WO2025067575A1

WO2025067575A1 - Device and method for surface treatment of parts of medical equipment, particularly patient support apparatuses

Info

Publication number: WO2025067575A1
Application number: PCT/CZ2024/000026
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Milota
Original assignee: Linet Spol. S R.O.
Priority date: 2023-09-27
Filing date: 2024-09-24
Publication date: 2025-04-03
Also published as: CZ310313B6; CZ2023371A3

Abstract

The technical solution disclosed herein describes a device for surface treatment of components of medical equipment (such as side rail, headboards, footboards of patient support apparatuses, etc.). Surface treatment is provided by application of colour material and/or material of protection layer onto the surface of the component by using a device for surface treatment of components. By application of colour material and protective layer material decorative pictures, logos, headlines, etc. are created on the component surface. Application cf colour material and/or material of protection layer onto the surface of the component is permanent, stable, hygienic friendly and resistant to any wear, damage, or abrasion and follows high demands applied for medical equipment and their components used in healthcare and nursing facilities.

Description

Device and Method for Surface Treatment of Parts of Medical Equipment, particularly Patient Support Apparatuses

Technical Field

This invention relates in general to a device and a method for surface or visual treatment of components of medical equipment Majority of components of medical equipment is produced from plastic materials or plastic alloys, optionally also from metals, metal alloys or combination of metal alloy and plastic. Technical solution disclosed herein relates, particularly, to treatment of surface of medical equipment such as particularly patient support apparatuses, stretchers, armchairs, bedside tables, service tables or any other types of medical equipment. Components of such medical equipment have different shape, height and surface, whereas the surface may be differently structured, for the purpose of component special design or component functionality, and can include also openings and hollows to couple handrails, handles or to insert any other component parts. The said technical solution herein discloses a method that can be used with different types of aforesaid medical equipment having different shapes, heights and surfaces.

Prior Art

Variety of technologies to visually differentiate components of medical equipment are used in existing conventional processes for manufacturing and surface treatment of such components of medical equipment for example, sticking of ABS edge banding on exterior sides, sticking of plastic labels to indicate functions on such components, sticking of functional components themselves, using air-brushing method or using surface coatings.

Plastic components of medical equipment or medical devices generally have a smooth glossy or smooth matt finish depending on the colour of plastic compound from which they are produced. Blow moulded plastic components of medical equipment are usually white, light grey, dark grey, or orange in colour. Components of medical equipment made from injection- moulded plastic material have currently a larger colour spectrum, around thirty shades. The individual medical equipment inside hospital or healthcare facilities is usually distinguished by a simple colour identification. This differentiation is provided either by sticking the decoration on plastic components or by adding more prestigious material (aluminium, wood imitations) on the external visual parts of the components. The glued or stuck decors are mainly coloured tapes, logos, descriptions and icons for buttons and actuation keypads, etc. Disadvantage of this sticking technology is very limited variability to be offered to customers. Another major disadvantage is creation of hard-to-wash, almost not washable surfaces at all. Finally, the decor can be removed violently, chemically or thermally, which occurs during standard maintenance of medical equipment over time.

Prior art or state of the art in healthcare area recognizes well known technology of printing logos or graphic identifications of medical devices on. for example, cover fabrics. Such technology is already protected by patent US 11607891B2 of the company Hill-Rom. This patent discloses using of existing printing technology to print on cover fabrics used, for example, for mattresses, instead of printing on paper. The patent, in fact, describes a standard third-party printer that is used for printing on different input material. The said patent describes substitution of the original paper medium in the roll for a roll of textile fabric (in different variations). The said patent discloses a technology of fixing white ink on textiles and fabrics using ultraviolet radiation.

The aforesaid patented fabric printing technology does not describe, nor does it address, the issue of printing on components made from materials other than fabric. The patented technology allows printing only on material that can be rewound by virtue of its physical characteristic feature. In contrary, the new printing technology disclosed herein this document, on the other hand, allows printing on rigid components that cannot be mechanically deformed without losing their original shape. Examples of such components can be side rails of patient support apparatuses, headboards or footboards of such patient support apparatuses, or any other components of medical equipment. Printing on such components can be done even despite the fact that said individual components of medical equipment may have different heights or shapes.

Conventional printers or printing devices require a fixed print height, i.e. the distance of the material being printed on from the printhead, measured perpendicular to the printing level and being within the scope of tens of millimetres. Components of medical equipment have variable thickness at the level of printing, reaching up to hundreds of millimetres in the highest point of said component, and for this reason tire printing height also varies, making these components unsuitable using standard printing technologies to print something on such component

Well-established medical studies have proved that the colour diversity of the environment around a patient being supported on a patient support apparatus has a positive effect on reducing the patient’s recovery time. For this reason, medical equipment, such as e.g. patient support apparatuses, has graphic colour themes on its external sides. These colour themes serve both to differentiate patient support apparatuses according to the customer's requirement as well as to make patient’s recovery time more efficient Coloration of medical equipment, particularly patient support apparatuses, has become a trend in recent years. mainly due to customer requirements. Due to certain shortcomings of stuck decors, impossibility of other method of colouring of components (printing of different themes) in combination with high customer demands for colour and design used on medical equipment, it was necessary to develop a device and a technology that could meet said customer requirements. Therefore, a new technology has been developed that allows replacement of current technology of sticking of decors and other motifs. At the same time, this newly developed technology meets, and even extends, new trends in customer demands for greater variability in coloured themes.

