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 thermal inkjet printer with firing nozzles perpendicular to the carriage motion has two motors: paper and carriage. These motors, alone or in concert, provide the power to the service station. The service station has separate wiping and pen cleaning functions. The wipers need to move across the pens in a direction that is perpendicular the carriage direction. Through the use of gears, the wipers can be made to clean the pens at the same time that the paper is being advanced and using the same motor source. For capping, the caps are moved into place as the pens come to rest. The motion of the pens themselves could easily push a lever that pushes the caps into place.

Abstract: A thermal inkjet printer with firing nozzles perpendicular to the carriage motion has two motors: paper and carriage. These motors, alone or in concert, provide the power to the service station. The service station has separate wiping and pen cleaning functions. The wipers need to move across the pens in a direction that is perpendicular the carriage direction. Through the use of gears, the wipers can be made to clean the pens at the same time that the paper is being advanced and using the same motor source. For capping, the caps are moved into place as the pens come to rest. The motion of the pens themselves could easily push a lever that pushes the caps into place.

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 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 defibrillator having separable AED and manual modes of operation is provided. The user interface of the defibrillator comprises a set of AED buttons for implementing the AED personality of step 1, step 2, and step 3, along with the associated audio and visual prompts. In order to maintain the logical and physical separation of the AED and manual personalities, a manual access button is located underneath an access door on the top surface of the defibrillator. With the access door in the open position, the manual access button may be pressed to place the defibrillator in manual mode so that it may be operated according to the manual personality. Instructions for the operation of the defibrillator according to the manual personality may be provided on the underside of the access door to avoid confusion to the first responder who has no need to see these instructions.

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 dual-mode defibrillator has ECG electrodes connected to an ECG front end for producing signals for the controller to use in determining the defibrillator operation in accordance with the manual and automatic procedures stored in a memory. The controller provides appropriate signals to the high voltage delivery system which when energized, applies defibrillation energy to the electrodes.

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 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: A retainer assembly for a defibrillator paddle has a resilient back plate. The back plate secures to a back wall in a pocket by a fastener positioned to allow pivotal movement of the back plate. The back plate has a bracket at its inner edge, retaining an edge of the base of the paddle. A lip extends forward from an outer edge of the back plate to overlie an outer edge of the paddle. The lip is within a tab section that deflects into a recess if a user exerts a sufficient outward pull on the handle.

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.

Abstract: A battery pack assembly has a removable housing which fits within a pocket. The pocket has electrical connectors mounted at a rearward wall. A slot is formed in the base of the pocket near the forward end. Shoulders are located near the forward end and spaced above the base. A battery pack housing has electrical connectors located at its rearward wall that telescopingly fit with the electrical connectors of the pocket. The housing has a base with flanges on each side which engage the shoulders. The housing has a cantilevered resilient tab that is located between the flanges. The tab has a detent which snaps into the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing mass storage devices (e.g. disk drives) from the internal support frame in a computer system. The apparatus is used with mass storage devices having resilient, side-mounted engagement members adapted for receipt in openings through the side walls of the support frame to lock the device in position. To remove the device, a rotatable lever is connected to at least one side wall of the support frame. The lever includes at least one projection member positioned adjacent the opening through the side wall to which the lever is connected. To remove the device from the support frame, the lever is rotated so that the projection member contacts the engagement member. Continued rotation of the lever causes the engagement member to be urged inwardly and out of the opening in the side wall. As a result, the device is unlocked from the frame.