The present disclosure relates to adaptable clinical environments and more particularly, to a modular system for constructing walls in a clinical environment.
Conventional methods for constructing walls in a healthcare facility utilize timber, steel and dry wall which are more or less permanently secured to the floor and/or the ceiling of the healthcare facility. Such traditional methods of construction involve long and unreliable construction times due to the difficulties in scheduling the various craftsmen such as carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians and the like to complete the construction work. The rooms and spaces constructed using such traditional methods are not readily reconfigurable. Any such reconfiguration requires tearing down the existing walls. Such reconfiguration is not only costly, time consuming and disruptive, but produces a lot of dirt, dust and noise. The material that is removed is generally not reusable, and has to be disposed of.
Modular wall systems for dividing open spaces into cubicles and rooms are well known. Examples of such systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2002/0104271 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,491, both of which are entitled “Modular Patient Room.”
The present invention comprises a system that has one or more of the following features or combinations thereof, which alone or in any combination may comprise patentable subject matter.
A modular system for constructing walls is provided. Such a modular system may be used, for example, for constructing walls inside a healthcare facility. The modular wall system allows a quick conversion of a healthcare facility shell space into a patient room or an administrative office with minimal dirt, noise and disruption associated with conventional techniques so that a healthcare facility shell space can be customized to suit patient requirements. Such modular wall system is flexible to accommodate changes in the configuration of the rooms and spaces as the needs of the patient, caregiver and healthcare facility change. Various modular components or modules can be interchanged and reconfigured easily by the users as the use of the space changes due to changes in functional requirements. The infrastructure and modular components can be reused multiple times.
The modular wall system can readily integrate various pieces of modular components, such as, for example, patient care or headwall modules, family zone modules, hygiene zone modules, footwall modules, clinical wall modules, door modules and window modules for use, for example, in a patient room. The exterior surfaces of various modular components can be changed to update the look of the modular components without the need to replace the components. Decorative panels may be used to add color to a patient room.
A system for constructing walls may include a plurality of frame units having connection points and a plurality of modules coupled to the frame units at the connection points to form a wall. The frame units may form a grid of vertically and laterally spaced apart connection points having a predetermined vertical spacing and a predetermined lateral spacing. At least some of the plurality of modules to be coupled to the frame units may have a width substantially equal to a multiple, including one, of the predetermined lateral spacing and a height substantially equal to a multiple, including one, of the predetermined vertical spacing.
The frame units may have additional connection points for securing the frame units to a floor of the healthcare facility, for securing the frame units to existing adjoining conventional walls of the healthcare facility, and for securing the frame units to the adjoining frame units on either side thereof. In some embodiments, the frame units may have connection points for securing the frame units to a ceiling of the healthcare facility.
Some examples of patient care modules are a bed locator module for locating the bed, a headwall module for supplying, for example, medical gas, vacuum, air, AC/DC power, water, plumbing and the like to a patient, a bed for the patient and other patient care equipment, a viewbox module for viewing x-ray images, a monitor module for displaying patient vital statistics (such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc.), a computer/keyboard module for retrieving data from and inputting data into a central server of the healthcare facility, a supply management module for supplying linen, drugs, wound dressings, sterilized syringes and the like for use by a patient or a caregiver, a waste management module for collecting trash, biohazard, sharps, soiled linen and the like from the patient room for subsequent pick-up and removal, and a pneumatic tube drop module for transporting supplies, drugs, etc into the patient room.
Some example of family zone modules are a hideaway bed module, a refrigerator module, an entertainment module (including, for example a TV, a VCR and a DVD player), a microwave module, a utensils module, a worksurface module, a cabinet module, a shelving module, a drawer module, a foldout seat module and a reading lamp module. Some examples of hygiene zone modules are a hand washing module, a hand washing and storage module, a shower module, a paper towel dispenser module, a hand dryer module, a mirror module, a towel bar module, a trash bin module, a grab bar module etc. Some examples of footwall modules are a drawer module, a cabinet module, a shelving module, a whiteboard module, a tack surface module and a home theater module.
