Tele-diagnostic device

• US 6,248,064 B1
• Filed: 11/10/1998
• Issued: 06/19/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ineedmd.Com, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Ineedmd.Com, Inc.
• Inventors: Gopinathan, Govindan, Tilford, Arthur R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nasser, Robert L.
• Application Number:
  US09/188,971
• Time in Patent Office: 952 Days
• Field of Search: 600/300-301, 128/903-4
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/168 Fluid filled sensor housings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0006 ECG or EEG signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02055 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/021 Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels A61B5/0205 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/022 by applying pressure to close blood vessels, e.g. against the skin; Ophthalmodynamometers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/024 Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate A61B5/0205, A61B5/021 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/282 Holders for multiple electrodes for introduction into the body A61B5/287
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6806 Gloves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/003 Detecting lung or respiration noise
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/04 Electric stethoscopes microphones, acoustic transducers therefor H04R
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 Radio telemetry

Abstract

A system (10) for collecting a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remote location (18, 20, and 22a-22e) and for providing emergency treatment. The system (10) comprises, a first member (12a) adaptable to be worn on a person'"'"'s first hand and a second member (12b) adaptable to be worn on a person'"'"'s second hand. The members (12a and 12b) comprise a plurality of diagnostic devices and a defibrillator device. A transmitting unit for transmitting information to, and receiving information from, a remote location is provided.

Claims

1. A system for collecting a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remote location and for providing emergency treatment, said system comprising:

a first member contoured to at least a portion of a person'"'"'s first hand and a second member contoured to at least a portion of a person'"'"'s second hand, said members comprising a plurality of diagnostic devices and a defibrillator device, said diagnostic devices capable of sensing diagnostic signals from a person; and

a transmitting unit for transmitting information to, and receiving information from, a remote location.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of diagnostic devices includes an EKG diagnostic device, a blood pressure and pulse diagnostic device and a temperature device.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said plurality of diagnostic devices further includes a %O₂ diagnostic device and an auscultation device.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said members further include an acupuncture device having a plurality of electrodes located on said members.

5. The system of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic devices are capable of sensing diagnostic signals when the members are worn on a persons hand.

6. The system of claim 1 further including a first aid kit comprising Lidocaine.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said members have a shape that corresponds to at least a substantial portion of a person'"'"'s hand such that each of said members is capable of being worn on a person'"'"'s hand.

8. The system of claim 7 further comprising a satellite modem, wherein the remote location comprises a command center and said interface units transmits information to, and receives information from, the remote location via a satellite connection through said satellite modem.

9. The system of claim 7 further comprising a telephone modem, wherein the remote location comprises a command center and said interface units transmits information to, and receives information from, the remote location via a telephone wire connection through said telephone modem.

10. The system of claim 7 wherein said members, when worn on the hands, cover at least about a majority of the hands.

11. A diagnostic probe comprising:

a first and second glove member, each of said glove members comprising a palm portion, a wrist portion and a plurality of phalange portions, each of said glove members adaptable to be worn on one of a person'"'"'s hand;

an EKG diagnostic device located on said glove members;

a blood pressure and pulse rate device located on one of said glove members;

a temperature device located on one of said glove member; and

a defibrillator device located on said glove members.

12. The diagnostic probe of claim 11 further comprising a %O₂ device located on one of said glove members and an auscultation device located on one of said glove members.

13. The diagnostic probe of claim 12 further comprising an acupuncture device located on said glove members.

14. The system of claim 11 wherein said blood pressure and pulse rate device is located on at least two of said phalange portions of one of said member and includes an inflatable air bladder.

15. The system of claim 11 wherein said EKG diagnostic device includes at least a first EKG sensor located on said palm portion of said first member, and a second EKG sensor located on at least one of said phalange portions of said first member.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein said EKG diagnostic device includes at least seven EKG sensors.

18. The system of claim 14 wherein said temperature device includes a thermistor which is responsive to temperature changes.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein said %O₂ device includes a LED emitter and an LED sensor, said led sensor and led emitter being located on one of said phalange portions.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein said interface unit comprises an EKG circuit board, a blood pressure and pulse rate circuit board, a temperature board, a %O₂ circuit board, wherein said blood pressure and pulse rate circuit board includes a source of inflation fluid for inflating said air bladder.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein said interface unit includes at least one analog to digital converter for converting at least one analog output from at least one of said circuit boards to a digital data stream.

17. A system for collecting a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remote location and for providing emergency treatment, said system comprising;

a first member adaptable to be worn on a person'"'"'s first hand and a second member adaptable to be worn on a person'"'"'s second hand, said members comprising a plurality of diagnostic devices and a defibrillator device, said diagnostic devices capable of sensing diagnostic signals from a person, each of said first and second members comprising a palm portion, a wrist portion and five phalange portions; and

a transmitting unit for transmitting information to, and receiving information from, a remote location.

