TILTING DISPLAY SCREEN ASSEMBLY, DIAGNOSTIC ANALYZER HAVING A TILTING DISPLAY SCREEN ASSEMBLY, AND METHODS - Patent application

Abstract

A tilting display screen assembly for a diagnostic analyzer. The tilting display screen assembly includes a tilting support interconnectable to a portable device having a display screen, a multi-angle adjuster having multiple adjustment features, and a tilt screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tilting support. The tilt screen mechanism includes a shaft, one or more moveable paddles coupled to the shaft, and an adjustment member depending from the shaft configured to engage the adjustment features of the multi-angle adjuster to adjust the tilt angle of the tilting support and the display screen of the portable device. A diagnostic analyzer with a tilting display screen assembly and a method for adjusting the tilt angle of a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer are described as well as other aspects.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 267,205, filed January 27, 2022. The entire contents of the above-referenced patent applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to assemblies providing tilt for a display screen, diagnostic analyzers with tiltable display screen assemblies, and methods thereof. [Background technology]

[0003] In some medical diagnostics, such as rapid medical diagnostics, a sample containing biological material or components thereof is inserted into the internal housing of a diagnostic instrument or device (hereinafter, "diagnostic analyzer"). Such diagnostic analyzers include, but are not limited to, immunoassay instruments adapted to perform molecular tests, hematology analyzers, blood gas analyzers, and chemical analyzers that analyze the sample for its chemical composition and / or identify its analytes. The sample may be a raw sample of or containing biological material, such as whole blood, serum or plasma, pleural fluid, urine, interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, or may be a biological sample that may have been previously processed to extract proteins, analytes, or components of interest to be identified, characterized, and / or measured. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need for increased functionality of such diagnostic analyzers and methods that will allow for improved methods of operation and utilization thereof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, a tilting display screen assembly is provided that includes a tilting support configured to be interconnectable with a portable device including a display screen, a multi-angle adjuster having a plurality of adjustment features, and a tilting screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tilting support, the tilting screen mechanism including: a shaft, one or more moveable paddles coupled to the shaft, and an adjustment member extending from the shaft and having an end configured to engage two or more of the plurality of adjustment features of the multi-angle adjuster to adjust the tilt angle of the tilting support.

[0006] In another embodiment, a diagnostic analyzer is provided. The diagnostic analyzer includes a base, a portable device rotatably coupled to the base and including a display screen, and a tilting display screen assembly interconnected between the base and the portable device. The tilting display screen assembly includes a tilting support interconnected to the portable device and including a support bracket attached to a mounting member configured for mounting to the portable device, a multi-angle adjuster coupled to the base and having a plurality of adjustment features, and a tilting screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tilting support. The tilting screen mechanism includes a shaft, one or more moveable paddles coupled to the shaft, and an adjustment member extending from the shaft and having an end configured to engage two or more of the plurality of adjustment features of the multi-angle adjuster to adjust the tilt of the display screen relative to the base.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method for positioning a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer is provided, the method including providing a base for the diagnostic analyzer, providing a portable device including a display screen, and interconnecting a tilting display screen assembly between the base and the portable device, the tilting display screen assembly including a tilting support including a support bracket attached to a mounting member attached to the portable device, a multi-angle adjuster coupled to the base and having a plurality of adjustment features, and a tilting screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tilting support, the tilting screen mechanism including: an axis, one or more movable paddles coupled to the axis, and an adjustment member extending from the axis and having an end configured to engage at least a portion of the plurality of adjustment features; and depressing the one or more movable paddles to disengage an end of the adjustment member from one of the plurality of adjustment features to tilt the tilting support relative to the base and adjust a tilt angle (TA) of the display screen.

[0008] Further aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description and illustration of several exemplary embodiments, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the disclosure. The present disclosure is also capable of other different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that are within the scope of the claims.

