Abstract: A modular medical care system, housing a plurality of different modules providing different functions used in delivering healthcare to a patient, includes a plurality of different modules including: (a) a patient monitoring module for acquiring and processing signals derived from sensors suitable for attachment to a patient; and (b) a patient treatment module for delivering treatment to the patient. A processor processes signals derived from the plurality of different modules. A communication interface provides bidirectional communication between the processor and the plurality of different modules via a network.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system to monitor a patient. In some aspects, a signal representing a value of a physiological parameter is received from a monitoring device. The received value is a value that caused the monitoring device to trigger an alarm associated with the psychological parameter. A notification is determined based on the received signal and on a second signal that represents a value of a second physiological parameter. The notification is then presented to an operator.

Abstract: A docking station advantageously provides a location identifier to a portable processing device which processes the location identifier to determine docking station location (and other information) and to upload settings and configuration information related to an identified location which is retained until a different docking station location is encountered. In a system for use in a docking station suitable for attaching to a portable patient monitoring device for processing signal parameters acquired from a patient, a power coupler couples power to provide electrical power to a portable processing device. An adaptive communication interface, in a first mode of operation, communicates an identifier associated with a particular docking station to the portable processing device, and in a second mode of operation, establishes connection of the portable processing device to a network.

Abstract: An electrically isolated, combined power and signal coupler, for a patient connected device, is disclosed. A docking station and a portable device, capable of docking with the docking station each include a power coupler and an electrically isolated data transducer. The respective power couplers include a magnetically permeable element including a central pole and a peripheral pole and a printed circuit board with an opening through which the central pole protrudes. The printed circuit board includes windings surrounding the central pole opening: a primary winding in the docking station and a secondary winding in the portable device. When the portable device is docked with the docking station, the magnetically permeable element in the portable device and the magnetically permeable element in the docking station are arranged to form a magnetic circuit, and the data transducer in the portable device and the data transducer in the docking station are arranged to exchange data.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system to monitor a patient. In some aspects, a signal representing a value of a physiological parameter is received from a monitoring device. The received value is a value that caused the monitoring device to trigger an alarm associated with the psychological parameter. A notification is determined based on the received signal and on a second signal that represents a value of a second physiological parameter. The notification is then presented to an operator.

Abstract: A wiring harness is provided for conveying signals representing measurements made at a first location to a measuring instrument remotely located from the first location. The harness includes a first cable having an outer sheath with a first diameter and a plurality of coaxial cables arranged within the outer sheath of the first cable. A plurality of contacts is arranged on the outer sheath of the first cable. Each of the contacts is electrically connected to a respective inner conductor of one of the plurality of coaxial cables.

Abstract: An electrically isolated combined power and signal coupler is usable for a portable medical monitoring device attachable to a patient in a medical environment. A power coupling system transfers power between a power source and a powered device separated by a physical and electrical isolation barrier. The system comprises a power coupler including in a first device, a first section of a magnetic circuit including a first core section of magnetically permeable material of cross-sectional area substantially larger at an isolation barrier interface than within a first winding located on the first core section. The first section of magnetic circuit being suitable, in a docking mode, for positioning adjacent to a second section of magnetic circuit in a second device to form a completed magnetic circuit used to transfer power between said first and second device.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting power employed by a light emitting device used for medical applications, such as measurement of patient parameter. A system or device includes a light emitting device, a power unit coupled to the light emitting device for powering the light emitting device and responsive to a control signal for adjusting power applied to the light emitting device, and a control unit for providing the control signal and coupled to the power unit, the control signal being determined in response to a characteristic of a signal associated with a physiological parameter measured using light produced by the light emitting device.

Abstract: An electrically isolated, combined power and signal coupler, for a patient connected device, is disclosed. A docking station and a portable device, capable of docking with the docking station each include a power coupler and an electrically isolated data transducer. The respective power couplers include a magnetically permeable element including a central pole and a peripheral pole and a printed circuit board with an opening through which the central pole protrudes. The printed circuit board includes windings surrounding the central pole opening: a primary winding in the docking station and a secondary winding in the portable device. When the portable device is docked with the docking station, the magnetically permeable element in the portable device and the magnetically permeable element in the docking station are arranged to form a magnetic circuit, and the data transducer in the portable device and the data transducer in the docking station are arranged to exchange data.

Abstract: Determination of a physiological parameter value includes reception of several signals, each representing a respective one of several physiological parameters and including a pulsation associated with the parameter. A system detects a pulsation associated with a physiological parameter. The system includes an input device for receiving a plurality of different signals, each of the plurality of different signals indicating a pulsation in respective different physiological parameters. A signal processor detects and accumulates information from the plurality of different signals. The accumulated information including values of relative delay between the pulsation in the respective different parameters. A timing processor determines a timing of the pulsation in at least one of the different parameters based at least on the accumulated information.

Abstract: A wiring harness is provided for conveying signals representing measurements made at a first location to a measuring instrument remotely located from the first location. The harness includes a first cable having an outer sheath with a first diameter and a plurality of coaxial cables arranged within the outer sheath of the first cable. A plurality of contacts is arranged on the outer sheath of the first cable. Each of the contacts is electrically connected to a respective inner conductor of one of the plurality of coaxial cables.