Some examples of clinical wall modules are a worksurface module, a light module, a supply pass-through module, a drawer pass-through module, a waste pass-through module, a door module and a window module. Clinical wall modules may form a wall between the patient room and an adjoining corridor. Door modules may include various sized doors depending on customer requirements. The doors may be made of various materials, such as metal, wood or glass. The doors may have various sized windows in them. Window modules may have various sized windows depending on customer needs. In some embodiments, the windows are tinted. In some embodiments, the windows comprise LCD panels. The windows may include integral blinds for privacy. The window frames may be made of various materials, such as metal, wood or plastic. Decorative panels and trim pieces may be used for closing or covering modular spaces, comers, joints, etc.
These modules can be assembled in a myriad of ways to form the rooms and spaces throughout a healthcare facility, such as patient rooms, nurses' work stations, an Emergency Department, administrative offices, reception area, etc. The depth and height of the walls formed by the modular wall system can be varied depending on the needs of the facility.
Illustratively, a plurality of hangers may be detachably coupled to the frame units at the connection points for supporting the modules. Locks may releasably secure the hangers to the associated frame units. The hangers may extend generally horizontally away from the frame units in a cantilevered fashion. The modules may each include a pair of oppositely disposed guide tracks sized to receive an associated pair of hangers. Latches may releasably secure the modules to the associated pair of hangers. The hangers and the guide tracks may illustratively have a generally rectangular cross section.
The connection points in the frame units may be hanger-receiving openings in the frame units, and the hangers may be fitted into the corresponding hanger-receiving openings. Hooks which fit into corresponding hook-receiving openings may be used for supporting the modules instead of the hangers. The frame units may have hanger-receiving openings on both the front and back sides thereof for supporting the modules in a back-to-back arrangement.
Each frame unit may include a pair of vertical members and a pair of horizontal members-extending between the vertical members near the top and the bottom of the frame unit to form a generally rectangular structure with an open space or cavity in the middle. The vertical members of each frame unit may have a plurality of hanger-receiving openings spaced apart from each other by a predetermined vertical spacing to form a grid. The vertical members of the frame units may have hanger-receiving openings on both front and back sides. Hangers may fit into the corresponding hanger-receiving openings in the frame units for supporting the modules in a back-to-back arrangement.
At least some of the plurality of modules may have a depth substantially equal to or a multiple of a predetermined depth, while the associated hangers have corresponding depth. At least some of the vertical and horizontal members of the frame units have access openings through which utility lines are routed for supplying utilities (such as medical gas, oxygen, air, AC/DC power, hot and cold water, plumbing etc.) to at least some of the modules coupled to the frame units. The open space or the cavity formed by the vertical and horizontal members of the frame units may be filled with sound and/or thermal insulation material.
Thus, a modular wall system for use in a healthcare facility is configured to divide available floor space into rooms. The system includes a plurality of frame units configured to rest on the floor and extend vertically upwardly. The frame units form a grid of vertically and laterally spaced apart wall spaces having a predetermined height and a predetermined width. A plurality of modules is configured to be positioned in the spaces to form a wall. At least some of the plurality of modules have a width substantially equal to a multiple, including one, of the predetermined width and a height substantially equal to a multiple, including one, of the predetermined height.
Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above and in the appended claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.
