PREVENTION OF SAFETY HAZARDS DUE TO LEAKAGE CURRENT
First Claim
1. Medical apparatus, comprising:
- an electrical power supply, which is configured for connection to an electrical medical device that is coupled to a body of a patient and which comprises alternating current (AC) lines that include a ground line;
a switch, which is coupled to connect and disconnect the AC lines from an AC power source; and
a current sensor, which is coupled to sense a current flowing in the ground line and to actuate the switch to disconnect the AC lines when the current exceeds a predetermined threshold.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Medical apparatus includes an electrical power supply, which is configured for connection to an electrical medical device that is coupled to a body of a patient. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes alternating current (AC) lines that include a ground line. A switch is coupled to connect and disconnect the AC lines from an AC power source. A current sensor is coupled to sense a current flowing in the ground line and to actuate the switch to disconnect the AC lines when the current exceeds a predetermined threshold. In another embodiment, a plurality of electrocardiogram (ECG) leads, including a common lead, are coupled to the body of the patient. An auxiliary current sensor is coupled to monitor a current flowing through the common lead and to actuate the switch to disconnect the power connection when the current exceeds a predetermined limit.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. Medical apparatus, comprising:
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an electrical power supply, which is configured for connection to an electrical medical device that is coupled to a body of a patient and which comprises alternating current (AC) lines that include a ground line; a switch, which is coupled to connect and disconnect the AC lines from an AC power source; and a current sensor, which is coupled to sense a current flowing in the ground line and to actuate the switch to disconnect the AC lines when the current exceeds a predetermined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. Medical apparatus, comprising:
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an electrical power supply, which is configured for connection to an electrical medical device that is coupled to a body of a patient and which comprises a power connection; a switch, which is coupled to connect and disconnect the power connection; a plurality of electrocardiogram (ECG) leads, including a common lead, for coupling to the body of the patient; and an auxiliary current sensor, which is coupled to monitor a current flowing through the common lead and to actuate the switch to disconnect the power connection when the current exceeds a predetermined limit. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. A method for operating an electrical medical device that is coupled to a body of a patient, the method comprising:
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providing an electrical power supply for connection to the electrical medical device, the supply comprising alternating current (AC) lines that include a ground line for connection to an AC power source; sensing a current flowing in the ground line; and actuating a switch to disconnect the AC lines when the current flowing in the ground line exceeds a predetermined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for operating an electrical medical device that is coupled to a body of a patient, the method comprising:
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providing an electrical power supply for connection to the electrical medical device, the supply comprising a power connection; coupling a plurality of electrocardiogram (ECG) leads, including a common lead, to the body of the patient; monitoring a current flowing through the common lead; and actuating a switch to disconnect the power connection when the current exceeds a predetermined limit. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification