Abstract: An electrode pad set comprises a plurality of pad electrodes, each electrode comprising an electrode gel, and lead wires. The lead wires have first and second ends electrically coupled between (i) a respective pad electrode of the plurality of pad electrodes at the first end and (ii) at least one electrical connector at the second end. The at least one electrical connector electrically couples the lead wires to a mating electrical connector of a device configured to use the electrode pad set. The electrode pad set further comprises a communication device disposed adjacent the plurality of pad electrodes and a storage memory. The storage memory stores data relating to a relationship between a characteristic of the gel and an environmental variable.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (AED) 10 has a changeable language placard (20) which enables the AED to instruct the user in one or more languages. The placard includes a controlling element (120) which is sensed by the AED, and causes the AED to automatically switch the language mode into the corresponding placard language. The placard also includes visual guidance instructions (224, 226).

Abstract: Defibrillator electrodes are sealed to the inside of a rigid enclosure. The enclosure is hinged to open and expose the electrodes for deployment. The electrode gel is sealed against moisture loss between the moisture impervious electrode backing and the inner surface of the enclosure. The enclosure may further include an electrical circuit for electrode self-testing, the circuit being broken when the enclosure is opened.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (AED) 10 has a changeable language placard (20) which enables the AED to instruct the user in one or more languages. The placard includes a controlling element (120) which is sensed by the AED, and causes the AED to automatically switch the language mode into the corresponding placard language. The placard also includes visual guidance instructions (224, 226).

Abstract: A release liner for electrode pads is described which enables the pads to be used with defibrillators requiring the electrodes to be electrically interconnected for self-test prior to use, and with defibrillators which do not require the electrodes to be electrically interconnected. In one example this variation is afforded by folding the release liner one way to electrically connect conductive layers underlying two attached electrodes. In another example this variation is afforded by leaving the conductive layers electrically connected or breaking the connection.

Abstract: A release liner for electrode pads is described which enables the pads to be used with defibrillators requiring the electrodes to be electrically interconnected for self-test prior to use, and with defibrillators which do not require the electrodes to be electrically interconnected. In one example this variation is afforded by folding the release liner one way to electrically connect conductive layers underlying two attached electrodes. In another example this variation is afforded by leaving the conductive layers electrically connected or breaking the connection.

Abstract: A release liner for electrode pads is described which enables the pads to be used with defibrillators requiring the electrodes to be electrically interconnected for self-test prior to use, and with defibrillators which do not require the electrodes to be electrically interconnected. In one example this variation is afforded by folding the release liner one way to electrically connect conductive layers underlying two attached electrodes. In another example this variation is afforded by leaving the conductive layers electrically connected or breaking the connection.

Abstract: A defibrillator electrode assembly with a slot-like storage case is described which protects the pads prior to use and retains them in either an electrically connected or electrically disconnected configuration. When the electrode assembly is slidably inserted into the case, an optional pinch clip within the case presses electrodes on opposite sides of a thick release liner into electrical contact with each other.

Abstract: A case for defibrillator electrode pads on a release liner is described which protects the pads prior to use and retains them in either an electrically connected or electrically disconnected configuration. When the case is closed, spring contacts on opposite sides of the inside of the case retain the pads and release liner in place. The retention either holds electrical conductors in contact with each other to retain the pads in electrical connection with each other, or in a different configuration in which the pads are not electrically connected.

Abstract: A defibrillator electrode assembly with a slot-like storage case is described which protects the pads prior to use and retains them in either an electrically connected or electrically disconnected configuration. When the electrode assembly is slidably inserted into the case, an optional pinch clip within the case presses electrodes on opposite sides of a thick release liner into electrical contact with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-storing medical electrode (10) that does not require packaging, enclosures, or other means to house and to protect various electrode components. According to one aspect, the invention provides an electrode comprising an electrode body having first and second sides, wherein the first side comprises a barrier layer (15) comprising a heat-sealable material and the second side comprises a conductive layer (16). The electrode further comprises an electrically conductive gel layer (18) disposed on the electrode body and which is further in electrical communication with the conductive layer (16).

Abstract: A case for defibrillator electrode pads on a release liner is described which protects the pads prior to use and retains them in either an electrically connected or electrically disconnected configuration. When the case is closed, spring contacts on opposite sides of the inside of the case retain the pads and release liner in place. The retention either holds electrical conductors in contact with each other to retain the pads in electrical connection with each other, or in a different configuration in which the pads are not electrically connected.

Abstract: A release liner for electrode pads is described which enables the pads to be used with defibrillators requiring the electrodes to be electrically interconnected for self-test prior to use, and with defibrillators which do not require the electrodes to be electrically interconnected. In one example this variation is afforded by folding the release liner one way to electrically connect conductive layers underlying two attached electrodes. In another example this variation is afforded by leaving the conductive layers electrically connected or breaking the connection.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator electrode package includes a coded conductive label that uniquely identifies the type of automatic electrode contained therein. Pins on the defibrillator body make electrical contact with the conductive label when the package is attached to the defibrillator. These pins sense the shape of the conductive label to ascertain the electrode type, thereby enabling the AED to automatically set the proper operating mode.

Abstract: Handling or removal of a pair of pre-connected defibrillator electrode pads from their package, or a compartment in the defibrillator, is detected in order to effectively time the issuance of prompts to guide the user. Detection occurs when an impedance level between the electrode pads varies sufficiently over time to indicate occurrence of the handling or removal event. The pads are preferably configured to leverage variability in the impedance that results from bending of pads during handling or removal.

Abstract: A defibrillator electrode and enclosure are described in which the electrodes are sealed to the inside of a rigid enclosure. The enclosure is hinged to open and expose the electrodes for deployment. The electrode gel is sealed against moisture loss between the moisture impervious electrode backing and the inner surface of the enclosure. The enclosure may further include an electrical circuit for electrode self-testing, the circuit being broken when the enclosure is opened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-storing medical electrode (10) that does not require packaging, enclosures, or other means to house and to protect various electrode components. According to one aspect, the invention provides an electrode comprising an electrode body having first and second sides, wherein the first side comprises a barrier layer (15) comprising a heat-sealable material and the second side comprises a conductive layer (16). The electrode further comprises an electrically conductive gel layer (18) disposed on the electrode body and which is further in electrical communication with the conductive layer (16).

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator electrode package (10; 20; 30) includes a coded conductive label (13; 23; 33) that uniquely identifies the type of automatic electrode contained therein. Pins (42a-d) on the defibrillator body (40) make electrical contact with the conductive label (13; 23; 33) when the package (10; 20; 30) is attached to the defibrillator (50). These pins (42a-d) sense the shape of the conductive label (13; 23; 33) to ascertain the electrode type, thereby enabling the AED (50) to automatically set the proper operating mode.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for packaging a medical electrode (12) having an electrode wireset (14) is for use with a heat-sealable flexible material (32). The apparatus includes a housing (20), and the housing includes a first housing side (18) at least in part defining an electrode connection region (28) sized to receive the medical electrode, and a second housing side (19) opposed to the first housing side. The second housing side at least in part defines a medical device connection region (29), sized to receive at least a part of a medical device (211) that utilizes the medical electrode. A sealing surface (22) having an attachment area (23) is adapted for attachment to the heat-sealable flexible material. A signal conductor (27) having a first end and a second end is also included in the apparatus. The signal conductor is operable to provide a signal path traversing the heat-sealable flexible material.

Abstract: A sealed container includes a tub (14), a lid (11), a flexible seal (15) disposed between the tub and the lid, and one or more ribs (12a-12b) disposed on an interior side of the lid (11) that place pressure on the flexible seal (15) at potential seal failure points when the lid (11) is attached. The one or more ribs provide additional force to the flexible seal at places on the flexible seal where peeling of the seal is most likely to originate. The function of the rib is to restrain the film under pressurized conditions, but under normal conditions the rib may not contact the flexible seal.