Summary of the Invention

Aforesaid challenges and disadvantages of common methods for surface treatinent of the individual components of medical equipment are overcome by below described and disclosed technical solution for surface treatment of medical equipment components.

The said technical solution being a subject matter herein includes physical and software modification of a standard conventional printing device (and its control) and further process of pre-treating of a component, handling with a component, and application of colour material on the component producing the desired design. Said applied colour material is protected in the next step by a protective covering layer which is applied on surface treated areas, i.e. areas being printed on, and said protective covering layer forms mechanical and chemical protection of the final design. Said applied colour material may have one or more layers of colour pigment (one or more different colours) forming the design onto the surface of component of medical equipment. Said applied coloured material is further fixed with at least one protective covering layer, however in another embodiment more protective covering layers can be applied. Alternatively, the required design may be formed by application of only protective covering layer onto the surface of the component of medical equipment according to customer requirements without application of the coloured material at all.

Physical modifications and adjustments of a conventional, standard, printing device (printer)

Part of the technical solution disclosed herein is, In the first stage, modification of a conventional, standard printing device of flatbed category, where the component, onto which printing is applied, is fixed firmly and is not manipulated during printing process, the printing mechanism applying inks moves over the component itself. Flatbed standard printing devices, flatbed printers, can be used only for printing on very thin materials of different types (such as plastic material, glass, cardboard, etc.) up to a maximum thickness of several centimetres. Modification and adjustment of a standard conventional flatbed printer to a new printing device for surface treatment of components of medical equipment enables treatment of surfaces of medical components such as side rails of patient support apparatuses, headboards and footboards of patient support apparatuses, back parts and other parts of examination armchairs, bedside table desks, etc., which are articulated, and their thickness may reach tens of centimetres. In addition, using the new method disclosed herein allows surface treatment also in bended parts and pressed parts of such side rails or headboards of patient support apparatuses.

It should be noted that to disclose and describe the subject matter herein, which is a new device and method for surface treatment of parts and components of medical equipment, a general term “application of material for surface treatment” is used instead of the term "print” or “printing" as the subject matter of the said technical solution is treatment of surface comprising application of colour material (coloured printing) and application of protective covering layer (varnish printing) on a component of a medical equipment

Standard printers print using additive or subtractive colours and their variants, or additional inks. The technical solution disclosed herein includes modification of a standard printing device, a printer, to allow insertion of any type of components of medical equipment that are to be surface treated, either in colour or by varnish, or by combination of both. In case of healthcare area, the components are made of plastic materials or metals, or plastic or metal ailoys. Modification of a standard printing device means adjustment and re-structuring of such standard printing device into a new device for surface treatment of components, as disclosed hereinafter below in details.

The said new device for surface treatment of components is newly equipped with safety mechanism that prevents collision of a component of medical equipment with a printhead of the device for surface treatment of components. The existing standard printing devices comprise a vacuum table, further comprising an ionization rod. For the new device for surface treatment disclosed herein the vacuum table desk was dismantled, and the ionization rod was coupled to a portal of the new device for surface treatment. The ionization rod is a part of the safety mechanism and is controlled by a control unit of the new device for surface treatinent. The said safety mechanism comprises a safety component and sensors, or switches, that are connected to the control unit. The safety component, or protection component, shaped as longitudinal bar, is attached to the ionization rod by means of small grips. Sensors, or switches, are located on the safety component to sense a change of position of the said safety component or to detect impact or crash of the said safety component into the component of medical equipment fixed in the device for surface treatment, or into the improperly fixed printing form, or into the mask of the printing form. Controlling of ionization rod is connected to electrically controlled sensors of the safety component so that operation of the device for surface treatment is stopped in case of collision. Ionization rod with electrically controlled sensors of the safety component, which are coupled to the control unit, are part of the safety mechanism that prevent the printheads to get in collision with a component or a printing form. The said new device for surface treatment of medical components thus enables blowing of components being subjects of surface treatment, by ionized air from the ionization rod without any need to slow down speed of printing process. As aforesaid, the standard conventional printing devices comprises a vacuum table. A desk of said vacuum table was removed in the new device for surface treatment of components of medical equipment, only a basic frame of said vacuum table remained fixed to which a basic matrix element was attached to. Speed of printing remained kept due to dismantling of the vacuum table whereby an output signal remained free, the said output signal was used for controlling of the ionization rod.

