Medical gas alarm system

• US 7,768,414 B2
• Filed: 11/20/2006
• Issued: 08/03/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: BeaconMedaes, LLC (Atlas Copco AB)
• Original Assignee: Beacon Medical Products, LLC
• Inventors: Moran, Robert O., Plyler, Phillip B., Abel, Joseph H., Breitlow, Stanton H., Catton, Edward W., Pfingsten, Thomas R., LaBare, Nick D., Wilker, John B. Sr., Hoffman, Richard E., Dubisar, Thomas J., Kaht, William J., Sharer, John M., Bohlinger, William C., Hentges, James P., Wolfe, Dale T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland; Donnie L
• Application Number:
  US11/601,724
• Publication Number:
  US 20080117067A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,352 Days
• Field of Search: 340/632
• US Class Current: 340/632
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0051 with alarm devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/021 operated by electrical means A61M16/202 – A61M16/205 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0833 T- or Y-type connectors, e.g. Y-piece
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/104 specially adapted for anaesthetics A61M16/18 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3561 local, e.g. within room or hospital
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3584 using modem, internet or bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/14 Toxic gas alarms G08B21/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/003 Address allocation methods and details
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/009 Signalling of the alarm condition to a substation whose identity is signalled to a central station, e.g. relaying alarm signals in order to extend communication range
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/08 using communication transmission lines G08B13/19658, G08B21/0286, G08B25/016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/20 for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 Radio telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 706/924 Medical
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8158 With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means

Abstract

A medical gas alarm system for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system and having a network of computer devices is provided. The alarm system includes at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The alarm system also includes at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system. The master alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the master alarm controller through the network.

Claims

1. A medical gas alarm system for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system which delivers a plurality of medical gases to a plurality of locations in the healthcare facility and having a network including at least one computer device, the medical gas alarm system comprising

at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system and adapted to communicate with the network, and

at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system and adapted to communicate with the network, the at least one area alarm controller being adapted to communicate with the at least one master alarm controller through the network,

wherein the network is configured to be connected to a remote personal computer.

2. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, wherein the network is configured to be connected to the remote personal computer via the Internet.

3. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, wherein the remote personal computer is configured to receive output data from and provide input data to the network.

4. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, wherein the remote personal computer is configured to receive output data from and provide input data to at least one of the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller.

5. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, wherein the network is configured to be connected to the remote personal computer that is located outside of the healthcare facility.

6. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, wherein the network is connected to the remote personal computer.

7. The medical gas alarm system of claim 6, wherein the network is connected to the remote personal computer via the Internet.

8. The medical gas alarm system of claim 6, wherein the remote personal computer is configured to receive output data from and provide input data to at least one of the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller.

9. The medical gas alarm system of claim 6, wherein the remote personal computer is configured to receive output data from and provide input data to the network.

10. The medical gas alarm system of claim 6, wherein the remote personal computer is located outside of the healthcare facility.

11. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, wherein the at least one computer device is located in the healthcare facility.

12. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, wherein the at least one area alarm controller is configured to host or serve a website.

13. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, wherein the at least one master alarm controller is configured to host or serve a website.

14. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, wherein the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller are all identified by the same network address and are all configured to host or serve a single website.

15. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, wherein the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller are each identified by the different network addresses and are each configured to host or serve different websites.

16. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, further comprising at least two area alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two area alarm controllers are all identified by the same network address and are all configured to host or serve a single website.

17. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, further comprising at least two area alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two area alarm controllers are each identified by the different network addresses and are each configured to host or serve different websites.

18. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, further comprising at least two master alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two master alarm controllers are all identified by the same network address and are all configured to host or serve a single website.

19. The medical gas alarm system of claim 1, further comprising at least two master alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two master alarm controllers are each identified by the different network addresses and are each configured to host or serve different websites.

20. A medical gas alarm system for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system which delivers a plurality of medical gases to a plurality of locations in the healthcare facility and having a network including at least one computer device, the medical gas alarm system comprising

at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system and adapted to communicate with the network, and

at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system and adapted to communicate with the network, the at least one area alarm controller being adapted to communicate with the at least one master alarm controller through the network,

wherein the network is connected to the Internet.

21. The medical gas alarm system of claim 20, wherein the network is configured to provide output data to and receive input from the Internet.

22. The medical gas alarm system of claim 20, wherein the at least one area alarm controller is configured to host or serve a website.

23. The medical gas alarm system of claim 20, wherein the at least one master alarm controller is configured to host or serve a website.

24. The medical gas alarm system of claim 20, wherein the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller are all identified by the same network address and are all configured to host or serve a single website.

25. The medical gas alarm system of claim 20, wherein the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller are each identified by the different network addresses and are each configured to host or serve different websites.

26. The medical gas alarm system of;

claim 20, further comprising at least two area alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two area alarm controllers are all identified by the same network address and are all configured to host or serve a single website.

27. The medical gas alarm system of claim 20, further comprising at least two area alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two area alarm controllers are each identified by the different network addresses and are each configured to host or serve different websites.

28. The medical gas alarm system of claim 20, further comprising at least two master alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two master alarm controllers are all identified by the same network address and are all configured to host or serve a single website.

29. The medical gas alarm system of claim 20, further comprising at least two master alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two master alarm controllers are each identified by the different network addresses and are each configured to host or serve different websites.