22. The system of claim 17 wherein said defibrillator device includes a plurality of electrodes being located on said members.

23. A system for collecting diagnostic information and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remote location and for providing emergency treatment, said system comprising:

a first member contoured to at least a portion of a first person'"'"'s first hand and a second member contoured to at least a portion of the first person'"'"'s second hand, said members having at least one diagnostic device capable of sensing diagnostic signals from a second person, said members further comprising a defibrillator device; and

a transmitting unit for transmitting information to, and receiving information from, a remote location.

24. The system of claim 23 wherein each of said members comprise a glove.

25. The system of claim 24 wherein said member comprises a palm portion, a wrist portion and five phalange portions.

26. The system of claim 23 wherein said members have a shape that corresponds to at least a substantial portion of a person'"'"'s hand such that each of said members is capable of being worn on a person'"'"'s hand.

27. The system of claim 26 wherein said members have a portion shaped to contour to a person'"'"'s palm.

28. The system of claim 26 wherein said members have a portion shaped to contour to a person'"'"'s finger.

29. The system of claim 28 wherein said members have a portion shaped to contour to a person'"'"'s palm.

30. The system of claim 26 wherein said members comprise a wrist portion and a palm portion.

31. The system of claim 26 wherein said members comprise a palm portion and a phalange portion.

32. The system of claim 26 wherein said members have a palmar side, each of said members having at least one sensor on said palmar side of said member.

33. The system of claim 32 wherein said members have a dorsal side.

34. The system of claim 32 further comprising an electrical connection plug capable of communicating with said device and said interface unit, said members further comprising electrical circuitry providing electrical communication between said device and said plug.

35. The system of claim 26 wherein the information that said interface unit is capable of receiving comprises sound waves.

36. The system of claim 26 wherein said interface unit comprises a speaker.

37. The system of claim 36 wherein said interface unit comprises a microphone.

38. The system of claim 26 wherein each of said members has a palmar side, said diagnostic device comprising at least one sensor located on said palmar side of one of said members.

39. The system of claim 38 wherein each of said members has a dorsal side, said defibrillator device comprising a plurality of defibrillator electrodes, at least one of the defibrillator electrodes being located on said dorsal side of said first member.

40. The system of claim 38 wherein said diagnostic device comprises an EKG diagnostic device and said sensor comprises a first EKG sensor.

41. The system of claim 40 wherein each of said member comprise a palm portion.

42. The system of claim 41 wherein said sensor is located on said palm portion of said first member.

43. The system of claim 41 wherein said first member further comprises five phalange portions, said sensor being located on one of said phalange portions of said first member.

44. The system of claim 40 wherein said EKG diagnostic device includes at least seven EKG sensors.

45. The system of claim 40 wherein said EKG device comprises a plurality of EKG sensors.

46. The system of claim 26 wherein said members comprise a plurality of diagnostic devices.

47. The system of claim 46 wherein said plurality of diagnostic devices includes an EKG diagnostic device, a blood pressure and pulse diagnostic device and a temperature device.

48. The system of claim 47 wherein said plurality of diagnostic devices further includes a %O₂ diagnostic device and an auscultation device.

49. The system of claim 48 wherein said members further include an acupuncture device having a plurality of electrodes located on said members.

50. The system of claim 47 wherein each of said first and second members comprise a palm portion, a wrist portion and five phalange portions.

51. The system of claim 50 wherein said blood pressure and pulse rate device is located on at least two of said phalange portions of one of said member and includes an inflatable air bladder.

52. The system of claim 46 wherein said plurality of diagnostic device comprises at least two diagnostic devices selected from the group consisting of an EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

53. The system of claim 46 wherein said plurality of diagnostic device comprises at least three diagnostic devices selected from the group consisting of an EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

54. The system of claim 46 wherein said plurality of diagnostic device comprises at least four diagnostic devices selected from the group consisting of an EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

55. The system of claim 26 wherein said plurality of diagnostic device comprises EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

56. The system of claim 26 wherein said diagnostic device is selected from the group consisting of an EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

57. The system of claim 26 wherein said defibrillator device comprises a plurality of defibrillator electrodes.

58. The system of claim 57 wherein each of said members have a dorsal side, at least one of the defibrillator electrodes being located on said dorsal of said first member.

59. A diagnostic probe comprising:

a member contoured to at least a portion of a first person'"'"'s hand, said member having a palmar side;

at least one diagnostic device having at least one sensor capable of sensing diagnostic signals from a second person on said palmar side of said member; and

at least one defibrillator electrode on said member.

60. The probe of claim 59 wherein said at least one diagnostic device comprises a plurality of diagnostic devices.

61. The probe of claim 60 wherein said plurality of diagnostic devices includes an EKG diagnostic device, a blood pressure and pulse diagnostic device and a temperature device.

