Method and apparatus for aperiodic self-testing of a defibrillator
First Claim
1. A method of automatically testing a defibrillator, comprising the steps of:
- selecting an aperiodic time interval; and
initiating testing of the defibrillator after the aperiodic time interval has elapsed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and circuit are described for automatically testing various components of a defibrillator at random or otherwise aperiodic time intervals. A random number is generated that falls within a range of numbers corresponding to minimum and maximum acceptable time intervals between successive testing of the defibrillator. Ambient conditions can be measured and the acceptable range of numbers adjusted accordingly. High energy test procedures may be performed less frequently, as appropriate for the measured ambient conditions. The range of numbers can also be adjusted to provide greater frequency testing where desirable, such as following a use of the defibrillator, following a repair of the defibrillator, to detect infant mortality effects, or to detect wear-out effects. The defibrillator includes a testing circuit for testing the various other components. The testing circuit includes a controller coupled with a timer, a random number generator, a memory, and an ambient condition sensor.
59 Citations
74 Claims
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1. A method of automatically testing a defibrillator, comprising the steps of:
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selecting an aperiodic time interval; and initiating testing of the defibrillator after the aperiodic time interval has elapsed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of automatically testing a defibrillator, comprising:
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determining if the defibrillator is subject to a selected condition; if the defibrillator is subject to the selected condition, then initiating testing of the defibrillator at a first interval; and if the defibrillator is not subject to the selected condition, then initiating testing of the defibrillator at a second interval. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method of automatically testing a defibrillator, comprising the steps of:
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determining a defibrillator condition; selecting a time interval corresponding to the condition; and testing the defibrillator after the selected time interval has elapsed. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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38. A method of automatically testing a defibrillator, comprising the steps of:
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selecting a test procedure; determining whether the test procedure is one of a selected category of test procedures; and if the test procedure is one of the selected category, then; determining an elapsed time interval since a most recent performing of the test procedure; comparing the elapsed time interval to a predetermined test time value; and if the elapsed time interval exceeds the test time value, then performing the test procedure. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
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- 47. An electrical defibrillator, comprising a testing circuit operable to automatically test other components of the electrical defibrillator at aperiodic time intervals.
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61. An electrical defibrillator for defibrillating a patient, comprising:
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a high voltage circuit operable to produce a high energy electrical pulse for delivery to the patient; a controller circuit coupled with and operable to control operations of the high voltage circuit; and a testing circuit coupled with and operable to test operations of the high voltage circuit at aperiodic time intervals. - View Dependent Claims (63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74)
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62. An electrical defibrillator for defibrillating a patient, comprising:
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a high voltage circuit operable to produce a high energy electrical pulse for delivery to the patient; a controller circuit coupled with and operable to control operations of the high voltage circuit; and a testing circuit coupled with and operable to test operations of the high voltage circuit at aperiodic time intervals wherein the testing circuit is coupled with the high voltage circuit by the controller circuit.
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69. An electrical defibrillator for defibrillating a patient, comprising:
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a high voltage circuit operable to produce a high energy electrical pulse for delivery to the patient; a controller circuit coupled with and operable to control operations of the high voltage circuit; a testing circuit coupled with and operable to test operations of the high voltage circuit at aperiodic time intervals; and an ECG circuit adapted to detect an electrocardiogram signal produced by the patient, the controller circuit coupled with and operable to control operations of the ECG circuit, and the testing circuit coupled with and operable to test operations of the ECG circuit at aperiodic time intervals wherein the testing circuit is coupled with the ECG circuit by the controller circuit.
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Specification