阅读说明：本技术 患者监测系统、设备和方法 (Patient monitoring system, apparatus and method ) 是由 阿马尔·阿尔阿里 查德·A·德容 瓦莱丽·G·泰尔弗 埃文·托马斯·富勒顿 菲利普·佩雷亚 于 2020-04-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了用于监测患者的生理参数的各种患者监测系统、设备和方法。本公开涉及一种心电图(ECG)设备,其包括被配置成可移除地配合在一起的一次性部分和可重复使用部分。本公开还描述了一种血压监测器,其被配置为附接到血压袖带并向其供应空气。血压监测器可以包括进气口,该进气口被配置为允许环境空气进入外壳的内部,并且还被配置为阻止液体进入外壳的内部。血压监测器可以动态地控制监测器内的气泵的运行特征。本公开还描述了一种患者监测器和被配置成允许附接到患者的可移除支架。本公开额外地描述了一种用于向一个或更多个生理设备提供电力的充电站。(Various patient monitoring systems, devices, and methods for monitoring physiological parameters of a patient are disclosed. The present disclosure relates to an Electrocardiogram (ECG) device that includes a disposable portion and a reusable portion configured to be removably mated together. The present disclosure also describes a blood pressure monitor configured to be attached to a blood pressure cuff and to supply air thereto. The blood pressure monitor may include an air inlet configured to allow ambient air to enter the interior of the housing and also configured to prevent liquid from entering the interior of the housing. The blood pressure monitor may dynamically control the operating characteristics of an air pump within the monitor. The present disclosure also describes a patient monitor and a removable bracket configured to allow attachment to a patient. The present disclosure additionally describes a charging station for providing power to one or more physiological devices.)

1. An Electrocardiogram (ECG) device configured to transmit at least one signal in response to a wearer's cardiac electrical activity, the ECG device comprising:

a disposable portion, comprising:

a base configured to be placed on a wearer's body, wherein the base comprises at least one mechanical connector portion;

a plurality of cables and corresponding external ECG electrodes configured to be secured to a wearer's body and to output one or more signals in response to the wearer's cardiac electrical activity; and

a first plurality of electrical connectors, each of at least some of the first plurality of electrical connectors associated with one of the plurality of cables; and

A reusable portion configured to mechanically and electrically mate with the disposable portion, the reusable portion comprising:

a cover comprising at least one mechanical connector portion configured to be removably affixed to at least one mechanical connector portion of the base portion of the disposable portion;

a second plurality of electrical connectors, each of the second plurality of electrical connectors configured to electrically connect with one of the first plurality of electrical connectors of the disposable portion; and

an output connector port configured to transmit at least one signal in response to one or more signals output by external ECG electrodes of the disposable portion.

2. The ECG device of claim 1, wherein:

the disposable portion further includes a first internal ECG electrode positioned at least partially within the base portion, the first internal ECG electrode configured to output one or more signals in response to cardiac electrical activity of a wearer, wherein one of the first plurality of electrical connectors is associated with the first internal ECG electrode, and

the output connector port is further configured to transmit at least one signal in response to the one or more signals output by the first internal ECG electrode of the disposable portion.

3. The ECG device of any one of claims 1-2, wherein each of the plurality of cables of the disposable portion is soldered to a respective one of the external ECG electrodes.

4. The ECG device of any of claims 1-3, wherein the base is configured to secure the disposable portion to a wearer's body.

5. The ECG device of claim 4, wherein the base is configured to secure the disposable portion to the skin of the wearer's body.

6. The ECG device of claim 5, wherein when the base secures the disposable portion to the skin of the wearer's body and the reusable portion mechanically and electrically mates with the disposable portion, the reusable portion does not contact the skin.

7. The ECG device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the disposable portion further comprises a flexible circuit comprising a first plurality of conductive strips and a second plurality of conductive strips configured to electrically connect to the plurality of cables, wherein the first plurality of electrical connectors of the disposable portion comprises the second plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit.

8. The ECG device of claim 7, wherein:

the flexible circuit of the disposable portion further comprises at least one additional conductive strip spaced apart from the first and second pluralities of conductive strips; and is

The reusable portion further includes at least one additional electrical connector operably positioned through the cover and configured to electrically connect with at least one additional conductive strip of the flexible circuit of the disposable portion to enable the reusable portion to determine whether the disposable portion is an authorized product.

9. The ECG device of any one of claims 7-8, wherein each of the first plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit is soldered to one of the plurality of cables.

10. The ECG device of any one of claims 7-9, wherein:

the disposable portion further comprises a first internal ECG electrode positioned at least partially within the base portion, the first internal ECG electrode configured to output one or more signals in response to cardiac electrical activity of the wearer, wherein one of the first plurality of electrical connectors is associated with the first internal ECG electrode;

The output connector port is further configured to transmit at least one signal in response to the one or more signals output by the first internal ECG electrode of the disposable portion; and is

The flexible circuit further includes a first aperture and a first conductive ring positioned along the first aperture, the first conductive ring configured to be electrically connected to a portion of the first internal ECG electrode, wherein one of the first plurality of electrical connectors is electrically coupled to the first conductive ring.

11. The ECG device of claim 10, wherein:

the disposable portion further comprising a second internal ECG electrode positioned at least partially within the base and spaced apart from the first internal ECG electrode, the second internal ECG electrode configured to act as a ground electrode, wherein one of the first plurality of electrical connectors is associated with the second internal ECG electrode; and is

The flexible circuit also includes a second aperture spaced apart from the first aperture and a second conductive ring positioned along the second aperture, the second conductive ring configured to electrically connect to a portion of the second internal ECG electrode.

12. The ECG device of any one of claims 7-11, wherein the base portion of the disposable portion further comprises a plurality of pin supports, each of the plurality of pin supports configured to position one of the second plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit to electrically contact one of the second plurality of electrical connectors of the reusable portion when the reusable portion is mated with the disposable portion.

13. The ECG device of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of pin supports is flexible.

14. The ECG device of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of pin supports is not straight.

15. The ECG device of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of pin supports is arcuate.

16. The ECG device of any one of claims 13-15, wherein the plurality of pin supports extend above a top surface of the base of the disposable portion.

17. The ECG device of any one of claims 1-16, wherein:

at least one mechanical connector portion of the cover of the reusable portion comprises at least one groove;

The at least one mechanical connector portion of the base of the disposable portion comprises at least one clip configured to be removably secured within the at least one recess of the reusable portion.

18. The ECG device of claim 17, wherein:

the at least one groove includes a first groove disposed on a first end of the cover and a second groove disposed on a second end of the cover, the second end being opposite the first end;

and the at least one clamp includes a first clamp disposed on a first end of the base and a second clamp disposed on a second end of the base, the second end being opposite the first end.

19. The ECG device of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the reusable portion further comprises:

a circuit board comprising a processor and a memory; and

a plurality of resistors electrically connected to and positioned between a portion of the circuit board and the second plurality of electrical connectors of the reusable portion, the plurality of resistors configured to protect the circuit board from sudden changes in voltage.

20. The ECG device of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of resistors is a low resistance, high capacitance resistor.

21. The ECG device of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the base of the disposable portion further comprises a first opening, and wherein the reusable portion further comprises a first temperature sensor configured to align with the first opening of the disposable portion when the reusable portion is mated with the disposable portion, the first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a wearer's body.

22. The ECG device of claim 21, wherein the bottom portion of the reusable portion comprises a second opening configured to align with the first opening of the base of the disposable portion when the reusable portion is mated with the disposable portion.

23. The ECG device of claim 22, wherein the reusable portion further comprises a housing, a portion of the housing extending through a second opening in a bottom portion of the reusable portion, and wherein the first temperature sensor is positioned within the housing.

24. The ECG device of claim 23, wherein the disposable portion comprises a first base plate connected to the base portion and configured to be affixed to the skin of a wearer, wherein the first opening of the base portion is positioned between the first base plate and the housing of the reusable portion.

25. The ECG device of claim 24, wherein the first substrate comprises a thermally conductive material.

26. The ECG device of claim 25, wherein the disposable portion comprises a second substrate positioned between the first substrate and the base, wherein the housing of the reusable portion is configured to contact a portion of the second substrate when the reusable portion is mated with the disposable portion.

27. The ECG device of claim 26, wherein the second substrate comprises a polyethylene film.

28. The ECG device of any one of claims 23-27, wherein the reusable portion further comprises a second temperature sensor spaced apart from the first temperature sensor in at least one of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, the second temperature sensor configured to measure an internal temperature of the reusable portion.

29. The ECG device of claim 28, wherein the second temperature sensor is not disposed within the housing of the reusable portion.

30. The ECG device of any one of claims 28-29, wherein the reusable portion further comprises a circuit board comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to determine a corrected body temperature of the wearer based on temperature data received from the first and second temperature sensors.

31. The ECG device of any one of claims 1-30, wherein the cover comprises a top frame and a bottom frame.

32. The ECG device of any one of claims 1-31, wherein the reusable portion further comprises a cable connected to the output connector port.

33. The ECG device of claim 32, wherein neither the disposable portion nor the reusable portion includes a source of electrical power, and wherein the reusable portion is configured to receive electrical power from the cable when the cable is connected to an external source of electrical power.

34. The ECG device of any one of claims 32-33, wherein the cable is configured to electrically connect to a patient monitor, and wherein the patient monitor comprises the external power source.

35. The ECG device of any one of claims 1-34, wherein the disposable portion does not include a processor.

36. The ECG device of any one of claims 1-35, wherein the reusable portion further comprises a motion sensor configured to measure acceleration of the wearer when the reusable portion is mated with a disposable portion.

37. The ECG device of any one of claims 1-36, wherein the reusable portion is configured such that none of the second plurality of electrical connectors contact a flat surface when the reusable portion is placed on the flat surface.

38. An Electrocardiogram (ECG) device comprising a disposable portion, the disposable portion comprising:

a base configured to be placed on a wearer's body;

a plurality of cables and corresponding external ECG electrodes configured to be affixed to the body of the wearer and further configured to detect electrical signals in response to cardiac activity of the wearer; and

a flexible circuit comprising a first plurality of conductive strips and a second plurality of conductive strips, each of the first plurality of conductive strips electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of cables, wherein the second plurality of conductive strips is configured to transmit electrical signals in response to cardiac electrical activity of the wearer.

39. The ECG device of claim 38, wherein the disposable portion does not include a battery.

40. The ECG device of any one of claims 38-39, wherein the disposable portion does not include a processor.

41. The ECG device of any one of claims 38-40, wherein the disposable portion further comprises at least one base plate configured to allow the base portion to be secured to the skin of the wearer's body.

42. The ECG device of any one of claims 38-41, wherein the at least one substrate comprises a thermally conductive material.

43. The ECG device of any one of claims 38-42, wherein the disposable portion further comprises at least one internal ECG electrode positioned at least partially within the base, the at least one internal ECG electrode electrically connected to a flexible circuit.

44. The ECG device of any one of claims 38-43, wherein the flexible circuit further comprises at least one aperture and at least one conductive loop positioned along the at least one aperture and configured to be electrically connected to a portion of the at least one internal ECG electrode.

45. The ECG device of claim 44, wherein:

the at least one internal ECG electrode comprises two internal ECG electrodes;

the at least one aperture comprises two apertures; and is

The at least one conductive loop comprises two conductive loops.

46. The ECG device of any one of claims 38-45, wherein the base comprises a plurality of pin supports, each of the plurality of pin supports configured to support one of a second plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit.

47. The ECG device of claim 46, wherein each of the plurality of pin supports is flexible.

48. The ECG device of any one of claims 46-47, wherein each of the plurality of pin supports is not straight.

49. The ECG device of claim 48, wherein each of the plurality of pin supports is arcuate.

50. The ECG device of any one of claims 38-49, wherein the plurality of cables are non-removably secured to the external ECG electrode.

