WO2015094248A1

WO2015094248A1 - Rack mounted modules

Info

Publication number: WO2015094248A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/076258
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernd Rosenfeldt
Original assignee: Draeger Medical Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-12-18
Filing date: 2013-12-18
Publication date: 2015-06-25

Abstract

A modular pod rack is configured to accept various sized patient monitoring pods and at least one data recording module. The modular pod rack can send patient monitoring data to a patient monitor unit where data about a patient can be displayed directly or through the at least one data recording module. One or more rack modules can be used with the modular pod rack, and each rack module can include at least one of a housing that is open in two adjacent directions (e.g. the front and bottom directions or sides), electrical power and communication wiring that is fully contained within the housing of each rack module, and galvanic isolation. The modular pod rack can be attached to a mounting rack, rail, or pole or set on a flat surface while in use, including surfaces that may move with a patient.

Description

RACK MOUNTED MODULES

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates a modular pod rack that enables a patient monitor to connect to different vital sign monitor pod connectors.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Patient monitoring systems enable a physician or other caregiver to be aware of the condition of a patient. The types of information about each patient that need to be monitored can vary based upon the type of illness suffered by the patient and the status of the patient. The variability of the type of monitoring needed from patient to patient requires that patient monitoring systems possess the ability to accept signals from multiple types of sensors. One way for patient monitoring systems to accommodate multiple types of sensors is to utilize pods that can temporarily and interchangeably connect to a patient monitor. Such pods, patient monitoring pods, can be specialized to monitor particular patient parameters. Patient parameters can include blood oxygen saturation (Sp02), heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, ECG (electrocardiogram), invasive measurement readings (e.g. blood pressure, electrolyte levels, oxygen levels, etc.), electroencephalograph (EEG) readings, C02 levels, continuous non-invasive blood pressure, neuromuscular transmission (NMT) readings, multi-gas monitoring, and the like. Some pods can provide a data and/or signal connection between a patient monitor and another device, such that data and/or signals generated by the other device can be received by the patient monitor. An example of this is a pod that can provide a connection between a patient monitor and a ventilator, such that the patient monitor can receive data generated by the ventilator. Connecting multiple patient monitoring pods to a patient monitor can involve numerous cables or wires from each pod to the patient monitor, in addition to the multiple cables from the patient to each patient monitoring pod which can be unwieldy or interfere with each other in terms of signal transmission.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one aspect, a modular pod rack is provided that can include at least one rack module. Each rack module can include a housing open in a first direction configured to accept insertion of a patient monitoring pod and open in a second direction. Apod connector can be located on an interior face of the housing of each rack module, in which the pod connector can be configured to accept electrical signals from a patient monitoring pod. Each rack module can also include a module to module connector located on an exterior face of the housing, to pass electrical signals from one rack module to another, as well as a physical connector to mechanically connect each rack module to at least one other rack module.

Additionally, each rack module can include wiring configured to transmit power and communications from each patient monitoring pod connected to the modular patient monitoring rack to a main patient monitor, the wiring contained within the house of each rack module.

[0004] In some implementations, the following features can be present in any suitable combination. In some implementations a modular pod rack can also include at least one data recording module configured to accept data from the patient monitoring pod, the data recording module further configured to record data that can include any of evidence of alarm, change in patient parameters, commands from the main patient monitor, and communication error. Each rack module can be configured to either couple directly to the main patient monitor and at least one adjacent rack module, or couple to two adjacent rack modules. Each rack module can also include an eject mechanism configured to selectively release the patient monitoring pod from the rack module while maintaining a physical connection between the patient monitoring pod and the rack module and electrically separating the patient monitoring pod from the pod connector. In some implementations, each rack module can include an insulating body that galvanically isolates the rack module from surrounding equipment.

[0005] Each rack module can also be configured to accept a pod adaptor. In some implementations, each rack module can be further configured to accept a plurality of different configurations of patient monitoring pods. In some such implementations, the configuration of the patient monitoring pods can include substantially box-shaped, substantially rectangular prism shaped, substantially disk shaped, substantially cylindrical, and any combination thereof. Additionally, in some such implementations, a pod rack can include a pod adaptor to facilitate physical and electrical connection between the patient monitoring pod and the rack module. Each rack module can be configured to accept either one or up to two patient monitoring pods.

