Patents by Inventor Richard C. Nova
Richard C. Nova has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10046170Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a defibrillation treatment protocol in an external defibrillator whereby a user may override a CPR-first default protocol. The method includes following steps configured in a defibrillator controller of issuing an inquiry; waiting for a response to the inquiry for a set time; ordering a CPR treatment protocol if no response is received within the set time; analyzing a response; ordering a CPR treatment protocol upon receiving a non-affirmative response to the inquiry; and ordering a shock treatment protocol upon receiving an affirmative response to the inquiry. Upon selecting a shock treatment protocol, the defibrillator performs a shock analysis under the shock treatment protocol, and either orders a CPR treatment protocol if shock treatment is not indicated by the shock analysis or provides a defibrillation shock if shock treatment is indicated by the shock analysis. Queries may be presented to a user in visual, audible, or both visual and audible format.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: PHYSIO-CONTROL, INC.Inventors: Isabelle Banville, David R. Hampton, Gregory T. Kavounas, Richard C. Nova
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Patent number: 10022062Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Blaine Krusor, Isabelle Banville, Joseph Leo Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Carmen Ann Chacon, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Patent number: 9987496Abstract: A wearable medical device includes a garment and a medical device. The medical device has a functionality that can transition between an operative state and an inoperative state. When the functionality is in the inoperative state, a protrusion extends so as to poke the patient, as an indication that steps need to be taken to make the device ready for use.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2017Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Joseph Leo Sullivan, Isabelle Banville, Blaine Krusor, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, David Peter Finch, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova
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Publication number: 20180147414Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2018Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: Daniel Ralph Piha, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip Dewey Foshee, JR., Daniel Peter Finch, Isabelle Banville, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Robert Reuben Buchanan, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Publication number: 20180110995Abstract: A wearable cardiac defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include a support structure that a patient can wear, an energy storage module that can store an electrical charge, and a discharge circuit that can discharge the electrical charge through the patient so as to shock him or her, while the patient is wearing the support structure. Embodiments may actively take into account bystanders, both to protect them from an inadvertent shock, and also to enlist their help. In some embodiments the WCD system includes a speaker system that transmits a sound designed to assist a bystander to perform CPR. Optionally CPR chest compressions received by the patient can be further detected, and feedback can be given. In embodiments, a WCD system may include a user interface that can be controlled to output CPR prompts tailored to a skill level of the bystander.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2017Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: Joseph L. Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Phillip Dewey Foshee, JR., Isabelle Banville, Richard C. Nova, Krystyna Szul, Daniel Finney, Laura Marie Gustavson, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Publication number: 20180110994Abstract: A wearable cardiac defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include a support structure that a patient can wear, an energy storage module that can store an electrical charge, and a discharge circuit that can discharge the electrical charge through the patient so as to shock him or her, while the patient is wearing the support structure. Embodiments may actively take into account bystanders, both to protect them from an inadvertent shock, and also to enlist their help. In some embodiments, the WCD system includes a speaker system and a memory. Prompts have been saved in advance in the patient's own voice, and stored in the memory. In case of an emergency, the prompts may be played by the speaker system in the patient's own voice, and heard by a bystander.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2017Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: Joseph L. Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Phillip Dewey Foshee, JR., Isabelle Banville, Richard C. Nova, Krystyna Szul, Daniel Finney, Laura Marie Gustavson, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Patent number: 9950184Abstract: A wearable cardiac defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include a support structure that a patient can wear, an energy storage module that can store an electrical charge, and a discharge circuit that can discharge the electrical charge through the patient so as to shock him or her, while the patient is wearing the support structure. Embodiments may actively take into account bystanders, both to protect them from an inadvertent shock, and also to enlist their help. In some embodiments, the WCD system includes a speaker system, a memory and a proximity detector. Prompts have been stored in the memory. In case of an emergency, upon inferring that no bystander is nearby, the speaker system may transmit a sound at a higher intensity than otherwise, hoping to attract attention.