Abstract: An external defibrillator can have a synchronous shock operating mode and an asynchronous shock operating mode and include a controller to set the defibrillator in the synchronous shock operating mode or the asynchronous shock operating mode. The defibrillator can also include a shock module to cause the defibrillator to deliver shock therapy to the patient according to the operating mode of the defibrillator, and a prompt module to transmit a prompt, after delivery of the shock therapy, that includes the operating mode of the defibrillator.

Abstract: The defibrillator may include a heart rhythm detector to detect the heart rhythm of a patient, a manual mode controller structured to set the defibrillator in a synchronous shock operating mode or an asynchronous shock operating mode depending on an input from a human operator, a shock module to cause the defibrillator to deliver a shock to the patient according to the operating mode, and an automatic mode controller structured to, after the shock module has delivered the shock to the patient, set the external defibrillator to the synchronous shock operating mode or the asynchronous shock operating mode depending on the detected heart rhythm of the patient and without input from the human operator.

Abstract: An external defibrillator, such as a wearable defibrillator can have a heart rhythm detector to detect the heart rhythm of a patient. The defibrillator can also have a synchronous shock operating mode and an asynchronous shock operating mode. A controller can set the defibrillator in the synchronous shock operating mode or the asynchronous shock operating mode. The defibrillator can also include a shock module to cause the defibrillator to deliver shock therapy to the patient according to the operating mode of the defibrillator and a sync module configured to identify a first portion of the heart rhythm detected from a first ECG lead with which to time the delivery of the shock therapy to the patient when the operating mode of the defibrillator is in synchronous shock operating mode. A comparator module can compare timing of a QRS complex detected from the first ECG lead with the timing of the QRS complex detected by the second EGG lead.

Abstract: An external defibrillator may have a controller to set the defibrillator in a synchronous shock operating mode or an asynchronous shock operating mode, a shock module to cause the defibrillator to deliver shock therapy to a patient according to the present operating mode of the defibrillator, and a heart rhythm detector to detect a heart rhythm of the patient. The defibrillator may also have a mode assessment module to determine whether the present operating mode or selected defibrillation energy of the defibrillator is appropriate based on the detected heart rhythm of the patient.

Abstract: A wearable defibrillation system includes an output device and a motion sensor. The output device emits a sound or a vibration for the patient, who responds by deliberately tapping the system. The motion sensor registers the tapping, and interprets it as a reply from the patient. The reply can be that the patient is conscious, or convey data that the patient enters by tapping the right number of times, or that the patient wants attention, and so on. Since the patient does not need direct access to the wearable defibrillation system for tapping it, he or she can wear it under their other garments, which helps preserve their dignity and privacy.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wearable defibrillation system may sense whether its wearer meets an unconscious bradyarrhythmia condition that can be associated with becoming unconscious. Even though such a condition might not be helped with a defibrillation pulse, the wearable-defibrillation system may still administer pacing pulses to prevent the bradycardia from becoming worse, such as a sudden cardiac arrest. In some embodiments, the pacing pulses are administered at a frequency too slow for the patient to regain consciousness. An advantage is that, because the patient remains unconscious, he does not experience the sometimes severe discomfort due to the pacing pulses.

Abstract: In embodiments, an external medical device is intended to care for a patient. If it receives an input that signifies that ventilation artifact is present in a signal of the patient, it transmits a corrective signal responsive to the received input. In further embodiments, a patient signal is received, which is generated from a patient while the patient is or was receiving chest compressions at a frequency Fc, and also receiving ventilations at frequency Fv. At least one filter mechanism may be applied to the patient signal to substantially remove artifacts at a) frequency Fc, b) a higher harmonic of frequency Fc, and c) a third frequency substantially equaling frequency Fc plus or minus frequency Fv, while substantially passing other frequencies between them. As a result, the patient signal can be cleaner, for diagnosing the patient's state more accurately.

Abstract: A remote patient monitoring system provides patient physiological data and alerts/alarms from a main patient monitor to a remote patient monitor worn by a medical professional. The medical professional is alerted as to physiological data of the monitored patient, and provided alerts or alarms when predetermined levels are reached. The medical professional is able to reset the alert or alarms at the remote patient monitor.

Abstract: A defibrillator is disclosed for communication with a transmitter associated with a location. The defibrillator is configured to generate an electronic signature for determining a position of the defibrillator within the location. The electronic signature includes electronic data correlating the position of the defibrillator to the transmitter. The electronic data may include GPS data. The defibrillator is configured to generate the electronic signature during a first and a second window of time to define a first and a second electronic signature. A differential between the first and the second electronic signatures corresponds to a positional state of the defibrillator, indicating movement within or between two locations. In a disclosed system, the first electronic signature is stored in a database and a server is configured to generate the differential and to communicate the positional state of the defibrillator to a stakeholder. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An external defibrillator can receive wirelessly a data signal transmitted by a transmitting device over a communication link. The defibrillator can include a processor configured to monitor a reception parameter of the communication link while the data signal is being received and to set an alert flag if the processor determines from the reception parameter that reception of the data signal may be discontinued prematurely. The defibrillator can also include a user interface capable of outputting an alerting user notification responsive to the alert flag being set.

