Abstract: A vital sign monitoring system that can be used with multiple patients and utilizes historic patient data information for the patient to optimize the process of obtaining current vital sign measurements. Each patient is identified with a unique patient identification device that is automatically detected by the vital sign monitor. The vital sign monitor communicates with a medical records database and obtains historic patient data information for the patient identified by the patient identification device. The historic patient data information can be utilized by the vital sign monitor to set alarm limits for the vital sign measurements and automatically control the operation of an NIBP monitor for the specific patient.

Abstract: A patient monitoring apparatus is disclosed herein. The patient monitoring apparatus includes a controller, and a speaker operatively connected to the controller. The speaker is configured to selectively produce a sound adapted to audibly entertain, distract and/or soothe a patient such that the patient can be conveniently and accurately monitored. A corresponding method for monitoring one or more of a patient's vital signs is also provided.

Abstract: A vital sign monitoring system that can be used with multiple patients and utilizes historic patient data information for the patient to optimize the process of obtaining current vital sign measurements. Each patient is identified with a unique patient identification device that is automatically detected by the vital sign monitor. The vital sign monitor communicates with a medical records database and obtains historic patient data information and previously diagnosed characteristics for the patient identified by the patient identification device. The historic patient data information and previously diagnosed characteristics of the patient can be utilized by the vital sign monitor to set alarm limits for the vital sign measurements and automatically adjust the blood pressure estimation algorithm of the NIBP monitor.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a non-invasive blood pressure monitor that utilizes an SpO2 plethysmograph signal to determine the initial inflation pressure for the blood pressure cuff of the NIBP monitor. A pulse sensor is placed on the patient's limb distal to the blood pressure cuff such that as the blood pressure cuff is inflated, the pulse signals from the pulse sensor will be reduced. When the blood pressure cuff reaches systolic pressure, the pulse signals from the pulse sensor will be initially attenuated and eventually eliminated, thus providing an indication that the cuff pressure has reached systolic pressure for the patient. The central processor of the NIBP monitor compares the pulse signals during cuff inflation to an average pulse signal and terminates the inflation of the blood pressure cuff upon sufficient attenuation.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a non-invasive blood pressure monitor that utilizes an SpO2 plethysmograph signal to determine the initial inflation pressure for the blood pressure cuff of the NIBP monitor. A pulse sensor is placed on the patient's limb distal to the blood pressure cuff such that as the blood pressure cuff is inflated, the pulse signals from the pulse sensor will be reduced. When the blood pressure cuff reaches systolic pressure, the pulse signals from the pulse sensor will be initially attenuated and eventually eliminated, thus providing an indication that the cuff pressure has reached systolic pressure for the patient. The central processor of the NIBP monitor compares the pulse signals during cuff inflation to an average pulse signal and terminates the inflation of the blood pressure cuff upon sufficient attenuation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pneumatic control of a blood pressure determination are disclosed. The method and apparatus comprise an inflatable cuff for obtaining a blood pressure measurement from a patient, a hose configured to operate with a pressurizing apparatus for providing pressurization of the inflatable cuff, the hose including a patient end and a non-patient end. In addition the method and apparatus comprise a pneumatic switch coupled to the inflatable cuff near the patient end of the hose.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pneumatic control of a blood pressure determination are disclosed. The method and apparatus comprise an inflatable cuff for obtaining a blood pressure measurement from a patient, a hose configured to operate with a pressurizing apparatus for providing pressurization of the inflatable cuff, the hose including a patient end and a non-patient end. In addition the method and apparatus comprise a pneumatic switch coupled to the inflatable cuff near the patient end of the hose.

Abstract: Blood pressure of an human being is read by a process that places a cuff around a portion of the human being's body. The cuff is inflated to a predefined pressure which occludes the flood of blood and then the cuff is deflated in a controlled manner. At a plurality of deflation pressure levels, pressure pulses that occur in the cuff are integrated to produce a plurality of integral values. A diastolic pressure of the human being is derived in response to the deflation pressure level at which occurred the integral value that is greatest in magnitude.

Abstract: A data playback device which records, stores, and plays back actual patient oscillometric blood pressure data to create a more realistic NIBP simulation for testing of an NIBP monitor. The system is made up of two units, a computer and a converter. The converter has a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) connected to the computer and 16-bit D/A and A/D converters connected to the input and output, respectively, of a blood pressure monitor. The A/D converter senses cuff pressure and sends the signal to the computer. The computer then calculates the pressure pulse data from the stored patient data and sends it to the monitor via the D/A converter, where the pressure pulse data is converted to a voltage and electronically summed with the pressure transducer signal output by the blood pressure monitor under test.

Abstract: An automated sphygmomanometer which stores the attributes for all oscillation complexes at each pressure step and compares the stored waveform data to a template containing the attributes of a "clean" oscillation complex from a present or previous NIBP determination or from a standard template determined from a broad population of patients. Preferably, an oscillation complex near MAP is selected as the template. After the oscillation complexes have been gathered, correlation values for each new oscillation complex in the stored waveform data and the template are calculated using correlation calculations from detection theory. All oscillation complexes which highly correlate with the template (their correlation values are above a given threshold) are maintained as "good" oscillation data, while the remainder of the oscillation complexes are ignored as corrupted by artifact data. Artifact-reduced data may then be used in the blood pressure calculation.

Abstract: An automated sphygmomanometer which stores the attributes for all oscillation complexes at each pressure step and compares the stored waveform data to a template containing the attributes of a "clean" oscillation complex from a present or previous NIBP determination or from a standard template determined from a broad population of patients. Preferably, an oscillation complex near MAP is selected as the template. After the oscillation complexes have been gathered, correlation values for each new oscillation complex in the stored waveform data and the template are calculated using correlation calculations from detection theory. All oscillation complexes which highly correlate with the template (their correlation values are above a given threshold) are maintained as "good" oscillation data, while the remainder of the oscillation complexes are ignored as corrupted by artifact data. Artifact-reduced data may then be used in the blood pressure calculation.

Abstract: A sanitary, cleanable, whirlpool jet apparatus having means for circulating water within a whirlpool without routing the whirlpool water through circulation piping.

Abstract: A sanitary, cleanable, whirlpool jet apparatus having means for circulating water within a whirlpool without routing the whirlpool water through circulation piping.

Abstract: A portable whirlpool bathtub cleaning apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting the circulation system of the whirlpool bathtub, including a container for holding the cleaning fluid, a pump for recirculating the fluid, a plurality of hoses for attachment to the whirlpool jets, a flow line for attachment to the air intake and the suction fitting of the whirlpool bathtub. When the hoses are attached to the jets, the air intake and the suction fitting, a closed recirculating system is formed. The fluid can be heated and circulated throughout the whirlpool bathtub circulation system to clean and disinfect the whirlpool circulation system.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has an absorbent pad confined between a permeable front panel and a liquid impervious back panel, with a flexible containment pouch being enclosed within a pocket adjacent to the back panel. A perforated closure panel secures the containment pouch within the pocket. The containment pouch is carried within the closure panel pocket while the diaper is being worn. For disposal of the diaper, the closure panel is ruptured and the containment pouch is removed from the pocket. The diaper is then rolled up and inserted into the containment pouch for disposal.