Docking station for patient monitor or other electronic device

This invention generally relates to portable battery-powered electronic devices. In particular, the invention relates to such battery-powered equipment used to monitor patients during transport in a hospital or other patient care setting. A docking station for a portable electronic device, such as a portable patient monitor of the type used in health care facilities. In particular, the docking station can be installed at a bedside location in a health care facility. The docking station is designed to provide electrical and mechanical connection of AC power and communication devices to the portable electronic device. An intuitive, top-down mounting mechanism locks the electronic device in place without user input. A front facing security lever on the docking station, which can be operated with one hand, provides engagement of electrical connectors and positive locking of the electronic device to the docking station. The docking station combines and provides AC power to the electronic device's AC mains connector, Ethernet signals to communicate with a local area network (LAN), DC power, and asynchronous communication signals to communicate with ancillary devices. A reverse action of the front facing security lever will disconnect the electronic device from these connections and indicate that the electronic device can be safely separated from the docking station. Once the electronic device has been separated from the docking station, the status of the docking station is set to accept the next electronic device.