[0006] In some implementations, a modular pod rack can include a mount located on at least one rack module, on the opposite side from a receiving opening or connector on the rack module that is configured to accept the patient monitoring pod. In some such implementations, the mount can include a data connector for passing information regarding status of a patient, status of a sensor, or status of the patient monitoring pod to an external component. Each rack module can be L-shaped in some implementations of a monitoring pod rack.

[0007] In an interrelated aspect, in some implementations, an apparatus can include a pod connector configured to accept electrical signals from a patient monitoring pod, a module to module connector, a physical connector, and an isolating component. The apparatus can have a box or rectangular prism shape when the patient monitoring pod contacts the pod connector. The module to module connector can pass electrical signals from the apparatus to at least one other similar apparatus. The physical connector can mechanically connect each apparatus to at least one similar apparatus. The isolating component of the apparatus can galvanically isolate the apparatus from any adjacent electrical equipment.

[0008] The following features can be present in an apparatus in any suitable combination. The isolating component can include one or more insulating bodies that encase the apparatus. The apparatus can be configured to electrically connect a recording module to the patient monitoring pod. In such implementations, the recording module can be configured to accept data from the patient monitoring pod.

[0009] In some implementations, power and communication transmission wiring to and from the patient monitoring pod, excluding signals received from sensors connected to a patient, can be contained within the apparatus. In some implementations, the apparatus can also include a housing. The housing can be open in at least two directions, such that the apparatus is configured to accept patient monitoring pods of various configurations. In some such implementations, the housing can be L-shaped.

[0010] In a further interrelated aspect, some implementations can provide a system that includes a modular pod rack and a docking station that can be configured to attach to one or more modular pod racks. The modular pod rack can include one or more rack modules. Each rack module can include a housing, a pod connector, a module to module connector, and a physical connector. The housing can be open in a first direction which is configured to accept insertion of a patient monitoring pod, as well as open in a second direction. The pod connector can be located on an interior face of the housing and configured to accept electrical signals from the patient monitoring pod. The module to module connector can be located on an exterior face of the housing and can be configured to pass electrical signals from one rack module to another. The physical connector can mechanically connect each rack module to at least one other rack module.

[0011] The following features can be present in an implementation of a system in any suitable combination. In some implementations, power and communication transmission wiring to and from the patient monitoring pod, excluding signals received from sensors connected to a patient, can be contained within the housing of each rack module. Each rack module can include an isolating component to galvanically isolate the rack module. The isolating component can include at least one insulating body that encases the rack module.

[0012] The modular pod rack can include a recording module to the patient monitoring pod in some implementations. In some such implementations, the recording module can be configured to accept data from the patient monitoring pod. In some implementations, each rack module can be L-shaped.

[0013] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an implementation of a modular pod rack;

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a back view of an implementation of a modular pod rack;

[0016] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of an implementation of a modular pod rack;

[0017] FIG. 4 shows a view of an implementation of a modular pod rack connected to a docking station; and

[0018] FIG. 5shows patient monitoring data flow in an implementation of a modular pod rack.

[0019] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Disclosed herein is a modular pod rack that can accommodate multiple types of patient monitoring pods and connect the patient monitoring pods to a patient monitor electrically with a minimal amount of visible wires or cables.

Reducing the number of visible wires or cables between patient monitoring pods and the patient monitor can allow a more compact configuration of pods, as well as reduce the likelihood that something will inadvertently be caught on wires or cables, such as when the patient and the corresponding patient monitor and pods are moved.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an implementation of a modular pod rack 100. The modular pod rack 100 can accommodate one or more patient monitoring pods 105, one or more rack modules 115, and a data-recording unit 120. Each rack module 115 can include an eject button 125 and a module-to-module connector 135. When inserted into the modular pod rack 100, each patient monitoring pod 105 can have one or more sensor connectors 145 available for wiring or cables to a sensor or sensors attached to a patient. As seen in FIG. 1, multiple patient monitoring pods 105 can be serially connected to the data-recording unit, or recording module, 120 in a side -by-side configuration. Rack modules 115, can accommodate one patient monitoring pod 105, one data-recording unit 120, or two patient monitoring pods.