[0009] The drawings described below are for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Accordingly, the drawings and their description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1A]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first exemplary embodiment of a tilting display screen assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is another isometric view of a first exemplary embodiment of a tilting display screen assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of a diagnostic analyzer with a tilting display screen assembly in which a tilt screen mechanism is shown in a coupled configuration in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1 is a partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of a diagnostic analyzer with a tilting display screen assembly in which the tilt screen mechanism is shown in an uncoupled configuration in accordance with the present disclosure, with the adjustment member shown disengaged from the adjustment feature of the multi-angle adjuster so that the tilt angle can be adjusted in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a tilting display screen assembly with a mounting member according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1F] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a mobile device with a display screen configured to be attached to a tilting display screen assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1G] FIG. 1 is a rear isometric view of a mobile device with mounting features configured to couple to a tilting display screen assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1H] 1 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a carry device attached to a mounting member, further illustrating a latch and catch mechanism configured to achieve coupling of the carry device to the mounting member according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1I] 1 is a partial isometric view of a lower portion of a mounting member and a connecting support bracket according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a diagnostic analyzer with a tilting display screen assembly shown in a raised configuration in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 2B]FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a diagnostic analyzer with a tilting display screen assembly shown in a lowered configuration to allow for avoidance of the cabinet and / or cabinet door in accordance with the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a method for positioning a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The present disclosure is directed to a tilting display screen assembly and method for enabling tilting of a display screen, such as a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer. The disclosure is further directed to a diagnostic analyzer including a tilting display screen assembly. According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a tilting display screen assembly is provided that is configured to be easily attachable to and detachable from a portable device and to be interconnected to the portable device such that the display screen can be tilted to provide an altered or improved viewing angle and / or to reduce the height of the display screen so that the display screen can be slid under a storage cabinet or otherwise avoid interference with the operation of components such as cabinet doors.

[0012] More particularly, a tilting display screen assembly, which may be a functional component of a diagnostic analyzer, such as a handheld rapid diagnostic analyzer, may facilitate adjustment of the tilt angle of its display screen. In particular, medical personnel may easily change the tilt angle of a tilting display screen assembly to which a portable device and its display screen are interconnected.

[0013] As used herein, the phrase "coupled to" means attached (e.g., fixedly or releasably) by any suitable attachment mechanism (e.g., screws, snap-fit, press-fit, or other mechanical attachment device), integral with, molded as a part of, extending therefrom, or formed as a sub-member thereof. As used herein, "configured to be interconnectable" means that the referenced elements are interconnectable, either directly attachable to another article or by attachment to an intermediate member that is attached to the article.

[0014] In other embodiments, methods of operation are provided that enable tilting of a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer. Thus, the inventors have invented a new apparatus and method that enables easy tilt angle adjustment of a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer to avoid possible interference with another item, such as a storage cabinet or cabinet door, and / or for removing a portable device (e.g., tablet) containing a display screen therefrom, so that a simple and rapid scan of a patient or other information can be accomplished.

[0015] In one aspect of the disclosure, a tilting display screen assembly is provided. The tilting display screen assembly includes a tilting support (made from one or more parts) configured to be interconnectable with a portable device including a display screen, a multi-angle adjuster having multiple adjustment features, and a tilting screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tilting support. The tilting screen mechanism may further include a shaft, one or more movable paddles coupled to the shaft, and an adjustment member coupled to the shaft (e.g., coupled to the shaft and extending radially therefrom) and having an end configured to engage with two or more of the multiple adjustment features of the multi-angle adjuster to adjust the tilt angle of the tilting support.

[0016] In another aspect of the disclosure, a diagnostic analyzer is provided. The diagnostic analyzer, which may be a blood gas analyzer or other biofluid diagnostic analyzer, includes a base and a portable device rotatably coupled to the base. The portable device includes a display screen. The diagnostic analyzer further includes a tilting display screen assembly interconnected between the base and the portable device. The tilting display screen assembly includes a tilting support interconnected to the portable device and including a support bracket attached to a mounting member configured for mounting to the portable device, a multi-angle adjuster coupled to the base and having multiple adjustment features, and a tilting screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tilting support. The tilting screen mechanism can include a shaft, one or more moveable paddles coupled to the shaft, and an adjustment member depending from the shaft and having an end configured to engage two or more of the multiple adjustment features of the multi-angle adjuster to adjust the tilt of the display screen relative to the base.