The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
As shown diagrammatically in
Some examples of the patient care or headwall modules 38 are a bed locator module for locating the bed 30 relative to the headwall 36, a utility services module for supplying medical gas, vacuum, air, AC/DC power etc., a viewbox module for viewing x-ray images, a monitor module for displaying patient parameters (such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc.), a computer/keyboard module for retrieving data from a central computer of the healthcare facility and inputting data to the central computer, a waste management module for collecting trash, biohazard, sharps, linen etc. from the patient room for subsequent pick-up and a pneumatic tube module for transporting supplies, drugs, etc into the patient room and transporting blood and urine samples, for example, to the hospital lab. Such patient care modules are disclosed in PCT/US2005/______, entitled “PATIENT CARE MODULES FOR HOSPITAL WALLS” (attorney docket no. 7175-78002) filed concurrently herewith, assigned to the same assignee as the subject application, and hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Some examples of the footwall modules 42 are a drawer module, a cabinet module, a shelving module, a whiteboard module, a tack surface module and an entertainment module. Such footwall modules 42 are disclosed in PCT/US2005/______ (attorney docket no. 7175-78001). Some examples of the clinical wall modules 46 are a worksurface module 200 shown in
Some examples of the family zone modules 50 are a hideaway bed module, a refrigerator module, an entertainment module (including, for example, a TV, a VCR and a DVD player), a microwave module, a utensils module, a worksurface module, a cabinet module, a shelving module, a drawer module, a foldout seat module, a reading lamp module and decorative panel modules. Such family zone modules are disclosed in PCT/US2005/______, entitled “FAMILY ZONE MODULES FOR HOSPITAL WALLS” (attorney docket no. 7175-78001), filed concurrently herewith and assigned to the same assignee as the subject application and hereby incorporated by reference herein. Some examples of hygiene zone modules 54 are a hand washing module 400 shown in
The family area 51 of the patient room 28 may include a dual use foldout bed (not shown) which can accommodate a patient's family, a visitor or a second patient. Such a dual use foldout bed is disclosed in PCT/US2005/______, entitled “FOLDOUT BED MODULE” (attorney docket no. 7175-77999) which is assigned to the same assignee as the subject application, and which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
In the specification and claims, the term “healthcare facility” is used broadly, and includes a hospital, a nursing home, an outpatient clinic, a doctor's office, a medical care facility, and the like. The term “hospital equipment module” is used broadly, and includes a patient care module 38, a footwall module 42, a clinical wall module 46, a family zone module 50, a hygiene zone module 54, a door module 56, a window module 58, a fold-out bed module, a vital signs module, an equipment storage module, and the like. The terms “modules” and “modular components” are used interchangeably, and each is intended to broadly cover the meanings of both. Whenever the term AC/DC is used herein, including in the claims, it is intended to mean alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) or both.
The infrastructure components 22 include frame units 100 and a plurality of supporting members 102 configured to be detachably coupled to the frame units 100 to form the wall 26. In the embodiment illustrated in
As shown in
In some embodiments, the hangers 102 have vertical slots 122 near their proximal ends as shown in
In the description that follows, the terms x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are assigned arbitrarily for purposes of discussing the relationship between the frame members 110, 112 and the hangers 102. Illustratively, the horizontal members 112 of the frame units 100 extend parallel to the width dimension of the frame units 100 which corresponds to the x-axis, the hangers 102 extend parallel to the depth dimension of the frame units 100 which corresponds to the y-axis, and the vertical members 110 extend parallel to the height dimension of the frame units 100 which corresponds to the z-axis.
As used in this description, including claims, the phrase “a connection point” is used generically to mean a coupler (such as a hanger-receiving opening 120) that is attached to, or a part of, a first member (such as a vertical member 110 of the frame unit 100) that engages a mating coupler (such as a portion of the hangers 102 that fits into the opening 120) that is attached to, or a part of, a second member (such as a hanger 102 that supports a module 24). Thus, regarding the attachment of the hangers 102 to the frame units 100, the couplers are openings 120 in the frame units 100 and the mating couplers are portions of the hangers 102 that fit into the openings 120. Some additional examples of couplers that may be used as connection points 120 include pins, clips, locks, hooks, posts, latches, clasps, clamps, snaps, slots, fingers, flanges, slots, bolts, screws, nuts, nails, cams, and the like, as well as combinations of these. Mating couplers are elements secured to the second members or portions of the second members that cooperate with the couplers secured to the first members to attach the two members to each other.
The center-to-center lateral spacing 130 between the connection points 120 in the vertical members 110 of each frame unit 100 along the width dimension or the x-axis is fixed. Illustratively, the center-to-center lateral spacing 130 between the connection points 120 is about 2 feet (about 0.61 meter). The center-to-center vertical spacing 132 between the connection points 120 in the vertical members 110 of each frame unit 100 along the height dimension or the z-axis is also fixed. Illustratively, the center-to-center spacing 132 between the connection points 120 along the height dimension is about 2 feet (about 0.61 meter). Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second plurality of connection points 120 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined width 130 and a predetermined height 132 to form 2 feet-by-2 feet (about 0.61 meter-by-0.61 meter) grids on the opposite sides 116, 118 of the frame units 100. In other embodiments, the spacing between the connection points 120 is other than 2 feet-by-2 feet (about 0.61 meter-by-0.61 meter).
