Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100281619 | AIR MATTRESS SYSTEM WITH INFLATABLE LIMB CHAMBER - A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable mattress having multiple, non-interconnected inflatable chambers and a moveable inflatable limb elevation chamber. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively inflated and deflated to vary the pressure exerted from the mattress surface to selected areas of a human body, thereby preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers. The limb elevation chamber may also be selectively inflated and deflated as well being positioned at any desired portion of the inflatable mattress in order to raise one or more human limbs off the surface of the mattress. | 11-11-2010 |
20110037303 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VARYING A SPEED OF A MOTOR USING A BI-DIRECTIONAL DEFLECTABLE RESISTOR - An electronic switch for controlling a motor. The switch includes at least one deflectable resistor including a substrate having a first configuration. The substrate being bendable to a second configuration relative to the first configuration. A layer of conductive material is disposed on a surface of the substrate, wherein the layer of conductive material having a resistance that changes predictably when an electrical signal is applied thereto. The change of resistance of the layer of conductive material reflects an amount of deflection between the first configuration and the second configuration and for various configurations in between. A motor assembly is coupled to the at least one deflectable resistor. The deflectable resistor, when positioned in the first configuration turns off the motor assembly. Also, the deflectable resistor when bent towards the second configuration and away from the first configuration turns on the motor assembly. A speed of the motor assembly is controlled by the degree of bending of the at least one deflectable resistor away from the first configuration. | 02-17-2011 |
20110094040 | MULTI-COMPARTMENTED BODY SUPPORT SYSTEM WITH MULTI-PORT VALVE ASSEMBLY - A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable body support | 04-28-2011 |
20110095216 | LOW PRESSURE VALVE ASSEMBLY - A valve assembly controls the flow of fluid at very low pressures of about 5 psi or less to and from inflatable chambers. Each valve assembly has a plurality of valves that operate between a closed and an open position. A first conduit or channel directs the fluid to each of the valves; and a plurality of second conduits each associated with one of the plurality of valves communicates with an inflatable chamber. Each of the valves has a valve seat and a valve stem with a head that seats on or with the valve seat to effect a seal in the closed position. The valve stem has a portion positioned to be moved by the solenoid when activated. The separate valves also act as relief valves. A vent valve is also provided and configured to operate between open and closed positions. | 04-28-2011 |
20110098605 | FOOT FUNCTION SENSOR - A system for measuring the force of the feet of a user upon the support surface of an item of footwear for each foot at multiple locations has a plurality of sensors each predictably varying in resistance upon application of a force thereto. The sensors send signals reflective of the force to an A-D converter. The digitalized signals reflective of the resistance and in some cases deflection are sent to a receiver for storage in a memory and for further transmission to a computing device to compute and display the force at each of the multiple points. An accelerometer may also be combined proximate to or attached to the insert to supply signals reflective of the acceleration and which can be used to calculate and display other information including acceleration, speed and distance. | 04-28-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120157798 | PHYSIOLOGIC RESPONSE TO POSTURE - An implantable or other ambulatory medical apparatus comprises a posture sensing circuit, a physiologic sensing circuit that senses a time varying physiologic signal, and a processor circuit. The processor circuit includes a posture calculation circuit and a measurement circuit. The posture calculation circuit determines a posture of the subject using posture data obtained using the posture signal and determines when the posture of the subject is steady state. The measurement circuit derives a physiologic measurement using physiologic data extracted from the physiologic signal during at least one time period when posture is determined to be steady state and provides the physiologic measurement to at least one of a user and a process in association with the determined steady state posture. | 06-21-2012 |
20120165889 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSPIRATORY MUSCLE STIMULATION USING IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - An inspiratory muscle stimulation system uses an implantable medical device to deliver stimulation to control diaphragmatic contractions for slower and deeper breathing, thereby conditioning and strengthening inspiratory muscles. In various embodiments, respiratory and/or cardiac performance are monitored for controlling parameters of the stimulation. | 06-28-2012 |
20120259183 | TRANSIENT SENSOR RESPONSE TO POSTURE AS A MEASURE OF PATIENT STATUS - Patient posture information can be received, such as to indicate a change in patient posture by at least a threshold amount. A transient response signal indicative of a change in a physiological parameter can be received at multiple instances near a change in patient posture. Waveform morphology features can be extracted from a transient response signal and used to provide an indication of a cardiac status, such as a heart failure status. | 10-11-2012 |