[0017] In another aspect of the disclosure, a method for positioning a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer is provided. The method includes providing a base for the diagnostic analyzer, providing a portable device including a display screen, and interconnecting a tilting display screen assembly including a tilting support between the base and the portable device. The tilting support includes a support bracket attached to a mounting member attached to the portable device, a multi-angle adjuster coupled to the base and having a plurality of adjustment features, and a tilting screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tilting support. The tilting screen mechanism includes a shaft, one or more moveable paddles coupled to the shaft, and an adjustment member depending from the shaft and having an end configured to engage at least a portion of the plurality of adjustment features. The method further includes depressing the one or more paddles to disengage an end of the adjustment member from one of the plurality of adjustment features to tilt the tilting support relative to the base and adjust a tilt angle (TA) of the display screen.

[0018] In accordance with the present disclosure, several example embodiments of apparatus and methods configured to enable tilt adjustment of a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer and / or removal of a portable device including a display screen from a diagnostic analyzer are illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 1-3A.

[0019] 1A-1E and 1H-1I illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a tilting display screen assembly 100 that may be an integral part of a diagnostic analyzer 80 (FIGS. 1C-1D) and operable to allow adjustment of the tilt angle (TA) of its portable device 85 (FIGS. 1F-1G), which in some embodiments may be a removable part of the diagnostic analyzer 80. For example, the portable device 85 may be removable from the tilting display screen assembly 100 to accomplish any number of easy and quick functions, such as scanning with a barcode reader integrated with the portable device 85 or using the portable device 85 to obtain patient information, medication information, and / or other diagnostic or medical condition information. Other than the tilting functionality, the remaining details of the diagnostic analyzer 80 are not described herein and are conventional.

[0020] The tilting display screen assembly 100 can be used with any type of diagnostic analyzer 80 in which it is desired to introduce a biological sample into the diagnostic analyzer 80 for testing. For example, the tilting display screen assembly 100 is very useful for simplified rapid diagnostic analyzers such as blood gas analyzers. In particular, the tilting display screen assembly 100 can be used to allow rotation of the display screen 86 so that the overall height of the diagnostic analyzer 80 can be lowered. Through this lowering, the diagnostic analyzer 80 can be lowered to fit under obstructions such as storage cabinets or to avoid interference with the operation of the cabinet doors of the storage cabinet. Because the diagnostic analyzer 80 can be moved below the storage cabinet, counter space can be freed up for other purposes.

[0021] As best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the diagnostic analyzer 80 is shown having a base 125 that can form a housing structure that contains some or all of the diagnostic components of the diagnostic analyzer 80. FIGS. 2A and 2B also show a portable device 85 mounted on a tilting support 102. For example, FIG. 2A shows the portable device 85 with the display screen 86 shown in an upright but slightly tilted position with a tilt angle TA1 of about 10° from vertical. This tilt angle TA1 can make the display screen 86 easier to view by medical personnel. However, the overall height H1 of the diagnostic analyzer 80 may be too high in some cases to slide under a storage cabinet 87 that is located above a countertop surface 88 on which the diagnostic analyzer 80 rests. In some cases, the height H1 may also prevent the cabinet door 89 of the storage cabinet 87 from opening fully, thereby preventing access to various supplies.

[0022] The tilting display screen assembly 100 to which the portable device 85 is interconnected allows the tilting support 102, and thus the interconnected portable device 85, including the display screen 86, to be tilted to a lower height H2, as shown in FIG. 2B. In one example, this allows the cabinet door 89 to be opened to clear the top of the portable device 85 without moving the base 125 of the diagnostic analyzer 80. In another example, the tilting display screen assembly 100 allows the tilting support 102, and thus the interconnected portable device 85, including the display screen 86, to be tilted to a lower height H2, as shown in FIG. 2B, allowing the diagnostic analyzer 80 to slide under the storage cabinet 87 to clear more countertop space.

[0023] More specifically, the tilting display screen assembly 100 includes a tilting support 102, a multi-angle adjuster 104, and a tilt screen mechanism 106. The tilting support 102 is configured to be interconnectable to a portable device 85 including a display screen 86. The tilting support 102 (FIGS. 1E and 1I), in some embodiments, can include a mounting member 114 configured to be attached to a portable device 85 including a display screen 86. The tilting support 102, in some embodiments, can be a single piece, or, as in the first embodiment, is made from two interconnected pieces.

