Abstract:
A circuit is provided for creating a termination impedance which matches a characteristic impedance. The characteristic impedance of a system or network is matched by placing a nominal impedance across the transmission line. The difference between the nominal impedance and the characteristic impedance is synthesized such that the synthesized or generated impedance is in parallel with the nominal impedance. The parallel combination of the nominal impedance and the generated impedance produces a termination impedance which substantially matches the characteristic impedance. The generated impedance is created by sensing a voltage and scaling that voltage by a factor related to the nominal and characteristic impedances. The scaled voltage controls a current source which produces a current having a value related to the inverse of the impedance. The ration of the sensed voltage and the generated current is the impedance which, when combined with the nominal impedance, produces the desired termination impedance. In this manner, the characteristic impedance of the source is matched by the altered nominal impedance.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for automatically switching between voice and data communications as directed by a voice and data capable modem via a cable assembly incorporating a switching means for facilitating and inhibiting the routing of voice information to a voice telephone. A voice and data capable modem incorporates the software functionality associated with a voice and data capable protocol with minimal impact to the form factor associated with the modem, To reduce the impact to the form factor associated with integrated modem designs, the switching hardware associated with voice and data capability is incorporated into a cable assembly used to interconnect the voice and data capable modem with the voice telephone. Additional means for identifying the cable assembly as having the requisite switching functionality is also provided.
Abstract:
An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient'vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart.
Abstract:
An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart.
Abstract:
A method for displaying a position of a medical device, such as a catheter, during insertion of the medical device into a patient is disclosed. In one example embodiment, the method includes obtaining a first set of detected position data relating to a location marker, then determining a possible first position of the location marker. A first confidence level relating to a match between the first set of detected position data and a first set of predicted position data is assigned. A determination is made whether the first confidence level meets or exceeds a first threshold. If the first confidence level meets or exceeds the first threshold, a determination is then made whether the first position of the location marker is within a first detection zone. If the first position of the location marker is within the first detection zone, the first position of the location marker is displayed.
Abstract:
A low power ultrasound system for use in sonography applications, including vascular imaging, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the low power ultrasound system comprises a base unit that includes an image processor and a display. An ultrasound probe is operably connected to the base unit. The probe includes a head portion including an array of crystal transducers. A plurality of pulser/receiver modules that cause the transducers to emit ultrasonic transmit pulses are also included in the probe. The pulser/receiver modules are further configured to receive analog signals relating to ultrasonic echo receive pulses detected by the transducers. The probe includes a singular low noise amplifier that amplifies the analog signals, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog signals to a digital signal. A wireless interface is included for enabling the digital signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the probe to the image processor of the base unit.