Abstract: An electrically isolated combined power and signal coupler is usable for a portable medical monitoring device attachable to a patient in a medical environment. A power coupling system transfers power between a power source and a powered device separated by a physical and electrical isolation barrier. The system comprises a power coupler including in a first device, a first section of a magnetic circuit including a first core section of magnetically permeable material of cross-sectional area substantially larger at an isolation barrier interface than within a first winding located on the first core section. The first section of magnetic circuit being suitable, in a docking mode, for positioning adjacent to a second section of magnetic circuit in a second device to form a completed magnetic circuit used to transfer power between said first and second device.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting power employed by a light emitting device used for medical applications, such as measurement of patient parameter. A system or device includes a light emitting device, a power unit coupled to the light emitting device for powering the light emitting device and responsive to a control signal for adjusting power applied to the light emitting device, and a control unit for providing the control signal and coupled to the power unit, the control signal being determined in response to a characteristic of a signal associated with a physiological parameter measured using light produced by the light emitting device.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system to monitor a patient. In some aspects, a signal representing a value of a physiological parameter is received from a monitoring device. The received value is a value that caused the monitoring device to trigger an alarm associated with the psychological parameter. A notification is determined based on the received signal and on a second signal that represents a value of a second physiological parameter. The notification is then presented to an operator.

Abstract: Determination of a physiological parameter value includes reception of several signals, each representing a respective one of several physiological parameters and including a pulsation associated with the parameter. A system detects a pulsation associated with a physiological parameter. The system includes an input device for receiving a plurality of different signals, each of the plurality of different signals indicating a pulsation in respective different physiological parameters. A signal processor detects and accumulates information from the plurality of different signals. The accumulated information including values of relative delay between the pulsation in the respective different parameters. A timing processor determines a timing of the pulsation in at least one of the different parameters based at least on the accumulated information.

Abstract: A sampling system includes an input terminal for receiving a data signal having a signal component and possibly a noise component. A sampler samples the data signal at a sample rate set in responsive to a control signal. A noise detector detects the presence of a noise component, and if a noise component is detected, generates the control signal conditioning the sampler to sample the data signal at a first sample rate satisfying the Nyquist criterion for the data signal including the noise component, and otherwise generating the control signal conditioning the sampler to sample the data signal at a second data rate satisfying the Nyquist criterion for the data signal including only the signal component.

Abstract: An electrically isolated, combined power and signal coupler, for a patient connected device, is disclosed. A docking station and a portable device, capable of docking with the docking station each include a power coupler and an electrically isolated data transducer. The respective power couplers include a magnetically permeable element including a central pole and a peripheral pole and a printed circuit board with an opening through which the central pole protrudes. The printed circuit board includes windings surrounding the central pole opening: a primary winding in the docking station and a secondary winding in the portable device. When the portable device is docked with the docking station, the magnetically permeable element in the portable device and the magnetically permeable element in the docking station are arranged to form a magnetic circuit, and the data transducer in the portable device and the data transducer in the docking station are arranged to exchange data.

Abstract: Patient monitoring apparatus for use in an environment which includes a plurality of sensors. The apparatus provides collection and display of patient data signals collected from a medical patient using the sensors, including periods when the patient is being transported. The apparatus comprises a portable monitor coupled to a plurality of distinct data acquisition modules, which are coupled to the sensors. The modules includes cartridges, which detachably mount to the portable monitor, and pods which are positioned independent of the monitor. The pods reduce the number of cables extending between the patient's bed and the portable monitor by combining signals from many sensors into a single output signal. The modules collect patient data in analog form from the sensors and provide digital data signals to the monitor. The portable monitor includes: a display device for displaying the patient data, and storage for the patient data. The portable monitor may be coupled to a docking station.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable patient monitor is adapted for use in a system which includes a communications network and, optionally, a bedside display. The portable monitor is coupled to sensors for receiving patient data signals. The docking station includes a platform that can be conveniently located near the patient. The platform has a detachable mounting which holds the portable monitor. When the portable monitor is mounted on the docking station platform, it receives power from the docking station. At the same time, the docking station receives patient data from the portable monitor and transfers the data to the communications network. The docking station is also coupled, via the communications network, to a plurality of input and output devices when it is mounted on the docking station. A second example of the docking station includes a power supply and network (PSN) box that is mounted to a wall or other fixed surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an electrically conductive path between ground conductors on a printed circuit board (PCB) and downwardly facing walls of an electromagnetic interference (EMI) housing, uses surface mountable conductive spring-like strips. A plurality of surface mount device receiving areas are provided at predetermined spaced positions along the ground conductors on the PCB, and a pick and place device is used for automatically positioning a plurality of the conductive spring-like strips at each of the surface mount device receiving areas, each strip having at least one upwardly facing engagement portion. Thereafter, the conductive spring-like strips are affixed on the PCB by, for example, wavesolder techniques. The engagement portion is adapted to engage and make electrically conductive contact with an abutting portion of an EMI housing during fastening of the EMI housing to the PCB.