Abstract: A defibrillator includes a module having a portion of the high-voltage components of the defibrillator attached to a substrate and encased in a dielectric material. In one embodiment the defibrillating shock is delivered by a high voltage H-bridge circuit which utilizes four controllably switched semiconductor devices such as IGBTs.

Abstract: A defibrillator for providing both defibrillating energy and pacing energy to a patient is described. In delivering the defibrillating energy, electrical energy is stored by a charge capacitor and the stored energy is then coupled to the patient to provide a defibrillating pulse. To deliver pacing energy to a patient, an electrical energy circuit generates electrical energy that is filtered by the charge capacitor and delivered to the patient as pacing energy. The magnitude of the pacing energy delivered to the patient is monitored by a controller, which adjusts the generation of the electrical energy based on the magnitude of the pacing energy in order to provide adequate pacing energy to the patient.

Abstract: A defibrillator, equipped with a battery power source, is described which is arranged to operate in any one of both a first mode and a second mode, the battery power source comprising at least two voltage sources. The voltage sources are arranged to be connected in parallel to each other when the defibrillator is operating in a first mode, and in series with each other when the defibrillator is operating in a second mode. The invention can be implemented by a battery pack for a defibrillator. This arrangement allows both voltage sources to be drawn down at the same rate which lengthens the overall life of the batteries. A more efficient use of battery power is thereby obtained. The invention ultimately extends the projected life of the batteries and when applied to an automatic external defibrillator increases the shelf life of the defibrillator.

Abstract: A single separable electrode that includes a plurality of separable electrically connected electrode sections.

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 single separable electrode that includes a plurality of separable electrically connected electrode sections.

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 system and method for charging a high-voltage capacitor through the application of current having magnitude that has a fixed frequency waveform. During a charging sequence in which the current is applied to the capacitor, the duty cycle of the fixed frequency current waveform is dynamically controlled based on the voltage state of the capacitor to modify the energy transfer according to the efficiency with which energy can be delivered to the capacitor. This optimizes the capacitor charging sequence, increasing the speed with which the high voltage capacitor is charged. Generally, energy is transferred from a power source to the capacitor via a magnetic element such as a fly-back transformer. A pulsed voltage supply provides voltage pulses having a constant frequency and an adjustable duty cycle to a primary winding of the transformer. Initially, there is no energy stored in the transformer core.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a high-voltage capacitor through the application of a current, the magnitude of which has a variable frequency, variable duty cycle waveform. Generally, energy is transferred from a power source to the high voltage capacitor via a magnetic element such as an inductor or transformer. For example, a pulsed voltage supply provides voltage pulses having a variable frequency and an adjustable duty cycle to a primary winding of a fly-back transformer. During a charging sequence in which current charge cycles are applied to the capacitor, the duty cycle of the variable frequency current waveform is controlled dynamically based on the rate at which energy can be transferred to the capacitor. Specifically, during a charge sequence, current pulses through the primary winding are controlled such that the transformer operates in a continuous mode during an initial portion of the charge sequence, and in a discontinuous mode during a subsequent portion of the charge sequence.

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 system and associated methodology for quickly and accurately determining a remaining capacity of a battery. The system measures battery terminal voltage during each application of one or more constant power loads to the battery, and compares either the measured voltage, or an internal impedance calculated from the measured voltage, with a pre-characterization of the relationship between battery capacity and battery voltage or impedance for the given battery type and operating conditions. This relationship may be obtained from data provided by the battery manufacturer, derived empirically or otherwise determined. This relationship may be represented by data stored in memory or by a mathematical function implemented in hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof.

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: A battery, usable with one or more battery support units and/or electronic devices, contains a memory which contains a mailbox. The battery receives a request from a battery support unit or an electronic device to write error data in the mailbox. In response to this request, the battery stores the error data in the mailbox. The battery then receives a request from a battery support unit or electronic device to read the error data from the mailbox. In response to this request, the battery transmits the error data to the battery support unit or electronic device that requested it.

Abstract: A battery support unit, such as a defibrillator battery charger, tests a battery having a memory for an error condition. If the battery support unit finds an error condition with the battery, it transmits error data to a mailbox located in the battery's memory. Other battery support units or electronic devices, or even this battery support unit at a later date, can read the error data in the mailbox and take an appropriate action. For example, the battery support unit can read the mailbox and, if it finds error data placed there by itself, another battery support unit, or an electronic device, enable an indicator, such as an indicator that informs a user that maintenance needs to be performed on the battery. When battery maintenance has been selected, the battery support unit reconditions the battery by charging and discharging the battery a predetermined number of times, and also performs additional testing on the battery.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a defibrillator/heart monitor, monitors a battery having a memory for an error condition while the battery is operating the device. If the electronic device finds an error condition with the battery, it transmits error data to a mailbox located in the battery's memory. Other electronic devices or battery support units, or even this electronic device at a later date, can read the error data in the mailbox and take an appropriate action. For example, the electronic device can read the mailbox and, if it finds error data placed there by itself, another electronic device, or a battery support unit, enables an indicator, such as an indicator that informs a user that maintenance needs to be performed on the battery.

Abstract: An intelligent battery having an advance low battery warning for a battery powered device is provided. The intelligent battery comprises a battery suitable for powering a battery powered device and a charge monitor circuit. The charge monitor circuit continuously measures the amount of electrical charge input and output from the battery. When the amount of charge remaining in the battery goes below a threshold amount, an advance low battery warning is generated, wherein the charge remaining in the battery is calculated by subtracting the amount of electrical charge output from the battery from the amount of electrical charge input into the battery. The low battery warning occurs independently of the output voltage of the battery such that an advance low battery warning may be provided for a battery that maintains a substantially constant output voltage until just prior to complete discharge.

Abstract: A system having a battery, a battery support unit, and an electronic device provides for the exchange of information between the battery support unit and the electronic device via a mailbox in memory in the battery. When the battery is placed in the battery support unit, the battery support unit tests the battery for an error condition. If the battery support unit finds an error condition with the battery, it transmits error data to a mailbox located in the battery's memory. When the battery is then removed from the battery support unit and placed in an electronic device, the electronic device can read the error data in the mailbox and take an appropriate action. For example, the electronic device reads the mailbox and find the error data placed there by the battery support unit. In response to finding this error data, the electronic device enables an indicator, such as an indicator that informs a user that maintenance needs to be performed on the battery.