Abstract: An apparatus for use in exercising in water, preferably deep water running, includes a shoe that is configured to be worn by the user. The shoe includes a plurality of drag-generating elements attached to and extending from each side of said shoe for generating drag forces on the shoe during movement in water. The drag-generating elements generate more drag for movement of said shoe in a rearward direction than in a forward direction and are sized and positioned to simulate the forces on the user's foot arising from land-based running.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in exercising in water, preferably deep water running, includes a shoe that is configured to be worn by the user. The shoe includes a plurality of drag-generating elements attached to and extending from each side of said shoe for generating drag forces on the shoe during movement in water. The drag-generating elements generate more drag for movement of said shoe in a rearward direction than in a forward direction and are sized and positioned to simulate the forces on the user's foot arising from land-based running.

Abstract: A defibrillator having infrared communication capability is provided. The wireless communications capability is implemented using infrared light or RF communications and standardized communications protocols such as the IRDA protocol to allow for ready communication between defibrillators such as during handoffs of patient along the Chain of Survival. The wireless communications network also allows for communications between a defibrillator and a host computer such as a palmtop for incident report generation after each handoff. Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having an infrared mode switch to allow for restricted access to advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) features of the defibrillator. A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having a remote training mode that is implemented via wireless communications.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device temperature compensation control system and associated methodologies that controls the contrast voltage provided to the LCD device based on the ambient temperature to enable the LCD to display data beyond the normal, manufacturer-specified operational temperature range. The LCD contrast ratio is dependent upon ambient temperature and contrast voltage. The invention controls the contrast voltage supplied to the LCD device such that it operates in either a standard or extended operating range based on ambient temperature to achieve an optimum contrast ratio. The invention may also adjust the frame rate and/or data inversion state of the displayed data.

Abstract: A defibrillator having infrared communication capability is provided. The wireless communications capability is implemented using infrared light or RF communications and standardized communications protocols such as the IrDA protocol to allow for ready communication between defibrillators such as during handoffs of patient along the Chain of Survival. The wireless communications network also allows for communications between a defibrillator and a host computer such as a palmtop for incident report generation after each handoff. Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having an infrared mode switch to allow for restricted access to advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) features of the defibrillator. A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having a remote training mode that is implemented via wireless communications.

Abstract: A digital displacement encoder that includes a mechanical actuator constructed and arranged to be displaced to one of a null and a plurality of activation positions in response to an externally-provided force. Also included is a conductive member constructed and arranged to be positioned to one of a plurality of intermediate positions in response to the change in position of the mechanical actuator. A contact array comprising a plurality of activation signal contacts is fixedly disposed proximate to the conductive member. Also included is a digital signal generator comprising one or more electrical circuits electrically coupled to the plurality of activation signal contacts, and one more terminals at which output signals are provided. The conductive member electrically contacts a predetermined one or more of the plurality of activation signal contacts when the mechanical actuator is in each of the plurality of positions.

Abstract: A defibrillator having infrared communication capability is provided. The wireless communications capability is implemented using infrared light or RF communications and standardized communications protocols such as the IrDA protocol to allow for ready communication between defibrillators such as during handoffs of patient along the Chain of Survival. The wireless communications network also allows for communications between a defibrillator and a host computer such as a palmtop for incident report generation after each handoff. Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having an infrared mode switch to allow for restricted access to advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) features of the defibrillator. A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having a remote training mode that is implemented via wireless communications.

Abstract: A defibrillator having infrared communication capability is provided. The wireless communications capability is implemented using infrared light or RF communications and standardized communications protocols such as the IrDA protocol to allow for ready communication between defibrillators such as during handoffs of patient along the Chain of Survival. The wireless communications network also allows for communications between a defibrillator and a host computer such as a palmtop for incident report generation after each handoff. Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having an infrared mode switch to allow for restricted access to advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) features of the defibrillator. A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having a remote training mode that is implemented via wireless communications.

Abstract: A battery pack performance component detection system and method that identifies performance components of an installed battery pack which may be one of a number of battery packs each having a different performance component configuration. A performance component may be any operational component implemented in a battery pack other than the cells, that directly or indirectly affects the ability of a battery pack to support the power source requirements dictated by the operational mode of the battery-powered device. A performance component configuration is the particular combination of such performance components implemented in a battery pack. The battery packs have electrical and mechanical interfaces that are functionally interchangeable and include distinguishing feature(s) in either or both aspects of the battery interface that are uniquely associated with, and indicative of, the performance components implemented in the individual battery packs.

Abstract: A defibrillator having infrared communication capability is provided. The wireless communications capability is implemented using infrared light or RF communications and standardized communications protocols such as the IrDA protocol to allow for ready communication between defibrillators such as during handoffs of patient along the Chain of Survival. The wireless communications network also allows for communications between a defibrillator and a host computer such as a palmtop for incident report generation after each handoff. Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having an infrared mode switch to allow for restricted access to advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) features of the defibrillator. A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having a remote training mode that is implemented via wireless communications.

