Abstract: Method and apparatus for improved processing for multi-channel signals. In an exemplary embodiment, an anomaly metric is computed for a multi-channel signal over a time window. The magnitude of the anomaly metric may be used to determine whether an anomaly is present in the multi-channel signal over the time window. In an exemplary embodiment, the anomaly metric may be a condition number associated with the singular values of the multi-channel signal over the time window, as further adjusted by the number of channels to produce a data condition number. Applications of the anomaly metric computation include the scrubbing of signal archives for epileptic seizure detection/prediction/counter-prediction algorithm training, pre-processing of multi-channel signals for real-time monitoring of bio-systems, and boot-up and/or adaptive self-checking of such systems during normal operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for improved processing for multi-channel signals. In an exemplary embodiment, an anomaly metric is computed for a multi-channel signal over a time window. The magnitude of the anomaly metric may be used to determine whether an anomaly is present in the multi-channel signal over the time window. In an exemplary embodiment, the anomaly metric may be a condition number associated with the singular values of the multi-channel signal over the time window, as further adjusted by the number of channels to produce a data condition number. Applications of the anomaly metric computation include the scrubbing of signal archives for epileptic seizure detection/prediction/counter-prediction algorithm training, pre-processing of multi-channel signals for real-time monitoring of bio-systems, and boot-up and/or adaptive self-checking of such systems during normal operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for improved processing for multi-channel signals. In an exemplary embodiment, an anomaly metric is computed for a multi-channel signal over a time window. The magnitude of the anomaly metric may be used to determine whether an anomaly is present in the multi-channel signal over the time window. In an exemplary embodiment, the anomaly metric may be a condition number associated with the singular values of the multi-channel signal over the time window, as further adjusted by the number of channels to produce a data condition number. Applications of the anomaly metric computation include the scrubbing of signal archives for epileptic seizure detection/prediction/counter-prediction algorithm training, pre-processing of multi-channel signals for real-time monitoring of bio-systems, and boot-up and/or adaptive self-checking of such systems during normal operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for improved processing for multi-channel signals. In an exemplary embodiment, an anomaly metric is computed for a multi-channel signal over a time window. The magnitude of the anomaly metric may be used to determine whether an anomaly is present in the multi-channel signal over the time window. In an exemplary embodiment, the anomaly metric may be a condition number associated with the singular values of the multi-channel signal over the time window, as further adjusted by the number of channels to produce a data condition number. Applications of the anomaly metric computation include the scrubbing of signal archives for epileptic seizure detection/prediction/counter-prediction algorithm training, pre-processing of multi-channel signals for real-time monitoring of bio-systems, and boot-up and/or adaptive self-checking of such systems during normal operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for developing a brain state analysis system using subject EEG data are provided. The analysis system distinguishes clinical from subclinical electrographic seizures and optionally distinguishes among different seizure onset characteristics. An algorithm trained on only clinical electrographic seizures may predict clinical seizures more accurately with fewer perceived false positives. In addition, algorithms trained on a particular onset condition may distinguish and advise on that onset condition when used by the patient.

Abstract: A circuit includes a sensor coupled to a processor. The sensor senses an electrical signal that is representative of a patient parameter, and the processor determines a condition of the patient by analyzing first and second overlapping portions of the sensed electrical signal. For example, a portable AED can include such a circuit to sense first and second overlapping sections of an ECG. By utilizing this overlapping-window technique, the AED can obtain and analyze multiple sections of ECG data, and thus can make a shock/no-shock decision, more quickly than an AED using contiguous-window analysis. Thus, the overlapping-window technique allows one to use both longer ECG sections (better accuracy per window) and more of these longer sections (better voting accuracy) over a given analysis time.

Abstract: A method and article for storing an automatic external defibrillator for use without a prescription are described. The hermetically sealed electrode pads of the OTC AED are electrically coupled to the OTC AED base unit where they are constantly accessible to self-test circuitry inside the base unit for periodic, automatic self-test. In one embodiment the self-test is designed to determine whether the conductive gel of the electrode pads has dried out. In another embodiment self-test circuitry also tests the battery while the OTC AED is being stored prior to use.

Abstract: An electrode includes a conductive adhesive layer and a conductive foil layer having a void therein. One such electrode may be mounted in conjunction with another electrode upon a release liner having one or more openings therein to facilitate electrical signal exchange between electrodes. A release liner may include a moisture permeable and/or moisture absorbent membrane. A release liner may alternatively include a conductive backing layer. A release liner may also include an insulating swatch covering an opening. A release liner may be implemented as a foldable sheet, such that multiple electrodes may be mounted upon the same side of the foldable sheet. A medical device to which the mounted electrodes are coupled may characterize the electrical path between the electrodes. The medical device may perform a variety of electrical measurements, including real and/or complex impedance measurements.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical electrode systems. In particular, the electrodes of this invention are capable of delivering synchronized cardioversion energy pulses as well as defibrillation energy pulses to a patient. The electrodes of this invention are appropriate for use with an automatic or semi-automatic external defibrillator (“AED”) as well as defibrillators capable of cardioversion. At least one electrode in an electrode set has a substrate with an adhesive surface, and conductors in communication with the substrate. The electrode further has a plurality of conductive elements electrode elements disposed on a substrate wherein each electrode element is in a spatial relationship to each other and electrically connected to the conductors, further the spatial relationship of the conductors facilitates the determination of an overall electrode pad attachment quality. A method of using the electrodes of this invention is also described.

