Abstract: An interface protocol for patient monitoring systems includes a Dual Serial Bus (DSB) interface. The DSB interface includes a first serial protocol that is USB, Firewire, or Ethernet protocol and a second serial protocol that is a low power serial (LPS) protocol. DSB interfaces provide for communication between DSB Hosts and DSB Devices and allow for the transfer of operating and battery charging power from DSB Host to DSB Device. In addition, the DSB host contains a switched Auxiliary Voltage Supply (AVS) which can provide up to 15 W of power to DSB devices for battery charging or other high power needs. The DSB interface eliminates the need for multiple cables for different parameter sensing devices as there is only one type of connector and, accordingly, reduces the risk of damage caused by inadvertently plugging a parameter sensing device into the wrong receptacle.

Abstract: An interface protocol for patient monitoring systems includes a Dual Serial Bus (DSB) interface. The DSB interface includes a first serial protocol that is USB, Firewire, or Ethernet protocol and a second serial protocol that is a low power serial (LPS) protocol. DSB interfaces provide for communication between DSB Hosts and DSB Devices and allow for the transfer of operating and battery charging power from DSB Host to DSB Device. In addition, the DSB host contains a switched Auxiliary Voltage Supply (AVS) which can provide up to 15 W of power to DSB devices for battery charging or other high power needs. The DSB interface eliminates the need for multiple cables for different parameter sensing devices as there is only one type of connector and, accordingly, reduces the risk of damage caused by inadvertently plugging a parameter sensing device into the wrong receptacle.

Abstract: An electro-optical connector having a plug containing a center light emitter or detector and an interconnected pair of light detectors or emitters symmetrically positioned with respect to the center light emitter or detector. A socket, also containing a center light detector or emitter and an interconnected pair of symmetrically positioned outer light emitters or detectors, is adapted to receive the plug. The plug may thus be inserted into the socket with a plurality of angular orientations. The plug is retained in the socket by a pair of resilient tabs extending into respective recesses in the socket. The tabs may be removed from the recesses by exerting an outward force on the tabs, either directly or by exerting a transverse force on the plug thereby generating a rotational moment on the plug that exerts an outwardly directed force on the tab. As a result, the plug may be removed from the socket by exerting side forces on the plug without damaging the plug or socket.

Abstract: An ambulatory blood pressure monitor comprises a cuff coupled by a single fluid passageway to a manifold which in turn is coupled to a pump, valve and pressure transducer. The manifold comprises a larger main chamber in fluid communication with a smaller secondary chamber through a small channel in a wall separating the chambers. The pump, cuff and valve are in fluid communication with one another directly through the main chamber while the pressure transducer is coupled to the cuff through the secondary chamber.