Abstract: A battery capacity tester method and apparatus are provided. The battery capacity tester determines the present internal battery impedance by measuring terminal voltages during successive applications of a known load, each load drawing a predetermined current from the battery. This calculated internal battery impedance is used to determine battery capacity based on a precharacterization of the battery that establishes a relationship between the internal battery impedance and the remaining battery capacity.

Abstract: An improved method and system to be utilized with combination defibrillation-heart monitoring equipment and having the ability to distinguish between defibrillation electrodes and monitoring electrodes in an electric circuit electrically connecting combination defibrillation-heart monitoring equipment to a patient. The objects of the method and system are achieved as is now described. At least one resistive element is placed in series with each monitoring electrode. The impedance of the resistive element is chosen such that the impedance is greater than the typical impedance that could be measured between a pair of accurately placed and properly prepared defibrillation electrodes. The resulting series resistive element-monitoring electrode combination is then utilized to distinguish between monitoring electrodes and defibrillation electrodes in an electric circuit electrically connecting combination defibrillation-heart monitoring equipment to a patient.

Abstract: An ECG recorder and playback unit which includes software-implemented digital signal processing filters which compensate for phase and magnitude distortion occurring when an ECG signal is recorded on a Holter recorder and played back. This permits "tuning" a recorder and playback unit which may be unrelated, as when made by different manufacturers. An impulse or step signal is recorded and played back to provide a system frequency response measurement. Coefficients for a digital correction filter are derived from the discrete Fourier transform of the impulse or step response and a desired system response. When recorded ECG data is played back, it is filtered on a substantially real-time basis with the digital correction filter to compensate for phase and magnitude distortion. Prior to recording, the high frequencies of the ECG signal are boosted to compensate for high frequency losses inherent in the recording and playing back of ECG signals.

Abstract: A remote interactive fax imaging system is disclosed. Stored data, including graphic data, is converted to fax format and transmitted to a remote site. The transmitted image includes machine-readable identification data for identifying the underlying database, and a blank dedicated comment field. At the remote site, a user reviews the faxed image and enters annotations within the dedicated field. The annotated image is faxed back to the originating site. At the originating site, the identifying data is read to associate the annotated image with the original underlying database. The dedicated field area of the return image is added into the data base, thereby forming a complete, annotated record without degrading the original data. The disclosed apparatus and methodology are especially useful, for example, for timely over-reading of electrocardiograph data by a physician at a location remote from the patient.

Abstract: An ECG recorder and playback unit which includes software-implemented digital signal processing filters which include a method for generating a heart rate variability (HRV) and late potential measurements. The HRV method includes playing back the ECG data on the playback unit and a defining a reference point, usually corresponding to the R-wave peak, on each output ECG signal. An initial period is determined between the reference points. The period is then adjusted so as to align the reference points of the output ECG signals. The amount by which the ECG signals are adjusted is determined by computing a phase difference at a predetermined reference frequency and dividing the phase difference by the reference frequency to produce a period difference. The period is then adjusted by the period difference by adding the period difference to the measured period. The adjusted period is then used to compute the HRV measurement using statistical techniques.

Abstract: The method and system for precise time based presentation of recorded medical data, such as cardiac data, encephalographic data, fetal monitor data or the like, which has been recorded on an ordinary audio cassette tape utilizing an inexpensive presentation device. An off-the-shelf tape transport deck is utilized which operates at an actual presentation speed which varies in a linear fashion in response to variations of a control signal which do not vary by greater than a selected maximum value during a given time period and in a nonlinear fashion in response to variations of a control signal which do vary by greater than the selected maximum value during a given time period. A timing track signal is utilized to determine actual presentation speed and small variations between the desired presentation speed and the actual presentation speed are coupled to a linear control system and utilized to vary the control signal at a rate which does not exceed a first rate.

Abstract: An ECG recorder and playback unit which includes software-implemented digital signal processing filters which include a method for generating a heart rate variability (HRV) and late potential measurements. The HRV method includes playing back the ECG data on the playback unit and a defining a reference point, usually corresponding to the R-wave peak, on each output ECG signal. An initial period is determined between the reference points. The period is then adjusted so as to align the reference points of the output ECG signals. The amount by which the ECG signals are adjusted is determined by computing a phase difference at a predetermined reference frequency and dividing the phase difference by the reference frequency to produce a period difference. The period is then adjusted by the period difference by adding the period difference to the measured period. The adjusted period is then used to compute the HRV measurement using statistical techniques.

Abstract: An ECG recorder and playback unit which includes software-implemented digital signal processing filters which compensate for phase and magnitude distortion occurring when an ECG signal is recorded on a Holter recorder and played back. This permits "tuning" a recorder and playback unit which may be unrelated, as when made by different manufacturers. An impulse or step signal is recorded and played back to provide a system frequency response measurement. Coefficients for a digital correction filter are derived from the discrete Fourier transform of the impulse or step response and a desired system response. When recorded ECG data is played back, it is filtered on a substantially real-time basis with the digital correction filter to compensate for phase and magnitude distortion. Prior to recording, the high frequencies of the ECG signal are boosted to compensate for high frequency losses inherent in the recording and playing back of ECG signals.