Mobile computer workstation

1. A workstation adapted to be readily moved from room-to-room by a medical practitioner in a healthcare environment, comprising:

a chassis comprising a plurality of wheels and a substantially vertical beam;

the beam comprising a first member and a second member, the second member directly or indirectly connected to the first member, the second member being operable to move relative to the first member;

a tray connected to the beam, the tray comprising a receptacle having an upper surface, sides, and a bottom;

a computer located within the tray and below the upper surface;

a display screen located above the tray;

the upper surface of the tray defining a work surface substantially unoccupied by the computer and the display screen to provide a convenient writing surface to the medical practitioner, or for the medical practitioner to place files, medical instruments, or medications;

a keyboard tray operable to position a keyboard in front of and below the work surface;

a rechargeable battery supported by the chassis such that at least a portion of the battery is lower than an upper surface of at least one of the plurality of wheels;

a battery charger supported by the chassis and operably connected to the rechargeable battery; and

wherein the vertical height of the work surface changes when the second member moves relative to the first member.

2. The workstation of claim 1 , further comprising a power cable operably connecting the rechargeable battery to at least one of the computer and display screen; and

wherein the power cable is routed such that at least a portion of the power cable is within the vertical beam.

3. The workstation of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the rechargeable battery is located lower than the first member of the beam.

4. The workstation of claim 1 , further comprising:

a video camera operably connected to the display screen; and

a video-conferencing system.

5. The workstation of claim 1 , further comprising:

a second display screen located above the tray and off of the work surface.

6. The workstation of claim 1 , further comprising:

a patient vital signs capture device comprising a sensor device and a control device, wherein the control device receives information from the sensor device.

7. The workstation of claim 6 , wherein the patient vital signs capture device comprises at least one of a blood pressure monitor, a thermometer, and a pulse oximetry device.

8. The workstation according to claim 1 , further comprising:

a radio transceiver; and

a medical monitoring device; and

wherein the radio transceiver is in communication with the medical monitoring device.

9. The workstation of claim 1 , further comprising means for controlling movement of the second member of the beam relative to the first member.

10. The workstation of claim 9 , wherein the means for controlling movement of the second member of the beam relative to the first member comprises one of a rack and pinion, a cable and pulley, a ratchet, a ball screw, a removable pin and holes arrangement, and a gas-spring.

11. The mobile computer workstation of claim 1 , wherein the beam comprises a length; and

wherein the length of the beam changes when the second member moves relative to the first member.

12. The mobile computer workstation of claim 1 , wherein the beam is linearly extensible.

13. The mobile computer workstation of claim 1 , wherein the work surface is horizontally-oriented; and

wherein the work surface maintains the horizontal orientation while the second member moves relative to the first member.

14. The mobile computer workstation of claim 1 , wherein the first member and the second member telescope relative to one another when the second member moves relative to the first member.

15. The mobile computer workstation of claim 1 , wherein an orientation of the display screen is adjustable.

16. A workstation adapted to be readily moved from room-to-room by a medical practitioner in a healthcare environment, comprising:

a chassis comprising a plurality of wheels and a substantially vertical beam;

the beam comprising a first member and a second member, the second member directly or indirectly connected to the first member, the second member being operable to move relative to the first member;

a tray connected to the beam, the tray comprising a receptacle having an upper surface, sides, and a bottom;

a computer supported by the tray;

a display screen located in an opening in the upper surface and extending at least partially above the upper surface;

the upper surface defining a work surface substantially unoccupied by the computer and display screen to provide a convenient writing surface to the medical practitioner, or for the medical practitioner to place files, medical instruments, or medications;

a keyboard tray operable to position a keyboard in front of and below the work surface; and

wherein the vertical height of the work surface changes when the second member moves relative to the first member.

17. The workstation of claim 16 , further comprising:

a rechargeable battery supported by the chassis such that at least a portion of the battery is lower than an upper surface of at least one of the plurality of wheels;

a battery charger operably connected to the rechargeable battery;

a power cable operably connecting the rechargeable battery to at least one of the computer and display screen; and

wherein the power cable is routed such that at least a portion of the power cable is within the vertical beam.

18. The workstation of claim 17 , further comprising:

a medical monitoring device supported by the chassis; and

a radio transceiver supported by the chassis and in communication with the medical monitoring device, the radio transceiver operable for receiving and sending data to a computer network.