Abstract: The invention relates to body weight management systems for subjects including humans and domestic animals. Such systems utilizes devices and compositions to shift the energy balance of the user in the direction wherein the calories burned due to the user's activity is greater than the calories consumed by that user. These devices include a diet-tracking system, devices for estimating energy expenditure of the subject and a satiety agent. Such systems have a variety of uses including, but not limited to body weight maintenance, reduction or gain; reduction of body fat and, or gain in muscle mass and improvement of a subject's fitness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for diagnosing multiple ultrasound scanners from a remote location by applying a diagnostic middleware architecture to act as an interface between a web server and diagnostics section within the scanners. A computer that is remote to the scanners interfaces to the web servers of the scanners over a network. The remote computer has a web browser to survey the scanners by communicating with the web servers over the network. The diagnostic middleware architecture initiates execution of diagnostic programs within the scanners in response to client requests received by the web servers from the remote computer over the network. Diagnostic results are generated within the scanners when running the diagnostic programs of the scanners. Log files are generated within the scanners during normal operation of the scanners.

Abstract: There is disclosed a home care system in which a center terminal and a patient terminal are detachably connected to each other through communication lines, such as a public telephone line, an ISDN (integrated services digital network), a CATV (cable television), a radio and the like, and further to center terminals and patient terminals which constitute such a home care system. The patient terminal has an urgency transmitter device for transmitting a predetermined urgency code to the center terminal, and the center terminal comprises an urgency receiver device for receiving, while connected to a first patient terminal, the urgency code transmitted from a second patient terminal, and an urgency alarm device for informing of the fact that the urgency code has been received.

Abstract: A system for detecting, monitoring and reporting physiological information includes a sensor device adapted to be worn on the upper arm that includes at least one of an accelerometer, a GSR sensor and a heat flux sensor and generates data indicative of at least one of activity, galvanic skin response and heat flow. The sensor device may also generate derived data from at least a portion of the data indicative of at least one of activity, galvanic skin response and heat flow. The system includes a central monitoring unit that generates analytical status data from at least one of the data indicative of at least one of activity, galvanic skin response and heat flow, the derived data, and previously generated analytical status data, a means for establishing electronic communication between the sensor device and the central monitoring unit, and a means for transmitting data to a recipient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wireless health monitoring system for interactively monitoring a disease or health condition of a patient by connecting an internet-enabled wireless web device (“WWD”) to a health monitoring device which may be a medical device or other health related device. The WWD may be connected to the health monitoring device directly by a wired connection to a generic input/output port of the WWD or wirelessly connected to the health monitoring device, such as via an infrared or radio frequency connection. The health related data is transmitted from the WWD to a server using standard internet protocols. The server calculates a response using a software program while providing for review bt a physician or health specialist. The user may interact with the server, for example, the server transmits a response to the WWD and the user may answer the response or provide other information.

Abstract: Medical sensors (1 to 4) are connected to a processor (6) comprising a PC and modems (14 and 16). The modems are connected to respective low power transmitter/receivers (18 and 20). The transmitter/receivers (18, 20) communicate with corresponding receiver/transmitters (18′, 20′) connected to a long range transmitter/receiver such as a satellite communications link (26). The communications links have a narrow bandwidth. An operator of the apparatus has a hands free headset comprising a microphone (7) and earpieces (8), and has a head-up display (10). An electronic camera (9) is provided. Medical data from the sensors (1-4) and images from the camera (9) and voice signals from the microphone (7) are processed by the processor (6), and transmitted to a remote location (B), for use by a medical practitioner having a corresponding processor and display to diagnose the condition of a patient. The medical practitioner can talk to the operator to advise on the condition and treatment of the patient.