[0022] The modular pod rack 100 can accommodate patient monitoring pods 105 of varying sizes, inserted into rack modules 115 that are attached side -by- side. Each rack module 115 can have two module-to-module connectors 135, one on the right and left side of each rack module 115. Module-to-module connectors 135 can be connected with or without additional connectors to accommodate all male or all female fittings on each rack module 115. Alternatively, each rack module 115 can have a male module-to-module connector on the left hand side and a female module- to-module connector on the right hand side, or vice versa. The module-to-module connectors 135 can include serial buses or any other suitable connector that can pass data received from the patient monitoring pods. Each rack module can be configured to directly couple to a patient monitor, data server, or the like and at least one adjacent rack module or to couple directly to two adjacent rack modules, such as one rack module to the right and one to the left.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a back view of an implementation of a modular pod rack 100. In addition to the patient monitoring pod 105, rack modules 115, data- recording unit 120, eject buttons 125, and module-to-module connector 135 as in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 shows a mounting block 240. The mounting block 240 can be a VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) 75 mount (e.g. 75mmx75mm,

50mmx75mm) or any other suitable mount to attach the modular pod rack 100 to a rack, a rod, a pole, a shelf, a wall mount, or the like. The mounting block 240 can be located on a rack module 115, on the back side of the rack module. That is to say, the mounting block can be located on the rack module 115 on the opposite side from a receiving opening or connector.

[0024] Power and/or data can be transmitted between each rack module 115 via module-to-module connectors 135, eventually reaching any or all of the data- recording unit 120, a patient monitor, or a power source. Transmitting power and/or data using the module-to-module connectors 135 allows for only one cable or group of wiring to connect the modular pod rack 100 to the patient monitor and/or power source. A streamlined profile is created, which can be easy to keep clean, and as few as one cable or line can be exposed for potential snagging or other interference from external structures or persons in a hospital or other care facility. A contactless mechanism can be used to transmit power and/or data between rack modules or between a rack module and a power source, a patient monitor, or other electrical device. Contactless mechanisms can utilize electromagnetic radiation or capacitive, optical, or magnetic coupling. In some implementations, power can be transmitted via module-to-module connectors 135 and data can be transmitted using contactless mechanisms, or vice-versa. Alternatively, some implementations can use both module-to-module connectors 135 and contactless mechanisms to transmit power and/or data.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of an implementation of a modular pod rack 100. In addition to the features seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 also shows patient monitoring pod adaptors (pod adaptors) 310, pod-to-rack module connectors (pod connectors) 330, a tongue 350 on each pod adaptor or pod, and a slot 355 (e.g.

groove) on each rack module on the housing of the rack module 115. The exploded view of FIG. 3 also shows a variety of shapes and configurations of patient monitoring pods 105, including those which require pod adaptors (pods 105 A) and those which can connect to rack modules without pod adaptors (pods 105B). The pod adaptors 310 can account for variations in height, width, and length in the types of patient monitoring pods that can be used. Pod adaptors 310 can also facilitate transmission of data between patient monitoring pods 105 and pod-to-rack module connectors 330.

[0026] The tongue 350 on each pod adaptor 310 or pod 105 can interface with the slot 355 on the housing of the rack module 115 to physically secure the pod 105 to the rack module 115. The rack module 115 can accommodate pods 105 of various configurations, including substantially box shaped, substantially rectangular prism shaped, substantially disk shaped, substantially cylindrical, and any

combination thereof. This includes pods 105 that are longer, or taller, than the rack module 115. The housing of each rack module 115 can be open in at least two directions (e.g. on two sides); open in a first direction (e.g. the front direction or side) to allow for insertion of pods 105 or pod adaptors 310 and open in a second direction adjacent to the first (e.g. the bottom direction or side). The second direction, or side, can be opposed (e.g. directly opposite) the portion of the rack module 115 on which the slot 355 is located. In some implementations, the rack module when connected to a pod 105, or pod adaptor 310 and pod 105, can have a box or rectangular prism shape.

[0027] Each rack module 115 can also have interior and exterior surfaces, with the interior surfaces being adjacent to a pod or pod adaptor when the rack module is in use, with a pod in place. The pod-to-rack module connector 330, also known as a pod connector, on each rack module can be located on an interior surface of the housing of the rack module. The module-to-module connector 135 can be located on exterior faces of the housing.

[0028] In addition to allowing for the use of many configurations of pods, such a rack module housing configuration can be easier to maintain, or clean, because of easy access to the interior surfaces of the rack module 115 and components, such as the pod connector 330.