51. The ECG device of claim 50, wherein each of the plurality of cables is non-removably secured to one of the first plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit.

52. The ECG device of any one of claims 38-51, wherein the plurality of cables are soldered to the external ECG electrode.

53. The ECG device of any one of claims 38-52, wherein the plurality of cables, the external ECG electrode, and the flexible circuit are integrally formed.

54. A blood pressure monitoring device configured to be attached to a blood pressure cuff and to supply air to the blood pressure cuff, the device comprising:

a housing including an interior;

a port configured to enable fluid communication between an interior of the housing and an interior of the blood pressure cuff; and

an air inlet configured to allow ambient air to enter an interior of the enclosure and further configured to prevent liquid from entering the interior of the enclosure.

55. The blood pressure monitoring device of claim 54, wherein the air inlet defines a non-linear path for ambient air to enter the interior of the housing.

56. The blood pressure monitoring device according to any one of claims 54-55, wherein the air inlet defines a tortuous path for ambient air to enter the interior of the housing.

57. The blood pressure monitoring device according to any one of claims 54-56, wherein the air inlet defines a serpentine path for ambient air to enter the interior of the housing.

58. The blood pressure monitoring device of any one of claims 54-57, wherein the air inlet includes a waterproof substrate configured to prevent liquid from entering an interior of the housing.

59. The blood pressure monitoring device of any of claims 54-58, wherein the housing further comprises a first side and a first interior wall, wherein the air inlet comprises a first opening in the first side of the housing and a second opening in the first interior wall of the housing, and wherein the first opening is not aligned with the second opening.

60. The blood pressure monitoring device of claim 59, wherein the first opening and the second opening are vertically spaced apart from each other.

61. The blood pressure monitoring device according to any one of claims 59-60, wherein the housing comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being opposite the top surface and configured to be positioned closer to the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure monitoring device is secured to the blood pressure cuff, and wherein the first opening is positioned closer to the bottom surface than the second opening.

62. The blood pressure monitoring device of any one of claims 59-61, wherein the first opening comprises a slit having a slit width extending along a portion of a width of the first side portion and a slit height extending along a portion of a height of the first side portion, wherein the slit width is greater than the slit length.

63. The blood pressure monitoring device of any one of claims 59-62, wherein the first side portion is a first end portion of the housing.

64. The blood pressure monitoring device of any one of claims 59-63, wherein the first interior wall is configured to divide an interior of the housing into a first portion and a second portion, the first portion positioned between a first side of the housing and the second portion of the interior, and wherein the first opening, the first portion, and the second opening define the air inlet.

65. The blood pressure monitoring device of claim 64, wherein the housing further comprises a second interior wall positioned within a first portion of the interior between the first opening and the second opening, wherein the second interior wall is configured to at least partially bifurcate the first portion of the interior.

66. The blood pressure monitoring device of claim 65, wherein:

the housing includes a top interior surface and a bottom interior surface opposite the top interior surface;

the first opening is positioned at a first height relative to a bottom surface of the housing;

the second opening is positioned at a second height relative to a bottom surface of the housing; and is

The second inner wall extends from the bottom interior surface of the housing to a third height relative to the bottom surface of the housing, wherein the third height is greater than at least one of the first height and the second height.

67. The blood pressure monitoring device of claim 66, wherein the third height is greater than the first height and the second height.

68. The blood pressure monitoring device of claim 66, wherein the third height is greater than the first height and less than the second height.

69. The blood pressure monitoring device of any of claims 66-68, wherein the second opening in the second interior wall includes a first surface at a fourth height relative to the bottom surface of the housing and a second surface at a fifth height relative to the bottom surface of the housing, the fifth height being greater than the fourth height, and wherein the third height is greater than the fourth height and less than the fifth height.

70. The blood pressure monitoring device of any of claims 66-68, wherein the second opening in the second interior wall includes a first surface at a fourth height relative to the bottom surface of the housing and a second surface at a fifth height relative to the bottom surface of the housing, the fifth height being greater than the fourth height, and wherein the third height is greater than the fourth height and the fifth height.

71. A blood pressure monitor configured to be removably mounted to a blood pressure cuff in a substantially symmetrical position relative to a width of the blood pressure cuff, the blood pressure cuff configured to be mounted in a first orientation when worn on a right arm and in a second orientation when worn on a left arm, the second orientation being opposite the first orientation, the blood pressure monitor configured to be in fluid communication with the blood pressure cuff regardless of whether the blood pressure cuff is mounted in the first orientation or the second orientation, the blood pressure monitor comprising:

a housing including an interior;

a first port configured to:

receiving and securing a first branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a first orientation;

receiving and securing a second branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a second orientation; and is

Enabling an interior of the housing to be in fluid communication with at least one of a first fluid channel within the first branch and a second fluid channel within the second branch; and

a second port configured to:

receiving and securing a second branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a first orientation; and is

The blood pressure cuff is mounted in a second orientation, receives and is secured to a first branch of the blood pressure cuff.

72. The blood pressure monitor of claim 71, wherein the first and second ports are positioned along a bottom surface of the housing.

73. The blood pressure monitor of claim 72, wherein the first and second ports are spaced apart and aligned with each other.

74. The blood pressure monitor of claim 73, wherein the first and second ports extend from the bottom surface into the interior of the housing.

75. The blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 71-74, wherein the blood pressure cuff includes a bladder in fluid communication with first and second fluid passageways of the first and second branches.

76. The blood pressure monitor according to claim 75, wherein said housing is configured to inflate and deflate a bladder of said blood pressure cuff.

77. The blood pressure monitor according to claim 76, wherein the housing is configured to inflate the balloon by moving air through the first port through one of the first and second fluid passageways and is further configured to deflate the balloon by allowing air from the balloon to flow through the first port into the interior of the housing.

78. The blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 71-77, further comprising a valve positioned within the interior of the housing proximate the first port, wherein the valve is in the first position when either the first branch or the second branch is secured within the first port, and wherein the valve is in the second position when neither the first branch nor the second branch is secured within the first port.