Abstract: A phototherapy garment contains a flexible backing material, a transparent liner, and a flexible printed circuit sheet containing surface-mounted light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned between the backing material and the liner. An infant is placed inside the garment so that the LEDs illuminate a large portion of the infant's skin for phototherapy. The LEDs preferably emit high-intensity blue light, suitable for treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia or Crigler-Najjar syndrome. The LEDs are arranged in a densely packed array facing the liner and emit uniform, high intensity light. A power supply, which may be portable, supplies adjustable power to the LEDs, preferably pulsed with a duty cycle of approximately 10%, and preferably to overdrive the LEDs to maximize light output. A two-way communications device incorporated into the garment allows a physician or computer to control the garment remotely and gather relevant information periodically or continuously.

Abstract: Medical conditions of a plurality of remotely located patients are monitored, diagnosed, prioritized and treated using a central data processing system configured to communicate with and receive data from a plurality of respective patient monitoring systems. Patient monitoring systems are capable of receiving and storing patient data and may include a medicine dosage algorithm for using the stored patient data to generate medicine dosage recommendations to a patient. A central data processing system is configured to obtain patient data from each patient monitoring system and analyze the obtained patient data to identify medical conditions of each respective patient. A central data processing system may include medicine dosage algorithms. Identified patient medical conditions for each respective patient are displayed in selectable, prioritized order according to medical severity via one or more remotely located clients in communication with a central data processing system.

Abstract: A biodata interfacing device includes a service console, an attachment storage compartment defined in the service console for accommodating a variety of sensors used for collecting biodata, a lid mounted on the service console for opening and closing a top opening of the attachment storage compartment, and a display unit formed on an upper surface of the lid.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for diagnostic data collection and transmission are described.

Abstract: Apparatus for the transmission of at least first data from an electronic device (1; 1′), in particular an electromedical implant such as a cardiac pacemaker, to a monitoring arrangement (38), including at least a first interface device (6; 6′), with at least one input unit for the first data, a control device (5) connected to the first interface device (6; 6′) and a mobile radio device (7) connected to the control device at least for the transmission of the first data to the monitoring arrangement (38) by way of a telecommunication network which is at least in part in the form of a mobile radio network, wherein there is provided at least one second interface device (8) connected to the control device (5) for connecting the control device to a fixed-line telecommunication network.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking the movement of animals as the animals are moved from location to location during processing comprises the steps of tagging the animals under observation and tracking the location and duration each tagged animal spends at each location as it is moved to generate data representing each tagged animal's movement history

Abstract: The present invention includes a sensor, a basic processor and a complex processor. The basic processor resides with the sensor; it receives signals from the sensor and performs basic analysis. If conditions require further analysis, the basic processor communicates with the complex processor (the base unit) for further analysis. The base unit can alert the patient, a care giver, or can control the administration of medication. The basic processor can provide a more limited form of alert in case it is in a stand-alone mode.

Abstract: A centralized management system for medical devices includes a network, a central server coupled to the network, and a medical device programmer coupled to the network. The central server includes at least one prescription system for prescribing at least one programmable parameter of a medical device based on at least one characteristic of a patient. The medical device programmer communicates at least one characteristic of a patient to the central server via the network, receives at least one parameter from the central server via the network, and programs the medical device using the at least one parameter. In one embodiment, the central server hosts expert prescription systems defined by multiple experts, and a user selects one of the expert prescription systems. In another embodiment, the central server hosts a custom prescription system defined by the user.

Abstract: An arrangement for patient monitoring. The arrangement includes at least one body sensor to detect a physiological parameter as body signal data and at least one of a body signal processing unit connected to the body sensor for processing body signal data, and a therapy device designed to act on the patient. In addition, the arrangement includes a monitoring center having a signal field strength evaluation means, a mobile phone terminal designed to transmit the data from at least one of the body signal processing unit and the therapy device to the monitoring center and from the monitoring center to the therapy device, and a cellular mobile phone network. The mobile phone terminal is operable in the cellular mobile phone network. The arrangement further includes a base station coordinate storage unit for storage of coordinate data and a mobile phone exchange linked to the base station coordinate storage unit for the reception of position data of the mobile phone terminal.

Abstract: A communication device (CD) exchanges messages with an implantable infusion pump via telemetry such that commands are supplied thereto and operational information is obtained therefrom. The CD is controlled, at least in part, by a processor IC according to a software program operating therein and provides feedback to a user via a visual display, an audio alarm, and a vibrational alarm, and allows input from the user via a touch sensitive keypad. Certain input functions are restricted by password. The visual display includes an icon and fixed element display region and a bitmap display region. The fixed element display region includes time and date displays, battery and drug level displays that decrement, and a moving delivery state display. Various screens allow operational or log information to be displayed and/or user entry of commands. Program features when disabled are removed from a series of screen options that can be scrolled through.

Abstract: A cable management and data acquisition method and apparatus to store system data and data from activity sensors when the sensors are disconnected from a monitoring system. The apparatus includes a housing, a first connection port operable to receive information from one or more activity sensors, a device interface coupled to the first connection port, a non-volatile memory coupled to the device interface; and an output port coupled to the device interface. The cable management and data acquisition apparatus may also include a digital-to-analog converter to convert analog signals from sensors to digital signals. Preferably, the device interface is an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”) that communicates with a signal processor in the monitoring processor. The signal processor responds to commands or messages from the monitoring processor and reads data from and writes data to the memory in the cable management and data acquisition apparatus through the ASIC.

Abstract: A telecommunication system for exchanging information concerning personalized parameters of physiological state between a physical person and an information system comprises measuring means for measuring physiological parameters of the physical person; and processing means interconnected with the measuring means and with the information system, for transmitting to the information system at least input signals corresponding to the physiological parameters acquired by the person and for transmitting to the physical person output information corresponding to those received in return from the information system. The telecommunication system allows a dialogue between the physical person and the information system to control his/her own physical condition in a scientifically accurate and personalized manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a monitoring system for patients with at least one measuring device for medical and diagnostic values of the patient such as blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, blood sugar and the like, which measuring device is carried and operated by the patient. According to the invention it is proposed that the measuring device feature at least one transmitter for the wireless transmission of the recorded values to at least one local receiver. In this arrangement, it is particularly advantageous if the receiver is integrated into a mobile phone, which sends the recorded values to a central data processing device via a mobile telephone network.

Abstract: A system for monitoring body functions from patients at remote locations that includes an event monitor attached to the patient including sensors attached to relevant parts of the patient for monitoring body functions. The system also includes a central monitoring station including a server having a memory attached thereto; and, a communication link between the event monitor and the central monitoring station. The method of this invention includes the steps of sensing the monitored body function by means of sensors attached to the patient. If any irregularities are detected, data indicative of the monitored body function is recorded and is automatically transmitted to the central monitoring station. The patient is located by means of GPS data; and a physician and the nearest hospital are notified. An attending physician may log onto the central monitoring station and observe real-time data received from the patient.

Abstract: A plurality of co-operative and complementary software programs are implemented in a web-enabled high speed computer system to remotely monitor, manage and modify the operational and functional parameters of a plurality of implanted medical devices (IMDs). The system utilizes virtual electrophysiologist module (VEM), chronic monitoring module (CMM) and prescription program module (PPM) programs to effect specific therapeutic and diagnostic methods for managing the IMDs, remotely on a conditions and real-time basis. The modules enable remote and continuous monitoring, management and maintenance of the IMDs by identifying critical medical events, determining optimal clinical settings and upgrading performance parameters based on prescriptive data. The modules are implemented in a data center having high-speed computers operating in a web-enabled environment. The modules and the IMDs communicate through wireless communications system via a programmer or an interface medical unit (IMD).

