Abstract: A comparator system and a method for comparing an input signal and a reference signal are presented. The system has a controller to adjust a rising output delay and/or a falling output delay of a system output signal. The system output signal is dependent on the comparison between the input signal and the reference signal. This system provides a more efficient comparator with reduced power consumption whilst still providing the required rising output delay and falling output delay for a given application. Techniques used in prior art will always resort to running the comparators at a speed that supports the speed requirements in the worst case conditions and does not exploit any asymmetries in the required rising output delay and falling output delay for a given application. When these asymmetries are exploited, further increases in power efficiency can be achieved.

Abstract: A comparator system and a method for comparing an input signal and a reference signal are presented. The system has a controller to adjust a rising output delay and/or a falling output delay of a system output signal. The system output signal is dependent on the comparison between the input signal and the reference signal. This system provides a more efficient comparator with reduced power consumption whilst still providing the required rising output delay and falling output delay for a given application. Techniques used in prior art will always resort to running the comparators at a speed that supports the speed requirements in the worst case conditions and does not exploit any asymmetries in the required rising output delay and falling output delay for a given application. When these asymmetries are exploited, further increases in power efficiency can be achieved.

Abstract: A reminder device 2 and a system using that device can be employed both to alert a user to scheduled times for administration of standard medical procedures and to compile data representative of the actual administration of the medical procedure. The reminder device 2 includes an LCD 8 for notifying a user of important messages. The reminder device can be connected to a communications network so that data can be downloaded to the reminder device and uploaded to a medical professional for analysis. The reminder device can also be attached to a medical apparatus, such as a nebulizer, and the intervals during which that medical apparatus are in actual use can be communicated to and stored in the reminder device memory for subsequent uploading to a medical professional.

Abstract: A portable programmable medical alert device can be used to program multiple events, each of which will be signaled by an audible and a visual alarm. The user can program and reprogram medication schedules using only the portable alert device. The device, including a battery powered microcontroller, can be programmed by manipulation of two input switches, a push button switch and a two position to prevent inadvertent programming. Each programmed event will be signaled at the same time of day at which the alarm was originally set. When the alarms are transmitted to a user, the alert or reminder can be acknowledged by pressing the push button switch. The user can also activate the device prior to the next scheduled alarm without affecting subsequent alarms or alerts. Outputs can be audible and/or visible outputs, including an LCD. Inputs can be alternatively programmed by computer.