62. The probe of claim 59 wherein said member comprises a palm portion, a wrist portion and five phalange portions.

63. The probe of claim 62 wherein said member comprises a glove.

64. The probe of claim 59 wherein said member has a shape that corresponds to at least a substantial portion of a person'"'"'s hand such that said member is capable of being worn on a person'"'"'s hand.

65. The probe of claim 64 wherein said member has a dorsal side.

66. The probe of claim 64 wherein said at least one diagnostic device comprises a plurality of diagnostic devices.

67. The probe of claim 66 wherein said plurality of diagnostic devices includes an EKG diagnostic device, a blood pressure and pulse device and a temperature device.

68. The probe of claim 66 wherein said plurality of diagnostic device comprises at least two diagnostic devices selected from the group consisting of an EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

69. The probe of claim 66 wherein said plurality of diagnostic device comprises at least three diagnostic devices selected from the group consisting of an EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

70. The probe of claim 66 wherein said plurality of diagnostic device comprises at least four diagnostic devices selected from the group consisting of an EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

71. The probe of claim 66 wherein said plurality of diagnostic device comprises EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

72. The probe of claim 66 further comprising an electrical connection plug capable of communicating with said devices and an information transmission device, said probe further comprising electrical circuitry providing electrical communication between said devices and said plug.

73. The probe of claim 64 further comprising electrical circuitry for providing communication between said diagnostic device and an information transmission device.

74. The probe of claim 64 wherein said member has a portion shaped to contour to a person'"'"'s palm.

75. The probe of claim 64 wherein said member has a portion shaped to contour to a person'"'"'s finger.

76. The probe of claim 75 wherein said member has a portion shaped to contour to a person'"'"'s palm.

77. The probe of claim 64 wherein said member comprises a wrist portion and a palm portion.

78. The probe of claim 64 wherein said member comprises a palm portion and at least one phalange portion.

79. The probe of claim 64 wherein said diagnostic device comprises an EKG diagnostic device comprising a plurality of EKG sensors.

80. The probe of claim 79 wherein said member comprises a palm portion, a wrist portion and at least one phalange portion, wherein said EKG sensor are located on at least one of said palm portion, said wrist portion, and said phalange portion.

81. The probe of claim 80 wherein said EKG sensors are located on said member on at least two of said palm portion, said wrist portion, and said phalange portion.

82. The probe of claim 81 wherein said EKG sensors are located on said member on said palm portion, said wrist portion and said phalange portion.

83. The probe of claim 64 wherein said at least one defibrillator electrode comprises a plurality of defibrillator electrodes.

84. The probe of claim 83 wherein said member comprises a dorsal side, said defibrillator electrodes being located on said dorsal side of said member.

85. The probe of claim 64 said diagnostic device comprises an EKG diagnostic device and said sensor comprises a first EKG sensor.

86. The probe of claim 64 wherein said diagnostic device is selected from the group consisting of an EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

87. The probe of claim 64 wherein said at least one defibrillator electrode comprises a plurality of defibrillator electrodes.

88. The probe of claim 87 wherein said member has a dorsal side, said defibrillator electrodes being located on said dorsal side of said member.

89. A system for collecting diagnostic information and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remote location and for providing emergency treatment, said system comprising:

a first member contoured to at least a portion of a first person'"'"'s first hand and a second member contoured to at least a portion of the first person'"'"'s second hand, said members having at least one diagnostic device capable of sensing diagnostic signals from a second person; and

a transmitting unit for transmitting information to, and receiving information from, a remote location.

90. The system of claim 89 wherein said members have a shape that corresponds to at least a substantial portion of a person'"'"'s hand such that each of said members is capable of being worn on a person'"'"'s hand.

91. The system of claim 90 wherein each of said members has a palmar side, said diagnostic device comprising at least one sensor located on said palmar side of one of said members.

92. The system of claim 91 wherein each of said members has a dorsal side, said system further comprising a defibrillator device comprising a plurality of defibrillator electrodes, at least one of the defibrillator electrodes being located on said dorsal side of said first member.

93. The system of claim 91 wherein said diagnostic device comprises an EKG diagnostic device and said sensor comprises a first EKG sensor.

94. The system of claim 93 wherein each of said members comprise a glove.

95. The system of claim 94 wherein said at least one diagnostic device comprises a plurality of diagnostic devices.

96. The system of claim 95 wherein said plurality of diagnostic device comprises at least two diagnostic devices selected from the group consisting of an EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

97. The system of claim 95 wherein said plurality of diagnostic device comprises at least three diagnostic devices selected from the group consisting of an EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

98. The system of claim 95 wherein said plurality of diagnostic device comprises at least four diagnostic devices selected from the group consisting of an EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

99. The system of claim 95 wherein said plurality of diagnostic device comprises EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.

100. The system of claim 90 wherein said diagnostic device is selected from the group consisting of an EKG device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device, a percent O₂ device, and an auscultation device.