Abstract: A remote diagnosis system including a patient-side device including a physical-information obtaining device which obtains a piece of current physical information from a patient, a plurality of doctor-side devices which are provided in a plurality of medical institutions, respectively, that are remote from the patient-side device and each of which can receive the piece of current physical information of the patient from the patient-side device, a preliminary-diagnosis device for making, based on the piece of current physical information obtained by the physical-information obtaining device, a preliminary diagnosis about whether the patient needs a proper diagnosis to be made by a doctor, and a physical-information transmitting device for transmitting, when the preliminary-diagnosis device makes a preliminary diagnosis that the patient needs a proper diagnosis to be made by a doctor, the piece of current physical information to at least one selected doctor-side device out of the plurality of doctor-side devices

Abstract: A medical monitoring system has a sensor system including a sensor associated with a patient and a remote monitoring unit. The remote monitoring unit includes a microprocessor in communication with the sensor system, and a portable-monitoring-unit transceiver system in communication with the microprocessor. The portable-monitoring-unit transceiver system has a land-line telephone transceiver and/or a cellular telephone transceiver, and a third-network transceiver such as a paging-network transceiver. A full data set is transmitted over the land-line telephone transceiver or the cellular telephone transceiver when communications links over these transceivers are available, and a reduced data set is transmitted over the third-network transceiver when communications links over the land-line telephone transceiver and the cellular telephone transceiver are not available.

Abstract: A technique is provided for verifying network connectivity between a medical diagnostic system and a remote service facility. The remote service facility is contactable at will by the subscribing system to request service, information, technical assistance, and so forth, while the service facility may also contact the subscribing system for acquisition of data, transmission of service messages, protocols, and so forth. In the connectivity verification sequence, a subscribing system is selected by the service facility and a network connection is established. A message is transmitted to the system provoking software at the system to re-establish the network connection from the system side. Two-way connectivity is thereby verified. Mobile systems may be configured to contact the service facility at their own initiation, and exchange data for permitting the service facility to re-contact the mobile system.

Abstract: A medical monitoring system has a first detecting device provided at a place where a subject exists, for detecting organic condition of the subject, a diagnosing device for diagnosing health condition of the subject based on the organic condition detected by the first detecting device and for producing organic data. A transmitting system is provided for transmitting the organic data to a service center, and a second diagnosing device is provided in the service center for diagnosing the health condition of the subject based on the organic data.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring apparatus comprising a cellular phone handset connected to a cellular phone network is disclosed. The handset includes a removable battery container (12) having a physiological monitoring device (14) contained therein as well as a battery power source (13). The battery power source (13) provides power for the operation of the handset (11) as well as providing power for the physiological monitoring device (14). The battery container (12) has detectors (15) located on its outer surface, communicating with the physiological monitoring device (14) through apertres in the battery container (12). Acoustic coupling means (18) are adapted to couple tones produced by the physiological monitoring device (14) with a sound microphone of the cellular phone handset. The physiological monitoring device (14) is activated by placing it against the chest of a patient and the cellular phone handset is used to connect to a remote monitoring station via the cellular phone network.

Abstract: A small sensor and instrument interface communication module provides the data acquisition circuitry required to gather various signals from sensors for a variety data, such as physiologic data from the human body or data from remote non-medical monitoring instrumentation, using analog, serial, and parallel digital inputs. The microprocessor and memory of the module are employed to condition those signals for interface to a variety of possible digital cellular phone or other wireless communication modules which are used to transmit these data into the digital cellular network for distribution on the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method for providing computerized, knowledge-based medical diagnostic and treatment advice. The medical advice is provided to the general public over networks, such as a telephone network or a computer network. The invention also includes a stand-alone embodiment that may utilize occasional connectivity to a central computer by use of a network, such as the Internet. Two new authoring languages, interactive voice response and speech recognition are used to enable expert and general practitioner knowledge to be encoded for access by the public. “Meta” functions for time-density analysis of a number of factors regarding the number of medical complaints per unit of time are an integral part of the system. A re-enter feature monitors the user's changing condition over time. A symptom severity analysis helps to respond to the changing conditions. System sensitivity factors may be changed at a global level or other levels to adjust the system advice as necessary.

Abstract: A plurality of pieces of medical equipment each of which includes a microcomputer and has a program used to control the microcomputer stored in a reproqrammable storage device such as an EEPROM is linked to a remote computer over a communication line. Using a rewriting/updating program sent from the computer, each piece of medical equipment rewrites or updates the program stored in the storage device. When a plurality of programs is stored, if one of the programs is rewritten or updated abnormally, the other program is used to activate medical equipment.