79. The blood pressure monitor according to claim 78, wherein a flow path through the first port is open when the valve is in the first position, and wherein the flow path through the first port is closed when the valve is in the second position.

80. The blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 71-79, wherein fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the first fluid passageway is prevented when the first branch is received and secured within the second port.

81. The blood pressure monitor according to claim 80, wherein fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the second fluid passageway is prevented when the second branch is received and secured within the second port.

82. The blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 80-81, wherein said fluid communication is prevented by a cap affixed to one end of said second port.

83. A blood pressure monitor configured to be removably mounted to a blood pressure cuff in a substantially symmetrical position relative to a width of the blood pressure cuff, the blood pressure monitor comprising:

a housing including an interior;

a first port configured to:

receiving and securing a first branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a first orientation;

receiving and securing a second branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a second orientation; and is

Placing the interior of the housing in fluid communication with at least one of a first fluid channel within the first branch and a second fluid channel within the second branch; and

a second port configured to:

receiving and securing a second branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a first orientation; and is

The blood pressure cuff is mounted in a second orientation, receives and is secured to a first branch of the blood pressure cuff.

84. The blood pressure monitor of claim 83, wherein the first and second ports are positioned along a bottom surface of the housing.

85. The blood pressure monitor according to claim 84, wherein the first and second ports are spaced apart from and aligned with each other relative to a width of the blood pressure monitor.

86. The blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 84-85, wherein the first and second ports extend from the bottom surface into the interior of the housing.

87. The blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 83-86, wherein the blood pressure cuff includes a bladder in fluid communication with first and second fluid passageways of the first and second branches.

88. The blood pressure monitor of claim 87, wherein said housing is configured to inflate and deflate a bladder of said blood pressure cuff.

89. The blood pressure monitor according to claim 88, wherein the housing is configured to inflate the balloon by moving air through the first port through one of the first and second fluid passageways and is further configured to deflate the balloon by allowing air from the balloon to flow through the first port into the interior of the housing.

90. The blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 83-89, further comprising a valve positioned within the interior of the housing proximate the first port, wherein the valve is in the first position when either the first branch or the second branch is secured within the first port, and wherein the valve is in the second position when neither the first branch nor the second branch is secured within the first port.

91. The blood pressure monitor according to claim 90, wherein a flow path through the first port is open when the valve is in the first position, and wherein the flow path through the first port is closed when the valve is in the second position.

92. The blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 83-91, wherein fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the first fluid passageway is prevented when the first branch is received and secured within the second port.

93. The blood pressure monitor according to claim 92, wherein fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the second fluid passageway is prevented when the second branch is received and secured within the second port.

94. The blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 92-93, wherein the fluid communication is prevented by a cap affixed to an end of the second port.

95. The blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 83-94, wherein the blood pressure cuff is secured to a right arm of the user when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a first orientation, and wherein the blood pressure cuff is secured to a left arm of the user when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a second orientation.

96. The blood pressure monitor of claim 95, wherein the second orientation is opposite the first orientation.

97. The blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 95-96, wherein the blood pressure monitor is configured to be in fluid communication with an air bladder of the blood pressure cuff via one of the first and second fluid passageways regardless of whether the blood pressure cuff is installed in the first or second orientation.

98. A blood pressure cuff configured to be removably secured to a user in a first orientation and a second orientation, and further configured to allow a blood pressure monitor to be removably mounted in a substantially symmetrical position relative to a width of the blood pressure cuff, the blood pressure cuff comprising:

a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a length extending between the first end and the second end, wherein a width of the blood pressure cuff extends between the first side and the second side, and wherein the width is less than the length;

a balloon configured to inflate and deflate;

a first branch configured to be secured within a first port of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is in a first orientation and secured within a second port of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is in a second orientation, the first branch including a first fluid passage in fluid communication with an interior of the bladder;

A second branch configured to be secured within the second port when the blood pressure cuff is in a first orientation and secured within the first port when the blood pressure cuff is in a second orientation, the second branch comprising a second fluid passage in fluid communication with an interior of the bladder;

wherein the first branch is positioned at a first distance from the first end of the blood pressure cuff and the second branch is positioned at a second distance from the first end of the blood pressure cuff, wherein the first and second distances are equal; and is

Wherein the first branch is positioned at a third distance from the first side of the blood pressure cuff and the second branch is positioned at a fourth distance from the first side of the blood pressure cuff, wherein the third and fourth distances are not equal.

99. The blood pressure cuff of claim 98, further comprising a first attachment portion positioned between the first end and first and second branches and a second attachment portion positioned near the second end, the second attachment portion configured to be secured to the first attachment portion when the blood pressure cuff is in first and second orientations.

100. The blood pressure cuff according to claim 99, wherein said first and second attachment portions are located on opposite surfaces of said blood pressure cuff.

101. The blood pressure cuff according to any one of claims 98-100, further comprising a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag configured to electronically interact with an NFC reader in the blood pressure monitor to enable the blood pressure monitor to verify that the blood pressure cuff is an authorized product.

102. The blood pressure cuff of claim 101, wherein said NFC tag is positioned adjacent at least one of said first and second branches.

103. The blood pressure cuff as recited in any one of claims 101-102, wherein the NFC tag is positioned between the first branch and the second branch.

104. The blood pressure cuff according to any one of claims 98-103, wherein each of the first and second branches includes a first end operatively connected to a portion of the blood pressure cuff, a second end opposite the first end, a reduced cross-sectional portion between the first and second ends, and a remaining cross-sectional portion, wherein the reduced cross-sectional area includes a smaller cross-sectional area than the remaining cross-sectional portion, and wherein the reduced cross-sectional portion is configured to receive the sealing member within the first port of the blood pressure monitor.

105. The blood pressure cuff according to claim 104, wherein the reduced cross-sectional portion and a remaining cross-sectional portion include a circular shape, and wherein the reduced cross-sectional portion includes a smaller diameter than the remaining cross-sectional portion.

106. The blood pressure cuff as recited in any one of claims 104-105, wherein each of the first and second branches includes an at least partially rounded end.