[0029] In some implementations, each rack module 115 can have an "L" shaped configuration. In "L" shaped rack modules 115, the exterior surface of the top side of each rack module 115 can be smooth, the exterior surface of the back side of each rack can include a mount 240, the interior surface of the back side of each rack mount can include a pod-to-rack module connector 330, and the exterior right and left side of the back side of each rack mount can include a module-to-module connector 135. Alternatively, some implementations can include rack modules 115 that include one portion that is substantially straight or arched, like a beam. In such

implementations, the pod-to-rack module connector 330 can be located on a portion of the rack module 115 that faces the pod, when inserted; the mount 240 can be on a portion of the rack module 115 that is on the opposite side of the pod-to- rack module connector 330 (i.e. the flip side of the rack module); and module-to-module connectors can be located such that there is one each on either side of the rack module 115.

[0030] Physical connection between pods 105 or pod adaptors 310 and a rack module 115 can be maintained by any suitable mechanism or combination of mechanisms, including hook and loop fasteners, snap fittings, screws, nuts, bolts, retaining rods, springs, clips, and the like.

[0031] The pod-to-rack module connectors 330 can receive information regarding a patient's status, the status of a patient monitoring pod, or the status of one or more sensors connected to the patient monitoring pod. The patient monitoring pod 105 can receive electrical power, data, commands, or any combination thereof, through the pod-to-rack module connectors 330. Electrical power can be provided through one or more module-to-module connectors 135 from a patient monitor or a dedicated power source. Information received by the pod-to-rack module connectors 330 can be passed to a data-recording unit, or recording module, 120, to a patient monitor, to a communications system, to a data server, or any combination thereof. Power, data, and/or commands can be transmitted via a pod-to-rack module connector 330 using physical electrical contacts or by a contactless mechanism. Contactless mechanisms can utilize electromagnetic radiation or capacitive, optical, or magnetic coupling. Using a contactless mechanism to transmit power, data, and/or commands can provide electrical isolation of a rack module from a patient.

[0032] The data-recording unit 120 can receive information from patient monitoring pods 105 via pod-to-rack module connectors 330 and module-to-module connectors 135. The data-recording unit 120 can store this information for a set time period before forwarding the information onto the patient monitor, data server, communications system, or any combination thereof. The set time period can be as short as tens of seconds to as long as tens of minutes. In some implementations, the data-recording unit 120 can store information received from patient monitoring pods 105 for 20 seconds or longer, including 30 seconds, one minute, 90 seconds, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, or 5 minutes or more. The types of information stored by the data-recording unit 120 can include patient status, system status, sensor status, entering an alarm state, exiting an alarm state, low power, and the like.

[0033] In some implementations, information can be passed from the modular pod rack 100 to a patient monitor through cables which attach to the modular pod rack 100 through the mount (240 in FIG. 2), such as via Ethernet or another data cable from a data connector (e.g. a jack) integrated into the modular pod rack 100. The information passed from each rack module 115 can be accessed by an external component (e.g. the patient monitor, data server, or communications system) serially or in parallel. Additionally, information can be passed to the data-recording unit 120 serially, in parallel, or both serially and in parallel.

[0034] The transference of power and data from sensors on the patient, to the patient monitoring pods 105, to the data-recording unit 120, and eventually the patient monitor can be optimized, such as by employing galvanic isolation. Rack modules can include an isolating component, e.g. an insulating body, which provides galvanic isolation of the rack module to prevent exposure of a patient connected to the rack module via a patient monitoring pod to stray electrical current. The insulating body can include one or more parts which encase the rack module, and each part can be made of a suitably insulating material, such as a polymer, composite, or lightweight ceramic. Rack modules with isolating components can be galvanically isolated not only when in use in the modular pod rack, but in general. For example, rack modules with an isolating component, or insulating body, can be galvanically isolated from any surrounding equipment, such as electrical equipment, preventing interference in the patient data signal. More information regarding implementations of galvanic isolation (or separating) are described in U.S. Patent no. 4,491,981, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0035] The modular pod rack 100 can be preassembled, such that a fixed number of rack modules 115 (e.g. 4 rack modules or 8 rack modules, including one for the data-recording unit) are attached to each other, both physically and electrically. In the event that monitoring of a particular patient does not require the use of a sufficient number of patient monitoring pods 105 to fill each rack module 115, the preassembled modular pod rack 100 can have, and function with, one or more rack modules 115 without a patient monitoring pod 105. Individual rack modules 115 can be attached to a preassembled modular pod rack 100, and additional fittings, such as screws, can be used to physically connect an individual rack module 115 while data can be passed through the module-to-module connectors 135. In some

implementations, individual rack modules 115 can connect to create the modular pod rack, so long as at least one rack module 115 includes a mount (245 in FIG. 2).