As shown, for example, in
The lower horizontal member 112 of each frame unit 100 has a pair of vertically extending through openings 150. Fasteners 156 extend through the openings 150 in the lower horizontal members 112 to secure the frame units 100 to the floor 152. Likewise, the upper horizontal member 112 of each frame unit 100 has a pair of vertically extending through openings 150. Where the frame units 100 extend from the floor 152 to the ceiling 154, fasteners 156 extend through the openings 150 in the upper horizontal members 112 to secure the frame units 100 to the ceiling 154. Any suitable fasteners 156, such as pins, studs, screws, bolts, and the like, may be used for securing the frame units 100 to the floor 152 and to the ceiling 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame units 100 are secured to a base board 158, instead of the floor 152, so that the modules 24 are protected, for example, from floor cleaning fluids, equipment, mops etc. The base board 158 is, in turn, secured to the floor 152. In those locations of the infrastructure components 22 where pass-through modules 24 which are open to the floor 152 are present, the lower horizontal frame members 112 and the base board 158 adjacent the floor 152 are omitted. Illustratively, the base board 158 is about 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) high.
Each frame unit 100 is coupled to the adjoining frame units 100 on either side thereof in the illustrated embodiment. Of course, the frame unit 100 closest to an existing conventional wall of the healthcare facility, such as a wall 160 shown in
Utility lines 172 may be routed from the mechanical room of the healthcare facility into the patient room 28. These utility lines 172 may typically be routed through any one or more of the floor 152, the ceiling 154 or the wall 104 of the patient room 28. The horizontal members 112 have vertically extending through slots or cutouts 170 through which utility lines 172 enter the open space or cutout 114 defined by the frame members 110, 112. The utility lines 172 are then routed from the open space 114 to the associated modules 24. Illustratively, the utility lines 172 include data lines, gas lines, vacuum lines, AC/DC power lines, hot and cold water lines and plumbing lines.
Laterally extending through openings 171 may be formed in the vertical members 110 of the frame units 100 for passing the utility lines 172 from an open space 114 in one frame unit 100 to an open space 114 in the next adjacent frame unit 100 on either side thereof. The utility lines 172 are then routed from the open space 114 in the next adjacent frame unit 100 to the associated modules 24 attached thereto. In some embodiments, the open spaces 114 may be at least partially filled with sound insulation material 174. In some embodiments, the open spaces 114 may be at least partially filled with thermal insulation material 176, in lieu of, or in addition to, the sound insulation material 174.
As previously indicated, the modules 24 have a width substantially equal to a discrete multiple, including one, of the predetermined lateral spacing 130. Illustratively, the predetermined lateral spacing 130 is about 2 feet (about 0.61 meter). Thus, the width of a module 24 may be about 2 feet (about 0.61 meter), 4 feet (about 1.22 meters), 6 feet etc (about 1.83 meters). For example, modules 60, 62 shown in
While the width and the height of the modules 24 are a discrete multiple, including one, of the predetermined lateral spacing 130 and the predetermined vertical spacing 132, the depth of the modules 24 may, however, vary depending on their functionality. Thus, the depth of a module 24 may be 1 inch (about 2.54 centimeters), 1 foot (about 0.31 meter), 1.5 feet (about 0.46 meter, 2 feet (about 0.61 meter), 2.5 feet (about 0.76 meter), 3 feet (about 0.91 meter) etc. For example, the decorative panels 108 are 1 inch (about 2.54 centimeters) deep in the embodiment shown in
Thus, a modular wall system 20 for use in a healthcare facility is configured to divide available floor space into rooms and to support and house patient care equipment. The system 20 includes a plurality of frame units 100 configured to rest on the floor 152 or the base board 158 and extend vertically upwardly. The frame units 100 form a grid of vertically and laterally spaced apart 2-dimensional wall spaces having a predetermined height and a predetermined width. A plurality of modules 24 is configured to be positioned in the 2-dimensional spaces to form a wall. At least some of the modules 24 positioned in the 2-dimensional spaces have a width substantially equal to a multiple, including one, of the predetermined width and a height substantially equal to a multiple, including one, of the predetermined height.