107. The blood pressure cuff as recited in any one of claims 104-106, wherein each of the first and second branches includes an end having a flat surface and a circular perimeter.

108. The blood pressure cuff of any one of claims 98-107, wherein the blood pressure cuff is secured to a right arm of the user when the blood pressure cuff is secured to the user in a first orientation, and wherein the blood pressure cuff is secured to a left arm of the user when the blood pressure cuff is secured to the user in a second orientation.

109. The blood pressure cuff according to claim 108, wherein said second orientation is opposite said first orientation.

110. The blood pressure cuff as recited in any one of claims 108-109, wherein the blood pressure cuff is configured to allow fluid communication between the bladder of the blood pressure cuff and an interior of the blood pressure device via one of the first and second fluid passages regardless of whether the blood pressure cuff is installed in the first orientation or the second orientation.

111. An assembly for enabling a caregiver to secure a physiological monitoring device to an arm of a user, the assembly comprising:

the physiological monitoring device, comprising:

a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side;

a first connector port extending outwardly from the first end and configured to electrically connect to a first cable; and

a first locking tab movably mounted relative to the first side, the first locking tab being movable between an extended position and a retracted position; and

a cradle configured to be removably secured to the physiological monitoring device and an arm of a user, the cradle comprising:

a base, first and second sidewalls connected to the base and opposing each other, and a back wall connected to the base and the first and second sidewalls;

a first opening in the rear wall configured to receive a first connector port of the physiological monitoring device; and

a second opening in the first sidewall configured to receive a first locking tab of the physiological monitoring device when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the bracket and the first locking tab is in an extended position;

Wherein, after the first connector port is received within the first opening in the back wall, the bracket is configured to allow the physiological monitoring device to pivot about the back wall to secure the first locking tab within the second opening in the first side wall.

112. The assembly of claim 111, wherein the bracket further comprises a collar protruding from the rear wall at least partially around the first opening, and wherein the collar is configured to receive and secure a first connector port of the physiological monitoring device.

113. The assembly of claim 112, wherein the bracket includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the back wall being positioned at the first end of the bracket, and wherein the collar extends from the back wall in a direction away from the second end of the bracket.

114. The assembly of any one of claims 112-113, wherein the collar is configured to surround a portion of a perimeter of the first connector port when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the stent.

115. The assembly of claim 114, wherein the collar is configured to surround greater than 50% but less than 100% of a perimeter of the first connector port when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the stent.

116. The assembly of any one of claims 111-115, wherein the first locking tab of the physiological monitoring device comprises a beveled end configured to allow the first locking tab to move past a portion of the first sidewall and secure within the second opening.

117. The assembly of claim 116, wherein when the first locking tab moves past the portion of the first sidewall, the first sidewall contacts the angled end and moves the first locking tab from an extended position to a retracted position.

118. The assembly of any one of claims 116-117, wherein the physiological monitoring device includes a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, the bottom surface facing the bracket when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the bracket, and wherein a surface of the angled end of the first locking tab faces away from the top surface of the housing.

119. The assembly of any one of claims 111-118, wherein the physiological monitoring device further comprises a first button coupled to the first locking tab and movable relative to the first side, wherein movement of the first button causes the first locking tab to move between an extended position and a retracted position.

120. The assembly of claim 119, wherein the first sidewall of the bracket includes a first recessed cutout configured to align with and provide access to a first button of the physiological monitoring device when the bracket is secured to the physiological monitoring device.

121. The assembly of claim 120, wherein the first undercut comprises a half-moon shape.

122. The assembly as set forth in any one of claims 119-121, wherein:

the physiological monitoring device further comprises:

a second locking tab movably mounted relative to the second side, the second locking tab being movable between an extended position and a retracted position; and

a second button coupled to the second locking tab and movable relative to the second side, wherein movement of the second button causes the second locking tab to move between an extended position and a retracted position; and is

The support further comprises:

a third opening in the second sidewall configured to receive a second locking tab of the physiological monitoring device when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the bracket and the second locking tab is in an extended position;

Wherein, after the first connector port is received within the first opening in the back wall, the bracket is further configured to allow the physiological monitoring device to pivot about the back wall to secure the second locking tab within the third opening in the second side wall.

123. The assembly of claim 122, wherein the second opening of the first sidewall is aligned with the third opening of the second sidewall.

124. The assembly of any one of claims 122-123, wherein:

the first sidewall of the bracket includes a first recessed cutout configured to align with and provide access to a first button of the physiological monitoring device when the bracket is secured to the physiological monitoring device; and is

The second sidewall of the bracket includes a second recessed cutout configured to align with and provide access to a second button of the physiological monitoring device when the bracket is secured to the physiological monitoring device.

125. The assembly of claim 124, wherein the first undercut of the first sidewall is aligned with the second undercut of the second sidewall.

126. The assembly of any one of claims 111-125, wherein the bracket further comprises a front wall connected to the base and the first and second side walls, wherein the front wall is opposite the rear wall and comprises a lesser height than the rear wall.

127. The assembly of any one of claims 111-122 wherein the bracket further comprises one or more legs extending from the base and configured to allow the bracket to be secured to an arm of a user.

128. The assembly of any one of claims 111-127, wherein the rack further comprises an RFID tag, and wherein the physiological monitoring device further comprises an RFID reader configured to determine whether the rack is an authorized product.

129. A charging station for providing power to a physiological monitoring device, the charging station comprising:

a charging bay comprising a charging port configured to receive power from an electrical power source; and

a tray positioned within and movably mounted relative to the charging bay, wherein the tray is configured to secure the physiological monitoring device and move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the tray is spaced away from the charging port, and wherein in the second position the tray is positioned adjacent to the charging port, thereby allowing the physiological monitoring device to be electrically connected to the charging port.

130. The charging station of claim 129, wherein the physiological monitoring device comprises an indicator configured to indicate a status of the physiological monitoring device.

131. The charging station of claim 130, wherein the indicator is configured to indicate a charging status of the physiological monitoring device when electrically connected to a charging port of the charging station.

132. The charging station of any one of claims 130-131, wherein the indicator is configured to indicate whether the charging station is an authorized product when the physiological monitor device is electrically connected to the charging port.

133. The charging station of any one of claims 130-132, wherein the physiological monitoring device comprises a display, the display comprising the indicator.

134. The charging station of any of claims 129-133, wherein:

the charging bay comprising a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, a back wall connected to the first and second sidewalls, and a bottom panel connected to the first, second, and back walls, the charging port being positioned on the bottom panel; and is

The tray is movably mounted to first and second sidewalls of the charging bay.

135. The charging station of claim 134, wherein the tray comprises a base, a first arm extending outwardly from and along a first side of the base, and a second arm extending outwardly from and along a second side of the base, the first side of the base being opposite the second side of the base, and wherein the first arm is at least partially supported by the first side wall and the second arm is at least partially supported by the second side wall.

136. The charging station of claim 135, wherein the base of the tray comprises a front end opposite a rear end and a front end, the rear end of the tray configured to be positioned closer to the rear wall of the charging station when the first and second arms are at least partially supported by the first and second side walls, and wherein the base of the tray comprises an opening sized and shaped to match a size and shape of the charging port, the opening positioned closer to the front end of the tray than the rear end of the tray.

137. The charging station of claim 136, wherein the opening of the base of the tray comprises a circular shape.

138. The charging station of any one of claims 136-137, wherein the charging port comprises a base projecting outwardly from the bottom panel, and wherein the opening of the tray is positioned around the base when the tray is in the second position.

139. The charging station of any of claims 135-138, further comprising one or more branches connected to the bottom panel, the one or more branches configured to bias the tray toward the first position.

140. The charging station of claim 139, wherein the one or more branches are positioned at least partially within one or more openings in the bottom panel.

141. The charging station of any of claims 139-140, wherein the one or more branches comprise two branches, and wherein the two branches are spaced apart from each other.

142. The charging station of any of claims 139-141, wherein the tray compresses the one or more branches when the tray is in the second position.

143. The charging station of any one of claims 139-142 wherein each of the one or more branches includes a straight portion connected to the bottom panel and a curved portion configured to contact the tray.

144. The charging station of any of claims 139-143, wherein the one or more branches comprise a first branch proximate the first sidewall and a second branch proximate the second sidewall.

145. The charging station of any one of claims 139-144, wherein the tray further comprises one or more legs extending from the base, the one or more legs configured to contact the one or more branches.

146. The charging station of claim 145, wherein one or more legs of the tray extend from the base in a first direction, and the first and second arms of the tray extend from the base in a second direction opposite the first direction.

147. The charging station of any one of claims 145-146, wherein each of the one or more legs of the tray includes a peripheral wall and a hollow interior defined therein configured to receive at least a portion of a respective one of the one or more branches.

148. The charging station of claim 135, wherein each of the first and second arms comprises a first portion connected to the base and a second portion connected to the first portion, and wherein the first portion is angled with respect to the base and the second portion is angled with respect to the first portion.

149. The charging station of claim 135, wherein a first sidewall of the charging bay comprises a first end connected to the rear wall and a second end opposite the first end, and wherein the first sidewall comprises a first guide recess proximate the second end, the first guide recess configured to allow a first locking tab of the physiological monitoring device to slide therein.

150. The charging station of claim 149, wherein the first guide recess is recessed from a surface of the first side wall by a first depth, and wherein the first guide recess is defined by no more than three walls.

151. The charging station of claim 150, wherein at least one of the walls defining the first guide recess is sloped.

152. The charging station of any one of claims 149-151, wherein the first sidewall of the charging bay comprises a first rod wall extending from the second end of the first sidewall to the second sidewall, and wherein the first rod wall comprises the first guide recess.

153. The charging station of any one of claims 149-152, wherein the first sidewall further comprises a first locking recess proximate the second end, the first locking recess configured to restrain a first locking tab of the physiological monitoring device when the tray is in the second position.

154. The charging station of claim 153, wherein the first locking recess is positioned closer to the bottom panel than the first guide recess.

155. The charging station of any one of claims 153-154, wherein the first locking recess is recessed from a surface of the first sidewall at a first depth and the first guide recess is recessed from a surface of the first sidewall at a second depth, the second depth being less than the first depth.

156. The charging station of any one of claims 153-155, wherein the first locking recess is defined by four walls.

157. The charging station of any one of claims 153-156 wherein the first locking recess is spaced apart from the first guide recess.

158. The charging station of any one of claims 149-157, wherein the second sidewall includes a third end connected to the rear wall and a fourth end opposite the third end, and wherein the second sidewall includes a second guide recess proximate the fourth end, the second guide recess configured to allow a second locking tab of the physiological monitoring device to slide therein.

159. The charging station of claim 158, wherein the second guide recess is recessed from a surface of the second side wall by a third depth, and wherein the second guide recess is defined by no more than three walls.

160. The charging station of claim 159, wherein at least one of the walls defining the second guide recess is sloped.

161. The charging station of any one of claims 159-160, wherein the second sidewall comprises a second stem wall extending from a fourth end of the second sidewall toward the first sidewall, and wherein the second stem wall comprises the second guide recess.

162. The charging station of any of claims 159-161, wherein the second sidewall further comprises a second locking recess proximate the fourth end, the second locking recess configured to restrain a second locking tab of the physiological monitoring device.

163. The charging station of claim 162, wherein the second locking recess is positioned closer to the bottom panel than the second guide recess.

164. The charging station of any one of claims 162-163, wherein the second locking recess is recessed from a surface of the second sidewall at a third depth and the second guide recess is recessed from the surface at a fourth depth, the fourth depth being less than the third depth.

165. The charging station of any one of claims 162-164, wherein the second locking recess is defined by four walls.

166. The charging station of any one of claims 162-165, wherein the second locking recess is spaced apart from the second guide recess.

167. The charging station of any one of claims 129-166, wherein the power source comprises a wall outlet, and wherein the charging station further comprises a connector port configured to receive an end of a power cable configured to connect with the wall outlet.

