| CareFusion 303, Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120130341 | COMBINED IV BAG AND PUMP SYSTEM AND METHOD - An intravenous fluid container is disclosed, wherein the fluid container comprises a bag, a fluid reservoir formed within the bag, an outlet, and a pumping element formed within the bag and fluidically coupled between the fluid reservoir and the outlet. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120124174 | ALERT NOTIFICATION SERVICE - According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for providing medication dispense alert notifications is described. The system includes a communications module configured to receive, from a client, a request for information regarding a medication dispense for a patient, and to obtain clinical information associated with the patient based on the request. The system also includes a processor configured to determine, based on the clinical information, whether a response to be provided to the client will include an alert regarding the medication dispense. The communications module is further configured to provide, to the client, the response to the request. Methods and machine-readable media are also described. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123229 | MODEL-BASED INFUSION SITE MONITOR - A medication delivery monitoring device is disclosed. The device includes a user interface configured to receive input information, and a sensor configured to measure a plurality of fluid state parameters of a fluid delivery channel through which the medication is delivered by a vascular access device (VAD) to an infusion site region of the patient. The device also includes a processor configured to determine a state of the infusion site region based on the plurality of measured fluid state parameters and the input information, and an output device configured to provide a communication regarding the state of the infusion site region. Methods and computer-readable mediums for monitoring medication delivery are also disclosed. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120116796 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING PATIENT CARE THROUGH AUTOMATED MESSAGING - A system and method are disclosed that allow a user to select when messages related to medication events are sent and to select the content parameters of those messages. In one aspect, a medication dispenser is configured to notify a messaging processor when an identified medication that was not previously loaded in the medication dispenser is newly loaded into the medication dispenser, and the messaging processor is configured to send a message to a user through a communication link upon receipt of this notification. In another aspect, the medication is identified during a review of a new medication order issued by a doctor. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120083759 | Contactless fluid pumping method and apparatus - A fluid pump apparatus for pumping a fluid from a fluid source to a fluid output comprises a first portion, such as a durable portion, and a second portion, such as a disposable portion. The first portion includes a fluid chamber having a wall and an internal cavity, an input port and an output port. A membrane forms a portion of the wall. The first portion further includes a magneto-sensitive element coupled to the membrane. The second portion comprises an actuator configured to contactlessly induce a reciprocating movement of the membrane by application of a time-varying magnetic field to the magneto-sensitive element, thereby facilitating pumping of the fluid through the fluid chamber. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120078218 | MODULAR INFUSION SYSTEM - A pump is disclosed that comprises a primary control unit comprising a first processor and one or more modular pumping units removably docked to the primary control unit. Each modular pumping unit comprises a pumping mechanism and a second processor configured to control the pumping mechanism and communicate with the first processor. The modular pumping unit is configured to manipulate a portion of a fluid delivery set to pump a fluid. The first processor and the second processor are configured to exchange one or more operating parameters when the modular pumping unit is docked to the primary control unit. The modular pumping unit is configured to pump the fluid after being undocked. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120075061 | AUTOMATIC ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL ELEMENTS - A system and method of associating a plurality of objects is disclosed. A physical space is defined and a real-time locating system (RTLS) is used to determine objects that are within the physical space. The objects determined by the RTLS to be within the physical space are associated. The objects include at least one of a caregiver, a patient, a medical device, a medication, and a medical substance. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120059350 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PUMPING INTRAVENOUS FLUID - An intravenous fluid pump (IV) contains a disposable part including a fluid chamber having a resilient top membrane and a non-disposable part including a piston abutting a resilient membrane and a vacuum chamber fitted on top of the resilient top membrane. An external pump is used to create vacuum in the vacuum chamber, resulting in the resilient top membrane being held taut. The flow rate through the pump is relatively independent of changes in the pressure of IV fluid on the upstream and the downstream due to changes in the relative elevation of the fluid reservoir and the patient with respect to the fluid pump. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059318 | OPTICAL FLOW SENSOR - A method for determining a flow rate of a fluid is provided. The method includes heating an aliquot of the fluid at a first position of a fluid-delivery channel, illuminating fluid in the fluid-delivery channel at a second position downstream from the first position, measuring an amount of light reflected from the illuminated fluid to determine a change in the amount corresponding to the heated aliquot passing the second position, and calculating the flow rate of the fluid based upon a distance between the first position and the second position and a time between the heating the aliquot and the heated aliquot passing the second position. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120046650 | SAFETY LUER CONNECTION - A connection device has a male connector and a female connector. The female connector will only accommodate the dedicated male connector, thereby prohibiting a misconnection with the wrong male connector. In certain embodiments, a member prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector, from being inserted into the female connector. In certain other embodiments, a post prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector including a slot, from being inserted into the female connector. In still certain other embodiments, a series of prongs in the male connector and corresponding grooves in the female connector ensure the proper connection. Once the male connector is inserted and secured within the female connector, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the male connector and the female connector. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120030547 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SAVING BATTERY POWER IN A VITAL-SIGNS MONITOR - 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. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029944 | METHOD FOR MEASURING THE INCIDENCE OF HOSPITAL ACQUIRED INFECTIONS - Disclosed is a method and system for analyzing patient hospitalization data to determine a Nosocomial Infection Marker (NIM), the method comprising receiving from a database hospitalization data associated with at least one patient, calculating from the hospitalization data the number of specimens with non-duplicate hospital isolates (SNDHI) markers, calculating from the hospitalization data antibiotic utilization criteria (AUC) markers, and determining the nosocomial infection marker (NIM) for each patient, based upon the calculated. SNDHI and AUC markers. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029316 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SAVING BATTERY POWER IN A PATIENT MONITORING SYSTEM - 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. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029315 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONSERVING BATTERY POWER IN A PATIENT MONITORING SYSTEM - A vital-signs patch in a patient monitoring system is disclosed. The patch includes a housing configured to be attached to the skin of a patient, the housing containing a radio that can selectably transmit and receive on more than one frequency and a processor. The processor configures the radio to transmit and receive on a determined frequency based at least in part on the level of noise detected on the frequencies. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029314 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING FALSE ALARMS ASSOCIATED WITH VITAL-SIGNS MONITORING - Systems and methods of reducing false alarms associated with a vital-sign monitor are disclosed. One or more data samples of a vital sign of a patient are generated at a first sampling rate in a normal mode of operation. Whether the one or more data samples satisfy an alert condition is determined. An alert mode of operation is entered into if the alert condition is satisfied. One or more additional data samples of the vital sign are generated at a second sampling rate higher than the first sampling rate in the alert mode. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029312 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCATION TRACKING OF PATIENTS IN A VITAL-SIGNS MONITOR SYSTEM - Systems and methods of tracking a patient within a facility via a vital-signs patch attached to the patient are disclosed. A first signal is received from a bridge, the first signal comprising information indicative of a vital-signs patch attached to a patient. The patient is identified based at least in part on the information. Location of the patient is determined based on a known location of the bridge within the facility. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029311 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING AND FORWARDING DATA FROM A VITAL-SIGNS MONITOR - 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. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029310 | TEMPERATURE PROBE SUITABLE FOR AXILLARY READING - 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. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029309 | VITAL-SIGNS PATCH HAVING A STRAIN RELIEF - 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. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029308 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING BODY TEMPERATURE OF A PERSON - Systems and methods of monitoring body temperature of a person disclosed. A signal generated by a temperature probe is received, the signal responsive to a change in body temperature of a person to whom the temperature probe is attached. A new temperature reading is generated based on the signal. The new temperature reading is accepted or rejected based on the determination. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029307 | VITAL-SIGNS MONITOR WITH SPACED ELECTRODES - A vital-signs monitoring patch is disclosed. The patch includes at least two electrodes and a circuit assembly that periodically takes at least one measurement from the electrodes. The patch is a unitized device that contains the circuit assembly with the electrodes on the underside of the patch. The patch is attached to a patient with the electrodes in electrical contact with the patient's skin. The segments of the patch that connect the electrodes to the circuit assembly are flexible which reduces the noise induced in the measurement by stress on the contact between the electrodes and the patient. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029306 | VITAL-SIGNS MONITOR WITH ENCAPSULATION ARRANGEMENT - A vital-signs monitoring device is disclosed. The vital-signs monitor includes a sensor that measures a physiological parameter of a patient, a circuit assembly containing vital-signs monitoring circuitry that analyzes the sensor measurements to generate vital sign signals, and a housing. The housing is designed to be worn by a patient and encapsulates the circuit assembly such that moisture and particulate matter is prevented from reaching the circuit assembly through the housing. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029300 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING FALSE ALARMS AND FALSE NEGATIVES BASED ON MOTION AND POSITION SENSING - Systems and methods of reducing false alarms associated with vital-sign monitoring are disclosed. One or more vital-sign readings of a patient are received. One or more acceleration readings from an accelerometer attached to the patient are received. At least one of motion and position of the patient are determined based at least in part on the one or more acceleration readings. An alarm condition determination procedure is modified if at least one of the motion and the position satisfies a predefined condition. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120022494 | MATRIX INFUSION PUMP AND DISPOSABLE SET - A matrix infusion cassette for use with an intravenous (IV) pump is disclosed. The matrix infusion cassette includes a body configured to attach to the IV pump, the body having one or more inlet ports, an outlet port, and a plurality of pumping chambers, and a plurality of fluid conduits connecting the inlet ports to at least one pumping chamber, interconnecting the pumping chambers, and connecting at least one pumping chamber to the outlet port. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120022469 | NEEDLELESS VALVE INFECTION PREVENTION AND PRE-OPENING DEVICE - A disinfecting and pre-opening device is disclosed for use with a female needleless connector. The disinfecting and pre-opening device includes a housing comprising a chamber having a distal opening and configured to fit over the female needleless connector, and an elongated finger attached to the housing and disposed within the chamber such that the elongated finger opens the fluid path through the female needleless connector when the distal opening of the disinfecting and pre-opening device is placed proximally adjacent to the septum and the disinfecting and pre-opening device is advanced in the distal direction. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120016215 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING PATIENT THERAPY - A system and method of managing therapy provided to patients in an institution. The system monitors all aspects of the medication delivery to a patient, as well as other information related to the patient, such as values of vital signs, laboratory results and patient factors such as history, diagnosis, allergies and the like. The system includes one or more databases of information, including institutionally developed rules, guidelines and protocol representing the best medical practices of the institution. The system provides alerts and/or recommendations based on the application of the rules to the information being monitored, and alerts care givers accordingly, providing for dynamic adjustment of the patient's therapy. The system also monitors the status of the alerts, and if no action is taken in a selected period of time, may escalate the priority of the alert and/or halt the delivery of medication to the patient until the alert is resolved. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120011253 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NETWORK MONITORING OF MULTIPLE MEDICAL DEVICES - The present invention provides for a system an method of monitoring the status of a plurality of medical devices connected to a central computer or server using a wired or wireless network, and displaying information representative of the status of the medical devices to a user on a display screen using both graphics and text. The system is also capable of determining when a condition or alarm warranting notification of the care giver to correct the condition exists, and displaying information about the condition or alarm on the display, including associating a warning graphic or icon representative of the condition or alarm with an icon representing a specific medical device or portion of a medical device. The system includes a rules data base and decision engine that may be used to determine the existence of conditions that require notification to the care giver. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120004772 | MULTI-LIDDED DISPENSING CARTRIDGE SYSTEM - A cartridge for use in a dispensing system is disclosed. The cartridge includes a body having an exterior and a plurality of bins. A plurality of lids are movably attached to the body and are configured to cover a bin. A release mechanism is movable along an axis. A plurality of latches are movably attached to the body. Each latch is configured to secure the respective lid when in a first position and to release the respective lid when in a second position. The release mechanism will not cause a latch to move to the second position when the release mechanism is moving along the axis in a first direction. The release mechanism will cause a single latch to move to the second position while leaving the remaining latches in the first position when the release mechanism is moving along the axis in a second direction. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004764 | RECONFIGURABLE MULTI-POCKET DISPENSE DRAWER - A drawer assembly that includes a cartridge, a drawer configured to receive the cartridge, and a docking connector attached to the drawer. The cartridge includes a body having a plurality of bins, a plurality of lids that are moveably attached to the body and releasably secured over the bins, and a connector attached to the body. The cartridge is configured such that the lids cannot be opened unless a signal is received through the connector. The docking connector is configured to mate with the connector of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the drawer. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004624 | ENHANCED ANTI-FLOW PROTECTION FOR AN INTRAVENOUS SET - A device for holding an IV tube in a pumping apparatus and for selectively occluding the tube when the door of the pumping apparatus is opened, to prevent free flow of fluid in the tube. A flange provided on a sliding clamp is designed to prevent inadvertent finger slippage causing pushing of a tab positioned in the sliding direction from the flange, resulting in undesirable fluid leakage. The flange is made slip-resistant using a textured surface, having a concave shape, or having an angled top portion to prevent finger slippage or having a concave setback to guide a finger when pushing the sliding clamp. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001529 | CONFIGURABLE CABINET FOR HANGING AND SHELVED ITEMS - In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a cabinet is provided. The cabinet includes a plurality of drawer slide receiving modules and a plurality of hanging drawer slides, each hanging drawer slide coupled to one of the plurality of drawer slide receiving modules, and each hanging drawer slide includes a plurality of hooks of a first type. At least one of the hanging drawer slides is configured to be withdrawn from the cabinet laterally along a longest axis of the hanging drawer slide. The plurality of drawer slide receiving modules are configured to be removably coupled to the cabinet in a plurality of different configurations. Methods and configuration systems are also provided. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110319827 | SAFETY CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A catheter integral with a valved needle-free connector provides a safety catheter device configured to receive a blunt cannula and sharp needle forming an insertion mechanism. The sharp needle is mounted within a needle tube and a control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of and into the protective needle tube. When the insertion mechanism is mounted to the connector and the control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of the tube, a blunt cannula first moves into contact with and enters the bore of the valve mechanism of the connector opening it and protecting it from damage that may be caused by the sharp needle. The sharp needle is then extended through the connector and extends out the distal end of the catheter so that a venipuncture procedure may be performed to properly locate the catheter in the patient's circulatory system. Once located, the needle may be retracted into the insertion mechanism, the insertion mechanism disconnected from the connector, and discarded. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315588 | AUTOMATED MEDICATION HANDLING SYSTEM - Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for providing an automated medication handling system that can, among other things, single-dose package medications, store and dispense medications in a pharmacy, transport medications to a nursing unit or other remote location, store them at that remote location, and load them into a portable unit carried by a nurse, who may dispense the medication at a bedside. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110305049 | PHASE-CONTROLLED UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY - A phase-controlled power supply is disclosed. The power supply includes a power conditioner with an input configured to connect to an external source of electrical power, the power conditioner being configured to provide conditioned power on its output. The power supply also includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a switching module coupled between the output of the power conditioner and to the primary winding of the transformer. The switching module has two modes of operation and a control signal input configured to accept a first control signal. The switching module includes a switching element configured to connect the power conditioner output to the primary winding of the transformer. The switching module operates in the first mode when the first control signal is in a first state, switching the first switching element at a first frequency and first duty cycle. The switching module operates in the second mode when the first control signal is in a second state, switching the first switching element at a frequency and duty cycle according to the first control signal. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110282691 | DISTRIBUTED REMOTE ASSET AND MEDICATION MANAGEMENT DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM - A system and method for communicating and validating patient information including medication delivery information in a care-giving facility is provided. A medical transaction carrier is used to communicate information regarding medication delivery and other patient information between a control system in communication with the care-giving facility's other information systems and a patient specific asset such as an infusion pump. All information carried by the medical transaction carrier is validated both at the patient specific asset and at the control system. This validation allows for positive control of all transactions even if a medical transaction carrier is lost. The medical transaction carrier may be a smartcard, a FDA such as a Palm™ Pilot, laptop computer, pager, mobile phone, or other device capable of storing and communicating information. The system may use either wired or wireless connections to communicate information between the components of the system. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282276 | DEFORMABLE VALVE MECHANISM FOR CONTROLLING FLUID DELIVERY - A valve for controlling delivery of fluid includes a valve seat comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a conical well having an opening, a beveled surface and a bottom, and a valve membrane comprising a conical portion having a base and a tip. The conical portion is configured to fit within the conical well of the valve seat. The valve membrane is configured to fluidly connect the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in an undeformed position and fluidly disconnect the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in a radially deformed position. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110257607 | SELF-SEALING MALE LUER CONNECTOR WITH MULTIPLE SEALS - A self-sealing male Luer connector attaches to any standard female Luer valve to open a flow channel between the two. The self-sealing male Luer connector includes a rigid housing having a distal end with a rigid male Luer connector and a proximal end at which a proximal seal is formed. The distal end of the housing includes a valve seat. Located within the housing is a resilient biasing member that biases an actuator into contact with the valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the male connector. Upon engagement with a female connector, the actuator is moved in the proximal direction to open the distal valve and then the proximal seal. A partial vacuum is formed within the male connector upon disengagement with the female connector that draws any fluids on the external surface of the distal end of the male Luer connector into the male tip. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110241878 | MEDICATION SAFETY SYSTEM - A medication safety system includes a panel mounted to an IV pole above a multi-channel infusion pump also mounted to the IV pole. The panel includes multiple RFID readers for reading the RFID tags placed on each of the medication containers mounted to the panel. The pump includes a controller that communicates with the RFID readers at the panel to receive the information read by the RFID readers and automatically program the respective pump channel. A verification program verifies that the medication delivery information from the containers matches the patient identified for the pump and the programming parameters of the pump fall within acceptable ranges. In another aspect, the panel contains multiple vibration devices to impart vibrations to the medication of each of the containers mounted to the panel. Those vibrations are sensed by the particular pumping channel to confirm that the correct channel has been programmed for that medication. When the clinician opens the door of the pumping channel, the pump may request information from the RFID reader at the panel for that medication and may wait for receipt of the vibrations in the medication of the tubing mounted into the channel. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110232388 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING FLUID PRESSURE WITHIN A DISPOSABLE IV SET CONNECTED TO A FLUID SUPPLY PUMP - Systems and methods of measuring pressure of fluid in a disposable IV set connected to a fluid supply pump is disclosed. At least one sensing arrangement coupled to the fluid supply pump is provided. A chamber having a movable element is provided, the movable element configured to move in response to changes in fluid pressure within the disposable IV set and thereby cause a change in a sensed measurement variable associated with the sensing arrangement without contacting the sensing arrangement. A measuring signal indicative of the sensed measurement variable is generated. The fluid pressure within the disposable IV set is determined based on the measuring signal. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110218514 | AUTOMATIC RELAY PUMP SYSTEM AND METHOD - An automatic pump relay system includes controllers coupled to drivers for sequentially discharging fluid from a plurality of medication containers into a coupler having a reflux barrier from which fluid is administered to a patient. The internal fluid pressure of the coupler is determined by a pressure sensing device or devices that provide signals to the controllers that, based at least on the sensor signals, cause the drivers to operate in reverse and forward directions so as to rapidly decrease and raise the fluid pressure within the coupler during a relay from an empty syringe to a filled syringe, thereby avoiding bolus formation and an interruption in infusion therapy. Independently operable syringes pumps are contemplated to be connected in relay fashion to form a modular system. An associated method is also disclosed wherein a fluid administration pressure is stored for use as a reference during a syringe changeover. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110196563 | AUTONOMOUS NAVIGATION AND INK RECOGNITION SYSTEM - A mobile robot is disclosed. The mobile robot includes a housing. The mobile robot includes a memory module coupled to the housing. The memory module is configured to store an image file of at least one ink mark that is arbitrarily shaped and is human-imperceptible and that forms a landmark on a navigable route. The mobile robot includes a detector mounted to the housing. The detector is configured to detect ink marks marked on a surface. The mobile robot includes a confidence matching system coupled to the memory module and the detector. The confidence matching system is configured to determine whether a detected ink mark is a landmark based on a comparison of the detected ink mark with the stored image file of the at least one ink mark. The mobile robot includes a navigation system coupled to the confidence matching system configured to navigate the robot through an area including the navigable route based on recognition of the landmark. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110187544 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXTENDING THE BATTERY LIFE IN INVENTORY CONTROL DEVICES - 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. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110187509 | SOFTWARE-DEFINED MULTI-MODE RFID READ DEVICES - 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. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110186139 | ELECTRONICALLY ACTIVATED ACCESS VALVE - An electrically activated access valve arrangement having a male connector, a female connector, and a valve. In certain embodiments, the male connector includes a conductive element, and the female connector includes contacts. Insertion of the male into the female connector completes a circuit and sends an electrical signal to the valve. This transitions the valve from the normally closed position to the opened position. In certain embodiments, the male connector has a connection port that connects to a connection port of the female connector. A pump, such as an infusion pump, sends an electrical signal through the connection ports, which causes the valve to transition from the normally closed position to the opened position. The electrically activatable valve of the connectors is prevented from opening if mated with conventional male and female luers. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110180440 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING, INSERTNG AND SECURING RECEPTACLES IN A RECEPTACLE TRAY - A method and apparatus for controlling removal of one or more receptacles from a receptacle tray are described herein, in which a removal indicator indicates which of the one or more receptacles to remove. Thereafter, the indicated one or more receptacles may be manually removed from the receptacle tray using a gripping mechanism. The receptacles are secured in the tray with two or more tangs protruding from a front face of the receptacle closest to a connector interface. The two or more tangs fit into respective mating units in the receptacle tray, and one or more protrusions toward the rear of the receptacle, with respect to the two or more tangs, mate with respective mating units in the receptacle tray. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110153343 | ADAPTABLE MEDICAL WORKFLOW SYSTEM - Examples of systems and methods are provided for adapting a medical workflow implemented at a computer coupled to a hospital network, including receiving a message comprising medical information data, predicting a healthcare worker's workflow using, at least in part, the medical information data; communicating, based on the predicted workflow, a menu comprising one or more medical action options for displaying to the healthcare worker. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152787 | CONNECTOR FOR TRANSFERRING FLUID AND METHOD OF USE - A connector for transferring fluid and method therefor. The connector may have a first port, a second port, and a third port which may be coupled together at a main channel with a first valve element therein controlling fluid flow through the first port. The first valve element is supported by a valve element support positioned between the first port and the third port, and the second port joins the main channel to provide a fluid path around the first valve element and through the third port. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110139871 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRACKING INVENTORY USING AN RFID TAG TAPE - A method of tracking an inventory comprises associating a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) values corresponding to a plurality of RFID tags with an inventory item, affixing the plurality of RFID tags to a plurality of surfaces of the inventory item such that antenna axes of the plurality of RFID tags are oriented in a plurality of directions, wirelessly sensing RFID tags affixed to items in the inventory using an antenna array comprising one or more antennae, and deciding, if one or more of the plurality of RFID values associated with the inventory item is sensed, that the inventory item is present in the inventory, otherwise deciding that the inventory item is not present in the inventory. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110130724 | NEONATAL LUER-ACTIVATED MEDICAL CONNECTOR - A connector is disclosed that has a housing having a fluid path from a first port through an internal cavity to a second port. The connector also includes a plug that has first and second positions within the internal cavity, where the plug blocks the fluid path between the first port and the internal cavity when in the first position. The plug has a diaphragm that separates the internal cavity into a first volume that is vented and a second volume that includes the fluid path. The plug also includes a biasing element that is disposed within the first volume and that urges the plug toward the first position. Displacement of the plug from the first position toward the second position opens the fluid path and increases the second volume. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110118671 | CATHETER SECUREMENT DEVICE - A securement device for securing a medical implement, such as a catheter to the body of a patient. The device comprises a pad or base having adhesive on at least a portion of the bottom surface for securing the pad to the body of a patient. A fixed plate and a rotatable adjustable plate are affixed to the pad. The adjustable plate is rotated with respect to the fixed plate to secure a catheter. Posts can be provided on the fixed plate and the adjustable plate to secure a winged catheter. A bracket can be affixed to a fixed plate or an adjustable plate and a cooperating tab can be affixed to the other plate for securing a catheter there between. In a modification, a fixed plate is affixed to the pad and a pair of adjustable plates can be rotatably secured on the fixed plate. Secured on the fixed plate are upright tabs and secured on the adjustable plates are brackets that are adapted to cooperate with the tabs. The adjustable plates can be rotatably moved so as to retain a catheter between the respective cooperating brackets and tabs. In a further modification, a base is secured to a pad and a pair of plates or arms are pivotally mounted on the base for rotation with respect to one another. Complementary pawl and ratchet members are used to enable limited rotation of the plates or arm with respect to one another and to fix the plates or arms in selected adjustment position. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110106048 | FLUID FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING CAPILLARY FLUID FLOW RESTRICTOR - A fluid flow rate control system and method comprises a capillary tube having a proximal end that projects into a chamber with a cross-sectional area that is larger than or equal to the fluid supply tube's cross-sectional area. The inner cross-sectional area of the capillary tube is configured less than the inner cross-sectional area of the chamber. The chamber has a volume large enough to slow the fluid conducted to it by the upstream fluid line to permit contaminants to fall out of solution. In another aspect, a sleeve is used to mount the capillary tube into the chamber. The sleeve provides a mounting surface for tube segments from the pump and downstream of the capillary restrictor. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110098673 | FLUID FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING CAPILLARY FLUID FLOW RESTRICTOR - A fluid flow rate control system and method comprises a capillary tube having a proximal end that projects into a chamber with a cross-sectional area that is larger than or equal to the fluid supply tube's cross-sectional area. The inner cross-sectional area of the capillary tube is configured less than the inner cross-sectional area of the chamber. The chamber has a volume large enough to slow the fluid conducted to it by the upstream fluid line to permit contaminants to fall out of solution. In another aspect, a sleeve is used to mount the capillary tube into the chamber. The sleeve provides a mounting surface for tube segments from the pump and downstream of the capillary restrictor. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110074576 | VERIFICATION OF DISPENSED ITEMS - An automated medication dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a memory configured to store identifying information for at least one item. The identifying information includes an indicator associated with at least one specific feature of the at least one item. The system also includes a processor configured to dispense the at least one item to a user, an output module configured to display the identifying information for the at least one item, and an input device configured to receive, from the user, input indicating that the user has verified that the dispensed item has the same identifying information as the identifying information displayed by the output module. Handheld devices, bedside administration systems, methods, and machine-readable mediums are also disclosed. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110068922 | INVENTORY MONITORING AND VERIFICATION SYSTEM - Methods and systems for monitoring the inventory of products in a storage device that has an antenna are provided, wherein each product has a corresponding wireless tag having a unique wireless tag identification. The inventory monitoring includes accessing an inventory list containing at least one wireless tag identification, sending a specific query via the antenna for each of the at least one wireless tag identifications in the inventory list to the corresponding wireless tag, verifying, in the case that a response is received from the wireless tag corresponding to the wireless tag identification, that the product corresponding to the wireless tag is present in the storage device, determining, in the case that a response is not received from the wireless tag corresponding to the wireless tag identification, that the product corresponding to the wireless tag is not present in the storage device, and updating the inventory list based on the products verified to be present and the products determined to not be present in the storage device. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110066260 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING PATIENT THERAPY - A system and method of managing therapy provided to patients in an institution. The system monitors all aspects of the medication delivery to a patient, as well as other information related to the patient, such as values of vital signs, laboratory results and patient factors such as history, diagnosis, allergies and the like. The system includes one or more databases of information, including institutionally developed rules, guidelines and protocol representing the best medical practices of the institution. The system provides alerts and/or recommendations based on the application of the rules to the information being monitored, and alerts care givers accordingly, providing for dynamic adjustment of the patient's therapy. The system also monitors the status of the alerts, and if no action is taken in a selected period of time, may escalate the priority of the alert and/or halt the delivery of medication to the patient until the alert is resolved. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110060758 | MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A system and method for confirming that a medication administration device has been programmed with the correct medication administration parameters. A medical database carrier is used compare medication delivery parameters entered into a medication administration device to institutionally established guidelines or more widely accepted protocols to ensure that the medication is delivered in accordance to those guidelines. The medical database carrier may also be configured to communicate information regarding medication delivery and other patient information between a control system in communication with the care-giving facility's other information systems and a patient specific asset such as an infusion pump. The medical database carrier may be a smartcard, a PDA such as a Palm™ Pilot, laptop computer, pager, mobile phone, or other device capable of storing, processing and communicating information. The system may use either wired or wireless connections to communicate information between the components of the system. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110054440 | DISINFECTING MALE LUER CONNECTOR CAPS - A system and method for disinfecting an exposed portion of a female luer connector is disclosed. A male luer connector coupled to a male luer connector cap is provided where the male luer connector cap has a chamber containing a disinfectant and a sealing member for sealing the disinfectant in the chamber. The chamber is at least partly opened and the disinfectant exposed by movement of the sealing member. An exposed surface of a female luer connector is caused to come in contact with the disinfecting fluid in the chamber prior to the female luer connector mating with the male luer connector. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110028885 | METHOD OF PROVIDING CARE TO A PATIENT - The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing care to a patient, comprising a patient care device having a number of configuration databases stored in a memory in the device. Each configuration database preferably includes protocols, operating limits, rule sets and/or operating features that collectively define an operating environment, or personality, of the device. Selection of a specific configuration database preferably is based at least in part upon patient-specific information obtained from any location in a distributed hospital network. Examples of such patient-specific information include patient age or size, patient medical characteristics, a location of the patient or a location of the care device. In a preferred embodiment, programming a patient care device to deliver a drug to a patient entails activating a configuration database and scanning a machine-readable drug label identifying a particular protocol stored in the activated database. The selected protocol includes default parameters for delivering the drug, and the label optionally includes instructions for deviating from the default protocol. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110012374 | PIEZO ACTUATED SLIDE LATCHING MECHANISM - A latching mechanism is particularly suited for use in latching a slide mechanism, such as used to slidably mount a drawer. The latching mechanism includes a latch assembly comprising a latch lever mounted for movement between a first, second and third positions, a latch tab for selective engagement with a second end of the latch lever, and a piezo electric controller. The controller has a plunger configured to selectively control the movement of the latch lever between the first and second positions, the plunger movable between an extended position corresponding to a first, locked position of the latch lever and a retracted position corresponding to the second, unlocked position of the latch lever, the controller when unpowered preventing the plunger from moving from the extended to the retracted position and the controller when powered permitting the plunger to move from the extended to the retracted position. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20100271218 | INFUSION TRACKING SYSTEM - A fluid medication delivery monitoring device is disclosed. The device includes a memory configured to receive volume information indicating a volume of fluid medication in a container. The device also includes a processor configured to determine a time remaining value indicating an approximate amount of time remaining until the dispensable volume of fluid medication in the container reaches about zero, and configured to compare the determined time remaining value to a lead-time threshold to prepare a replacement container with a volume of fluid medication. The device further includes a display device configured to display a status of the container, the status includes the time remaining value and a description of the fluid medication in the container. A method for monitoring fluid medication delivery is also disclosed. | 10-28-2010 |
