Surgery – Truss – Pad
Patent
1990-12-14
1993-07-13
Smith, Ruth S.
Surgery
Truss
Pad
128725, 128716, 340573, A61B 500
Patent
active
052264165
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to apparatus for monitoring output signals from a sensor and in particular, but not exclusively, for monitoring signals from sensors which detect physiological conditions of patients in intensive care.
With the increase in technology associated with the treatment of very seriously ill patients, wards and operating theatres are now becoming full of various types of monitoring equipment which require the nursing or medical staff to set alarm levesl in accordance with the device and the health of the patient. Generally only single alarm levels are available and so only crisis alarm levels can be set. Frequently these alarms can be switched off to enable staff to fit a device onto a patient or take it from him, and because the operation is entirely manual they are often not switched back on.
From one aspect the invention consists in an apparatus for monitoring output signals from a sensor, comprising an input for receiving the signals, means for automatically setting upper and lower levels to define a band around the initial value or values of the signals and means for indicating when the value of the signals passes through a particular level.
Thus with the applicants' apparatus the alarm level or levels are selected automatically by the initial output of the sensor.
In a preferred embodiment the level setting means defines a plurality of bands having levels of increasing deviation from the initial values and the indicating means may provide an indication which is representative of the level of greatest deviation passed through by the signal. Thus there may be different combinations of visual and audible alarms according to the level reached by the signal.
The levels may be set as predetermined percentage deviations from the initial values in which case the apparatus may further comprise means for comparing the initial values or the set levels with predetermined parameters and means for indicating if the initial values or the set levels are abnormal or unacceptable.
The apparatus may include means for manually overriding the indicating means, in which case it is preferred that the apparatus further includes automatic reset means for resetting the indicating means a predetermined period after the actuation of the override means. In addition the apparatus may include a further means for manually cancelling the indicating means, in which case a non-fluctuating signal will not cause an alarm situation. When a varying signal is received the signal levels will be monitored and the alarm level will again be automatically selected.
The apparatus may further comprise inputs for a plurality of sensors in which case the level setting means may set levels for the signals on each input.
From a further aspect the invention consists in a device for monitoring output signals from a sensor, comprising an input for receiving the signals and means for setting an alarm level in dependence on the initial value or values of the signals.
In any of the above cases the level setting means may sample the signal over a predetermined period to obtain an initial value, for example it may sample the peaks and troughs of the signal.
For the purposes of this specification the term "value of the signal" incorporates any appropriate measurable characteristic of the signal, for example its amplitude, frequency or phase, or a combination of any of these.
Although the invention has been defined above it is to be understood it includes any inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following description.
The invention may be performed in various ways and a specific embodiment will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows an operational sequence of a monitoring apparatus; and
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a ventilator monitor incorporating the apparatus.
For convenience the specific embodiment of the invention will be described in connection with a ventilation monitor of the type shown in FIG. 2. Here it will be seen that sensors 10 to 12 mo
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Bethune Donald W.
Swain Michael L.
Nasser Jr. Robert L.
Pneu Pac Limited
Smith Ruth S.
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