168. The charging station of any of claims 129-167, wherein the power source comprises a battery positioned within a portion of the charging station.

169. The charging station of claim 168, further comprising a base and a charging frame configured to be removably secured to the base, the charging frame comprising the charging bay, wherein the battery is positioned within the base of the charging station.

170. A non-invasive blood pressure monitor comprising:

an inflatable cuff;

a pressure transducer;

an air pump;

a plurality of air paths connecting the inflatable cuff, pressure transducer and air pump; and

An acoustic filter disposed along at least one air path.

171. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 170, further comprising an air manifold linking the plurality of air paths.

172. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 170-171, wherein the acoustic filter is disposed between the air pump and the air manifold.

173. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 170-172, wherein the acoustic filter is disposed between the inflatable cuff and an air manifold.

174. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 170-173, wherein the acoustic filter is disposed between the pressure transducer and an air manifold.

175. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 170-174, wherein the acoustic filter is integrated with the air manifold.

176. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 175, wherein the air manifold includes an acoustic filtering cavity.

177. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 176, wherein the acoustic filtering cavity includes a plurality of ports feeding into the acoustic filtering cavity, and wherein the size of the acoustic filtering cavity is at least 5 times the size of the plurality of ports.

178. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 170-177, wherein the acoustic filter comprises a low-pass filter.

179. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 170-178, wherein the acoustic filter comprises one or more taps branching off from one of the plurality of air paths.

180. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 179, wherein the one or more nipples are straight.

181. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 179-180, wherein the one or more nipples are closed-ended.

182. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 179-181, wherein the acoustic filter comprises two opposing nipples.

183. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 179-182, wherein the one or more nipples have a folded configuration.

184. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 183, wherein the one or more nipples comprise a plurality of sections joined together at one or more angles.

185. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 170-184, wherein the acoustic filter comprises one or more box-shaped cavities.

186. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 185, wherein the acoustic filter includes a box-shaped cavity having a face attached to one of the plurality of air paths.

187. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 185-186, wherein the acoustic filter comprises a box-shaped cavity attached to one of the plurality of air paths by a nipple.

188. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 170-187, further comprising:

a housing having two or more portions; and

a gasket disposed at a mating interface between the two or more portions.

189. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 188, further comprising noise suppressing material within the housing.

190. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 170-189, wherein the acoustic filter has a pass band that excludes a fundamental frequency generated when the air pump is operating at 50% or more of its maximum operating speed.

191. A non-invasive blood pressure monitor comprising:

an inflatable cuff;

a pressure transducer;

a first air pump and a second air pump; and

A processor configured to independently control one or more operational characteristics of the first and second air pumps.

192. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor of claim 191 wherein the one or more operating characteristics of the first and second air pumps includes a speed of the first or second air pump.

193. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 191-192, wherein the one or more operating characteristics of the first air pump and the second air pump includes a stroke length of the first air pump or the second air pump.

194. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 191-193, wherein the one or more operating characteristics of the first air pump and the second air pump include a stroke phase of the first air pump or the second air pump.

195. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 191-194, wherein the monitor is configured to:

determining one or more characteristics of acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps; and

independently adjusting one or more operating characteristics of the first and second air pumps based on one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise.

196. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 195, wherein the monitor is configured to use signals output from microphones to determine one or more characteristics of acoustic noise produced by the first and second air pumps.

197. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor of claim 196 wherein the microphone is integrated in the monitor.

198. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 195-197, wherein the monitor is configured to determine one or more characteristics of acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps using the signal output from the pressure transducer.

199. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 195-198, wherein the monitor is configured to use the current from the air pump to determine one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise produced by the first and second air pumps.

200. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor of any one of claims 195-199, wherein the one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise produced by the first and second air pumps includes loudness.

201. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 195-200, wherein the one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise produced by the first and second air pumps includes beat frequency.

202. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 195-201, wherein the one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps include frequency content.

203. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor of any one of claims 195-202, wherein the monitor is further configured to adjust one or more operating characteristics of the first air pump and the second air pump based on one or more characteristics of acoustic noise in order to reduce the acoustic discomfort metric.

204. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor of claim 203 wherein the acoustic discomfort metric is based on one or more characteristics of acoustic noise produced by the first and second air pumps.

205. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 191-204, wherein the monitor is configured to control the speed of the first air pump or the second air pump so as to set the beat frequency in the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the second air pump to a desired value.

206. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 191-205, wherein the monitor is configured to control the speed of the first air pump or the second air pump so as to achieve a desired relationship between the frequency content of the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the frequency content of the acoustic noise generated by the second air pump.

207. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 191-206, wherein the monitor is configured to control the speed of the first air pump or the second air pump such that the frequency content of the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump is harmonically related to the frequency content of the acoustic noise generated by the second air pump.

208. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 191-207, wherein the monitor is configured to control the stroke phase of the first air pump or the second air pump so as to increase destructive interference between the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the acoustic noise generated by the second air pump.

209. A method for a non-invasive blood pressure monitor including an inflatable cuff, a pressure transducer, and first and second air pumps, the method comprising:

independently controlling one or more operating characteristics of the first and second air pumps.

210. The method of claim 209, wherein the one or more operating characteristics of the first and second air pumps comprise a speed of the first or second air pump.

211. The method as set forth in any one of claims 209-210 wherein the one or more operating characteristics of the first air pump and the second air pump comprise a stroke length of the first air pump or the second air pump.

212. The method as set forth in any one of claims 209-211 wherein the one or more operating characteristics of the first air pump and the second air pump comprise a stroke phase of the first air pump or the second air pump.

213. The method as set forth in any one of claims 209-212, further comprising:

determining one or more characteristics of acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps; and

independently adjusting one or more operating characteristics of the first and second air pumps based on one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise.

214. The method of claim 213, further comprising using the signals output from the microphones to determine one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the second air pump.