20130079842 | NEURAL CONTROL OF CENTRAL SLEEP APNEA - An apparatus comprises a physiologic sensing circuit and a control circuit. The physiologic sensing circuit is configured to sense an electrical respiration signal representative of respiration of a subject. The control circuit includes a respiration monitor circuit and a therapy circuit. The respiration monitor circuit is configured to extract a respiration parameter from the respiration signal and detect that a value of the respiration parameter is outside of a target value range for the respiration parameter. The therapy circuit is configured to deliver neural stimulation to the carotid sinus of the subject to stimulate respiration and to adjust respiration to maintain the value of the respiration parameter within the target value range. | 03-28-2013 |
20130238051 | RESPIRATORY STIMULATION FOR TREATING PERIODIC BREATHING - A system and method for treating and/or preventing is described for treating periodic breathing characterized by cyclical hyperventilation and hypoventilation, examples of which include Cheyne-Stokes respiration and central sleep apnea. The system could also be used in the treatment of other conditions involving an impairment of respiratory drive. | 09-12-2013 |
20140221786 | MULTI-SENSOR STRATEGY FOR HEART FAILURE PATIENT MANAGEMENT - An apparatus comprises plurality of sensors and a processor. Each sensor provides a sensor signal that includes physiological information and at least one sensor is implantable. The processor includes a physiological change event detection module that detects a physiological change event from a sensor signal and produces an indication of occurrence of one or more detected physiological change events, and a heart failure (HF) detection module. The HF detection module determines, using a first rule, whether the detected physiological change event is indicative of a change in HF status of a subject, determines whether to override the first rule HF determination using a second rules, and declares whether the change in HF status occurred according to the first and second rules. | 08-07-2014 |
20150038854 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING WORSENING OF HEART FAILURE BASED ON RAPID SHALLOW BREATHING INDEX - Systems and methods for detecting a worsening of patient's heart failure condition based, at least in part, on an increasing trend in a representative rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) value over multiple days. The RSBI value may be a minimum RSBI, and more particularly may be a minimum RSBI value determined for an afternoon portion of each of the multiple days. The minimum RSBI value measured during an afternoon portion of the day may be more sensitive to changes in a patient's respiration, particularly when a patient is expected to be more active, and thus, may more readily exhibit an increasing trend when patient's heart failure is in decline. | 02-05-2015 |
20150038866 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING WORSENING OF HEART FAILURE BASED ON TIDAL VOLUME - Systems and methods for detecting a worsening of a patient's heart failure condition based, at least in part, on a declining trend in a representative tidal volume value over multiple days. The tidal volume value may be a maximum tidal volume, and more particularly, a maximum tidal volume determined for an afternoon portion of each of the multiple days or a selected portion of each of the multiple days that excludes a night portion. The maximum tidal volume during these portions of the day may be more sensitive to changes in a patient's respiration, particularly when a patient is expected to be more active, and thus, may more readily exhibit a declining trend when the patient's heart failure status is in decline. | 02-05-2015 |
20150126878 | HEART FAILURE EVENT DETECTION AND RISK STRATIFICATION USING HEART SOUND - Devices and methods for detecting heart failure (HF) events or identifying patient at elevated risk of developing future HF events are described. A medical device can detect contextual condition associated with a patient, such as an environmental context or a physiologic context, sense a heart sound signal, and perform multiple measurements of heart sound features in response to the detected patient contextual condition meeting specified criterion. The contextual condition includes information correlating to or indicative of a change in metabolic demand of a patient. The medical device can use the physiologic signals to calculate one or more signal metrics indicative of diastolic function of the heart such as a trend of the heart sound features. The medical device can use the signal metrics to detect an HF event or to predict the likelihood of the patient later developing an HF event. | 05-07-2015 |
20150148699 | DETECTION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE EXACERBATIONS FROM BREATHING PATTERNS - An apparatus may include a sensing circuit and a processor. The sensing circuit is configured to generate a sensed physiological signal, wherein the physiological signal includes respiration information of a subject. The processor includes an end expiratory volume (EEV) module configured to determine a value of EEV of the subject using the sensed physiological signal, and a lung hyperinflation detection module configured to generate an indication of lung hyperinflation of the subject according to the value of EEV and provide the indication to at least one of a user or process. | 05-28-2015 |
