Watertight ECG monitor and user interface
First Claim
1. A cardiac monitoring system for ambulatory patients including an ECG monitor comprising:
- a nonconductive watertight case;
a rechargeable battery located in the case;
an ECG signal processor located in the case and having an input for receiving ECG signals from a patient;
a memory, located in the case, for storing processed ECG signal information;
a wireless transceiver, located in the case and coupled to the ECG signal processor, and operable to wirelessly transmit ECG signal information to a receiver;
a user interface, located on the outside of the case and electrically coupled to one or more components inside the case, the user interface comprising only a plurality of electrical contacts; and
a power management circuit operable to sense both of a connection of the ECG monitor to an external charging dock andthat the ECG monitor is electrically coupled to receive patient ECG signals,wherein the power management circuit is further operable to switch to a low power consumption state when the monitor is not coupled to receive patient ECG signals and not connected for charging the rechargeable battery, andfurther wherein the power management circuit switches to a high power state responsive to the sensed connection for charging.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An ECG monitoring system for ambulatory patients includes a small multi-electrode patch that adhesively attaches to the chest of a patient. A reusable battery-powered ECG monitor clips onto the patch and receives patient electrical signals from the electrodes of the patch. A processor continuously processes received ECG signals and stores the signals in memory in the monitor. Processed ECG signals and cardiac event information are sent wirelessly to a cellphone handset for relay to a monitoring center. The ECG monitor is contained in a watertight sealed case with only electrical contacts on the outside of the case. The electrical contacts electrically couple the ECG monitor to the electrodes of the patch during patient monitoring and to a charger during recharge of the battery.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A cardiac monitoring system for ambulatory patients including an ECG monitor comprising:
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a nonconductive watertight case; a rechargeable battery located in the case; an ECG signal processor located in the case and having an input for receiving ECG signals from a patient; a memory, located in the case, for storing processed ECG signal information; a wireless transceiver, located in the case and coupled to the ECG signal processor, and operable to wirelessly transmit ECG signal information to a receiver; a user interface, located on the outside of the case and electrically coupled to one or more components inside the case, the user interface comprising only a plurality of electrical contacts; and a power management circuit operable to sense both of a connection of the ECG monitor to an external charging dock and that the ECG monitor is electrically coupled to receive patient ECG signals, wherein the power management circuit is further operable to switch to a low power consumption state when the monitor is not coupled to receive patient ECG signals and not connected for charging the rechargeable battery, and further wherein the power management circuit switches to a high power state responsive to the sensed connection for charging. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification