Methods and Devices for Countering Grativity Induced Loss of Consciousness and Novel Pulse Oximeter Probes
First Claim
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.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1. A method of monitoring blood flow status to the head of a pilot during operation of an aircraft, said method comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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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.
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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.
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13-37. -37. (canceled)
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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.
- 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;
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39-40. -40. (canceled)
Specification