20150157260 | CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE DRUG TITRATION AND MANAGEMENT - A system may include a port, at least one sensing circuit, and at least one processor. The port is configured to receive an indication of dosing of medication to treat a pulmonary condition of a heart failure (HF) subject and the at least one sensing circuit configured to sense at least one physiological signal, wherein the physiological signal includes physiological information of the HF subject. The at least one processor includes a parameter module configured to extract values of at least one physiological parameter indicative of health status of the HF subject, and a trending module configured to trend extracted values of the at least one physiological parameter and detect an effect of the dosing of the medication on the HF subject using the trending of the extracted values of the at least one physiological parameter. | 06-11-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090254034 | SAFETY OCCLUDER AND METHOD OF USE - An improved safety occluder and method of use provides an occluder for an infusion set having a first, occluding position, a second, non-occluding position which returns to the first, occluding position when the occluder's plunger is released, and a third, non-occluding position which retains the plunger in a configuration which allows fluid flow through the infusion set. The occluder may also include a locking mechanism to prevent accidental movement of the plunger out of the first, occluding position. | 10-08-2009 |
20100082001 | ANTI-FREE FLOW MECHANISM FOR ENTERAL FEEDING PUMPS - An anti-free-flow mechanism includes an occluder mechanism which is disposed along a segment of tubing and a mounting structure. The occluder mechanism is normally in a biased closed position, but may be moved into an open position by placement in the mounting structure. However, unless force is applied to keep the occluder mechanism in the mounting structure, the occluder will move relative to the mounting structure and return to the first, closed position. | 04-01-2010 |
20110028899 | ANTI-FREE FLOW MECHANISM FOR ENTERAL FEEDING PUMPS - An anti-free-flow mechanism includes an occluder mechanism which is disposed along a segment of tubing and a mounting structure. The occluder mechanism is normally in a biased closed position, but may be moved into an open position by placement in the mounting structure. However, unless force is applied to keep the occluder mechanism in the mounting structure, the occluder will move relative to the mounting structure and return to the first, closed position. | 02-03-2011 |
20110082438 | ANTI-FREE-FLOW MECHANISM FOR ENTERAL FEEDING PUMPS - An anti-free-flow mechanism includes an occluder mechanism which is disposed along a segment of tubing. The occluder mechanism is normally in a biased closed position, but may be moved into an open position by moving an engagement member into engagement with the tubing segment to deform the tubing segment and open a flow channel. Unless force is applied to keep the engagement member in contact with the tubing segment, the tubing will return to the first, closed position. | 04-07-2011 |
20120082576 | PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR INFUSION PUMPS - A pressure monitoring system allows for more accurate and reliable measurement of the pressure inside of a tube in a pump. The pressure monitoring system prevents movement of the tubing or a change in size of the tubing due to external forces applied to the pump, eliminating inaccuracies due to handling of the pump during use. | 04-05-2012 |
20120083737 | ANTI FREE-FLOW OCCLUDER AND PRIMING ACTUATOR PAD - A system for selectively preventing free flow in a tube includes an in-line occluder disposed in the tube and an actuator pad for creating a flow path between the tube and the occluder. The actuation pad presses towards the occluder from a single side and stretches the tube to create a large flow path. The occluder stem is strengthened to resist deformation and damage from the forces applied by the actuator pad. | 04-05-2012 |
20130066310 | SEALING AND/OR CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A sealing and/or cutting instrument having a thermally active surface or element which may be used to seal and then cut tissue, ducts, vessels, etc., apart. The instrument may include a thermally active surface or element comprised of a conductor covered with a ferromagnetic material. The instrument may contact tissue with one or more surfaces comprised of a non-stick material. A sensor in communication with the instrument may be used to monitor a therapeutic procedure and signal when sealing and/or cutting of a tissue is complete. | 03-14-2013 |
20130289483 | ANTI-FREE-FLOW MECHANISM FOR ENTERAL FEEDING PUMPS - An anti-free-flow mechanism includes an occluder mechanism which is disposed along a segment of tubing. The occluder mechanism is normally in a biased closed position, but may be moved into an open position by moving an engagement member into engagement with the tubing segment to deform the tubing segment and open a flow channel. Unless force is applied to keep the engagement member in contact with the tubing segment, the tubing will return to the first, closed position. | 10-31-2013 |
20150018767 | ANTI-FREE FLOW MECHANISM FOR ENTERAL FEEDING PUMPS - An anti-free-flow mechanism includes an occluder mechanism which is disposed along a segment of tubing and a mounting structure. The occluder mechanism is normally in a biased closed position, but may be moved into an open position by placement in the mounting structure. However, unless force is applied to keep the occluder mechanism in the mounting structure, the occluder will move relative to the mounting structure and return to the first, closed position. | 01-15-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100017329 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR SELLING TRANSACTION INSTRUMENTS - The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing an open transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: accessibly offering for sale, in a retail environment, the open transaction instrument; selling a selected open transaction instrument; and enabling the use of the open transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. Furthermore, accessibly offering the open pre-paid card for sale, in one exemplary embodiment, is performed by hanging the pre-paid card on a rack. The distribution of the open transaction instrument may also comprise the step of sending a message, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid open transaction instrument to be funded but not activated. Also, in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an issuer system is suitably configured to leverage existing infrastructure for inventory and related processes. | 01-21-2010 |
