Abstract: A cartridge is provided for storing one or more electrode pads such as a defibrillator electrode pad. The cartridge includes a housing having a rigid portion, a storage space disposed within the housing, and a storage-space opening that allows one to remove/insert the electrode pad or pads from/into the storage space. Because it has a housing with a rigid portion, such a cartridge can better protect one or more electrode pads from handling damage. Furthermore, one can construct the cartridge such that it is attachable to a medical device such as an AED. This allows an operator to carry or store the medical device, cartridge, and one or more electrode pads as a single unit. In addition, one can construct the cartridge such that the one or more electrode pads can be pre-connected to the medical device. This can eliminate connecting the one or more electrode pads to the medical device during an emergency.

Abstract: A defibrillator system capable of defibrillation and patient monitoring. When used as a patient monitor, the defibrillator system includes a defibrillator and removable monitoring electrodes. The monitoring electrodes communicate with a monitoring adapter and the defibrillator. A method of detecting the presence of the monitoring electrodes by the defibrillator is also included. A removable monitoring adapter. The removable monitoring adapter having a test impedance. Defibrillators include semi-automatic defibrillators and automatic defibrillators (“AEDs”).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for maintaining an electrotherapy device wherein the air temperature of the electrotherapy device environment is monitored and then adjusted based on the results of the monitoring step. The method may be accomplished by using an environmental carrying case. Additionally it is contemplated that air of the environment may be circulated to produce an ambient temperature. Monitoring the temperature may accomplished by using a thermostat or a temperature sensitive switch. In a preferred embodiment, a cooling means is activated when the temperature reaches a threshold temperature between 25° C. and 50° C., more preferably 43° C. The cooling means may be a fan. In a preferred embodiment, a heating means is activated when the temperature reaches a threshold temperature between −10° C. and 20° C., more preferably 0° C. The heating means may be heat strips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting couplers for therapy administration and/or monitoring. The apparatus can include a support member configured to rest on a body of a recipient proximate to a coupling area. The support member can include a first coupler location configured to removably carry a first coupler proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient. A second coupler location of the support member is configured to removably carry a second coupler proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient. The first and second coupler locations can be arranged to guide the practitioner to connect the couplers properly to the body. For example, the first coupler location can be positioned closer than the second coupler location to the first coupling position. Accordingly, practitioners can be more likely to connect the first and second couplers to the correct coupling position on the body of the recipient.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical electrode systems and, in particular, to an independently deployable sealed defibrillator electrode for use with an automatic or semi-automatic external defibrillator (AED). The invention also relates to the method of use thereof. More specifically, this invention relates to an electrode system comprising an electrode layer and a releasing layer which are hermetically sealed together. Each layer contains a pull-tab or gripper for allowing the user to deploy the electrode in one step by pulling apart the two layers. This invention is also directed to a method of using an electrode system of the invention wherein the electrode is deployed in one step by pulling the electrode layer and the releasing layer apart.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adaptor for use with a a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training mannequin. The adaptor has a top layer, a conductor and an adhesive. An additional backing layer may be provided. This invention is also directed to methods of modifying a CPR mannequin through application of an adaptor having communicating conductive areas.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical electrode systems and, in particular, to a defibrillator electrode system for use with an automatic or semi-automatic external defibrillator (AED). This invention provides a medical electrode system with two electrodes. Each electrode has a flexible substrate with an adhesive surface; a conductor disposed on the substrate; and an electrode disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the conductor. The electrode pads are each imprinted to show the proper placement of the electrode. Additionally, the medical electrode system may have the electrode pads adhered to a single removable releasing surface. The removable releasing surface may have a fold-line along a center axis between the two electrode pads, or alternatively may have perforations along the center axis. Ideally, the imprinting on each electrode pad can be interpreted by an AED operator without reviewing the imprinting of the other electrode pad.

Abstract: A bar code scanner-and-reader system wherein a scanner unit scans the encoded information contained in a selected bar code and transmits the information to a reader unit that displays the decoded information in human or machine readable form where the system has an information transfer link between the scanner and reader units that is a line-of-sight (LOS) infrared (IR) wireless link.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a portable electronic device includes a handle attached to the electronic device and a trigger projecting from the handle. A replaceable trigger switch is selectively, mechanically retained by the handle, allowing simple replacement of the switch. In a first embodiment, the switch is located within a rechargeable battery pack, and the battery pack is removably retained within the handle. In a second embodiment, the replaceable trigger switch is retained within a trigger frame, and the trigger frame is removably retained within the handle.

Abstract: A cup-shaped protective boot of a resilient material covers a portion of a battery pack which protrudes out of an interior chamber of a handle of a portable, battery-powered, hand-held device. The handle releasably receives the battery pack, and the protective boot forms an environmental seal for the end of the handle to inhibit the entry of contaminants into the handle. The protective boot forms an extended gripping surface for the handle and provides protection against impact shock.