Abstract: A system for automatically correcting data of recorded times from a plurality isolated clocks is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment a computer implemented software is used to download recorded time data from an automatic external defibrillator (AED). The computer also includes an internal clock synchronized with a 911 emergency call time tracking clock. On the initiation of the download, the computer compares its internal clock with the clock on the AED and calculates a correction or adjustment factor. Recorded event data, representing AED intervention times, are downloaded from the AED's memory bank and the software computes a corrected response time using the calculated adjustment factor. This corrected response time is then stored in the AED.

Abstract: An external defibillator including an operator interface and a high voltage circuit responsive to a controller for producing monophasic waveform defibrillation pulses and/or biphasic waveform defibrillation pulses. The controller can implement a biphasic waveform test protocol by causing the high voltage circuit to sequentially generate one or more biphasic waveform defibrillation pulses before generating monophasic waveform defibrillation pulses in response to sequential actuations of the operator interface during a patient rescue.

Abstract: A circuit detectable arrangement of a plurality of medical electrodes is provided with each electrode having an electrically nonconductive backing layer, a layer of electrically conductive adhesive disposed on the backing layer and a lead wire extending therefrom and electrically connected with the conductive adhesive. More specifically, a first electrode is disposed on an electrically nonconductive liner, a second electrode is disposed on an electrically nonconductive liner, and an electrical connector is provided between the first and second electrodes for electrically completing a circuit connecting the lead wire of the first electrode to the lead wire of the second electrode. Preferably, the backing layers of the first and second electrodes each include a conductor portion, and the electrical connector is connected between the conductor portion of the backing layer of the first electrode and the conductor portion of the backing layer of the second electrode.

Abstract: A package of defibrillator electrodes having a date indication element and a circuit for determining a date of manufacture of medical electrodes within the package is provided. Specifically, by the circuit and package design of the present invention, the presence of a fresh package of electrodes can be detected. A circuit detectable package of medical electrodes is provided including first and second electrodes within the package. An electrical interconnection means is provided between the first and second electrodes for electrically completing a circuit connecting the lead wire of the first electrode to the lead wire of the second electrode, and includes a date identification element which when subjected to an applied voltage by way of the lead wires generates a measurable affect representative of the manufacturing period of the defibrillator electrodes. The date identification element may comprise a passive element, a value of which represents a date and can be measured.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a solid state patient isolator circuit capable of conducting bipolar portions of a biphasic defibrillation pulse when the isolator circuit is ON and further capable of isolating circuitry upstream or downstream of the patient isolator when the isolator circuit is OFF. The apparatus includes series connected solid state switching devices having a resistor ladder connected in parallel therewith to balance voltages across the solid state switching devices when the devices are OFF. The solid state switching devices are selected from among the group of uni-directionally conducting solid state switches and are connected between the intermediate nodes of a four diode bridge having an input node and an output node.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator which automatically performs self-tests on a daily and weekly basis. Tested functions include the presence and interconnection of defibrillator electrodes, battery charge state and the operability of the high voltage circuit. Visual and audible indicators are actuated to alert an operator if faults are identified. A record of each self-test is stored in memory, and can be subsequently retrieved through a communications port.

Abstract: A portable, automatic external defibrillator, comprising a plurality of capacitors; a capacitor charging circuit; connections from the capacitors to a patient body; and a plurality of semiconductor switches arranged to connect the capacitors to the charging circuit and to the patient body.

Abstract: An external defibrillator including an operator interface and a high voltage circuit responsive to a controller for producing monophasic waveform defibrillation pulses and/or biphasic waveform defibrillation pulses. The controller can implement a biphasic waveform test protocol by causing the high voltage circuit to sequentially generate one or more biphasic waveform defibrillation pulses before generating monophasic waveform defibrillation pulses in response to sequential actuations of the operator interface during a patient rescue.

Abstract: An external defibrillator high voltage circuit with a leakage prevention circuit. The high voltage circuit includes first and second output terminals configured for electrical interconnection to electrodes, first and second charge supply terminals configured for interconnection to a charging voltage supply, and a plurality of capacitors. Charging semiconductor switches which are responsive to charge control signals electrically interconnect the capacitors to the charge supply terminals in a parallel circuit to charge the capacitors. Discharging semiconductor switches which are responsive to discharge control signals electrically interconnect the capacitors in a series circuit between the output terminals to generate defibrillation pulses. The discharging switches include at least two switches interconnected to each other at a leakage shunting node and in a series circuit between one of the capacitors and the second output terminal.

Abstract: The invention provides a sealed package system for housing at least one medical electrode apparatus and for enabling the periodic testing thereof, comprising a thin, generally flat flexible envelope constructed and arranged to form an interior cavity for enclosing a conductive gel contact surface of an electrode apparatus, the envelope having at least one continuous layer of a homogeneous, non-conductive, polymeric material, the envelope further having first and second sides; and a structure for conducting current across the envelope to the interior cavity, the conductive structure being electrically connectible to the electrode conductive contact surface.