One or plurality of printing forms with one or plurality of masks, which forms upper part of the printing form, are inserted into newly fixed basic matric element Consequently, a component of medical equipment being a subject of surface treatment is inserted into said printing form. Number of printing forms depends on size of components of medical equipment being a subject of surface treatment The said printing form comprises further internal and external grips of different types such as clamps, screws, quick-release handles, etc. The said internal grips fix the component of medical equipment inside the printing form within the scope of three axes (x, y, z) and rotation along these three axes (x, y, z). The external surface of the printing form comprises external grips or pins or marking rulers that provide deterministic fitting of the printing form with the component into the basic matrix element of the new device for surface treatment of components of medical equipment within three axes (x, y, z).

The said newly fixed basic matrix dement is static or can move upward or downward in relation to a portal of the new device for surface treatment of components of medical equipment

As aforesaid, the presented embodiment of the new device for surface treatment of components of medical equipment comprises new printing forms. The upper part of said printing form is a mask, in another embodiment the mask is not a part of the printing form. The said mask protects component surfaces that are not subjects of surface treatinent. The said mask also fixes and secures the inserted component of medical equipment. The said mask decreases impact of eddy current airflow beneath the printhead thus eliminating potential low qualities relating to dust caused by applied material. Designed special shapes of the printing form, the mask and the safety component secure proper insertion or support of the component of medical equipment being a subject of surface treatment. Should the component of medical equipment be improperly insert or support in the printing form, the safety component hits the said printing form or improperly fixed mask and consequently the control unit stops the new device for surface treatment of components and interrupts application of surface treatment Stopping of the new device for surface treatment of components is accompanied with acoustic signal and the action is viewed on the display of the control unit of the new device for surface treatment of components.

Another material storage was attached to the new device for surface treatment of components, yet in another embodiment only one material storage can be in the new device for surface treatment of components. The material storage stores material for surface treatment of a component, which can be either a material for application of coloured materials (colours), or a material for application of protective cover layer (preferably varnish). The said material storage is a part of the frame of the basic matrix element In preferred embodiment the said material storage is attached to the frame of the basic matrix dement by using of brackets or holders. As aforesaid, the material for application of protective layer is preferably varnish. Application of protective layer creates a protective transparent layer on the component surface. The said protective layer provides mechanical as well as chemicd component surface protection, and also increases intensity of applied colours for surface during surface treatment process. The overall surface treatment process of a component of medical equipment thus comprises application of coloured material (graphic design, logos, photos and other similar illustrations and depictions) and consequently application of protective layer. Optionally, only coloured material may be applied, or the same, only transparent protective layer can be applied, whereas in such case the material of protective layer may be a transparent varnish, or a colour treated varnish.

Software process of surface treatment of component of medical equipment

New device for surface treatment of components of medical equipment is controlled by software extension, or software processes, which are communicated and processed in a communication media of the device for surface treatment of components. A print server is a part of the communication medium. Data from company enterprise resource planning (EPR) system enter the communication medium. These data are, in the first step, graphic data produced by several persons, for example, a graphic designer, a customer, or a product manager. The said persons are responsible for preparation and selection of graphic data, which are further processed and implemented on the individual components of medical equipment. Graphic data bear information about design of the required surface treatment of the component, for example a logo, a picture, ornaments, etc. Graphic data are part of the set order in the EPR system. The said order is saved within planning of EPR sources in different types of software programmes, such as e.g. SAP. K2, order configurator and other EPR software. The said software communication platforms are connected to communication medium via Ethernet or wirelessly or via Internet, or anywise. Graphic data are part of a printing recipe, which is prepared in the communication medium. The printing recipe comprises basic parameters for surface treatment of a component, including, inter alia, dosing of applied material, adjustment of applied material batch drops, print layering, print directionality or application of protective layer, number of applied material layers, etc. Other parameters that may be configured in the printing recipe are size of component surface, which is to be treated, and appearance of set graphic data. The entire process of transformation of the printing recipe is performed in the software solution ONYX Thrive (however also another type of known software solution or interface may be used). Despite the said software solution ONYX Thrive is a well-known software solution, it was needed to adjust this software solution for the purpose of the technical solution for surface treatment of components disclosed herein, as well as processes specified within the scope of the printing recipe needed to be set so that the communication medium could enter all parameters into the device for surface treatment of components of medical equipment, according to which material for surface treatment is applied and the required design provided.

Surface treatment of a component is thus impacted by motif graphics, which is applied, as well as by all basic parameters the printing recipe consists of.

One of the newly defined basic parameters of the printing recipe is a change of dosing of material drop size for the purpose of enabling application of material at higher distance from component surface.

Another basic parameter of the printing recipe is a colour profile defined by colour model CMYK, which consists of 4 basic colours (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). The standard colour models of conventional flatbed printers comprise also white colour. The newly disclosed device for surface treatment of components comprises, instead of white colour, a material storage component for application of protection layer material, the said material is preferably varnish. The said applied protection material creates a protection layer, and fixes applied graphic colour motif on the component, also prevent the said applied graphic motif to be mechanically or chemically damaged.

