Weighing apparatus and method
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for monitoring weight of a patient, comprising:
- a scale platen;
at least one sensor for providing output data indicative of changes in weight supported by the scale platen;
a microprocessor programmed to;
(1) store an initial output data segment as an initial data record indicative of an initial weight supported by the scale platen in memory,(2) receive subsequent output data segments indicative of each subsequent weight change over a period of time,(3) sort the subsequent output data segments into one of at least two categories responsive to both;
(a) a duration of time during which each subsequent output data segment is generated and (b) a magnitude of each subsequent output data segment,(4) discard output data segments sorted into at least one category, and(5) apply output data segments in the at least another category to a previously determined and stored cumulative output data record to update the data record.
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Abstract
A scale including an event data discrimination and collection system for continuously monitoring a weight of an infant placed on the scale platen, which may be configured as a bed. Load cells are used to continuously monitor infant weight from time placed on the scale platen, so that sudden apparent weight spikes sensed by the load cells but attributable to events involved in patient care may be discarded as artifact, while gradual weight changes reflective of infant physiology are accumulated by the scale controller and used to provide a current weight for the infant.
54 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An apparatus for monitoring weight of a patient, comprising:
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a scale platen; at least one sensor for providing output data indicative of changes in weight supported by the scale platen; a microprocessor programmed to; (1) store an initial output data segment as an initial data record indicative of an initial weight supported by the scale platen in memory, (2) receive subsequent output data segments indicative of each subsequent weight change over a period of time, (3) sort the subsequent output data segments into one of at least two categories responsive to both;
(a) a duration of time during which each subsequent output data segment is generated and (b) a magnitude of each subsequent output data segment,(4) discard output data segments sorted into at least one category, and (5) apply output data segments in the at least another category to a previously determined and stored cumulative output data record to update the data record. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 27)
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14. A method for monitoring weight of a patient, comprising:
acquiring data indicative of an initial weight of the patient and storing the data in memory, measuring a plurality of subsequent apparent weight changes; sorting each subsequent apparent weight change into one of at least two categories responsive to both (a) a duration of time over which each subsequent apparent weight change occurs and (b) magnitude of each subsequent apparent weight change; discarding subsequent apparent weight changes sorted into at least one category; and applying subsequent apparent weight changes in at least another category to a previously determined and stored weight to generate an updated weight of such a patient. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
Specification