Abstract:
A vital-signs device in a patient monitoring system is disclosed. The patch includes a housing configured to be attached to the skin of a patient. The housing contain monitoring circuitry configured to acquire and store measurements of vital signs of the patient, a wireless transmitter configured to transmit signals to another device, a wireless receiver configured to receive signals from the other device; and a processor operably connected to the monitoring circuitry, transmitter, and receiver. Upon receipt of an upload signal from the other device, the processor is configured to send a message to the other device via the transmitter. The message packet structure includes a data payload of variable size, a header containing transmit and route information and data payload length, and a data integrity check value.
Abstract:
Systems and methods of monitoring the axillary temperature of a person are disclosed. A portion of a temperature probe is provided within the axilla of the person. The temperature probe includes a wiring portion and a body connection portion and a sensing portion between the wiring and body connection portions. The sensing portion comprises a temperature sensing element. The wiring portion is coupled to a monitoring device and comprises a conductor having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the temperature sensing element, and the second end connected to the monitoring device. At least a portion of the body connection portion is attached to a second body portion of the person, such that the sensing portion is retained within the axilla.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for reading multiple types of RFID tags having different frequencies and/or encoding schemes are disclosed. One or more search signals covering a plurality of RFID bands are transmitted. A presence indication of an RFID tag in one of the plurality of RFID bands is detected. An interrogating signal having a carrier frequency tuned to a frequency at which the presence indication is detected is transmitted. A tag response signal comprising tag information associated with the RFID tag is received. A digital response signal based on the tag response signal is digital signal processed to obtain the tag information.
Abstract:
A vital-signs patch for a patient monitoring system is disclosed. The patch consists of a housing that is configured to be worn on the skin of a patient. The housing contains a radio, one or more sensor interfaces, a processor, and a battery. The processor can selectably turn portions of the processor off and on and selectably turn power off and on to at least a portion of the sensor interfaces and radio. The processor includes a timer that, each time the timer times out, will turn all the parts of the processor on and start a new timing period. When the processor receives a signal, the processor will turn off power to at least a portion of the processor and at least a portion of the sensor interfaces.
Abstract:
A vital-signs patch for a patient monitoring system that includes a housing containing a sensor that makes physiological measurements of a patient, a transmitter, a receiver, a memory, and a processor. The processor periodically takes a measurement from the sensor, converts the measurement to a data record, and stores the data record in the memory. Upon receipt of a signal from another device, the processor retrieves at least a portion of the data record, converts the retrieved portion of the data record to a vital-sign signal, and causes the transmitter to transmit the vital-sign signal to the other device.
Abstract:
A vital-signs monitor patch containing at least two electrodes, a circuit assembly, and a patch body having a chamber in which the circuit assembly is housed. The patch body also contains at least one flexible portion adjacent to the circuit assembly chamber, with at least one electrode attached to the flexible portion. The electrodes are configured for attaching the patch to the skin of a patient.
Abstract:
Systems and methods of extending battery life in inventory control devices are disclosed. A passive receiver configured to wirelessly receive an initiation signal having an associated energy field from a remote control system and to output a mode change signal is provided. The passive receiver is configured to be powered by an energy field associated with the initiation signal. A functional module coupled to the passive receiver and configured to be powered by a self-contained power source when the functional module is in an active mode is provided. The functional module is further configured to receive the mode change signal from the passive receiver and to change from an inactive mode to the active mode. The functional module draws more power from the power source in the active mode than in the inactive mode.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are described for simulating physical features of a projected keyboard in a sterile environment by incorporating a mechanical keyboard and a virtual keyboard. A keyboard projection apparatus projects light toward a mechanical keyboard. When a key is pressed, the keyboard projection apparatus tracks finger locations. User input is created by the keyboard projection apparatus and can be processed by a computer or other electrical equipment. By using an actual keyboard having simple mechanical components with the keyboard projection apparatus, the tactile feel can be realized and the keyboard can be easily cleaned or disposed of.