Abstract: Structure-based processing includes a method of diagnosing diseases that works by arranging diseases, symptoms, and questions into a set of related disease, symptom, and question structures, such as objects or lists, in such a way that the structures can be processed to generate a dialogue with a patient. A structure-based processing system organizes medical knowledge into formal structures and then executes those structures on a structure engine to automatically select the next question. Patient responses to the questions lead to more questions and ultimately to a diagnosis. An object-oriented embodiment includes software objects utilized as active, intelligent agents where each object performs its own tasks and calls upon other objects to perform their tasks at the appropriate time to arrive at a diagnosis.

Abstract: A closed loop system for monitoring drug dose, intake and effectiveness includes a pill dispenser in data communications with at least one implantable medical device. The system is preferably implemented in a web-enabled environment in which a remote data center communicates with the implantable devices (IMDs) in a patient via a programmer or the pill dispenser. Th data center includes high speed computers and databases relating to patient history and device information. A physician or clinician may access the remote data center to review and monitor the IMDs remotely. More specifically, the IMDs are adapted to chronically monitor the pill dispenser to thereby log and document drug dose, patient compliance with prescriptive regimens and as well to monitor drug efficacy in the patient.

Abstract: Structure-based processing includes a method of diagnosing diseases that works by arranging diseases, symptoms, and questions into a set of related disease, symptom, and question structures, such as objects or lists, in such a way that the structures can be processed to generate a dialogue with a patient. A structure-based processing system organizes medical knowledge into formal structures and then executes those structures on a structure engine to automatically select the next question. Patient responses to the questions lead to more questions and ultimately to a diagnosis. An object-oriented embodiment includes software objects utilized as active, intelligent agents where each object performs its own tasks and calls upon other objects to perform their tasks at the appropriate time to arrive at a diagnosis.

Abstract: There is described a radiographic imaging system to read radiation image stored in a radiation-image storing sheet. The radiographic imaging system includes a plurality of controllers, each of which has an image-display section; a plurality of radiation-image reading apparatus to read a radiation image stored in a radiation-image storing sheet so as to generate image data; and a network to link the plurality of controllers and the plurality of radiation-image reading apparatus; wherein the controller requests a radiation-image reading apparatus to transmit the image data, read by the radiation-image reading apparatus, to the controller.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring health parameters and capturing data from a subject. The system is characterized by a cordless, disposable sensor band with sensors for measuring full waveform ECG, full waveform respiration, skin temperature, and motion, and a connector which accepts a memory card or a smart card for storage of the measured data. After a predetermined period of time, such as when the sensor band is removed, the memory card or smart card is removed and inserted into a monitoring device which reads the stored health parameter data of the subject. The monitoring device includes a base station that includes a memory/smart card reader and is connected to conventional phone lines for transferring the collected data to a remote monitoring station. The base station may also capture additional clinical data, such as blood pressure data, and to perform data checks. Subject safety is enhanced by the ability of the base station to compare clinical data, e.g.

Abstract: A medical system, apparatus and method for monitoring and managing one or more ambulatory patients on a computer and allowing a caregiver to review the ambulatory patients' wellness parameters to provide treatment in accordance with the wellness parameters. The system, apparatus and method provides a patient monitoring apparatus having a first communication device associated therewith for monitoring a patient's wellness parameters. A central computer located remote from the monitoring apparatus and in communication therewith, the central computer having a second communication device associated therewith for communicating wellness parameters and treatment data over a communications link established between the central computer and the monitoring apparatus, the central computer being operated for querying the patient via the patient monitoring apparatus, receiving and processing measured wellness parameters from the monitoring apparatus and calculating a score according to the wellness parameters.