The printing recipe further comprises, as basic parameter, two different printing regimes. The said printing regimes are configured to apply materials onto the component surface in the form of printing a motif in compliance with input graphic data in any graphic format, and to apply material of protective layer, either only on surface with applied colour material, or anywhere on the component surface.

Another aforesaid basic parameter of the printing recipe is print directionality. Newly the said parameter is set only for one directional application of material to secure and provide sharpness of outcoming application as such amendment also secures required outcoming quality despite applying material at bigger distance from the component surface.

Another aforesaid basic parameter of the printing recipe is print layering. The parameter may be set such that the printing recipe does not have to indude any applied colour layer but may also indude more than one applied layer of colour material.

Graphic input data of a motif to be applied on a surface of component are newly located in the ERP system. The said options of application of material for surface treatment of component are interconnected also to other associated systems, such as SW for product configuration, or company ERP systems. Newly the software application is configured in the ERP system interface. The said ERP system uses saved input graphic data for the purpose of application of material for surface treatinent, transforms the said data according to requirements of the production order and exports newly created file for application of material for surface treatinent. The said newly created file comprises at least one or plurality of the same, or plurality of different printing motifs in compliance with one or more production orders. Location of motifs on the exported print file corresponds precisely to a type of component of medical equipment being a subject of surface treatment. This feature provides that each application of material for surface treatment will be located precisely onto a subjected component it belongs to, and in addition precisely onto such locations on the component surface where it has been configured in the system. All these said data are set or sent from ERP system into the communication medium of newly disclosed device for surface treatinent which comprises newly adjusted software system for device for surface treatment of components. The said software system of communication medium of the new device for surface treatinent configures and adjusts graphic data accepted from the ERP system and generates the printing recipe. The printing recipe is consequently sent autonomously or manually by an operator into the control unit of the new device for surface treatinent of components. Following, the printing recipe is applied, in one or more printing regimes, or tasks, onto the subjected component of medical equipment being a subject of surface treatment.

Technological procedure

The first step of technological procedure of the technical solution disclosed herein comprises sufficiently rigid connection of the component being a subject of surface treatment and the applied material. The said applied material is an ink cured to the solid state by means of different methods for material curing, such as e.g. UV stabilization, oxide tinder drying, osmosis drying, volatile drying, radiation curing, IR stabilization, hot air drying, etc The surface of component of medical equipment being a subject of surface treatment needs to be treated by degreasing agent, i.e. degreased. The said degreasing agent disposes the surface of impurities and eliminates static voltage. Consequently, a primer is applied onto the component surface, which is a chemical material interacting with component surface and chemically adjusting the component surface by which surface adhesion for following material application is increased.

After application of primer a necessary technological break in the dust-proof ventilated box follows to allow chemical reaction.

After the technological break lapses the component of medical equipment is inserted into the printing form, which is inserted into the basic matric element of the new device for surface treatment of components.

Consequently, the operator of the said device for surface treatment of components activates one or more printing recipes for surface treatment comprising data for application of colour material (printing) and application of material for protective layer (varnishing). The material of surface treatment is thus applied precisely onto the required component surface, in precisely required layers and colour shades. During material application, the material - ink is cured to solid stated and immediately after material application the component can be handled or used for assembly freely without any damaging.

Description of all benefits of disclosed technical solution:

1 ) Disclosed new technology of application of graphic motifs onto the component surface enables to significantly reduce stock inventory, therefore storage warehouses, decorations and other materials and products used for sticking and application of decorations and motifs onto the surface of components of medical equipment Stuck decorations are usually offered in tens of colour variations and other tens of size and shape variations. Reduction of stock inventories and storage warehouses cause significant decreasing of processes and activities relating to purchase process, distribution, dispatching and consumption of aforesaid materials.

2) New technology for surface treatment of components of medical equipment eliminates stuck decorations on exposed viewing areas of said components, which are intensively cleaned and washed due to high hygienic standards in healthcare facilities. In addition, no spots and places where dirty or bacteria can be hold exist, in contrary to stuck decors or tapes, and colour material applied cm component surface is hygienic safe, not washable having long service life. 3) New technology enables to follow customer requirements for atypic motifs arising from graphic pictures of the customer itself (logo, photos, etc.). Production of said atypic motifs is not financially, or time more demanding than production of standard motif portfolio the customer may choose from.

4) Storage and updating of all motifs are provided directly in ERP system. Therefore, up- to-date state of any motif is performed by simple and standard process of controlled change which also complies with appropriate ISO standards required for production oi medical devices and equipment

5) Variability of components of medical equipment being subjects of surface treatment is extremely broad.

6) Application of materials of surface of components of medical equipment is cheaper than sticking of decorations and tapes.

