Abstract: In embodiments, an external defibrillator has an electrical circuit with a special output stage for the high-voltage defibrillation pulse. The output stage includes switches that can turn on for delivering the pulse, and off during all other times. The output stage also includes a diverting resistance to divert electrical current that could leak into the patient while a capacitor is being charged. An optional detector may notify if a component is malfunctioning. An advantage can be that an external defibrillator may be created according to embodiments that uses, in its output stage, semiconductor switches instead of relays. As semiconductor switches weigh less and occupy less volume than relays, an external defibrillator according to embodiments may have less weight and volume. Especially in wearable defibrillator applications, less weight means less effort to carry and less volume means easier concealment under clothing.

Abstract: In embodiments, an external defibrillator has an electrical circuit with a special output stage for the high-voltage defibrillation pulse. The output stage includes switches that can turn on for delivering the pulse, and off during all other times. The output stage also includes a diverting resistance to divert electrical current that could leak into the patient while a capacitor is being charged. An optional detector may notify if a component is malfunctioning. An advantage can be that an external defibrillator may be created according to embodiments that uses, in its output stage, semiconductor switches instead of relays. As semiconductor switches weigh less and occupy less volume than relays, an external defibrillator according to embodiments may have less weight and volume. Especially in wearable defibrillator applications, less weight means less effort to carry and less volume means easier concealment under clothing.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wearable medical device system includes a processor configured to determine whether a patient requires electrical therapy to be provided via a plurality of therapy electrodes, the electrical therapy comprising discharging at least a portion of a stored electrical charge from an energy storage module, and if so, cause a fluid deploying mechanism to deploy a portion of the stored fluid to an interface between at least two therapy electrodes and the patient's skin prior to providing the electrical therapy, the deployed portion of fluid adapted to decrease the impedance measured by an impedance measurement circuit, and cause the fluid deploying mechanism to deploy an additional portion of fluid in response to the impedance measured by the impedance measurement circuit increasing above a threshold during the electrical therapy.

Abstract: In embodiments, an external defibrillator has an electrical circuit with a special output stage for the high-voltage defibrillation pulse. The output stage includes switches that can turn on for delivering the pulse, and off during all other times. The output stage also includes a diverting resistance to divert electrical current that could leak into the patient while a capacitor is being charged. An optional detector may notify if a component is malfunctioning. An advantage can be that an external defibrillator may be created according to embodiments that uses, in its output stage, semiconductor switches instead of relays. As semiconductor switches weigh less and occupy less volume than relays, an external defibrillator according to embodiments may have less weight and volume. Especially in wearable defibrillator applications, less weight means less effort to carry and less volume means easier concealment under clothing.

Abstract: In embodiments, an external defibrillator has an electrical circuit with a special output stage for the high-voltage defibrillation pulse. The output stage includes switches that can turn on for delivering the pulse, and off during all other times. The output stage also includes a diverting resistance to divert electrical current that could leak into the patient while a capacitor is being charged. An optional detector may notify if a component is malfunctioning. An advantage can be that an external defibrillator may be created according to embodiments that uses, in its output stage, semiconductor switches instead of relays. As semiconductor switches weigh less and occupy less volume than relays, an external defibrillator according to embodiments may have less weight and volume. Especially in wearable defibrillator applications, less weight means less effort to carry and less volume means easier concealment under clothing.

Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include an impedance detector configured to render an impedance signal of the patient. The WCD system may determine, from the impedance signal, a characteristic of breathing by the patient that can be used as a vital sign. The WCD system may determine, from at least the breathing characteristic, whether or not a shock criterion is met. If the shock criterion is met, the WCD system may control a discharge circuit to discharge a stored electrical charge through the patient. An advantage can be that the breathing characteristic may be used to determine whether or not a patient is experiencing a condition that requires defibrillation therapy, such as sudden cardiac arrest. Even more advantages can be had in discerning the state of the patient when the breathing characteristic is combined with other data, such as from a motion detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a spark ignition engine that includes a particulate filter in the engine's exhaust system are described. In one example, the spark ignition engine is prevented from exceeding a threshold engine load when the engine is supplying power to an electric machine so that engine emissions may be reduced.

Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include an impedance detector configured to render an impedance signal of the patient. The WCD system may determine, from the impedance signal, a characteristic of breathing by the patient that can be used as a vital sign. The WCD system may determine, from at least the breathing characteristic, whether or not a shock criterion is met. If the shock criterion is met, the WCD system may control a discharge circuit to discharge a stored electrical charge through the patient. An advantage can be that the breathing characteristic may be used to determine whether or not a patient is experiencing a condition that requires defibrillation therapy, such as sudden cardiac arrest. Even more advantages can be had in discerning the state of the patient when the breathing characteristic is combined with other data, such as from a motion detector.

Abstract: Patient electrodes, patient monitors, defibrillators, wearable defibrillators, software and methods may warn when an electrode stops being fully attached to the patient's skin. A patient electrode includes a pad for attaching to the skin of a patient, a lead coupled to the pad, and a contact detector that can change state, when the pad does not contact fully the skin of the patient. When the detector changes state, an output device may emit an alert, for notifying a rescuer or even the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) systems that include patient parameter electrodes, such as ECG electrodes, that are at least substantially electrically isolated from other circuits of the WCD system. In embodiments, the WCD system includes a power source, an energy storage module, and a processor each connected to a first circuit ground. A patient parameter sense port, such as an ECG port, is coupled to the patient. A measurement circuit may render a physiological input from the sensed patient parameter received at the patient parameter sense port, and the measurement circuit includes an isolating circuit that electrically isolates the patient parameter sense port from the first circuit ground. The sensing of physiological inputs of the patient can be improved, resulting in fewer erroneous readings and false alarms.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission having an electric machine, a park ring fixedly coupled to the electric machine, and a parking pawl engageable with the park ring to hold the park ring stationary when the transmission is in PARK. A vehicle is programmed to, responsive to a request to shift from PARK, command disengagement of the parking pawl and concurrently command a torque to the electric machine to counteract driveline torque on the park ring.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, and a controller. The engine and the electric machine are configured to simultaneously generate power in a hybrid mode. The controller is programmed to, responsive to a power demand decreasing to less than a first threshold while the vehicle is operating in the hybrid mode, shutdown the engine. The controller is further programmed to, responsive to the power demand decreasing to less than the first threshold and an operator input to extend the hybrid mode, override shutting down the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a spark ignition engine that includes a particulate filter in the engine's exhaust system are described. In one example, a threshold temperature at which the spark ignition engine may be automatically stopped is adjusted according to an amount of soot that is stored in the particulate filter.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, and a controller. The engine and the electric machine are each configured to generate power. The controller is programmed to, responsive to a power demand exceeding a first threshold while the electric machine is generating power alone, start the engine. The controller is further programmed to, responsive to the power demand exceeding the first threshold and an operator input to suppress an engine startup, override starting the engine for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission having an electric machine, a park ring fixedly coupled to the electric machine, and a parking pawl engageable with the park ring to hold the park ring stationary when the transmission is in PARK. A vehicle is programmed to, responsive to a request to shift from PARK, command disengagement of the parking pawl and concurrently command a torque to the electric machine to counteract driveline torque on the park ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a spark ignition engine that includes a particulate filter in the engine's exhaust system are described. In one example, a threshold temperature at which the spark ignition engine may be automatically stopped is adjusted according to an amount of soot that is stored in the particulate filter.

Abstract: A method for detecting conflicts between aircraft flying in controlled airspace. The method determines whether pairs of aircraft flight routes violate a predetermined proximity test. The separation of pairs of aircraft whose flight routes do not violate the proximity test is assured. For pairs of aircraft whose flight routes violate the proximity test, the method calculates the parts of their flight routes that breach the separation threshold, the conflict paths (406, 408). The conflict paths are stored. The method determines the portions of aircraft trajectories corresponding to the conflict paths. The separation of aircraft that have flown past their conflict paths is assured. The separation time and separation altitude of pairs of aircraft that have not flown past their conflict paths are calculated. The separation time and separation altitude are used to determine future circumstances whereby the pairs of aircraft may lose separation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a spark ignition engine that includes a particulate filter in the engine's exhaust system are described. In one example, the spark ignition engine is prevented from exceeding a threshold engine load when the engine is supplying power to an electric machine so that engine emissions may be reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a spark ignition engine that includes a particulate filter in the engine's exhaust system are described. In one example, a threshold temperature at which the spark ignition engine may be automatically stopped is adjusted according to an amount of soot that is stored in the particulate filter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a spark ignition engine that includes a particulate filter in the engine's exhaust system are described. In one example, a threshold temperature at which the spark ignition engine may be automatically stopped is adjusted according to an amount of soot that is stored in the particulate filter.