[0024] For example, the tilting support 102 is made from the support bracket 103 shown in Figures 1A-1B and the mounting member 114 shown in Figures 1E and 1I. The portable device 85 can be any computing article or device that is handheld and handled by a medical professional and includes a processor and a display screen 86, such as a computer tablet, a mobile phone, etc. The display screen 86 can be LCD, LED, OLED, and / or AMOLED, and can have a display resolution of, for example, 800x600 dpi or greater. The display screen 86 is fixed to the body of the portable device 85. Other suitable screen types as well as other screen resolutions can be used.

[0025] The support bracket 103 comprises a molded body made, for example, from injection molded plastic, as best shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1I. The body can include side walls 103W, which are vertically oriented and spaced apart. The body can further include spring mounting tabs 103T, as described later in this specification. It can include one or more coupling bosses 103B or holes to receive fasteners (Figure 1I) for attaching the support bracket 103 to a backside of the mounting member 114. The mounting member 114 is configured to be removably attached to a portable device 85 including a display screen 86.

[0026] The mounting member 114 may include a device support surface 114S configured to contact the underside 85S of the carrying device 85, as shown in FIGS. 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1G. The mounting member 114 may include side retention features 116L, 116R (shown in FIGS. 1E and 1I), such as walls or other suitable position fixing or restraining features, that may engage and / or otherwise restrain lateral (horizontal as shown) movement of the carrying device 85 on the mounting member 114. In some embodiments, a small gap may be allowed between the sides of the carrying device 85 and the side retention features 116L, 116R to allow only limited lateral movement. The mounting member 114 may include a lower support portion 118, which may include one or more support hooks in some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple of the support hooks 118L, 118R are spaced apart as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1I. The one or more support hooks 118L, 118R are configured to receive, contact, and support a lower portion of the carrying device 85. In some embodiments, the lower support 118 may engage an adapter 92, such as a hook, attached to or integral with the underside of the carrying device 85, as shown in FIG. 1G. Other suitable structural arrangements for the lower support 118 may be used to support the carrying device 85.

[0027] In some embodiments, the attachment member 114 can include a latch portion 117. The latch portion 117 can be, for example, a spring-loaded protrusion configured to be received in a catch feature 90 formed as a recess in the back surface 85S of the portable device 85, as shown in Figures 1E, 1G, and 1H. In particular, the latch portion 117 can be received and captured in the catch feature 90 of the portable device 85, such as in the illustrated undercut pocket formed in the back surface 85S of the portable device 85.

[0028] Once the portable device 85 is attached to the mounting member 114, it can be removed from the mounting member 114 by pulling the portable device 85 up in the direction of arrow 120 (FIGS. 1E and 1H). After using the portable device 85, such as to obtain (scan) a patient's barcode information and / or obtain other suitable information, the portable device 85 can be reattached to the mounting member 114 by inserting the adapter 92 on the bottom of the portable device 85 into the bottom support portion 118 (e.g., one or more support hooks 118L, 118R) and rotating the top of the portable device 85 towards the latch portion 117. When the latch portion 117 contacts the edge 90E of the catch feature 90 (FIG. 1H), the latch portion 117 rotates downward (e.g., counterclockwise as indicated by arrow 91) so that the lock tab 117L rotates about the rotation axis 117R and passes through the edge 90E of the catch feature 90, as shown in FIG. 1H, and can then rotate (clockwise, opposite the direction of arrow 91) back into the catch feature 90 (e.g., the undercut pocket).

[0029] 1H thus shows that the latch portion 117 has rotated clockwise (opposite to the arrow 91) about the rotation axis 117R under the restoring force of the latch spring 119 and engaged with the catch feature 90 (the undercut pocket). Other suitable latch portions and catch mechanisms, as well as other spring types, may be used to secure the carrying device 85 to the mounting member 114.