Abstract: In a tele-evaluation system, especially a tele-medicine system for centralized remote evaluation of information, particularly medical patient information and measurement data, based on one-time use articles (disposable items) that are identified with data and/or can collect measurement data, the disposable items carries an individual encoding key for encoding the data in a patient station that is linked via data line or data network to a storage station and/or evaluation-reception station. A disposable-ID is applied to or stored in the disposable item and is automatically collected at the patient station and is simultaneously transmitted unencoded, with an identifier for the patient station. The reception station has a data link to the disposable item manufacturer in order to query, using the disposable-ID, the individual key for decoding the data.

Abstract: A system for providing medical treatment to a patient, including a medical treatment apparatus and a remote control device. The medical treatment apparatus has a local processor, and a local communication element connected to the local processor, while the remote control device includes a remote processor, user interface components connected to the remote processor, and a remote communication element connected to the remote processor and adapted to communicate with the local communication element of the medical treatment apparatus in a wireless manner such that information can be transferred between the local processor and the remote processor. The remote control device also includes at least two separate power supplies connected to the remote processor.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a patient including a passageway having a proximal fluid transport tube, a distal fluid transport tube, and a tubular expansion member coupling the fluid transport tubes. A penetrating member is positioned within the expansion member for axial movement between the fluid transport tubes, and has a sharpened distal tip. The device also includes a dispenser for causing fluid from a reservoir to flow to the proximal fluid transport tube, a housing containing the dispenser and the passageway and including an exit port receiving the distal fluid transport tube, and a connecting member secured to the penetrating member. The connecting member is movable by a user from an exterior of the housing and arranged such that movement causes the penetrating member to move between an extended position for subcutaneously inserting the distal fluid transport tube into a patient, and a retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely programming implantable medical devices. The apparatus includes a server adapted to receive and store at least one request to modify the behavior of an implantable medical device provided by a programmer adapted to allow a clinician to create the at least one request at a first selected time. The apparatus further includes a monitor adapted to receive the requests from the server and transmit the requests to the implantable medical device at a second selected time and a bi-directional communications system adapted to couple the server and the monitor.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring patient variables in a wireless mode via a patient worn monitoring devices. The patient worn monitoring device connects to a variety of bio-sensors with at least one microphone for voice communications. The pertinent worn device connects to a wireless network and thence to the internet for transmitting voice and data to a health care provider. The health care provider communicates with the patient worn device via the internet and the wireless network to send instructions to the patient worn monitoring unit and to communicate via voice with the patent. The health care provider can also flexibly reconfigure the patent worn monitoring device to change collection parameters for the bio-sensors worn by the patient. When an alarm limit is exceeded an detected by the bio-sensors, it is transmitted to the health care provider over the wireless network and thence over the internet thereby allowing full mobility to the patient wearing the device.

Abstract: A method and medical system for the postdischarge surveillance of a patient (1) for detecting a case of pneumonia, secondary bleeding, a wound healing problem, a pulmonary complication, a urinary tract infection or a thrombosis of the patient (1), having a data bank (13), which is arranged at a location other than the location (2) at which the patient (1) is based during the surveillance and stores data relevant for the postdischarge surveillance of the patient (1) recorded during the postdischarge surveillance.

Abstract: A method and a medical system for determining psychomotor capabilities of a patient (1) in an extraclinical environment (5), having a data bank (3), which is arranged at a location (6) other than the location (5) at which a psychomotor test for determining the psychomotor capabilities is carried out, and which stores data on the patient (1) determined during the psychomotor test. The invention also relates to a portable device for determining psychomotor capabilities of a patient, having a writing surface (21) on which handwritten letters or numbers can be written, elements (22) for recognizing the handwritten letters or numbers, a viewing area (23) for reproducing the recognized handwritten letters or numbers as printed letters and elements (24) for connection to the Internet.

Abstract: A method and system for managing personal data of subscribers via a network are described. In one embodiment, personal data of a subscriber is captured in a personal data capture device. The personal data is transmitted from the personal data capture device to a network server. The personal data is then analyzed to generate feedback information. This feedback information is presented to the subscriber via the network.