Abstract: An electrode includes a conductive adhesive layer and a conductive foil layer having a void therein. One such electrode may be mounted in conjunction with another electrode upon a release liner having one or more openings therein to facilitate electrical signal exchange between electrodes. A release liner may include a moisture permeable and/or moisture absorbent membrane. A release liner may alternatively include a conductive backing layer. A release liner may also include an insulating swatch covering an opening. A release liner may be implemented as a foldable sheet, such that multiple electrodes may be mounted upon the same side of the foldable sheet. A medical device to which the mounted electrodes are coupled may characterize the electrical path between the electrodes. The medical device may perform a variety of electrical measurements, including real and/or complex impedance measurements.

Abstract: A downward extendable and retractable shelving system has a cabinet assembly. A support panel is coupled to a wall from which the system is to be mounted. The support panel is used for mounting the cabinet to the wall. An extendable and retractable mechanism is coupled to the cabinet and to the support panel for lowering and raising the cabinet.

Abstract: A defibrillator configurable for optimal behavior across a broad spectrum of patients, users, and circumstances is provided. A set of environmental characteristics that represent the patient population, the user population, and the possible circumstances are determined and then applied to a configure algorithm to determine an optimal behavior of the defibrillator as reflected through the set up parameters. The set of environmental characteristics can be entered manually or determined from dispatch data supplied by computerized dispatch systems. The optimal behavior can also be achieved using adaptation algorithms such as fuzzy logic and neural networks that allow the defibrillator to obtain measurements of the environmental characteristics and alter its behavior based on those measurements.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to defibrillators and, in particular, to a defibrillator with a built in CPR (“CPR”) prompt system. The invention also relates generally to a defibrillator with a built-in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (“ACLS”) prompt system. Defibrillators include manual defibrillator, automatic or semiautomatic external defibrillators (“AEDs”) and defibrillator trainers. More specifically, this invention is directed to a defibrillator system capable of generating audible prompts and/or visual prompts through an audible prompt generator and a visual prompt generator, wherein the defibrillator instructs a rescuer on performing CPR or ACLS. The instructions are controlled through a prompt generator and may be audible prompts or visual images, or a combination of the two. The prompts may be emitted at a predetermined rate and may be synchronized. This invention is also directed to a method for administering care comprising, providing instructions to a rescuer.

Abstract: A cabinet for mounting to a wall or ceiling with downward extendable and retractable shelving assembly is provided. The cabinet includes a housing having an open bottom. Disposed within the housing is a shelving assembly having a plurality of shelves. A novel combination of a tension gas spring and telescoping drawer glides are used for mounting the shelving assembly to the housing. When items are needed from the cabinet, the shelving is pulled down until all the shelves are exposed. When access is no longer needed, a light tap to the bottom of the shelving assembly causes the tension gas spring to smoothly retract the shelving assembly back into the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical electrode systems. In particular, the electrodes of this invention are capable of delivering synchronized cardioversion energy pulses as well as defibrillation energy pulses to a patient. The electrodes of this invention are appropriate for use with an automatic or semi-automatic external defibrillator (“AED”) as well as defibrillators capable of cardioversion. At least one electrode in an electrode set has a substrate with an adhesive surface, and conductors in communication with the substrate. The electrode further has a plurality of conductive elements electrode elements disposed on a substrate wherein each electrode element is in a spatial relationship to each other and electrically connected to the conductors, further the spatial relationship of the conductors facilitates the determination of an overall electrode pad attachment quality. A method of using the electrodes of this invention is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus detects corruption of an event signal by two or more non-event artifacts by using multivariable artifact assessment. The apparatus comprises: 1) a sensor for providing an input signal comprising an event signal coexisting with two or more non-event signals, 2) a measurement system including a receiver for receiving the input signal from the sensor and separating the received input signal into its constituent parts, 3) detectors for detecting both the event signal and non-event signals from the received input signal, and 4) an inference processor for analyzing the correlation signals to produce an indication of signal corruption.

Abstract: A gas spring actuator which, when attached to a valve, will return the valve to its initial position after the valve has been moved to a second position by application of a pressurized fluid that opposes the gas spring. The gas spring is charged to a predetermined gas pressure. A hydraulic fluid is applied in an opposing manner to drive the piston in one direction to operate the valve and simultaneously pressurize the gas in the gas spring. Upon removal of the hydraulic pressure, the pressurized gas returns the piston, and the valve, to its initial position.

Abstract: A multi-valve, multi-port, relay device used in a control system for sequentially pressurizing a first reservoir before a second and depressurizing the second reservoir before the first. A piston valve configuration for blocking a second outlet permitting an external pressure supply source to pressurize an external reservoir via a first outlet. The piston is biased in the second outlet blocking position by a spring having a force preselected by the operator via an adjustment screw. A pressure force greater than the piston spring biasing force opens the piston valve configuration. When open, the piston valve configuration and a check valve configuration cooperates to block flow out of the first outlet, but permit flow out the second outlet to a second external reservoir, until full pressurization. An overpressurization feature enables the bleed off of pressure increases associated with thermal expansion of the working fluid.

Abstract: An electrode includes a conductive adhesive layer and a conductive foil layer having a void therein. One such electrode may be mounted in conjunction with another electrode upon a release liner having one or more openings therein to facilitate electrical signal exchange between electrodes. A release liner may include a moisture permeable and/or moisture absorbent membrane. A release liner may alternatively include a conductive backing layer. A release liner may also include an insulating swatch covering an opening. A release liner may be implemented as a foldable sheet, such that multiple electrodes may be mounted upon the same side of the foldable sheet. A medical device to which the mounted electrodes are coupled may characterize the electrical path between the electrodes. The medical device may perform a variety of electrical measurements, including real and/or complex impedance measurements.