[0030] 1A-1D, the tilting display screen assembly 100 includes a multi-angle adjuster 104 having multiple adjustment features 105. The multi-angle adjuster 104 is coupled to a base 125 of the diagnostic analyzer 80, which may include two or more multiple adjustment features 105. The multiple adjustment features 105 may be steps, ribs, or other suitable engagement features configured to engage with an edge 128 to allow adjustment of the tilt angle (TA) of the tilting support 102. The coupling to the base 125 may be by any suitable fastening means, such as by using a mechanical fastener (e.g., one or more screws), by being captured between parts of the base 125, by using a snap-fit ​​feature to snap into the base 125, by making the multi-angle adjuster 104 integral with the base 125, by adhering to the base 125 by using an adhesive, or by being otherwise coupled to the base. A plurality of adjustment features 105 including two or more steps can provide two or more tilt angle (TA) adjustment increments. However, in some embodiments, there may be more than four tilt angle adjustment increments, such as by implementing five or more steps. In the depicted embodiment, seven steps are shown, allowing seven discreet tilt angle (TA) adjustments of the display screen 86 relative to the base 125. Other numbers of discreet tilt angle (TA) adjustments greater than two discreet tilt angle (TA) adjustments can be used.

[0031] The tilting display screen assembly 100 further includes a tilting screen mechanism 106 that is operatively pivotable relative to the tilting support 102, such as relative to the support bracket 103, such as when the tilting support 102 includes a two-piece structure including a support bracket 103 and a mounting member 114. However, in some embodiments, the mounting member 114 and the support bracket 103 may be molded as a unitary piece. In either configuration, the tilting support 102 includes the mounting member 114, and the portable device 85 may be easily removable from the mounting member 114.

[0032] The tilting screen mechanism 106 may further include an axle 108, one or more movable paddles 110R, 110L (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1E), and an adjustment member 126. The tilting support 102 may include a support bracket 103 to which the axle 108 is pivotally mounted. The axle 108 may have any desired shape to accommodate pivoting (rotation) about its axis of rotation 113 (FIG. 1A). In particular, the axle 108 may be supported by and ride (rotate) on one or more bearing journals, such as bearing supports 130, at least partially formed from the support bracket 103, which may be spaced apart interior formed features of the support bracket 103, for example formed at least partially in the interior wall 103I. The bearing support 130 operates to support the shaft 108 and to sufficiently restrict its radial movement so that the shaft 108 is free to rotate, yet is supported to constrain its radial position to substantially form a radially fixed axis of rotation 113. The bearing support 130 may be provided with a small amount of taper at the bearing support 130 relative to the diameter of the shaft 108 to allow such free rotation of the shaft 108.

[0033] 1I, bearing support 130 is formed from features formed on the underside of mounting member 114 and internal formed features of support bracket 103 that interact with each other to form a bearing journal that captures axle 108 of tilting screen mechanism 106. Optionally, bearing support 130 is formed into sidewall 103W and axle 108, or otherwise formed by any suitable means.

[0034] One or more movable paddles, such as the movable paddles 110R, 110L (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1E), are coupled to one or more outer ends of the shaft 108. In some embodiments, the one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R can have, for example, a first of the one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R attached to a first end of the shaft 108 and a second of the one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R attached to a second, opposite end of the shaft 108. Additionally, the shaft 108 can include axial restraining features 120L, 120R (FIGS. 1A, 1B) that operate to limit axial movement of the shaft 108 relative to the tiltable support 102, and in particular relative to the support bracket 103. In some embodiments, the axial restraining features 120L, 120R can have an annular shape and can be located outside the support wall 130W. The axial restraining features 120L, 120R are, for example, integrally molded onto the shaft 108.

[0035] Additionally, accessory stop 122 may depend from shaft 108 and may have an end portion configured to engage limit stop 124 to limit rotation of shaft 108 relative to tiltable support 102. For example, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, contact between the underside of accessory stop 122 and the top of limit stop 124 may limit rotation in the direction of arrow 123. Rotation may be limited, for example, to between about 20° of rotation from enough for end 128 to jump over a number of adjustment features 105 (e.g., a step).

[0036] The one or more movable paddles 110R, 110L may be elements having one or more surfaces generally parallel to the surface of the display screen 86. For tactile assistance, the underside of the one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R may include a notched or recessed back 110B, with an ideal configuration including a recess that may be large enough to accommodate at least two fingertips of a medical practitioner manipulating the tilting screen mechanism 106. This allows the medical practitioner to depress the one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R by touching and pinching the front of the handheld device with their thumb and the underside of the one or more paddles 110L, 110R with one or more fingers.

[0037] The tilting screen mechanism 106 may further include an adjustment member 126 depending from the axis 108 and having an end 128 configured to engage two or more of the plurality of adjustment features 105 of the multi-angle adjuster 104 to adjust the tilt of the tilting support 102, and thus the tilt angle (TA) of the portable device 85 and its display screen 86. When one or more of the movable paddles 110L, 110R are depressed in the direction of the arrow 131 in FIG. 1D, the axis 108 rotates and the end 128 of the adjustment member 126 disengages from one of the plurality of adjustment features 105 of the multi-angle adjuster 104. The tilting support 102 may then rotate (pivot) about the mounting axis 129 (FIG. 1I) to another tilt angle (such as TA2 shown in FIG. 2B), and then the one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R may be released to re-engage the end 128 with a different one of the plurality of adjustment features 105.

[0038] The mounting axis 129 is the axis of rotation of the mounting member 114 relative to the base 125 of the diagnostic analyzer 80 and may be formed by any suitable structure, such as, for example, a shaft or pin that interfaces with a lower portion of the mounting member 114 and a front portion of the base 125. The tilting support 102 may be adjustable, for example, at a tilt angle (TA) of at least 15°, or even at least 20°. In some embodiments, the tilt angle (TA) may be adjustable, for example, from about 5° to 45°, or even from about 10° to 35°.

[0039] The shaft 108 is fitted with a spring 115 offset a radial distance from its axis of rotation 113. For example, the spring 115 as shown in FIG. 1A (shown in dotted lines in FIGS. 1B-1D) is attached to a spring mounting tab 108T of the shaft 108, which is radially offset from the axis of rotation 113 of the shaft 108. The offset may be about 0.25 inches and the spring constant may be, for example, 1-2 pounds per inch. Other suitable offsets and spring constants, as well as spring types other than coil springs, may be used. In some embodiments, the spring 115 is further attached to the support bracket 103 of the tilting support 102. Thus, the spring 115 is attached and secured between the spring mounting tab 103T of the support bracket 103 and the spring mounting tab 108T of the shaft 108. The spring 115 springs the tilt screen mechanism 106 into a normally engaged position, with an end 128 of the adjustment member 126 normally engaging one of the adjustment features 105 (e.g., steps, etc.). For clarity and for purposes of illustration, the spring 115 is shown removed in FIG. 1A, but is attached during use.

[0040] Thus, in some embodiments, a diagnostic analyzer 80 is provided that includes a base 125, a portable device 85 having a display screen 86 rotatably (i.e., pivotally) coupled to the base 125, and a tilting display screen assembly 100 as described herein interconnected between the base 125 and the portable device 85. As described above, the tilting display screen assembly 100 can include a tilting support 102 interconnected to the portable device 85, a multi-angle adjuster 104, and a tilt screen mechanism 106. The tilting support 102 can include a support bracket 103 attached to a mounting member 114 configured to mount to the portable device 85. The multi-angle adjuster 104 is directly or indirectly coupled to the base 125 of the diagnostic analyzer 80. The multi-angle adjuster 104 has multiple adjustment features 105 formed thereon, such as two or more adjustment features 105. The tilting screen mechanism 106 may be pivotable relative to the tilting support 102 and may include an axis 108, one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R connected to the axis 108, and an adjustment member 126 depending from the axis 108 and having an end 128 configured to engage two or more of the multiple adjustment features 105 of the multi-angle adjuster 104 to adjust the tilt of the display screen 86 relative to the base 125.

[0041] 3, in another embodiment, a method 300 for positioning a display screen 86 of a diagnostic analyzer 80 is provided. The method 300 includes, at block 302, providing a base 125 of the diagnostic analyzer 80, and, at block 304, providing a portable device 85 including the display screen 86.

[0042] The method 300 further includes, at block 306, interconnecting a tilting display screen assembly 100 between the base 125 and the portable device 85, the tilting display screen assembly 100 including: a tilting support 102 including a support bracket 103 attached to a mounting member 114 that is attached to the portable device 85, a multi-angle adjuster 104 coupled to the base 125 and having a plurality of adjustment features 105, and a tilting screen mechanism 106 pivotable relative to the tilting support 102. The tilting screen mechanism 106 includes an axis 108, one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R coupled to the axis 108, and an adjustment member 126 depending from the axis 108 and having an end 128 configured to engage at least a portion of the plurality of adjustment features 105.