7) Standardization and stability of the production process is independent on skills and work discipline of workers who apply and stick decors to components manually.

List of Drawings

Fig. 1 shows some of medical equipment including individual components convenient for surface, in details:

Fig. 1a shows medical equipment - a patient support apparatus comprising side rails and headboards and footboards

Fig. 1b shows side view on a birthing bed comprising covering parts

Fig. 1c shows a child hospital bed comprising side rails, headboards and footboards, and covering parts

Fig. 1d shows a bedside table comprising a storage area and a cover element of a lifting mechanism

Fig. 1e shows controller of a medical equipment comprising an enclosure

Fig. 2 shows a floorplan of a new device for surface treatment of components of medical equipment.

Fig. 3 shows scheme software modification diagram and a process of surface treatment of a component of medical equipment using new device for surface treatment of components and method of material application. Fig. 4. shows schematic process of the individual steps of the entire production process of application of material for surface treatment on a new device for surface treatment of components.

Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention it should be noted that the concept of disclosed and described technical solution may be used in different mortifications and options or alternative forms, the specific preferred embodiment is shown as an example on the below stated figures. The said figures are described in detail below.

Fig. 1 shows different types of some medical equipment 1 such as e.g. a patient support apparatus, a birthing bed, a child hospital bed, a bedside table, a controller for medical equipment, etc. (hereinafter as “medical equipment 1”). The technical solution disclosed herein describes a new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 of medical equipment 1 and the entire process of the said surface treatment of the individual components 2 of said medical equipment 1. The components 2 of medical equipment 1. are e.g. side rails, headboard, footboards, undercarriage covers, covers of lifting mechanisms, table desks, external covers on controlling devices, etc. All aforesaid components of medical equipment 1 shall be hereinafter stated as components 2 of medical equipment A

The said components 2 of medical equipment 1 are made of different types of pSasti material and alloys produced by method of blowing or moulding or otherwise. Alternatively, the individual components 2 of medical equipment 1 are made of metal, metal alloys or combination of metal and plastic materials.

Fig. 2 shows a floorplan of a newly adjusted device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 out of the conventional standard printer, fhe said new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 comprises a printer carriage 4, a roiling unit (Roll Media Option

- RMO) 6. In another embodiment, the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 need not to comprise the said rolling unit (Roil Media Option - RMO) 6.

In addition, the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 comprises a portal 7, to which the printer carriage 4 is attached. The printer carriage 4 comprises printheads 5. The print heads 5 are connected by hoses (not shown) to a material storage 14 for application of material for surface treatment of components 2 of medical equipment 1., Material for surface treatment of components 2 is stored in the material storage 14. The said material is material for application of colour materials (colours) and material for application of protective layer of surface treatment. The material storage 14 is a part of a frame 10 of a basic matrix element 11. or in a preferred embodiment, the material storage 14 is attached to the frame 10 of the basic matrix element 11 by a hook. Material for application of protective layer is preferably generally a varnish. Application of material for protective layer creates a transparent protective layer on the surface of component 2. The said layer protects surface of component 2 f^rom the mechanical as well as chemical damage, also increases colour intensity of surface treatment of component 2. should such colour material be used. Surface treatment of components 2 of medical equipment 1 thereby rests at application of colour material (graphic design, logos, photos and other pictures) and consequent application of protective layer material. Optionally, only coloured material may be applied, or the same, only transparent protective layer can be applied, whereas in such case the material of protective layer may be a transparent vamish, or a colour treated vamish.

An ionization rod 8 is attached to the portal 7 and newly also a safety component 9. Due to attaching the ionization rod 8 to the portal 7 a stable production process is provided during which a surface of a component 2 is always stabilized by blowing off minor impurities and changing the surface tension before actual application of material for surface treatment. The aforesaid disclosed process is even more productive as it does not need slow driving of the 7 above the component 2 before commencement of application of material for surface treatment which is controlled by a program in a control unit 15-

In addition, the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 comprises the frame 10 of the basic matrix element 11.. The basic matrix element 11 comprises at least one or plurality of locking points (not shown) for fixing and attaching one or plurality of printing form 12. The printing form 12 farther comprises internal and external grips and brackets of different type (not shown), e.g. clamps, screws, quick-release handles, etc. The external grips of the printing form 12 serve for fixing or locking of the printing form 12 in the locking points of the basic matrix element 11. The internal grips of the printing form 12 are different stops of different sizes and shapes, by which a subjected component 2 is fixed inside the printing form 12. The said internal grips or stops thus fix or locks the component 2 inside the printing form 12 within three axis x. y, z and rotation along the said three axis x, y, z. The external surface of the printing form 12 comprises external grips or pins or marking rulers (not shown) that provide deterministic fitting of the printing form 12 with the component 2 into the basic matrix element 11 of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 within three axes x. y, z.

