Abstract: A device (200) which includes a monitoring unit (210), a therapy unit (220), and a display (100) that includes a touch screen (110). The monitoring unit (210) can be configured to monitor a person's vital signs, such as a person's electrocardiogram (ECG). The therapy unit (220) can be configured to administer an electric shock. The display (100) can be configured to display the ECG and enable a user to scroll the displayed ECG back and forth and/or to zoom in and zoom out the displayed ECG by touching the touch screen (110). The display (100) can also be configured to enable the user to select two or more separate segments of the ECG to view together at the same time on the display (100), which segments can be separated by intervening segments of the ECG that can be hidden from being viewed on the display (100). The display (100) can have multiple user-interface windows (120, 130).

Abstract: A modular medical system employing a bedside patient monitor (20), a portable patient monitor (40), a monitor docking station (50), a therapy applicator (30) and a therapy docking station (60). In operation, the portable patient monitor (40) is docked to the bedside patient via the monitor docking station (50) whereby the bedside patient monitor (20) and the portable patient monitor (40) measure patient parameters (e.g., ECG, Sp O2, pulse rate, NIBP, Et CO2, etc.) upon the portable patient monitor (40) being coupled to a patient. Alternatively, the portable patient monitor (40) is docked to the therapy applicator (30) via the therapy docking station (60) whereby the therapy applicator (30) conditionally delivers the electrical therapy (e.g., defibrillation shock, synchronized conversion, transcutaneous pacing, etc.) to the patient upon the portable patient monitor (40) being coupled to the patient.

Abstract: A monitor/defibrillator (100) is described having an optical image sensor (114) such as a barcode reader or an optical character reader for accurate and timely entry of information during a medical treatment event. The barcode reader or optical character reader enables a one-step capture of patient identifying information, administered therapeutic substances, equipment and other event information. The information is decoded by the monitor/defibrillator and entered into system memory for later use.

Abstract: A system for electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation includes a processor and memory coupled to the processor. A rendering module is stored in the memory and is configured to receive input from an ECG and correlate interpretation statements with ECG measurements responsible for the interpretation statements in the ECG. An interface is configured to permit user selection of at least one interpretation statement in a display, the display being configured to render visual indications of the ECG measurements on digitally rendered waveforms of the ECG.

Abstract: A modular medical device (e.g., modular defibrillator/monitor) employs a primary medical module including a primary power source (e.g., battery(ies) and/or power supply) for powering an execution of a primary medical task assigned to the primary medical module (e.g., electrical therapy), and a remote medical module including a remote power source (e.g., battery(ies) and/or power supply) for powering an execution of a remote medical task assigned to the remote medical module (e.g., patient parameter monitoring). In operation, primary medical module ascertains if primary power source has sufficient power or insufficient power for the execution of the primary medical task, and remote medical module controls a charging of remote power source by primary power source if primary medical module ascertains primary power source has sufficient power for the execution of the primary medical task.

Abstract: A system for electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation includes a processor and memory coupled to the processor. A rendering module is stored in the memory and is configured to receive input from an ECG and correlate interpretation statements with ECG measurements responsible for the interpretation statements in the ECG. An interface is configured to permit user selection of at least one interpretation statement in a display, the display being configured to render visual indications of the ECG measurements on digitally rendered waveforms of the ECG.

Abstract: Apparatus for single-handed control of a microscope are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first controller, such as a first rotary controller, is configured for manipulation by a hand of a user to adjust a position of a microscope stage. Another controller, such as a second rotary controller, is configured and arranged relative to the first rotary controller for manipulation by an extended finger of the same hand to review, e.g., scroll through, previously identified portions of a biological specimen while the user's first hand may or may not remain in contact with the first rotary controller. In this manner, the user may continue to review the previously identified specimen portions without having to look away from the microscope.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scanning a cytological specimen carried by a slide. Movement or positioning of a motorized stage of an automated screening system may be controlled manually by a user such that the user controls movement, e.g., controlling speed, position, and/or timing, of the motorized stage along a first scan line to controllably scan a first portion of the specimen along the scan line. The user may then index the motorized stage from the first scan line to the next scan line and manually control movement of the stage along the second scan line to controllably scan another portion of the specimen. Stage indexing may also be automatic such that the user does not control or initiate indexing.

Abstract: A detachable microscope pen mount for marking a microscope slide includes an attachment collar configured to secure to an objective lens, a lever secured to the attachment collar, a pen holder secured to the lever, and a pen secured to the pen holder and having a pen tip, where activating the lever moves the pen tip into a field of view and lowers the pen tip onto the microscope slide. Also disclosed is a method of marking a microscope slide includes identifying an object of interest in a field of view, positioning the object of interest in a center of the field of view, inserting a pen having a pen tip along a trough into a center of the trough, lowering the pen tip onto the microscope slide, and marking the microscope slide by tracing the inside of the center of the trough.

Abstract: A detachable microscope pen mount for marking a microscope slide includes an attachment collar configured to secure to an objective lens, a lever secured to the attachment collar, a pen holder secured to the lever, and a pen secured to the pen holder and having a pen tip, where activating the lever moves the pen tip into a field of view and lowers the pen tip onto the microscope slide. Also disclosed is a method of marking a microscope slide includes identifying an object of interest in a field of view, positioning the object of interest in a center of the field of view, inserting a pen having a pen tip along a trough into a center of the trough, lowering the pen tip onto the microscope slide, and marking the microscope slide by tracing the inside of the center of the trough.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scanning a cytological specimen carried by a slide. Movement or positioning of a motorized stage of an automated screening system may be controlled manually by a user such that the user controls movement, e.g., controlling speed, position, and/or timing, of the motorized stage along a first scan line to controllably scan a first portion of the specimen along the scan line. The user may then index the motorized stage from the first scan line to the next scan line and manually control movement of the stage along the second scan line to controllably scan another portion of the specimen. Stage indexing may also be automatic such that the user does not control or initiate indexing.

Abstract: Apparatus for single-handed control of a microscope are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first controller, such as a first rotary controller, is configured for manipulation by a hand of a user to adjust a position of a microscope stage. Another controller, such as a second rotary controller, is configured and arranged relative to the first rotary controller for manipulation by an extended finger of the same hand to review, e.g., scroll through, previously identified portions of a biological specimen while the user's first hand may or may not remain in contact with the first rotary controller. In this manner, the user may continue to review the previously identified specimen portions without having to look away from the microscope.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to enable the direct gene transfer of genetic material into a target cell site (“microseeding”), as a means of obtaining long term expression of native or non-native polypeptides in a host. The apparatus includes a matrix of microneedles that oscillate at a predetermined frequency and receive the genetic material from a delivery system that is integrated with the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods for processing a cytological specimen suspended in a liquid. Light at a wavelength less than 450 nm is directed through the liquid. The intensity of the light transmitted through the liquid is detected and compared to a threshold to determine whether the blood content of the specimen should be reduced before a specimen slide is prepared. In one embodiment, Light at different wavelengths is directed through the liquid. One of the wavelengths is at or near a hemoglobin absorption peak that is less than 450 nm.

Abstract: A system for preparing biological specimen slides comprises a slide preparation apparatus for preparing the specimen slides; a processor configured to control the slide preparation apparatus; and a data retrieval device coupled to the processor and configured to retrieve information from a storage device associated with the slide preparation apparatus or a component used by the slide preparation apparatus, wherein the processor selectively enables operation of the slide preparation apparatus based on the retrieved information.

Abstract: System and method for calibrating the orientation or arrangement of slides in a storage receptacle. A reflective marking is asymmetrically applied to a side or edge of a slide, forming reflective and non-reflective sections. Light is directed to the slide, and a sensor detects light that is reflected by the reflective sections and generates signal or data representing an orientation of the slide. A controller processes the signal or data to determine whether the slide is properly oriented on a tray in the storage receptacle, e.g., whether the slide is flat or at an angle, upside down, rotated. The marking can be reflective ink, paint or an adhesive. Reflective and non-reflective markings can also be formed by laser etching, polishing, or by frosting.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for loading a tray containing a plurality of slides into an imaging system, and for verifying the alignment and orientation of the tray in the imaging system. A plurality of retainers secures the slides in recesses defined by the tray. An aligning projection on the tray interacts with an alignment component on the imaging system to verify the alignment and orientation of the tray in the imaging system and to disable the system if it cannot do so.

Abstract: A method of managing data for a plurality of analyte test instruments connected to a data communication network. The method comprises the steps of: detecting via a host computer the connection of each instrument to the data communication network; uploading data received from each instrument to the host computer; processing the uploaded data on the host computer for operator review; and downloading configuration data from the host computer to each test instrument, the downloaded data comprising instrument-specific setup and control data. The invention further involves a hand-held analyte test instrument and a docking station for the test instrument.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of providing at least one of an advertisement and a link to an advertisement to a user logged in to an instant messaging network. The method includes the steps of logging a message processor into the instant messaging network under a first screen-name by providing a message processor name and a message processor authentication, the user having the first screen-name as an authorized partner and being advised by the instant messaging network of the presence of the message processor. The method also includes the steps of receiving a communication addressed to the first screen-name from the user via the instant messaging network in an instant messaging protocol, and sending at least one of an advertisement and a link to an advertisement received from the advertisement server to the user.

Abstract: System and method for calibrating the orientation or arrangement of slides in a storage receptacle. A reflective marking is asymmetrically applied to a side or edge of a slide, forming reflective and non-reflective sections. Light is directed to the slide, and a sensor detects light that is reflected by the reflective sections and generates signal or data representing an orientation of the slide. A controller processes the signal or data to determine whether the slide is properly oriented on a tray in the storage receptacle, e.g., whether the slide is flat or at an angle, upside down, rotated. The marking can be reflective ink, paint or an adhesive. Reflective and non-reflective markings can also be formed by laser etching, polishing, or by frosting.