Physical connecting components, such as screws, or nuts and rods, can keep individual rack modules 115 together both in preassembled modular pod racks or when connecting rack modules 115 one at a time to each other. In some

implementations, one or more captive screws can be used to physically connect one rack module 115 to another rack module or to another device, such as a patient monitor or docking station.

[0036] Each individual rack module 115 can be a self-contained component that does not require additional housing. That is to say that the modular pod rack 100 may not have a housing that encases all of the individual rack modules 115. Because wiring is contained within the housing of each rack module 115 to transmit communications and power between rack modules 115 via module-to- module connectors 135, a larger housing to protect and obscure connecting wiring may not be needed.

[0037] Each rack module 115 can have an eject button 125 or other mechanism that allows for release of a pod or pod adaptor from the rack module 115. A spring, such as coil spring or a clip spring, can be released when the eject button 125 is pressed. The released patient monitoring pod 105 or pod adaptor 310 can electrically disconnect from the rack module 115 while being physically loosely held to the modular pod rack 100.

[0038] The modular pod rack can connect patient monitoring pods in a front-to-back configuration. Such configurations, including those which can include a data-recording unit, a data processor, or a data display are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent no. 6,352,504, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. This patent also describes some of the components the modular pod rack can be compatible with.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a view of an implementation of a system that includes a modular pod rack 100 connected to a docking station 460. The docking station 460 is shown with a monitor 465 on its front side and the modular pod rack 100 to the right. The docking station 460 can connect to a larger patient monitor, data server, or monitoring station (not shown) through a wired connection, wirelessly, or using both a wired and a wireless connection. The monitor 465 can display information from the modular pod rack 100 (e.g. from the recording module 120), information from the patient monitor, or both information from the modular pod rack 100 and the patient monitor.

[0040] Power, data, and/or commands can be transmitted between the modular pod rack 100 and the docking station 460 via a module to module connector 135 using physical electrical contacts or by a contactless mechanism. Contactless mechanisms can utilize electromagnetic radiation or capacitive, optical, or magnetic coupling. Using a contactless mechanism to transmit power, data, and/or commands can electrically isolate a rack module and docking station from a patient.

[0041] The modular pod rack 100 can physically attach to the docking station 460 in a permanent or releasable manner. Components that can be used to attach or secure the modular pod rack 100 to the docking station 460 include captive screws, rods, bolts, nuts, clips, spring clips, clamps, a tongue and groove fitting, a snap fitting, shelving, hook and loop fasteners, or any combination thereof.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram 500 illustrating patient monitoring data flow in an implementation of a modular pod rack. As shown in FIG. 5, box 505, in each rack module, signals from a patient monitoring pod inserted into the rack module can be sent to a rack module. Signals can include raw data from a sensor connected to a patient. Signals can include transformed data that has been processed by the patient monitoring pod. Box 510 shows what happens after receiving signals from the patient monitoring pod; signals from the rack module can be sent to a data recording unit. The data recording unit can be a buffer for incoming data, bundling data from multiple patient monitoring pods. The data recording unit can also record and process informative or important signals that can be saved digitally. From the data recording unit, the data can pass to a patient monitor, as in box 515.

Alternatively, data can pass to a display 520 that can show data that has been processed and reviewed by the patient monitoring pod. In some implementations, data can be simultaneously sent to a patient monitor (box 515) and a display (box 520).

[0043] The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0044] Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub-combinations of several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows and steps for use described herein do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Similarly, elements located on the front, back, side, top, or bottom of an embodiment or implementation are to be understood as relatively positioned. Other embodiments can be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A modular pod rack comprising:

at least one rack module, each rack module comprising: a housing open in a first direction configured to accept insertion of a patient monitoring pod and open in a second direction; a pod connector located on an interior face of the housing, configured to accept electrical signals from a patient monitoring pod; a module to module connector located on an exterior face of the housing, to pass electrical signals from one rack module to another; a physical connector to mechanically connect each rack module to at least one other rack module; and wiring configured to transmit power and communications from each patient monitoring pod connected to the modular patient monitoring pod rack to a main patient monitor, the wiring contained within the housing of each rack module.