Abstract: The monitoring device incorporates transducing devices for converting the desired measured parameters into electrical signals capable of being processed by a local computer or microprocessor system. The device receives a set of customized questions for presentation to an ambulatory patient. The device interacts with the ambulatory patient and then, via a modem or other electronic communication device, transmits the measured parameters and answers to the customized questions to a computer located at a remote site. At the remote location, the various indicia of the ambulatory patient's condition are monitored and analyzed by the medical professional caregiver. To provide the ambulatory patient with an added level of convenience and ease of use, such monitoring device is contained in a single integrated package.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a horseshoe-shaped table 12 having a computer 14 and a dual-purpose chair 16 associated therewith. The chair 16 adjusts to variously sized users 11 by using a piston 78 and piston support mechanism disposed internally of the chair. The chair also serves as a weight scale or sensor 18 which is disposed in the seat thereof and has data input means, including a headset 27 with microphone 28 and chewing sensor 24 disposed thereon. The arm 36 of the chair has a blood pressure sensor 26 disposed thereon. Data gathered from the sensor input devices is transmitted to a computer 14 disposed internally of the table 12 having a monitor 40 and keypad 42 disposed on the tabletop. Also shown are a pair of scales 20, 22 which measure both the individual meal food and the daily food allowance which data is also input into the computer 14. The scales are equipped with segmented platters 90 and non-segmented platters 104, having various food compartments for receiving different types of food.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting data over a network are described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cradle to transmit data to a network server and an electronic device coupled to the cradle. The electronic device includes a sensor to trigger a data connection between the electronic device and the cradle. The electronic device also includes a transmitter to download the data to the cradle.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring vital signs and capturing data from a patient remotely using radiotelemetry techniques. The system is characterized by a cordless, disposable sensor band with sensors form measuring full waveform ECG, full waveform respiration, skin temperature, and motion, and transmission circuitry for the detection and transmission of vital signs data of the patient. A small signal transfer unit that can either be worn by the patient, e.g., on his or her belt, or positioned nearby receives data from the sensor band, which it then forwards by e.g., radio transmission to a base station that can be located up to 60 meters away. The base station receives data transmissions from the signal transfer unit and is designed to connect to conventional phone lines for transferring the collected data to a remote monitoring station. The base station may also capture additional clinical data, such as blood pressure data, and to perform data checks.

Abstract: A photoplethysmographic monitoring system such as a pulse oximeter collects data regarding the blood analyte concentration and pulse rate of a patient through the analysis of light transmitted form an emitter through tissue to a photo detector. It is often necessary to review the collected data, such as oxygen saturation, pulse rate and pulsatility value at a location remote to the patient being monitored. The photoplethysmographic system formats the selected data for transmittal to a remote facsimile machine via standard telephone communication systems using an internal or external modem. The formatter is able to function within the processing and memory constraints of pulse oximeters by formatting and transmitting the data in sections. Formatted data may be sent via hard-wired telephone, cellular phone, PCS digital telephones or through satellite communication systems enabling transmittal of data from a portable photoplethysmographic system.

Abstract: A portable telemedicine device used in prehospital, preliminary diagnostic procedures and treatments includes a data processing unit for receiving and processing data. Measurement devices for determining patient data relative to a predetermined patient. Presentation device for displaying patient data received from the measurement devices. Entry device for manually inputting manual data into the data processing unit. Communication equipment for permitting bidirectional communication with at least one central unit for transmitting manually entered manual data and patient data to the central unit and to receive information data from the central unit representing results from diagnoses, suggested care and previously stored data on the predetermined patient. A predetermined number of the data processing unit, measurement devices, presentation device, entry device and communication equipment being integrated into a portable unit.

Abstract: A patient interface system for collecting and transferring data from a patient to a remote monitoring system, as well as methods for its use, are provided. The subject system comprises: (a) a data collection means comprising an edema sensing means and an interrogation means; (b) a processing means for processing the collected data; and (c) a communication means for transferring said collected data from said interface means to a remote monitoring system and receiving instructional data from a remote monitoring system. The subject system finds use in the remote monitoring of a variety of conditions, particularly in the remote monitoring of cardiac associated diseases.