The component 2 of medical equipment 1 being a subject of surface treatment is inserted into the printing form 12. The number of printing forms 12 depends on size of components 2 of medical equipment 1 being a subject of surface treatment An upper part of the printing form 12 of the new device for surface treatment 3 comprises a mask 13, In alternative embodiment, the mask 13 does not have to be a part of the printing form 12. The mask 13 protects a surface of component 2, which shall not be surface treated, i.e. the mask 13 covers the surface of component 2. to which surface treatment material will not be applied. In the preferred embodiment, the printing form 12 comprises the mask 13< which attached to at least one side of printing form 12 by pivotable hinges. The mask 13 is attached on one side to the pivotable hinge of the printing form 12 to create a cover, or a lid, of the printing form 12.

In another embodiment, the printing form 12 comprises a latching mechanism (not shown) on one side of the printing form 12 to fix the mask 13 in the frame of the printing form 12. The mask 13 also comprises a latch (not shown) to fix the mask 13 in the printing form 12. In another embodiment, the mask 13 is attached to edges or frame of the printing form 12 in several points to couple the mask 13 with the printing form 12 as well as to remove the mask 13 from the printing form 12-

The mask 13 fixes the inserted component 2 of the medical equipment 1. The said mask 13 decreases impact of eddy current airflow beneath the printhead 5 thus eliminating potential low qualities relating to dust caused by applied material. In case the mask 13 of the printing form 12 is nor fixed properly application of material for surface treatment on a component 2 cannot be started.

Structural design of the printing form 12, the mask 13 and the safety component 9 secures proper insertion or support of the component 2 of medical equipment 1 being a subject of surface treatment. Should the component 2 of medical equipment J. in the printing form 12 be inserted improperly, the safety component 9 will hit the printing form 12, consequently the control unit 15 of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 will stop the new device for surface treatment 3 at components 2 and interrupts application of material for surface treatment. Stopping of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 is accompanied by acoustic signal and is displayed on a display (not shown) of the control unit 15 of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2- The safety component 2 is, in preferred embodiment, an infrared gate, in another embodiment, for example a rod or a flat metal profile, with sensors of different types and design. The safety component 2 is electronically connected to the control unit 15 of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2. The control unit 15 evaluates based on a signal received from a sensor that a collision or an impact with the component 2 or the mask 13 or the printing form 12 occurred and transmits a signal to stop movement of the portal 7 along the rails on which the portal 7 moves above the opening of the basic matrix element 11, which is located in the frame 10 of the basic matrix element 11 In parallel, movement of the printer carriage 4 with printheads 5. which apply material for surface treatment of component 2 from the material storage 14. is interrupted, too. In said embodiment, the risk of damage to printheads 5 on the printing carriage 4 is minimum as stopping of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 is performed long time before the printer carriage 4 would have occurred to be above the zone of potential collision or damage.

The frame 10 of the basic matrix element 11 is coupled to the portal 7 by means of lateral guiding (not shown). Movement of the portal 7 along the frame 10 of the basic matrix element 11 is enabled due to electronic control of movement of the said lateral guiding along the frame 10 of the basic matrix element 11.

The basic matrix dement 11 can change its height depending on size and type of the printing form 12 or depending on type of component 2 of medical equipment J. The type and size of the printing form 12 is determined by type or size of the component 2 of medical equipment 1. Similarly, also the mask 13 depends on type and size of the component 2, or on the surface defined or determined for surface treatment. The basic matrix element 11 can be, optionally, positionable in relation to different heights in the frame 10 of the basic matrix element 11. either manually, or automatically. Location and number of the printing forms 12 on the basic matrix element 11 depends on size and type of the component 2 of medical equipment 1.

The Fig. 2 further shows that the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 is connected via the control unit 15 to a communication medium 16 by a cable, for example twisted pair of UTP / FTP. In another embodiment, the communication medium 16 can be connected to the control unit 15 of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 wirelessly. In preferred embodiment, the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 comprises the control unit 15 further comprising a display and control push buttons, or in another embodiment, a keyboard (not shown). The control unit 15 with display and keyboard configurates properly the individual parts of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2- The control unit 15 configurates printheads 5, volume of applied material, number of layers of applied material and number and volume of applied protective layer material (varnish). The communication medium 16 is connected to the ERP system 19. Graphic data 18 stating the format of applied material are transferred from ERP system 19 into the communication medium 16, optionally, the graphic data 18 can be entered or uploaded into the communication medium 16 manually directly or using portable storage media, for example USB (not shown). Graphic fata 18 are transferred from the communication medium 16 in the form of a printing recipe 25 into the control unit 15 of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2- The communication medium 16 can be a PC, a tablet, a notebook, a mobile device, etc.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic software diagram, or process, for surface treatment of components 2 of medical equipment 1 by means of a new device for surface treatment 2 of components 2. The new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 comprises a control unit 15. which is wired or wireless connected (not shown) to a communication medium 16 (a PC, a tablet or any other communication medium). Communication between the control unit

15 of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 and the communication medium

16 is one-way, from the communication medium 16 to the control unit 15, in another embodiment the communication can be two-way.