2. The modular pod rack of claim 1, further comprising at least one data recording module configured to accept data from the patient monitoring pod, the data recording module further configured to record data comprising any of evidence of alarm, change in patient parameters, commands from the main patient monitor, and communication error.

3. The modular pod rack of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the each rack module is configured to either: couple directly to the main patient monitor and at least one adjacent rack module; or couple to two adjacent rack modules.

4. The modular pod rack of any of claims 1-3, wherein each rack module further comprises an eject mechanism configured to selectively release the patient monitoring pod from the rack module while maintaining a physical connection between the patient monitoring pod and the rack module and electrically separating the patient monitoring pod from the pod connector.

5. The modular pod rack of any of claims 1-4, wherein each rack module comprises an insulating body that galvanically isolates the rack module from surrounding equipment.

6. The modular pod rack of any of claims 1-5, wherein each rack module is further configured to accept a pod adaptor.

7. The modular pod rack of any of claims 1-6, wherein each rack module is further configured to accept a plurality of different configurations of patient monitoring pods.

8. The modular pod rack of claim 7, wherein the configuration of the patient monitoring pods comprises substantially box-shaped, substantially rectangular prism shaped,

substantially disk shaped, substantially cylindrical, and any combination thereof.

9. The modular pod rack of either claim 7 or claim 8, further comprising a pod adaptor to facilitate physical and electrical connection between the patient monitoring pod and the rack module.

10. The modular pod rack of any of claims 7-9, wherein each rack module is configured to accept either one or up to two patient monitoring pods.

11. The modular pod rack of any of claims 1-10, further comprising a mount located on at least one rack module, on the opposite side from a receiving opening or connector on the rack module that is configured to accept the patient monitoring pod.

12. The modular pod rack of claim 11, wherein the mount comprises a data connector for passing information regarding status of a patient, status of a sensor, or status of the patient monitoring pod to an external component.

13. The modular pod rack of any of claims 1-12, wherein each rack module is L-shaped.

14. An apparatus comprising: a pod connector configured to accept electrical signals from a patient monitoring pod; a module to module connector to pass electrical signals from the apparatus to at least one other similar apparatus; a physical connector to mechanically connect each apparatus to at least one similar apparatus; and an isolating component to galvanically isolate the apparatus from any adjacent electrical equipment; wherein the apparatus has a box or rectangular prism shape when the patient monitoring pod contacts the pod connector.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the isolating component comprises one or more insulating bodies that encase the apparatus.

16. The apparatus of either claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the apparatus is configured to electrically connect a recording module to the patient monitoring pod, the recording module configured to accept data from the patient monitoring pod.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 14-16, wherein power and communication transmission wiring to and from the patient monitoring pod, excluding signals received from sensors connected to a patient, is contained within the apparatus.

18. The apparatus of any of claims 14-17, wherein the apparatus further comprises a housing, the housing open in at least two directions, such that the apparatus is configured to accept patient monitoring pods of various configurations.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the housing is L-shaped.

20. A system comprising

a modular pod rack comprising:

one or more rack modules, each rack module comprising: a housing open in a first direction configured to accept insertion of a patient monitoring pod and open in a second direction; a pod connector located on an interior face of the housing, configured to accept electrical signals from the patient monitoring pod; a module to module connector located on an exterior face of the housing configured to pass electrical signals from one rack module to another; and a physical connector to mechanically connect each rack module to at least one other rack module; and a docking station configured to attach to one or more modular pod racks.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein power and communication transmission wiring to and from the patient monitoring pod, excluding signals received from sensors connected to a patient, is contained within the housing of each rack module.

22. The system of either claim 18 or claim 19, wherein each rack module comprises an isolating component to galvanically isolate the rack module.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the isolating component comprises at least one insulating body that encases the rack module.

24. The system of any of claims 18-21 , wherein the modular pod rack comprises a recording module to the patient monitoring pod, the recording module configured to accept data from the patient monitoring pod.

25. The system of any of claims 20-24, wherein each rack module is L-shaped.