Controller support apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a controller for remotely controlling an implantable device that is used to adjust a gastric band, and the controller transmits a telemetric signal to the implantable device. The apparatus further comprises a table that provides support for the controller. A rail is oriented in a first direction with respect to the table, and a tray is slidably coupled to the rail. The tray receives the controller, and the rail moves the tray and the controller in the first direction with respect to the table. The apparatus further comprises a roller coupled to the rail. The roller aids in moving the rail, the tray, and the controller in a second direction with respect to the table. The apparatus further comprises an attachment mechanism for securing the controller to the tray. The apparatus locates the controller in a desired location with respect to a patient.

1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a controller for remotely controlling an implantable device that is used to adjust a gastric band, the controller transmitting a telemetric signal to the implantable device;   a table for providing support for the controller;   a rail oriented in a first direction with respect to the table;   a tray slidably coupled to the rail for receiving the controller and moving the tray and the controller in the first direction with respect to the table; and   a roller coupled to the rail for moving the rail, the tray, and the controller in a second direction with respect to the table.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a non-metallic attachment mechanism for securing the controller to the tray. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the attachment mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a strap, a cup, a cavity, a tray, a grasper, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising an adjustable leg movable with respect to the table for adjusting a height of the table. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the adjustable leg comprises a telescoping pole to facilitate moving the adjustable leg with respect to the table. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising a knob operatively coupled to the telescoping pole for maintaining the height of the table. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the telescoping pole is within the adjustable leg. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the adjustable leg comprises a foot coupled to the telescoping pole. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the controller weighs approximately three pounds to approximately eight pounds, and wherein the tray is capable of moving and maintaining position of the controller. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an electromechanical device for automatic movement of the tray or the rail. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus comprising:
 a controller for remotely controlling an implantable device that is used to adjust a gastric band, the controller transmitting a telemetric signal to the implantable device;   a table for providing support for the controller;   an adjustable leg movable with respect to the table for adjusting a height of the table;   a telescoping pole within the adjustable leg to facilitate moving the adjustable leg with respect to the table;   a knob operatively coupled to the telescoping pole for maintaining the height of the table;   a rail oriented in a first direction with respect to the table;   a tray slidably coupled to the rail for moving the tray in the first direction with respect to the table, wherein the tray is dimensioned to receive and secure the controller for remotely controlling the implantable device;   an attachment mechanism for securing the controller to the tray, wherein the controller comprises attachment locations for the attachment mechanism; and   a roller coupled to the rail for moving the rail and the tray in a second direction with respect to the table.   
     
     
         12 . An apparatus comprising:
 a base;   a fixed pole connected to the base;   a manipulator arm having a first end connected to the fixed pole and a second end, the manipulator arm capable of moving while the fixed pole is stationary;   an attachment device, coupled to the second end of the manipulator arm; and   a controller, coupled to the manipulator arm via the attachment device, for remotely controlling an implantable device that is used to adjust a gastric band, the controller transmitting a telemetric signal to the implantable device.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the attachment device is made of a non-metallic material. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the attachment device is selected from a group consisting of a strap, a cup, a cavity, a tray, a grasper, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the controller comprises a display screen for viewing data related to the implantable device. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the controller comprises a hands-free controller. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 12  further comprising a plurality of wheels attached to the base for moving the fixed pole. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein at least one of the plurality of wheels comprises a brake. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the manipulator arm comprises a first movable segment and a second movable segment. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising a first friction stop swivel joint connecting the first movable segment to the second movable segment, wherein the first friction stop swivel joint is configured to maintain a position of the controller when the controller weighs from approximately three pounds to approximately eight pounds. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20  wherein the first friction stop swivel joint comprises a knob to lock the first friction stop swivel join. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 20  further comprising a second friction stop swivel joint connecting the second movable segment to a third movable segment, wherein the first friction stop swivel joint rotates about a first axis and the second friction stop swivel joint rotates about a second axis different than the first axis to allow three-dimensional movement of the controller. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 20  further comprising a second friction stop swivel joint connecting the second movable segment to a third movable segment, wherein the first friction stop swivel joint rotates about multiple axes and the second friction stop swivel joint rotates about multiple axes to allow three-dimensional movement of the controller. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 12  further comprising an electromechanical device for automatic movement of the manipulator arm. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 12  further comprising a friction stop swivel joint connecting the first end of the manipulator arm to the fixed pole. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the base is a weighted base to counter-balance the controller having a weight of between approximately three pounds and approximately eight pounds. 
     
     
         27 . An apparatus comprising:
 a weighted base comprising a plurality of wheels for moving the base, at least one of the plurality of wheels comprising a brake for maintaining the apparatus in a desired location;   a fixed pole connected to the base;   a manipulator arm having a first end connected to the fixed pole via a first friction stop swivel joint, and a second end, the manipulator arm capable of moving while the fixed pole is stationary, the manipulator arm comprising a first movable segment connected to a second movable segment via a second friction stop swivel joint;   an attachment device, coupled to the second end of the manipulator arm; and   a controller, coupled to the manipulator arm via the attachment device, for remotely controlling an implantable device that is used to adjust a gastric band, the controller transmitting a telemetric signal to the implantable device,   wherein the attachment device is configured to position and maintain position of the controller, the controller weighing between approximately three pounds and approximately eight pounds.   
     
     
         28 . A method for positioning a controller of a remotely adjustable gastric banding system near a patient, the method comprising:
 positioning the controller proximate a support apparatus;   attaching the controller to the support apparatus using an attachment mechanism selected from a group consisting of a strap, a cup, a cavity, a tray, a grasper, and combinations thereof; and   adjusting the support apparatus to move the controller to a position for remotely adjusting an implantable gastric band, wherein the adjusting the support apparatus is accomplished without an operator holding the controller.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28  further comprising:
 adjusting a telescoping pole to increase or decrease a height of the support apparatus; and 
 locking the telescoping pole in place. 
 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28  further comprising:
 positioning the controller on a tray; 
 sliding the tray and the controller in a first direction; and 
 sliding the tray and the controller in a second direction to appropriately position the controller with respect to the patient. 
 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 28  further comprising:
 moving a manipulator arm to appropriately position the controller with respect to the patient; and 
 locking a friction stop swivel joint to prevent movement of the controller.