In some embodiments, the frame units themselves may have a thickness along the depth dimension (that is along the y-axis) such that they form a grid of vertically and laterally spaced apart 3-dimensional wall spaces having a predetermined height, a predetermined width and a predetermined depth. At least some of the modules 24 positioned in the 3-dimensional spaces have a width substantially equal to a multiple, including one, of the predetermined width, a height substantially equal to a multiple, including one, of the predetermined height, and a depth substantially equal to a multiple, including one, of the predetermined depth.
The modular wall system 20 allows a rapid conversion of a healthcare facility shell space into a patient room or an administrative office with less dirt, noise and disruption than is typical with conventional techniques so that a healthcare facility shell space can be customized to suit patient needs. The modular wall system 20 is flexible to accommodate changes in the configuration of the rooms and spaces as the needs of the patient, caregiver and healthcare facility change. Various modular components 24 can be interchanged and reconfigured easily by the users as the use of the space changes due to changes in functional requirements. The infrastructure and modular components 22, 24 can be reused multiple times. The modular wall system 20 can integrate various pieces of patient care equipment within the modular components. The exterior surfaces of various modular components can be changed to update the look of the modular components without the need to replace the entire component. Decorative panels 106, 108 may be used to add color to a patient room. These modules 24 can be assembled in a myriad of ways to form the rooms and spaces in a healthcare facility, such as patient rooms, nurse stations, Emergency Department, administrative offices, reception area, etc. The width, height and depth of the walls formed by the modular system 20 can be varied depending on the needs of the healthcare facility.
Referring to
The width, height and depth of the vertical panel 202 and the width, height and depth of the worksurface 206 depend on their functionality. Illustratively, the vertical portion 202 is about 4 feet (about 1.22 meters) wide, 4 feet (about 1.22 meters) high and 1 inch (about 2.54 centimeters) deep. Likewise, the worksurface 206 is about 4 feet (about 1.22 meters) wide and 2 feet deep (about 0.61 meter). The worksurface 206 has a height of about 30 inches (about 0.76 meter) above the floor 152 to permit the worksurface 206 to be used by a caregiver seated in a chair. In other embodiments, the worksurface 206 has a height of about 36 inches (about 0.91 meter) above the floor 152 to permit the worksurface 206 to be used by a caregiver while standing up. In still other embodiments, the worksurface 206 is at another elevation, such as 42 inches (about 1.07 meters), above the floor. As previously indicated, the length of the hangers 102 generally match the depth of the associated module 24 supported by said hangers 102. Thus, the length of the hangers 102 used to support the worksurface module 200 is about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters). Optionally, the worksurface module 200 may have integrated hangers 102.
The width, height and depth of the enclosure 242 depends on customer specifications. Illustratively, the enclosure 242 is about 2 feet (about 0.61 meter) wide, 6 feet (about 1.83 meters) high and 4 feet (about 1.22 meters) deep. In some embodiments, the length of the hangers 102 used to support the enclosure 242 is about 4 feet (about 1.22 meters). In some other embodiments, the enclosure 242 is not supported by the hangers 102. Instead, the enclosure 242 rests on the floor 152 such that the pass-through cavity 248 in the enclosure 242 is centered with respect to the width dimension of a 2 feet-wide (about 0.61 meter) opening 114 in an associated frame unit 100. In some embodiments, the enclosure 242 is mounted within a 2 feet-wide (about 0.61 meter) opening 114 in an associated frame unit 100. In some other embodiments, the pass-through cavity 248 of the enclosure 242 is sized to be as wide as the opening 114 in the associated frame unit 100.
