Delivery channel

Abstract

The present invention is a delivery channel is configured movement while maintaining a consistent orientation of items attached thereto. The delivery channel includes a frame support with a front plate attached thereto. The front plate includes at least one means for holding a medical instrument and at least one control mechanism for the medical instrument. The at least one means for holding medical instrument and the at least one control mechanism are attached to the front plate to facilitate a consistent orientation during movement of frame support. A support body engages an aperture defined within the frame support and is configured for engaging a support post attached to an object. In operation, the at least one means for holding medical instrument and the at least one control mechanism are in a consistent orientation relative to one another during movement of the frame support.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is related to and claims priority from earlier filed provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 017,823, filed Dec. 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a new delivery channel or control box configured for movement while maintaining a consistent orientation of items attached thereto. In addition, the delivery channel provides a simple and convenient design for usage in a medical or dental office.[0003]In the prior art, there exists a need for powered hand-pieces and suction utilities easily accessible to the doctor(s) and assistants performing a procedure on a patient. In the prior art, these hand-pieces are attached via an arm mounted to the patient chair, a side wall, a rear cabinet or to a central control unit via flexible umbilicals. On the central control unit, there are controls (speed, pressure, voltage, etc.) and gauges / digital displays whic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]An embodiment of the present invention preserves the advantages of prior art delivery channels. In addition, it provides new advantages not found in currently available delivery channels and overcomes many disadvantages of such currently available delivery channels.

[0017]The present invention is a delivery channel for a medical or dental office which features adjustable orientation. The delivery channel is configured for movement while maintaining a consistent orientation of items attached thereto. In addition, the delivery channel provides a simple and convenient design for a user in a medical or dental office.

Problems solved by technology

Mistakes in initiation or adjustment of controls could have negative consequences, for the patient, the operator, or both, during operatory procedures.

This recessed, or behind the patient, location makes it impossible for the operator to actually see control knobs without bending over to peer under the work surface or turning around.

In a normal, seated operatory position, it would be very easy for an operator to accidentally turn the wrong knob or actuate an unintended switch with unfortunate results.

As with the control knobs, the recessed mounting location of the prior art makes it impossible for the operator to see essential gauges and digital displays while seated in their normal operatory positions.

In a dental or medical operatory environment, the linear counter, under counter, and wall space is very limited.

The linear space within the, ergonomically acceptable, reach of the operator is especially restricted.

Their housing occupies approximately 16 to 22 inches of available space, albeit in an awkward location.

For example, it would be difficult to operate an automobile safely if the brake and accelerator pedals sometimes swapped locations with each other.

This varying physical relationship compounded by the visibility issues described above, increases operator stress and increases the likelihood of errors every time the orientation is changed.

In the prior art, as illustrated in FIG. 1, there are multiple problems regarding the design dictated umbilical lengths and their origination points.

Additionally, in the prior art, these long supply lines are prone to developing bio-film.

Bio-film is an undesirable organic growth which contaminates the insides of long supply line tubing.

It is a significant problem in medical and dental equipment and poses health risks to patients.

Mitigation requires time and expense.

This loom assembly 100 adds cost and makes it difficult to replace single umbilicals within the assembly.

They require significant unscrewing / unbolting and general disassembly of the cart for repair and / or replacement.

This disassembly is beyond the usual expertise and available time of typical dental or medical staff.

Shipping an approximately 3×2×2 foot unit is time consuming, inconvenient and costly.

During the repair time, the entire unit is unavailable for use.

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