Methods and Devices for Countering Grativity Induced Loss of Consciousness and Novel Pulse Oximeter Probes

• US 20080058621A1
• Filed: 08/10/2005
• Published: 03/06/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Beta Biomed Services, Inc., Convergent Engineering, Inc., University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated (State University System of Florida)
• Original Assignee: Convergent Engineering, Inc.
• Inventors: Fuehrlein, Brian, Banner, Michael, Euliano, Neil, Worley, George, Melker, Richard
• Granted Patent: US 8,679,028 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/330
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2503/22 Motor vehicles operators, e.g. drivers, pilots, captains
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2505/09 Rehabilitation or training
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0238 Optical sensor arrangements for performing transmission measurements on body tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0261 using optical means, e.g. infrared light
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0295 using plethysmography, i.e. measuring the variations in the volume of a body part as modified by the circulation of blood therethrough, e.g. impedance plethysmography
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0816 Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency measuring frequency of electric signals G01R23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14553 specially adapted for cerebral tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6816 Ear lobe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6817 Ear canal
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6819 Nose

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods and devices of obtaining plethysmograph readings and utilizing plethysomography to identify when pilots are about to experience GLOC. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the invention pertains to methods and devices designed to warn a pilot that he/she is about to enter GLOC and/or automatically averting catastrophic damage or injuries by directing a plane being piloted to take predetermined corrective actions. Specifically disclosed is a system embodiment for assisting in the prevention of gravity induced loss of consciousness. The system comprises at least one pulse oximeter probe 10 configured for securing to a central source site of a pilot and to generate signals indicative of blood flow at said central source site, an analyzer unit 58 communicatingly connected to said at least one pulse oximeter probe 10, said analyzer unit comprising at least one processing module 56 configured to determine whether said blood flow is approaching a predefined level, and an aircraft computer 51 communicatingly connected to said analyzer unit 58, said aircraft computer 51 comprising at least one processing module 59 configured to effect a predetermined reaction responsive to said blood flow falling below a predetermined level.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring blood flow status to the head of a pilot during operation of an aircraft, said method comprising:

securing a pulse oximeter probe to a central source site of said pilot wherein said probe is configured to generate signals indicative of blood flow at said central source site;

monitoring blood flow at said central source site; and

effecting a predetermined reaction responsive to said blood flow falling below a predefined value.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said reaction comprises generating an alarm.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said alarm is a visual, tactile or audible warning.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said reaction comprises directing the flight control systems of said aircraft to undertake a corrective flight maneuver.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said probe generates plethysmography signals.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein said monitoring blood flow comprises establishing a baseline value of plethysmography signals and comparing subsequently obtained plethysmography signals to said baseline value.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said plethysmography signals comprise an AC component and a DC component, and wherein said AC component is isolated from the said plethysmography signals by identifying the peaks and troughs of said plethysmography signals;

identifying the midpoints or minimum values between said peaks and troughs, wherein the interpolated line connecting said midpoints or minimum values represents said DC component;

extracting said DC component from said plethysmography signals; and

obtaining said AC component.

8. A mask for delivering gas to a pilot during flight of an aircraft, said mask comprising

a compartment configured to cover the nose and mouth of said pilot and an airhose attached to said compartment,

a pulse oximeter probe configured to secure to a central source site of said pilot, said pulse oximeter probe connected to a wire for carrying signals produced by said pulse oximeter probe, wherein said wire is fixed to said mask.

9. A system for assisting in the prevention of gravity induced loss of consciousness comprising

at least one pulse oximeter probe configured for securing to a central source site of a pilot and to generate signals indicative of blood flow at said central source site,

an analyzer unit communicatingly connected to said at least one pulse oximeter probe, said analyzer unit comprising at least one processing module configured to determine whether said blood flow is approaching a predefined level, and

an aircraft computer communicatingly connected to said analyzer unit, said aircraft computer comprising at least one processing module configured to effect a predetermined reaction responsive to said blood flow falling below a predetermined level.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein said analyzer unit is integrated into said aircraft computer or comprises a separate unit.

11. The system of claim 9 wherein said reaction comprises the generation of a visual alarm, tactile alarm, audible alarm, or both, for said pilot.

12. The system of claim 9 wherein said reaction comprises directing said aircraft flight control system to undertake a corrective flight maneuver designed to lessen or reverse gravity force inflicted onto said pilot.

13-37. -37. (canceled)

38. A method of isolating an AC component from a stream of plethysmography signals comprising identifying the peaks and troughs of said plethysmography signals;

identifying the midpoints or minimum values between said peaks and troughs, wherein the interpolated line connecting said midpoints or minimum values represents a DC component;

extracting said DC component from said plethysmography signals; and

obtaining said AC component.

39-40. -40. (canceled)