20110040684 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR SELLING TRANSACTION INSTRUMENTS - The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing an open transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: accessibly offering for sale, in a retail environment, the open transaction instrument; selling a selected open transaction instrument; and enabling the use of the open transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. Furthermore, accessibly offering the open pre-paid card for sale, in one exemplary embodiment, is performed by hanging the pre-paid card on a rack. The distribution of the open transaction instrument may also comprise the step of sending a message, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid open transaction instrument to be funded but not activated. Also, in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an issuer system is suitably configured to leverage existing infrastructure for inventory and related processes. | 02-17-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080215448 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR SELLING TRANSACTION INSTRUMENTS VIA WEB-BASED TOOL - The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing a transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: offering for sale, in a retail environment, the transaction instrument; selling a selected transaction instrument; communicating with the issuer of the transaction instrument via an internet accessible web site, and enabling the use of the transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. The distribution of the transaction instrument may also include the step of sending a message, through the web site, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid transaction instrument to be funded but not activated until later through an interactive voice response system, for example. In another example, an associated transaction account may be funded and activated at the time of distribution. Furthermore, an issuer system may be suitably configured to leverage existing Travelers Cheque infrastructure for inventory and related processes. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215449 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR SELLING TRANSACTION INSTRUMENTS VIA WEB-BASED TOOL - The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing a transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: offering for sale, in a retail environment, the transaction instrument; selling a selected transaction instrument; communicating with the issuer of the transaction instrument via an internet accessible web site, and enabling the use of the transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. The distribution of the transaction instrument may also include the step of sending a message, through the web site, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid transaction instrument to be funded but not activated until later through an interactive voice response system, for example. In another example, an associated transaction account may be funded and activated at the time of distribution. Furthermore, an issuer system may be suitably configured to leverage existing Travelers Cheque infrastructure for inventory and related processes. | 09-04-2008 |
20090184162 | HANDHELD DEVICE FOR SELLING TRANSACTION INSTRUMENTS VIA WEB-BASED TOOLS - The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing a transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: offering for sale, in a retail environment, the transaction instrument; selling a selected transaction instrument; communicating with the issuer of the transaction instrument via an internet accessible web site, and enabling the use of the transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. The distribution of the transaction instrument may also include the step of sending a message, through the web site, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid transaction instrument to be funded but not activated until later through an interactive voice response system, for example. In another example, an associated transaction account may be funded and activated at the time of distribution. Furthermore, an issuer system may be suitably configured to leverage existing Travelers Cheque infrastructure for inventory and related processes. | 07-23-2009 |
20090327087 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR SELLING TRANSACTION INSTRUMENTS VIA WEB-BASED TOOL - The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing a transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: offering for sale, in a retail environment, the transaction instrument; selling a selected transaction instrument; communicating with the issuer of the transaction instrument via an internet accessible web site, and enabling the use of the transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. The distribution of the transaction instrument may also include the step of sending a message, through the web site, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid transaction instrument to be funded but not activated until later through an interactive voice response system, for example. In another example, an associated transaction account may be funded and activated at the time of distribution. Furthermore, an issuer system may be suitably configured to leverage existing Travelers Cheque infrastructure for inventory and related processes. | 12-31-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110080177 | GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER AND METHOD - A method and circuit for determining a circuit element parameter in a ground fault circuit interrupter circuit. An electrical signal provided to a first node is used to generate another electrical signal at a second node. The electrical signal at the second node is multiplexed with a modulation signal to generate a modulated signal that is then filtered and converted into a digital representation of a portion of the circuit element parameter. The electrical signal at the second node is multiplexed with the modulation signal after it has been phase shifted to produce a modulated signal that is filter and converted into a digital representation of another portion of the circuit element parameter. In another aspect, a slope based solenoid self-test method is used for self-testing in a GFCI circuit. Alternatively, a method for determining a wiring fault is provided using a digital filter. | 04-07-2011 |
20130214800 | IMPEDANCE MEASURING CIRCUIT - A method and circuit for determining a circuit element parameter in a ground fault circuit interrupter circuit. An electrical signal provided to a first node is used to generate another electrical signal at a second node. The electrical signal at the second node is multiplexed with a modulation signal to generate a modulated signal that is then filtered and converted into a digital representation of a portion of the circuit element parameter. The electrical signal at the second node is multiplexed with the modulation signal after it has been phase shifted to produce a modulated signal that is filter and converted into a digital representation of another portion of the circuit element parameter. In another aspect, a slope based solenoid self-test method is used for self-testing in a GFCI circuit. Alternatively, a method for determining a wiring fault is provided using a digital filter. | 08-22-2013 |
20130215537 | GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER AND METHOD - A method and circuit for determining a circuit element parameter in a ground fault circuit interrupter circuit. An electrical signal provided to a first node is used to generate another electrical signal at a second node. The electrical signal at the second node is multiplexed with a modulation signal to generate a modulated signal that is then filtered and converted into a digital representation of a portion of the circuit element parameter. The electrical signal at the second node is multiplexed with the modulation signal after it has been phase shifted to produce a modulated signal that is filter and converted into a digital representation of another portion of the circuit element parameter. In another aspect, a slope based solenoid self-test method is used for self-testing in a GFCI circuit. Alternatively, a method for determining a wiring fault is provided using a digital filter. | 08-22-2013 |
20130229734 | GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER AND METHOD - A method for operating a ground fault circuit interrupter. In accordance with an embodiment, an operating parameter of the ground fault circuit interrupter can be adjusted in response to an alternating current line signal and a reference signal. In accordance with another embodiment a plurality of indicator signals are generated in response to an alternating current signal. The indicator signals are used to generate one or more control signals and at least one of the control signals is used to control a control a ground fault circuit interrupter. | 09-05-2013 |
20140210484 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING A CIRCUIT ELEMENT PARAMETER - A method for determining a circuit element parameter in a ground fault circuit interrupter circuit. An electrical signal provided to a first node is used to generate another electrical signal at a second node. The electrical signal at the second node is multiplexed with a modulation signal to generate a modulated signal that is then filtered and converted into a digital representation of a portion of the circuit element parameter. The electrical signal at the second node is multiplexed with the modulation signal after it has been phase shifted to produce a modulated signal that is filter and converted into a digital representation of another portion of the circuit element parameter. In another aspect, a slope based solenoid self-test method is used for self-testing in a GFCI circuit. Alternatively, a method for determining a wiring fault is provided using a digital filter. | 07-31-2014 |
20140266272 | GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER AND METHOD - A ground fault interrupter circuit and a method for operating a ground fault interrupter that includes configuring the ground fault interrupter to perform a plurality of self tests. The ground fault interrupter may be configured to perform a ground fault self test, a grounded-neutral self test, and a trip circuit self test. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268435 | CURRENT SATURATION DETECTION AND CLAMPING CIRCUIT AND METHOD - A method and circuit for detecting and clamping current in a ground fault circuit interrupter circuit. In accordance with an embodiment the circuit includes an amplifier connected to a switch, where in the amplifier has an input connected to a first conduction terminal of the switch through a resistor and another input connected to a second conduction terminal of the switch. An output of the amplifier is connected to a control terminal of the switch. The circuit may include a ground fault circuit interrupter engine having an input connected to the first conduction terminal of the switch and another second input connected to the second conduction terminal of the switch. | 09-18-2014 |