The width, height and depth of the enclosure 292 depend on customer requirements. Illustratively, the enclosure 292 is about 2 feet (about 0.61 meter) wide, 4 feet (about 1.22 meters) high and 2 feet (about 0.61 meter) deep. The length of the hangers 102 used to support the enclosure 292 is about 2 feet (about 0.61 meter). In some embodiments, the enclosure 292 is not supported by the hangers 102. Instead, the enclosure 292 rests on the floor 152 such that the cavity 298 in the enclosure 292 is centered with respect to the width dimension of a 2 feet-wide (about 0.61 meter) opening 114 in an associated frame unit 100. In some embodiments, the enclosure 292 is mounted within a 2 feet-wide (about 0.61 meter) opening 114 in an associated frame unit 100. In some other embodiments, the cavity 298 of the enclosure 292 is sized to be as wide as the opening 114 in the associated frame unit 100.
Normally, the 2-feet (60.96 centimeters) wide door 348 is kept closed and the 3-feet (91.44 centimeters) wide door 350 is used for ingress and egress into and out of the patient room 28. Both doors 348, 350 are opened when a relatively wide piece of equipment is to be moved into or out of the patient room 28. The length of the hangers 102 used to support the frame structure 342 is about 1 foot (about 0.31 meter). In some embodiments, the frame structure 342 is not supported by the hangers 102. Instead, the frame structure 342 rests on the floor 152 such that the frame-receiving opening 346 of the frame structure 342 is centered with respect to the width dimension of a 6 feet-wide (about 1.83 meters) opening 114 in an associated frame unit 100. In some embodiments, the frame structure 342 is mounted within a 6 feet-wide (about 1.83 meters) opening 114 in an associated frame unit 100. In some other embodiments, the frame-receiving opening 346 of the frame structure 322 is sized to be as wide as the opening 114 in the associated frame unit 100.
Although not shown in
The clinical wall modules 46 have a width substantially equal to a discrete multiple, including one, of the predetermined lateral spacing 130 between the hanger-receiving openings 120. The clinical wall module 46 have a height substantially equal to a discrete multiple, including one, of the predetermined vertical spacing 132 between the hanger-receiving openings 120. While the width and the height of the modules 46 are a discrete multiple, including one, of the predetermined lateral spacing 130 and the predetermined vertical spacing 132, the depth of the modules 54 may, however, vary depending on their functionality.
Referring to
The hand washing module 400 includes an enclosure 470. The enclosure 470 has a pair of spaced-apart side walls 472, 474, a back wall 476, a front wall 478 and a top wall 480. The front wall 478 extends downwardly a short distance from the top wall 480. The shelf 454 extends forwardly from the back wall 476. The shelf 454 has an opening 482 for receiving the basin 452. A mirror 484 is attached to the back wall 476. A light 486 is secured to the top wall 480. A switch (not shown) for the light 486 is conveniently located on one of the side walls 472, 474. A paper towel dispenser 488 is mounted on the side wall 472. The paper towel dispenser 488 may include a sensor for detecting the presence of a user's hand so that it automatically dispenses a paper towel when it senses a user's hand. The hand washing module 400 may include a water purification system, a drinking water spout, and the like. Illustratively, the enclosure 470 of the hand washing module 400 is about 2 feet (about 0.61 meter) wide, 8 feet (about 2.44 meters) high and 2 feet (about 0.61 meter) deep.
The hand washing and storage module 402 shown in
As shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Although not shown in
The hygiene zone modules 54 have a width substantially equal to a discrete multiple, including one, of the predetermined lateral spacing 130 between the hanger-receiving openings 120. The hygiene zone modules 54 have a height substantially equal to a discrete multiple, including one, of the predetermined vertical spacing 132 between the hanger-receiving openings 120. While the width and the height of the modules 54 are a discrete multiple, including one, of the predetermined lateral spacing 130 and the predetermined vertical spacing 132, the depth of the modules 54 may, however, vary depending on their functionality.
The worksurface module 606, the light module 608 and the supply pass-through module 610 are similar to the worksurface module 200 shown in
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have herein been described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
There is a plurality of advantages of the present invention arising from the various features of the embodiments described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of a device that incorporates one or more of the features of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. Nos. 60/576,868 filed Jun. 3, 2004; 60/576,870 filed Jun. 3, 2004; and 60/640,592 filed Dec. 30, 2004, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US05/19012 | 5/31/2005 | WO | 11/28/2006 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60576868 | Jun 2004 | US | |
60576870 | Jun 2004 | US | |
60640592 | Dec 2004 | US |