The individual steps of the software process for surface treatinent of components 2 of medical equipment 1 are illustrated in the lifecycle diagram 17 of application of material for surface treatment using the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2.

First step of the lifecycle diagram 17 of application of material for surface treatment using the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 is configuration of graphic data 18- The graphic data 18 are created, or configured, by several persons as stated in the diagram, e.g. a graphic designer, a customer, a product manager, etc. The said persons are responsible form preparation and selection of graphic data 18. which will be further processed and implemented to the individual components 2 of medical equipment 1. The graphic data 18 bear information about design of the required surface treatment of the component 2 (logo, picture, etc.). The graphic data 18 have form of lossy compression format or lossless compression format. The example of lossless formal is BMP, GIF, PNG, RAW, DNG, TIFF and similar formats, example of lossy compression format is JPEG, KEIF, HEIC, AVIF and similar. In the preferred embodiment of lifecycle diagram 17 of the application of material, the responsible person for creating graphic data 18 allocates the said data into an Enterprise Resource Planning system 19 (hereinafter as ERP). The graphic data 18 are sent from ERP system 19 to a configuration system 20 (e.g. SAP, K2 and other configuration systems for entering data into production process) via Ethernet or Internet, wirelessly or wired. In the configuration system 20 an order configuration 21 is provided by a customer or an external party or an internal party or a person responsible for the subjected order. During configuration of order 21 the individual options of graphic data 18 that the customer requires to be applied on different components 2 of medical equipment 1 are selected.

Confirmed graphic data 18 in the configuration system 20 are materialized by saving into ERP system 19. The materialized graphic data 18 are transferred from the ERP system 19 into a communication medium 16. In the communication medium 16 the graphic data 18 are transformed 24. Transformation 24 of graphic data is done in the software solution ONYYX Thrive (or otherwise) in the communication medium 16. the said graphic data 18 are transformed into a printing recipe 25- The printing recipe 25 comprises individual parameters for application of material for surface treatment. The first parameter is a template 26 that defines a type of component 2 and a size of surface of the component 2 being a subject of surface treatment Another parameter is CMYK data 27, which define layer of application of colour material. The third parameter is characteristic of application of protective layer 28.

The printing recipe 25 is sent from the communication medium 16 into the control unit 15 of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 automatically, or manually. The printing recipe 25 accepted by the control unit 15 is physically checked by an operator of the new device for surface treatment 3 on a display of the control unit 15 and after confirmation of the printing recipe 25 the process of surface treatment of the component 2 of medical equipment 1 is commenced. Before commencement of the process of surface treatment of the component 2 a pre-adjustment of the component 29 is performed. The components 2 being subjects of surface treatment are consequently inserted into the printing form 12 with a mask 13 on a basic matrix element 11 of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 of medical equipment 1.

The Fig. 4 shows a process of application of material for surface treatment of components 2 of medical equipment 1. Fig. 4 shows in detail the individual process steps stated in the Fig. 3.

An operator 30 operates the communication medium 16 and the control unit 15 of the new device for surface treatment 3 and provides preparation of the component 2 and fixation of the component 2 into the new device for surface treatment 3.

The operator 30 downloads production order data 31 into the communication medium 16 from the ERP system 19 by reading the production order data 3L Production order data 31 comprises information about number of treated components 2 and graphic data 18. Graphic data 18 are transformed by operator 30 to the printing recipe 25- Transformation 24 of graphic data is performed in the software solution ONYYX Thrive (or any other).

The operator 30, in parallel with receiving production order data 31, accepts 33 phiysically the components 2 being subject of surface treatment. Surface of said components 2 needs to be degreased 34 in this phase and consequently applied with a primer 35. Next a technological break 36 needs to be kept During keeping of technological break 36 operator 30 locates 37 printing forms 12 into the basic matrix element 11 of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 in compliance with the printing recipe 25. Following after finish of technological break 36, the operator 30 inserts 38 the component 2 into the printing form 12. The operator 30 checks proper location of components 2. in the printing forms 12 as well as location of the printing forms 12 on the basic matrix element 11 according to type of component

2

Consequently, the operator 30 checks the printing recipes 25 in the communication medium 16 and sends the printing recipes 25 into the control unit 15 of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2. Activation of the new device for surface treatment 3 of components 2 actives or starts 39 application of material onto the component 2. The operator 30 provides 100% quality inspection 40 of applied layers of colour material as well as protection layer after completing of application of material. Next the operatex 30 locates the component 2 into the transport package unit 41.

It is to be appreciated that the terms “include”, “includes”, and “including" have the same meaning as the terms “comprise", “comprises", and “comprising*.

Several embodiments have been discussed in the descriptions. The embodiments discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than limitations.