30. A method comprising:

providing a remote personal computer; and

connecting the remote personal computer to a medical gas alarm system comprising a network including at least one computer device,

wherein the medical gas alarm system is for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system which delivers a plurality of medical gases to a plurality of locations in the healthcare facility and having the network, the medical gas alarm system comprising

at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system and adapted to communicate with the network, and

at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system and adapted to communicate with the network, the at least one area alarm controller being adapted to communicate with the at least one master alarm controller through the network.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the remote personal computer is connected to the network via the internet.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the remote personal computer is located outside of the healthcare facility.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the remote personal computer receives output data from at least one of the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein the remote personal computer receives output data from the network.

35. The method of claim 30, wherein the remote personal computer provides input data to at least one of the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller.

36. The method of claim 30, wherein the remote personal computer provides input data to the network.

37. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one computer device is located in the healthcare facility.

38. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one area alarm controller is configured to host or serve a website.

39. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one master alarm controller is configured to host or serve a website.

40. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller are all identified by the same network address and are all configured to host or serve a single website.

41. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller are each identified by the different network addresses and are each configured to host or serve different websites.

42. The method of claim 30, further comprising at least two area alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two area alarm controllers are all identified by the same network address and are all configured to host or serve a single website.

43. The method of claim 30, further comprising at least two area alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two area alarm controllers are each identified by the different network addresses and are each configured to host or serve different websites.

44. The method of claim 30, further comprising at least two master alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two master alarm controllers are all identified by the same network address and are all configured to host or serve a single website.

45. The method of claim 30, further comprising at least two master alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two master alarm controllers are each identified by the different network addresses and are each configured to host or serve different websites.

46. A method comprising:

providing a medical gas alarm system comprising a network including at least one computer device; and

at least one of providing output data to and receiving input data from a remote personal computer to the medical gas alarm system,

wherein the medical gas alarm system is for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system which delivers a plurality of medical gases to a plurality of locations in the healthcare facility and having the network, the medical gas alarm system comprising

at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system and adapted to communicate with the network, and

at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system and adapted to communicate with the network, the at least one area alarm controller being adapted to communicate with the at least one master alarm controller through the network.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the remote personal computer is connected to the network via the internet.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein the remote personal computer is located outside of the healthcare facility.

49. The method of claim 46, wherein at least one of the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller receives input data from the remote personal computer.

50. The method of claim 46, wherein network receives input data from the remote personal computer.

51. The method of claim 46, wherein at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller provides output data to the remote personal computer.

52. The method of claim 46, wherein the network provides output data to the remote personal computer.

53. The method of claim 46, wherein the at least one computer device is located in the healthcare facility.

54. The method of claim 46, wherein the at least one area alarm controller is configured to host or serve a website.

55. The method of claim 46, wherein the at least one master alarm controller is configured to host or serve a website.

56. The method of claim 46, wherein the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller are all identified by the same network address and are all configured to host or serve a single website.

57. The method of claim 46, wherein the at least one area alarm controller and the at least one master alarm controller are each identified by the different network addresses and are each configured to host or serve different websites.

58. The method of claim 46, further comprising at least two area alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two area alarm controllers are all identified by the same network address and are all configured to host or serve a single website.

59. The method of claim 46, further comprising at least two area alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two area alarm controllers are each identified by the different network addresses and are each configured to host or serve different websites.

60. The method of claim 46, further comprising at least two master alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two master alarm controllers are all identified by the same network address and are all configured to host or serve a single website.

61. The method of claim 46, further comprising at least two master alarm controllers,

wherein the at least two master alarm controllers are each identified by the different network addresses and are each configured to host or serve different websites.

62. A medical gas system, comprising:

a computer network configured to be connected to a remote personal computer

source equipment for delivering a plurality of medical gases to a plurality of locations in a healthcare facility, at least one of the source equipment adapted to communicate with the computer network;

at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system and adapted to communicate with the computer network; and

at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system and adapted to communicate with the computer network, the at least one area alarm controller being adapted to communicate with the at least one master alarm controller through the computer network.

63. The medical gas system of claim 62, wherein the source equipment includes compressors, dryers, receivers, liquid storage tanks, gas tanks, vacuum pumps, vacuum tanks, manifolds, filters and valves.

64. The medical gas system of claim 62, wherein the computer network is configured to be connected to the remote personal computer via the Internet.

65. The medical gas system of claim 62, wherein the remote personal computer is configured to receive output data from and provide input data to the network, the output and input data relating to conditions associated with at least one of the source equipment.

66. The medical gas system of claim 62, wherein at least one of the source equipment adapted to communicate with the computer network is configured to host or serve a website.

67. A medical gas system, comprising:

a computer network configured to be connected to a remote personal computer;

source equipment for delivering a plurality of medical gases to a plurality of locations in a healthcare facility, at least one of the source equipment adapted to communicate with the computer network via an electrical circuit configured to receive and process an input signal from the source equipment and transmit the processed input signal to the computer network;

at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system and adapted to communicate with the computer network; and

at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas alarm system and adapted to communicate with the computer network, the at least one area alarm controller being adapted to communicate with the at least one master alarm controller through the computer network.

68. The medical gas system of claim 67, wherein the electrical circuit configured to receive and process the input signal from the source equipment is coupled to the at least one area alarm controller.

69. The medical gas system of claim 67, wherein the electrical circuit configured to receive and process the input signal from the source equipment is coupled to the at least one master alarm controller.