Physiological information display

• US 3,948,250 A
• Filed: 09/16/1974
• Issued: 04/06/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 09/16/1974
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Litton Industrial Automation Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Becton, Dickinson & Co
• Inventors: Weisman, Sumner
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Application Number:
  US05/506,246
• Time in Patent Office: 568 Days
• Field of Search: 128/2.05 P, 128/2.05 R, 128/2.05 T, 128/2.06 A, 128/2.06 F, 128/2.06 R
• US Class Current: 600/519
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02455 provided with high/low alarm devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/316 Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods

Abstract

A physiological function monitor module is provided. The module comprises a physiological function rate detector circuit adapted to receive an input from a patient and convert the same to a DC voltage output signal proportional to the rate of the physiological function of the patient under consideration. The module further includes an alarm generator connected to the output of the detector circuit. The alarm generator includes means for comparing the DC voltage level of the detector circuit to a preselected level and for generating an alarm signal in the event the DC level deviates beyond permissible bounds from the preset level. The module also includes a digital display and an analog/digital converter connected to the output of the detector circuit in driving relationship with the digital display. A character generator is connected to the output of the alarm generator and is also connected in driving relationship to the digital display in parallel with the analog/digital converter. The character generator drives the digital display to produce mnemonics (such as HI, LO, OFF, etc.) which alternately flash with the digital readout on the display in the event of an alarm situation.

Claims

1. In a physiological function monitor module of the type comprising:

a physiological function rate detector circuit adapted to receive an input from a patient and convert the same to a DC voltage output signal proportional to the rate of the physiological function of the patient under consideration;

an alarm generator connected to the output of the detector circuit, said alarm generator including means for comparing the DC voltage level of the detector circuit to a preselected level and generating an alarm signal in the event said DC foltage level deviates beyond permissible bounds from said preset level;

a digital display; and

an analog/digital converter connected to the output of said detector circuit in driving relationship with said digital display;

the improvement comprising a character generator connected to the output of said alarm generator and connected in driving relationship to the digital display in parallel with the analog/digital converter whereby said character generator drives said digital display to indicate an alarm condition in the event an alarm signal is generated, said alarm generator is adapted to generate a first signal in the event said detector circuit output exceeds said first preselected voltage level and a second signal in the event said detector signal is below said second preselected voltage level, and memory means adapted to maintain the output signal of said alarm generator at the first to occur of said first signal or second signal in the event said detector output signal varies from a first level above said first preselected voltage level to a second level below said second preselected voltage level or vice-versa.

2. The module in accordance with claim 1 further comprising means for inhibiting said alarm generator in the event of a fault condition, said character generator being adapted to drive said digital display to indicate the condition in the event said alarm generator is inhibited.

3. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said physiological function rate detector circuit comprises a QRS detector circuit including an ECG input and further comprising means for isolating the R-wave from said ECG input and said module further comprises an audio alarm connected to said R-wave isolating means.

4. The module in accordance with claim 1 further comprising circuit means for turning said display off as long as said physiological function remains within said permissible bounds and automatically turns said display on in the event an alarm signal is generated.