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Joseph L. Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Phillip Dewey Foshee, Jr., Isabelle Banville, Richard C. Nova, Krystyna Szul, Daniel Finney, Laura Marie Gustavson, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Patent number: 9907971Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a medical device, such as a defibrillator, for use with an accessory capable of collecting a parameter of a patient. The medical device is capable of at least performing a basic functionality, an advanced functionality, and of defibrillating the patient. The medical device includes an energy storage module within a housing for storing an electrical charge that is to be delivered to the patient for the defibrillating. The medical device includes a processor structured to determine whether a data set received from the accessory confirms or not a preset authentication criterion about the accessory. Although when the accessory is coupled to the housing the medical device is capable of the defibrillating and the basic functionality, the medical device is capable of the advanced functionality only when the accessory is coupled to the housing and it is determined that the preset authentication criterion is confirmed. Embodiments also include methods of operation and a programmed solution.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: PHYSIO-CONTROL, INC.Inventor: Richard C. Nova
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Patent number: 9895548Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Inventors: Daniel Ralph Piha, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip Dewey Foshee, Jr., Daniel Peter Finch, Isabelle Banville, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Robert Reuben Buchanan, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Wearable cardiac defibrillator system delivering shock upon hearing preset ready word from bystander
Patent number: 9878173Abstract: A wearable cardiac defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include a support structure that a patient can wear, an energy storage module that can store an electrical charge, and a discharge circuit that can discharge the electrical charge through the patient so as to shock him or her, while the patient is wearing the support structure. Embodiments may actively take into account bystanders, both to protect them from an inadvertent shock, and also to enlist their help. In some embodiments the WCD system includes a microphone. The WCD system might be ready to deliver a shock, but may first wait before doing so until it hears from a bystander a preset ready word, such as: “CLEAR”.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Joseph L. Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Phillip Dewey Foshee, Jr., Isabelle Banville, Richard C. Nova, Krystyna Szul, Daniel Finney, Laura Marie Gustavson, Gregory T. Kavounas -
Publication number: 20170368362Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that identify a type of cable coupled to a receptacle of a defibrillator and that activate one or both of an ECG monitoring module and an energy storage circuit based at least in part on the identified cable type. The cable-type identification may allow a defibrillator to, for example, operate in either or both of an ECG monitoring mode and/or a therapy mode, based on the type of cable that is coupled to the defibrillator. The disclosed devices, systems, and methods can monitor an ECG of a patient and deliver defibrillation therapy to the patient, depending on the type of cable coupled to the defibrillator and/or the type of detected ECG signal of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2017Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Zhong Qun Lu, Richard C. Nova, Paul S. Tamura, Gary A. DeBardi, David W. Tecklenburg, Tyler R. Hart, James S. Neumiller, Richard J. Cardin
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Publication number: 20170368361Abstract: A wearable medical device includes a garment and a medical device. The medical device has a functionality that can transition between an operative state and an inoperative state. When the functionality is in the inoperative state, a protrusion extends so as to poke the patient, as an indication that steps need to be taken to make the device ready for use.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2017Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Joseph Leo Sullivan, Isabelle Banville, Blaine Krusor, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, David Peter Finch, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova
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Patent number: 9795782Abstract: RFID-based sensors, RFID readers and software sense a changed condition. In one embodiment, an RFID-based sensor includes a base that may be placed at a location where a condition may change. The sensor includes an RFID tag that is coupled to the base. The sensor also includes a detector that can be electrically coupled to the RFID tag. If the condition changes, an electrical property of the detector also changes, impacting an operation of the RFID tag. The impacted operation can be detected by an RFID reader/interrogator so as to provide a notification. An advantage over the prior art is that the condition change can be sensed wirelessly over a domain that can be laborious or hazardous to access otherwise. Moreover, RFID based sensors can be made by modifying common RFID tags.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Blaine Krusor, Isabelle Banville, Joseph Leo Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Carmen Ann Chacon, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Publication number: 20170266078Abstract: Resuscitation devices for performing external chest compression (ECC) and defibrillation on a person and methods using the devices are disclosed. The disclosed devices can include chest compression members and a communication module that can communicate with a remote command center. The disclosed devices can also include an optional defibrillation module that may be integrated. The devices can be coupled to a backboard and can include physiological sensors, electrodes, wheels, controllers, human interface devices, cooling modules, ventilators, cameras, and voice output devices. Methods can include defibrillating, pacing, ventilating, cooling, and performing ECC in an integrated, coordinated, and/or synchronous manner using the full capabilities of the device. Some devices include controllers executing methods for automatically performing the coordinated activities utilizing the device capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Applicant: PHYSIO-CONTROL, INC.Inventors: Cynthia Jayne, Ronald E. Stickney, Richard C. Nova, Stephen W. Radons, David R. Hampton, D. Craig Edwards, Joseph L. Sullivan, Steven E. Sjoquist
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Publication number: 20170266456Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: Daniel Ralph Piha, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip Dewey Foshee, JR., Daniel Peter Finch, Isabelle Banville, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Robert Reuben Buchanan, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Patent number: 9757578Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that identify a type of cable coupled to a receptacle of a defibrillator and that activate one or both of an ECG monitoring module and an energy storage circuit based at least in part on the identified cable type. The cable-type identification may allow a defibrillator to, for example, operate in either or both of an ECG monitoring mode and/or a therapy mode, based on the type of cable that is coupled to the defibrillator. The disclosed devices, systems, and methods can monitor an ECG of a patient and deliver defibrillation therapy to the patient, depending on the type of cable coupled to the defibrillator and/or the type of detected ECG signal of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Physio-Control, Inc.Inventors: Zhong Qun Lu, Richard C. Nova, Paul S. Tamura, Gary A. DeBardi, David W. Tecklenburg, Tyler R. Hart, James S. Neumiller, Richard J. Cardin
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Patent number: 9757576Abstract: A portable medical device having a reliable readiness indicator. Embodiments provide a reliable readiness indicator with an active clasp that holds the garment in place. The clasp is enabled by the defibrillator when it is ready for use. If the clasp is not enabled the garment cannot be worn comfortably, and it becomes apparent to the patient that steps need to be taken to make the device ready for use.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Joseph Leo Sullivan, Isabelle Banville, Blaine Krusor, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, David Peter Finch, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C Nova
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Patent number: 9724530Abstract: A user interface method and apparatus is described for use with a defibrillator (100) such as an automated external defibrillator (AED). The user interface comprises a plurality of layered user interface components which become available to the operator of the defibrillator (100) as they become necessary or appropriate during the operation of the defibrillator (100) and treatment of the patient. In one embodiment, the layered user interface components comprise an on/off actuator (108), a lid (104), an electrode package (120) containing defibrillation electrodes (142, 144), and a shock key (170), as well as accompanying visual and aural instructions for operating the defibrillator (100) and for treating the patient.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Physio-Control, Inc.Inventors: D. Craig Edwards, Kelly J. Locke, Mark B. Gausman, Alex Otman, Richard C. Nova, Shawn R. Bertagnole
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Patent number: 9700733Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Daniel Ralph Piha, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip Dewey Foshee, Jr., Daniel Peter Finch, Isabelle Banville, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Robert Reuben Buchanan, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Publication number: 20170182329Abstract: A wearable cardiac defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include a support structure that a patient can wear, an energy storage module that can store an electrical charge, and a discharge circuit that can discharge the electrical charge through the patient so as to shock him or her, while the patient is wearing the support structure. Embodiments may actively take into account bystanders, both to protect them from an inadvertent shock, and also to enlist their help. In some embodiments, the WCD system includes a speaker system, a memory and a proximity detector. Prompts have been stored in the memory. In case of an emergency, upon inferring that no bystander is nearby, the speaker system may transmit a sound at a higher intensity than otherwise, hoping to attract attention.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2016Publication date: June 29, 2017Inventors: Joseph L.. Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Phillip Dewey Foshee, JR., Isabelle Banville, Richard C. Nova, Krystyna Szul, Daniel Finney, Laura Marie Gustavson, Gregory T. Kavounas