[0043] The method 300 further includes, in block 308, depressing one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R to disengage an end 128 of the adjustment member 126 from one of the plurality of adjustment features 105 to tilt the tilt support 102 relative to the base 125 and adjust the tilt angle (TA) of the display screen 86.

[0044] As should be appreciated, the various sequences involved in the method 300 may be performed in any desired order.

[0045] The following is a list of non-limiting exemplary embodiments disclosed herein: 1. A first exemplary embodiment tilting display screen assembly, comprising: a tilting support configured to be interconnectable to a portable device including a display screen; Multi-angle adjuster with multiple adjustment functions; and a tilting screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tilting support, the tilting screen mechanism comprising: Axle and one or more movable paddles connected to a shaft; an adjustment member extending from the shaft and having an end configured to engage with two or more of the multiple adjustment features of the multi-angle adjuster to adjust the tilt angle of the tilt-type support; a tilting display screen assembly including: 2. A tilting display screen assembly as described in the first exemplary embodiment, wherein the tilting support includes a support bracket, and the shaft is pivotally attached to the support bracket. 3. The tilting display screen assembly of exemplary embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the support bracket is attached to a mounting member configured to mount a portable device including the display screen. 4. A tilting display screen assembly as described in any one of exemplary embodiments 1-3, wherein the tilting support includes a mounting member configured to be attachable to a portable device including a display screen. 5. A tilting display screen assembly as described in any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the mounting member includes one or more support hooks configured to receive a bottom portion of the portable device. 6. A tilt-type display screen assembly as described in any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the mounting member includes a hook portion configured to be received by a catch feature on the back of the portable device. 7. The tilting display screen assembly of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-6, wherein the tilting support includes a support bracket and a mounting member. 8. A tilting display screen assembly as described in any one of exemplary embodiments 1-7, wherein the one or more movable paddles include a first movable paddle attached to a first end of the axis and a second movable paddle attached to a second end of the axis. 9. A tilting display screen assembly as described in any one of exemplary embodiments 1-8, further comprising a spring attached to the axle, the spring being attached offset from the axis of rotation of the axle. 10. The tilting display screen assembly of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-9, wherein the spring is further attached to the support bracket of the tilting support. 11. A tilting display screen assembly as described in any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the shaft has an axial restraining feature that limits axial movement of the shaft relative to the tilting support. 12. A tilting display screen assembly as described in any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the axis is supported by a bearing support of the support bracket and is radially constrained. 13. A tilting display screen assembly as described in any one of exemplary embodiments 1-12, including an accessory stop extending from the shaft and having an end portion configured to engage a limit stop to limit rotation of the shaft relative to the tilting support. 14. The tilting display screen assembly of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-13, wherein the multi-angle adjuster is coupled to the base, and the multi-angle adjuster includes two or more stages. 15. The tilting display screen assembly of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-14, wherein the tilting support is adjustable over a tilt angle of at least 15°. 16. The tilting display screen assembly of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-15, wherein the tilting support includes a mounting member and the portable device is removable from the mounting member. 17. A tilt-type display screen assembly as described in any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the mounting member includes one or more support hooks configured to receive the bottom of the portable device and a spring-loaded latch portion configured to be received in a catch feature on the back of the portable device. 18. A tilting display screen assembly as described in any one of exemplary embodiments 1-17, wherein the mounting member includes a mounting axis, and the mounting member is tiltable about the mounting axis. 19. A diagnostic analyzer comprising: Base and; a handheld device rotatably coupled to a base; a tilting display screen assembly interconnected between the base and the portable device, the tilting display screen assembly being any one of the exemplary embodiments 1-18; a diagnostic analyzer comprising: 20. A method of positioning a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer, comprising: To provide a base for diagnostic analyzers; Providing a portable device including a display screen; interconnecting a tilting display screen assembly according to any one of exemplary embodiments 1-18 between the base and the portable device; depressing one or more of the movable paddles to disengage an end of the adjustment member from one of the plurality of adjustment features to tilt the tiltable support relative to the base and adjust the tilt angle of the display screen; A method comprising:

[0046] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of the assemblies, devices, diagnostic analyzers and methods thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail, It should be understood, however, that the specific assemblies, devices, diagnostic analyzers and methods disclosed herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A tilting display screen assembly comprising: a tilting support configured to be interconnectable with a portable device including a display screen; A multi-angle adjuster having multiple adjustment functions; and a tilting screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tilting support, the tilting screen mechanism comprising: Axle and one or more moveable paddles coupled to the shaft; and an adjustment member extending from the axis and having an end configured to engage with two or more of the multiple adjustment features of the multi-angle adjuster to adjust the tilt angle of the tilting support.

2. 10. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the tilting support includes a support bracket, the shaft being pivotally mounted to the support bracket.

3. 3. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 2, wherein the support bracket is attached to a mounting member configured to mount a portable device including a display screen.

4. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 1 , wherein the tilting support includes a mounting member configured to be attachable to a portable device including a display screen.

5. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 4 , wherein the mounting member includes one or more support hooks configured to receive a bottom portion of the portable device.

6. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 4 , wherein the mounting member includes a latch portion configured to be received by a catch feature on a rear surface of the mobile device.

7. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 1 , wherein the tilting support includes a support bracket and a mounting member.

8. 10. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more movable paddles include a first movable paddle attached to a first end of the shaft and a second movable paddle attached to a second end of the shaft.

9. 10. The tiltable display screen assembly of claim 1 further comprising a spring attached to the axle, the spring being mounted offset from an axis of rotation of the axle.

10. 10. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 9, wherein the spring is further attached to a support bracket of the tilting support.

11. 10. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the axle has an axial restraint feature that limits axial movement of the axle relative to the tilting support.

12. 10. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the shaft is supported by bearing supports of a support bracket and is radially constrained.

13. 10. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 1 including an attachment stop extending from the axle and having an end portion configured to engage a limit stop to limit rotation of the axle relative to the tilting support.

14. 10. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 1, wherein a multi-angle adjuster is coupled to the base, the multi-angle adjuster including two or more stages.

15. 10. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the tilting support is adjustable over a tilt angle of at least 15 degrees.

16. 10. The tilting display screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the tilting support includes a mounting member, and the portable device is removable from the mounting member.

17. 17. The tiltable display screen assembly of claim 16, wherein the mounting member includes one or more support hooks configured to receive a bottom portion of the portable device and a spring-loaded latch portion configured to be received in a catch feature on a rear surface of the portable device.

18. 17. The tiltable display screen assembly of claim 16, wherein the mounting member includes a mounting axis, the mounting member being tiltable about the mounting axis.

19. 1. A diagnostic analyzer comprising: Base and; a portable device rotatably coupled to the base and including a display screen; a tilting display screen assembly interconnected between the base and the portable device, the tilting display screen assembly comprising: a tiltable support including a support bracket attached to a mounting member interconnected to the portable device and configured to mount to the portable device; a multi-angle adjuster coupled to the base and having multiple adjustment capabilities; and a tilting screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tilting support, the tilting screen mechanism comprising: Axle and one or more moveable paddles coupled to the shaft; an adjustment member extending from the axis and having an end configured to engage two or more of a plurality of adjustment features of a multi-angle adjuster to adjust a tilt of a display screen relative to the base.

20. 1. A method of positioning a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer, comprising: Providing a base for a diagnostic analyzer; Providing a portable device including a display screen; interconnecting a tilting display screen assembly between a base and a portable device, the tilting display screen assembly including a tilting support including a support bracket attached to a mounting member attached to the portable device, a multi-angle adjuster coupled to the base and having a plurality of adjustment features, and a tilting screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tilting support, the tilting screen mechanism including: a shaft, one or more movable paddles coupled to the shaft, and an adjustment member extending from the shaft and having an end configured to engage at least a portion of the plurality of adjustment features; depressing one or more of the movable paddles to disengage an end of the adjustment member from one of the plurality of adjustment features to tilt the tiltable support relative to the base and adjust the tilt angle of the display screen; The method comprising:

Images