List of References

1 Medical equipment (patient support apparatuses, stretchers, armchairs, tables, controllers)

2 Components of medical equipment (side rails, headboards, footboards, covers, enclosures)

3 Device for surface treatment

4 Printer carriage

5 Printhead

6 Roling unit (Roll Media Option)

7 Portal

8 Ionization rod

9 Safety component

10 Frame (of basic matrix element)

11 Basic matrix element

12 Printing form

13 Mask (of printing form)

14 Material storage 15 Control unit

16 Communication medium (PC, tablet etc.)

17 Lifecycle diagram

18 Graphic data

19 Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system

20 Configuration system

21 Order configuration

22 Production planning

23 Production performance

24 Transformation (of graphic data)

25 Printing recipe

26 Template

27 CMYK data

28 Protection layer

29 Pre-adjustment of a component and printing

30 Operator

31 Production order data

32 Loading of production order

33 Acceptance (of a component)

34 Degreasing

35 Application of primer

36 Keeping of technological break

37 Location of printing forms

38 Inserting of component into the printing form

39 Start of material application

40 Quality inspection

41 Location to transport package unit

Claims

1. A device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1 ) comprises a communication medium (16), a control unit (15) with a display, a printer carriage (4), printheads (5) coupled by hoses with a material storage (14) and a portal (7) characterized in that the printer carriage (4) is attached to the portal (7) to which a ionization rod (8) is coupled and a safety component (9), whereas the portal (7) is movabiy coupled to a frame (10) of a basic matrix element, whereas the basic matrix element (11) is coupled to the frame (10) of the basic matrix element and whereas the basic matrix element (11) comprises at least one or plurality of locking points for fixing at least one printing form (12), into which the component (2) of medical equipment (1 ) is inserted for application of surface treatment

2. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1 ) according to claim 1 characterized in that the portal (7) is coupled to the frame (10) of the basic matrix element by lateral guiding of the frame (10) of the basic matrix element along which the portal (7) moves in relation to frame (10).

3. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1 ) according to claim 1 characterized in that the printheads (5) are located at the printer carriage and are interconnected with the material storage (14) by hoses.

4. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment ( 1 ) according to claim 3 characterized in that the material storage (14) is a part of the frame (10) of the basic matrix element, or is coupled to the frame (10) of the basic matrix element by a hook.

5. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1 ) according to claim 1 and 4 characterized in that die safety component (9) is a rod or a flat profile with sensors.

6. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1 ) according to claim 1 characterized in that the safety component (9) is electrically connected with the control unit (15).

7. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1 ) according to claim 1 characterized in that the safely component (9) is connected with the control unit (15) wirelessly.

8. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1 ) according to daim 1 characterized in that the safety component (9) is an infrared gate connected with the control unit (15) wirelessly or wired.

9. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1 ) according to claim 1 characterized in that the portal (7), the printer carriage (4), the ionization rod (8) and the safety component (9) are electrically connected with the control unit (15).

10. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1 ) according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one mask (13) is attached to the printing form (12).

11. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1 ) according to claim 1 characterized in that the printing form (12) with the mask (13) creates one element which is inserted into the basic matrix element (11).

12. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1) according to ciaim 1 characterized in that the printing form (12) comprises the removable mask (13).

13. The device for surface treatinent (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the basic matrix element (11) comprises at least one locking mechanism for at least one printing form (12).

14. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one printhead (5) applying at least one layer of colour material and/or one layer of protection material from the material storage (14) onto the component (2) of medical equipment (1) is attached to the printer carriage (4).

15. The device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the communication medium (16) communicates with the control unit (15) of the device for surface treatinent (3) of components (2) wirelessly or wired.

16. A method of surface treatment using a device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1) characterized in that the said method comprising:

- inserting of at least one component (2) of medical equipment (1) to at least one printing form (12),

- inserting of the printing form (12) with the component (2) into a basic matrix element (11),

- creating a printing recipe (25) in a communication medium (16),

- sending of the printing recipe (25) into a control unit (15) of the device for surface freatment (3) of components (2),

- application of at least one layer of colour material according to the printing recipe (25) onto the surface of the component (2)

- application of at least one layer of protection material according to the printing recipe (25) onto the surface of the component (2),

- removing of the component (2) from the device for surface treatment (3) of components (2).

17. The method of surface treatment using a device for surface treatment (3) of components

(2) of medical equipment (1 ) according to claim 16 characterized in that the communication medium (16) accepts graphic data (18) and transforms the graphic data (18) into a printing recipe (25), whereas a control unit (15) of the device for surface treatment (3) of components (2) accepts the printing recipe (25) from the communication medium (16) and controls application of the printing recipe (25) by means of a printer carriage (4) and printheads (5) onto the component (2) of medical equipment (1 ).

18. The method of surface treatment using a device for surface freatment (3) of components (2) of medical equipment (1 ) according to claim 16 characterized in that the printing recipe (25) comprises information about a template (26), information about CMYK data (27) and information about protection layer (28).