swivel plates 248, 250, 252, and 254, the inner box 212 includes elongated hinges 260, 262, 264, and 266 that attach the swivel plates 254, 252, 250, and 248, respectively. In addition, the elongated hinges 262-266 form a surface against which the swivel plates 254, 252, and 250 are snap-fit. A top bar 268 is provided in the inner box 212 above the storage container 234 to allow the swivel plate 248 to be snapped closed and secured.

    Referring to FIG. 13, the inner box 212 is equipped with a removable back panel 78. A power strip 270 is provided in the inner box 212 to provide power to the electrical components attached to the battery charger 20 and the docking station 30 (FIG. 1). Although not specifically shown, power strip 270 has a power cable extending through holes 222 and 224 in first side panel 26 and first side 216 and a male plug for attachment to external power. A second power cable. The power strip 270 is mounted on the first shelf 272 in the inner box 212. The inner box 212 includes a locking cable 274 that is secured to the second shelf 276. The second locking cable 278 is fixed to the first shelf 272. A first locking cable 274 and a second locking cable 278 are provided to secure electrical components that are attached at the docking station 30. In order to prevent contamination of items held in the storage containers 234-240, an internal partition 280 is provided between the storage containers 234-240 and the removable back panel 78. The power strip 270 may further include a plug outlet for supplying power to other surgical devices. This can reduce power cord scatter in the operating room. In this manner, the smart cart 10 provides a complete system for storage of various surgical instruments and disposable components.

  Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, an alternative embodiment of the smart cart 300 is disclosed. Smart cart 300 is similar to smart cart 10 described above, and is attached to top storage assembly 302, bottom storage assembly 304, and bottom storage assembly 304, and an intermediate shelf that forms part of bottom storage assembly 304. A portion 306 is included. A wheel assembly 308 similar to the wheel assembly 68 described above is provided in the bottom storage assembly 304. In this embodiment, the electronics docking station 310 is provided on the intermediate shelf portion 306. A battery charger (s) 312 is also provided on the shelf portion 306.

  With particular reference to FIG. 14, document holders 320 and 322 are provided at the top storage assembly 302 and a power cable 314 is provided that is attached to brackets 316 and 318 at the bottom storage assembly 304. As shown in FIG. 15, the docking station 310 and the power charger 312 are mounted on the shelf portion 306. The shelf portion 306 further includes a storage tray 324 and inventory trays 326, 328, and 330.

  For the moment, turning to FIG. 16, an alternative intermediate shelf portion 332 for use with the smart cart 300 is disclosed. The shelf portion 332 has handles 334, 336, 338, and sculpted to facilitate operation of the smart cart 300 in the operating room and in the hospital for storage and refilling, and 340 is provided.

  Referring now to FIG. 17, a further embodiment of a smart cart 350 having a top storage assembly 352, a bottom storage assembly 354, and an intermediate shelf portion 356 is disclosed. Unlike the previous embodiment, in this embodiment, a battery charger 358 for receiving the battery 360 is attached to the top storage assembly 352 as to the shelf portion 356. In particular, the battery charger 358 is attached to the top cover 362 of the top storage assembly 352. A docking station 364 is also attached to the top storage assembly 352. Top storage assembly 352 and bottom storage assembly 354 are otherwise similar to top storage assembly 12 and bottom storage assembly 14 of smart cart 10 described above. For example, the bottom storage assembly 354 includes an upper drawer 366 and a lower drawer 368 for storage of surgical instruments, and the top storage assembly 352 includes a plurality of storage containers 370 for storage of reusable or disposable components. including. Document holders 372 and 374 are provided to hold informational material and patient information, and wheel assembly 376 facilitates moving smart cart 350.

  It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, a plurality of docking stations can be provided to accommodate devices dedicated to product management, communications and material display individually. Further, the disclosed storage containers and / or drawers can be sealed to receive hazardous waste. Further, a display screen can be provided to communicate with a device inserted in the docking station, providing a larger viewing screen. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

10 Storage cart 12, 302, 352 Top storage assembly 14, 304, 354 Bottom storage assembly 16, 306, 332, 356 Shelf (part)
30, 310, 364 docking station

Claims (20)

Surgical device storage cart, the surgical device storage cart comprising:
A top storage assembly having at least two storage containers;
A bottom storage assembly having at least one storage drawer;
A shelf intermediate the top storage assembly and the bottom storage assembly, the shelf being attached to the bottom storage assembly;
A battery charging station positioned on the shelf;
An electronic device docking station positioned in the top storage assembly.   The storage cart of claim 1, wherein the top storage assembly includes a power strip for supplying power to the battery charging station and the electronic device docking station.   The storage cart of claim 2, wherein the at least two storage containers are of different sizes.   The storage cart of claim 2, wherein the top storage assembly has a dome-shaped cover to prevent its use as a placement surface.   The storage cart of claim 2, wherein the top storage assembly includes a document holder.   The storage cart of claim 2, wherein the top storage assembly has at least one cable locking strap for securing the contents of the docking station.   The storage cart of claim 2, wherein the shelf includes at least one storage tray.   The storage cart of claim 2, wherein the bottom storage assembly includes a rear access panel.   The storage cart of claim 2, wherein the bottom storage assembly includes at least one window for viewing the contents of the at least one storage drawer.   The storage cart of claim 2, wherein the bottom storage assembly includes a wheel assembly to facilitate moving the storage cart. Surgical device storage cart, the surgical device storage cart comprising:
A top storage assembly having a storage container;
A bottom storage assembly having a storage drawer;
A shelf intermediate between the top storage assembly and the bottom storage assembly;
A storage cart comprising: at least one battery charger positioned on the shelf.   The storage cart of claim 11, wherein the at least one battery charger is positioned on a side of the shelf.   The at least one battery charger includes first and second battery chargers, the first and second battery chargers positioned at opposite corners of a front portion of the shelf. The storage cart according to 11.   The storage cart of claim 11, further comprising an electronic device docking station positioned on the shelf.   The storage cart of claim 14, further comprising a power strip for providing power to the at least one battery charger and the electronic device docking station. Surgical device storage cart, the surgical device storage cart comprising:
A top storage assembly having a storage container;
A bottom storage assembly having a storage drawer;
And a power strip positioned within the top storage assembly.   The storage cart of claim 16, further comprising a battery charger positioned on the top storage assembly.   The storage cart of claim 17 further comprising an electronic device docking station positioned on the top storage assembly.   The storage cart of claim 17, wherein the top storage assembly has a dome-shaped cover and the battery charger is mounted on the dome-shaped cover.   The storage cart of claim 16, wherein the top storage assembly includes at least one document holder.

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