Abstract: A device has been designed that allows for modular rearrangement of groups of controls such that a user can shift control “pods” from left to right on the face of the device without changing the functionality of the device in any manner. The pods are electrically and mechanically movable from one port to another and thus pods can be designed having different control types for controlling the same function. Thus, an operator can select the operator's preferred control types for a particular set of functions and can then adapt the control panel with the operator's preference of both control type and control function location. This then allows the same device to be used by different operators one after the other with each operator being able to customize the control panel according to that operator's preferences. In one embodiment operators can rearrange the control panel in the hot mode so that the device need not be turned off.

Abstract: A cable management system for use with electrical devices, such as, for example, a ultrasound imaging system, is provided comprising a rotatable reel coupled to an end of each of an elongated flexible circuit member and an elongated cable. Each of a plurality of wires of the cable is electrically coupled to a respective conductor of the flexible circuit member to create separate conductive paths or signal channels. The cable management system is configured such that, as the cable moves from a generally retracted configuration in which a majority of the cable is wound about the reel to a generally extended configuration, the flexible circuit member simultaneously contracts about the reel. As a corollary, the flexible circuit member relaxes or unwinds as the cable moves from the extended configuration towards the retracted configuration.

Abstract: Ultrasound scanner support devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, an ultrasound scanner support device can include a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The ultrasound scanner support device can further include a recess having an interior surface between the first and second surfaces and a sidewall extending from the first surface to the interior surface. The recess can be shaped to releasably retain an ultrasound scanner connector. The ultrasound scanner support device can further include a peripheral channel extending around a perimeter of the body. The peripheral channel can have a curve at each directional change. Additionally, the ultrasound scanner support device can include a holder coupled to the body and configured to releasably retain an ultrasound scanner.

Abstract: Ultrasound scanner support devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, an ultrasound scanner support device can include a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The ultrasound scanner support device can further include a recess having an interior surface between the first and second surfaces and a sidewall extending from the first surface to the interior surface. The recess can be shaped to releasably retain an ultrasound scanner connector. The ultrasound scanner support device can further include a peripheral channel extending around a perimeter of the body. The peripheral channel can have a curve at each directional change. Additionally, the ultrasound scanner support device can include a holder coupled to the body and configured to releasably retain an ultrasound scanner.

Abstract: A disc throwing game with multiple scoring components includes four flexible poles with point values associated with each different longitudinal segment of the poles. Each set of two poles is placed into or supported vertically on the ground at opposite ends of a playing field, and an inverted cup is placed on top of each pole. The teams stand at opposite ends of the field, behind their set of poles. The offensive team throws a disc, attempting to strike the defensive team's pole(s), knocking the cup(s) from the poles. The offensive team scores points by striking the defending team's pole(s) or cup(s), but only if the defending team does not catch the disc or the falling cup(s) before they strike the ground. The defending team thus attempts to catch a deflected disc or falling cup(s) to prevent the offensive team from scoring.

Abstract: An enhanced ultrasound housing and enhanced ultrasound platform facilitates a technician-friendly layout by providing a beneficial ergonomic layout. Control switches may also be configured to provide convenient implementation of ultrasound techniques. Further, an enhanced ultrasound housing and enhanced ultrasound platform provides physical protection to the device. Physical protection may come in the form of an exoskeletal member, or from a covering which inhibits liquid penetration.

Abstract: When portable diagnostic medical equipment is placed into a dock, or docking station, the batteries of the docking station are used in a hierarchical manner to insure that the batteries in the portable equipment become charged and that any power needed to run the portable device is provided from a power source local to the docking station. In one embodiment, the docking station has a plurality of batteries and the system is designed so that when a portable diagnostic device is docked, the power from the docking station batteries will be used in a predetermined usage pattern so as to preserve (and charge) the batteries in the portable diagnostic tool.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at systems and methods by which a flat panel display may be supported by a stand, which can also be used as a hook, or other connecting mechanism, to hang the monitor from. In one embodiment, the “kickstand” can be rotated upward without disconnecting it from the body of the flat panel display. In another embodiment, the “kickstand” is attached to a VESA mounting bracket.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows for a simplified user interface tailored to specific procedures and which allows for mobility and easy sanitation. Advantage is taken of an understanding as to the critical functions that an operator is to perform for a specific range of procedures and tailoring the user input to accommodate only those functions. In one embodiment, the user interface consists of a touch screen and a rotatable knob having positional indents with the indents providing incremental increases or decreases in functionality specific to exams or procedures performed with the sonographic equipment. Using this approach, the complexity normally associated with operating sonographic devices is greatly reduced. The operational controls available from the touch screen are changeable to accommodate different function uses of the sonographic device.