Abstract: A method and system remove contaminants from a vapor. In one embodiment, the system includes a contaminant removal system having a vacuum box. The contaminant removal system includes a contaminated vapor from process equipment is introduced to the vacuum box. The contaminated vapor includes steam and hydrocarbons. The vacuum box includes a water removal device. The water removal device removes water from the contaminated vapor to provide water and a reduced water vapor. The contaminated vapor is introduced to the vacuum box below the water removal device. The water and the reduced water vapor are removed from the vacuum box. The water removal device is disposed in the vacuum box at an elevation below an elevation at which the reduced water vapor is removed from the vacuum box.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for alerting a person to check a medical device while conserving battery power. The medical device initiates a status alert if a readiness condition of the medical device is no longer being met. The status alert includes notification periods during which an audible sound is emitted alternating with off periods during which substantially no audible sound is emitted. The audible sounds may include certain tones or at least one spoken word. At least one of the duration of successive notification periods or the duration of successive off periods may be varied. In this manner, the medical device may provide audible sound at different times during the day in an attempt to get the attention of a person. In addition, the medical device may sense an activity to determine when to provide the audible sound.

Abstract: A fluid end 15 for a multiple reciprocating pump assembly 12 comprises at least three plunger bores 61 or 91, each for receiving a reciprocating plunger 35. Each plunger bore has a plunger bore axis 65 or 95. The plunger bores are arranged across the fluid end to define a central plunger bore with lateral plunger bores located on either side. The fluid end 15 also comprises at least three respective suction valve bores 59 or 89 in fluid communication with the plunger bores. Each suction valve bore can receive a suction valve 41 and has a suction valve bore axis 63 or 93. The fluid end 15 also comprises at least three respective discharge valve bores 57 or 87 that can receive a discharge valve 43 and are in fluid communication with the plunger bores. Axes of suction and discharge valve bores are offset in the fluid.

Abstract: Methods to control the delivery of CPR to a patient through a mechanical CPR device are described. The method generally allows for a gradual increase in the frequency of CPR cycles. The gradual increase can be regulated by protocols programmed within the CPR device such as intermittently starting and stopping the delivery of CPR accelerating the delivery of CPR, stepping up the CPR frequency, increasing the force of CPR, and adjusting the ratio of compression and decompression in a CPR cycle. Combinations of each of these forms may also be used to control the delivery of CPR. This manner of gradually accelerating artificial blood flow during the first minutes of mechanical CPR delivery can serve to lessen the potential for ischemia/reperfusion injury in the patient who receives mechanical CPR treatment.

Abstract: A fluid end (15) for a multiple reciprocating pump assembly (12) comprises at least three plunger bores (61 or 91) each for receiving a reciprocating plunger (35), each plunger bore having a plunger bore axis (65 or 95). Plunger bores being arranged across the fluid head to define a central plunger bore and lateral plunger bores located on either side of the central plunger bore. Fluid end (15) has suction valve bores (59 or 89), each suction valve bore receiving a suction valve (41) and having a suction valve bore axis (63 or 93). Discharge valve bores (57 or 87), each discharge valve bore receiving a discharge valve (43) and having a discharge valve bore axis (63 or 93). The axes of at least one of suction and discharge valve bores is inwardly offset in the fluid end from its respective plunger bore axis.

Abstract: A fluid end (15) for a multiple reciprocating pump assembly (12) comprises at least three plunger bores (61 or 91) each for receiving a reciprocating plunger (35), each plunger bore having a plunger bore axis (65 or 95). Plunger bores being arranged across the fluid head to define a central plunger bore and lateral plunger bores located on either side of the central plunger bore. Fluid end (15) has suction valve bores (59 or 89), each suction valve bore receiving a suction valve (41) and having a suction valve bore axis (63 or 93). Discharge valve bores (57 or 87), each discharge valve bore receiving a discharge valve (43) and having a discharge valve bore axis (63 or 93). The axes of at least one of suction (10) and discharge valve bores is inwardly offset in the fluid end from its respective plunger bore axis.

Abstract: The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating fluctuations in an electrical signal that represents a measurement of the patient's transthoracic impedance. Impedance signal data obtained from the patient is analyzed for a feature indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient is determined based on the feature in the impedance signal data. Electrocardiogram (ECG) data may also be obtained in time coordination with the impedance signal data. Various applications for the pulse detection of the invention include detection of PEA and prompting PEA-specific therapy, prompting defibrillation therapy and/or CPR, and prompting rescue breathing depending on detection of respiration.

Abstract: Patient data is stored in a medical device, such as an external defibrillator, and may be transferred, or downloaded, from the medical device to a computing device for storage or analysis. In response to the transfer, the medical device protects the patient data so that at least a subset of users cannot access the patient data from the medical device. The other device to which patient data is transferred from the medical device may be remote from the medical device or may be configured to be part of the medical device. The device to which the patient data is transferred from the medical device can be a remote computing device like a computer or server and/or may include or may be an intermediary data management device (DMD). The medical device may be a wearable medical device, such as a wearable defibrillator or a wearable automatic external defibrillator (AED).