Abstract:
To determine the heat output efficacy of a heating device such as a convective warming blanket, a conduit structure is constructed to have coiled metal tubings that form the head, torso and other non-moving parts of a person analog. Flexible tubings interconnect the metal tubings to establish a continuous conduit between an inlet and an outlet of the structure, so that a fluid having a particular heat capacity may flow uninterrupted through the conduit structure. Respective temperature sensors at the inlet and outlet measure the input and output temperatures of the fluid. Using the flow rate, the heat capacity and the respective temperatures of the fluid measured at the inlet and outlet, the heat output efficiency of the blanket may be calculated. A FLIR camera may be used to obtain an IR image to confirm the heat output efficiency of the blanket.
Abstract:
An aural volume feedback system is implemented in a center having agents each situated at a work station in calling contact with a client. At the work station, a first microphone closer to the agent transforms aural speech thereof into an electrical format forwarded toward the client. A second microphone farther from the agent transforms aural speech thereof into an electrical format forwarded toward a volume detector which samples same and generates based thereon an instantaneous volume level. The volume detector compares the generated volume level to a predetermined threshold to determine that the agent is speaking excessively loudly, and outputs a trigger signal. A feedback generator receives the trigger signal, and generates a feedback to be perceived by the offending agent at the work station, where the perceived feedback hopefully causes the offending agent to reduce the aural volume thereof.
Abstract:
An apparatus for indicating acceptable programmable dosing of an infusate, for delivery by a medical infusion pump programmable with a protocol library defining at least one dosing range of the infusate is disclosed. A method of indicating acceptable programmable dosing of an infusate, for delivery by a medical infusion pump programmable with a protocol library defining at least one dosing limit of the infusate is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A chatting party initiates a computer chat with a chatted-to party by way of a computing system of a chatting service acting on behalf of the chatted-to party. The computing system collects from the chatting party in connection with the chat identifying information identifying the chatting party, and an initial indication of the general nature of the chat. A priority is then assigned to the chat based at least in part on the collected identifying information and the collected initial indication of the general nature of the chat, and the chat is assigned to the attention of one of the chatted-to party, an agent at the chatting service on behalf of the chatted-to party, and an automated chat engine of the chatting service for chatting with the chatting party. The chat is assigned based at least in part on the assigned priority of the chat.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for generating a prescription form is disclosed. The method includes displaying a first menu containing a plurality of therapy menu items. The method also includes displaying a second menu containing at least one qualifier menu item. The method further includes displaying a third menu containing at least one drug menu item. The method includes, upon selection of a therapy menu item, a qualifier menu item, and a drug menu item, selecting a protocol including one or more patient specific pump parameters corresponding to the therapy menu item, the qualifier menu item, and the drug menu item. The method also includes displaying a prescription form including at least one of the one or more patient specific pump parameters.
Abstract:
One aspect of the present invention is a server for communicating with a medical device. The server comprises a web browser process for communicating with a remote device and a pump interface process for communicating with a medical device. Another aspect of the present invention is a medical device. The medical device comprises memory configured to store data and a programmable circuit in electrical communication with the memory. The programmable circuit is programmed with a web server for communicating data with a remote device. Another aspect of the invention is a server for communicating with a medical device. The server comprises memory for storing data and a programmable circuit in electrical communication with the memory. The programmable circuit programmed with an interface for communicating with a medical device.
Abstract:
An infusion pump for delivering medicament to a user. The pump comprises a pump mechanism, a memory and a processor The processor can be programmed to generate an alarm signal based on various determinations. For example, a delivery limit alarm can be issued when it is determined that an amount of medicament delivered with the pump mechanism within a predetermined length of time exceeds a medicament delivery limit amount. Alternatively or in addition, a low cartridge reservoir alert can be issued in response to determining that medicament remaining in a reservoir is equal to a value stored in memory.
Abstract:
An implantable portal includes a septum that has embedded therein a plurality of formations that together form an indicia adapted to identify at least one characteristic of the portal. The formations are configured from impressions formed on different layers of the septum spatially separated along the vertical axis of the septum. The impressions are filled with a radiopaque material. The superposed formations do not overlap when viewed from atop the septum. When viewed under radiographic imaging from the top of the septum, a 3-D identification indicia is presented to the viewer. The 3-D indicia may be used as a 3-D marker to focus the location of the septum where a needle to access the fluid reservoir of the portal may be inserted.
Abstract:
A convective blanket may be converted from an underbody blanket to a combination over body and underbody blanket by having an openable seal positioned substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the blanket away from the head area of the blanket. The seal may be preformed with a line of weakness so that it may readily be separated to form an opening for the head of the patient. The upper portion and the main portion of the blanket may be folded relatively towards each other to cover opposite sides of the patient. Elongate openings are provided in the main portion of the blanket to allow the arms of the patient to extend through the blanket.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for detecting an occlusion in a downstream fluid line of a medical pump in relation to increased pressure in the downstream fluid line between the beginning and the end of each interval of a series of intervals of operation of the pump even if one or more intervals between the first and last intervals does not reflect such an increase in pressure in the downstream fluid line.