215. The method of claim 214, wherein the microphone is integrated in the monitor.

216. The method of any of claims 213-215, further comprising using the signal output from the pressure transducer to determine one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the second air pump.

217. The method of any one of claims 213-216 further comprising using the current from the air pump to determine one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps.

218. The method of any of claims 213-217 wherein the one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps includes loudness.

219. The method of any of claims 213-218, wherein the one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps comprises a beat frequency.

220. The method of any one of claims 213-219, wherein the one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps include frequency content.

221. The method as recited in any one of claims 213-220, further comprising:

one or more operating characteristics of the first air pump and the second air pump are adjusted based on one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise in order to reduce the acoustic discomfort metric.

222. The method of claim 221, wherein the acoustic discomfort metric is based on one or more characteristics of acoustic noise produced by the first and second air pumps.

223. The method as set forth in any one of claims 209-222 further comprising controlling the speed of the first air pump or the second air pump so as to increase the beat frequency in the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the second air pump.

224. The method as set forth in any one of claims 209-223, further comprising controlling the speed of the first air pump or the second air pump to reduce the overlap of the frequency component of the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the frequency component of the acoustic noise generated by the second air pump.

225. The method as set forth in any one of claims 209-224 further comprising controlling the speed of the first air pump or the second air pump such that the frequency component of the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump is harmonically related to the frequency component of the acoustic noise generated by the second air pump.

226. The method as set forth in any one of claims 209-225 further comprising controlling the phase of the stroke of the first air pump or the second air pump to increase destructive interference between the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the acoustic noise generated by the second air pump.

227. A non-invasive blood pressure monitor comprising:

an inflatable cuff;

a pressure transducer;

one or more air pumps; and

a processor configured to control the one or more air pumps to provide a first inflation rate for the inflatable cuff during a non-measurement portion of an inflation phase and a second inflation rate during a measurement portion of the inflation phase, the first inflation rate being greater than the second inflation rate.

228. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor of claim 227, wherein the monitor includes a first air pump and a second air pump, and wherein the processor is configured to turn on the first and second air pumps during a non-measurement portion of an inflation phase.

229. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 228, wherein the processor is configured to subsequently turn off the second air pump during a measurement portion of an inflation phase.

230. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any of claims 227-229, wherein the processor is configured to control the one or more air pumps to switch from the first inflation rate to the second inflation rate after detection of the plethysmographic waveform from the output signal of the pressure transducer.

231. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 230, wherein the processor is configured to determine the second inflation rate based at least in part on a predetermined minimum number of cardiac cycles for performing a blood pressure measurement.

232. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 231, wherein the predetermined minimum number of cardiac cycles is less than or equal to 15.

233. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 230-232, wherein the processor is configured to determine the second inflation rate based at least in part on a pulse rate of the patient.

234. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 230-233, wherein the processor is configured to determine the second inflation rate based at least in part on a maximum inflation pressure.

235. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 234, wherein the maximum inflation pressure is determined based on an envelope of a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms.

236. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 227-235, wherein the processor is configured to provide the first inflation rate until a threshold air pressure in the inflatable cuff is reached.

237. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 227-236, wherein the processor is configured to provide the first inflation rate until a plethysmographic waveform is detected in the output of the pressure transducer.

238. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 227-237, wherein the second inflation rate is an actively controlled target inflation rate during a measurement portion of the inflation phase.

239. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor of claim 238 wherein the target inflation rate is a set barometric pressure increase per cardiac cycle.

240. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 238-239, wherein the target inflation rate is changed during a measurement portion of the inflation phase.

241. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 240, wherein the target inflation rate is slowed during the identified diastolic or systolic measurement zone of the air pressure in the inflatable cuff.

242. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 241, wherein the diastolic or systolic pressure measurement zone is identified by using an envelope of a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms in the output of a pressure transducer.

243. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 242, wherein the diastolic or systolic pressure measurement zone is identified based at least in part on an inflection point in an envelope of a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms.

244. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 227-243, wherein the monitor is configured to end the measurement portion of the inflation phase based on an envelope of a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms in the output of the pressure transducer.

245. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 244, wherein the monitor is configured to end the measurement portion of the inflation phase based at least in part on an inflection point in an envelope of the plurality of plethysmographic waveforms.

246. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor of any one of claims 244-245, wherein the monitor is configured to determine a blood pressure measurement and a confidence measure upon ending the measurement portion of the inflation phase.

247. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to claim 246, wherein the confidence metric includes a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms detected during a measurement portion of an inflation phase, smoothness of an envelope of a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms in an output of a pressure transducer, or an indication of patient motion during a time period corresponding to one or more of the plethysmographic waveforms.

248. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 227-247, further comprising at least two air pumps; and a clock or counter for measuring the cumulative operating time of each of the at least two air pumps.

249. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor of claim 248 wherein the monitor is configured to select the at least two air pumps for operational tasks so as to reduce imbalance in their respective cumulative operating times.

250. A method for a non-invasive blood pressure monitor including an inflatable cuff, a pressure transducer, and one or more air pumps, the method comprising:

Controlling the one or more air pumps to provide a first inflation rate for the inflatable cuff during a non-measurement portion of an inflation phase; and

controlling the one or more air pumps to provide a second inflation rate during a measurement portion of the inflation phase, the first inflation rate being greater than the second inflation rate.

251. The method of claim 250, wherein the monitor comprises a first air pump and a second air pump, and wherein the method further comprises turning on the first air pump and the second air pump during a non-measurement portion of an inflation phase.

252. The method of claim 251, further comprising subsequently shutting down the second air pump during a measurement portion of an inflation phase.

253. The method of any one of claims 250-252, further comprising controlling the one or more air pumps to switch from the first inflation rate to the second inflation rate after detecting the plethysmographic waveform from the output signal of the pressure transducer.

254. The method of claim 253, further comprising determining the second inflation rate based at least in part on a predetermined minimum number of cardiac cycles for performing a blood pressure measurement.

255. The method of claim 254, wherein the predetermined minimum number of cardiac cycles is less than or equal to 15.

256. The method as recited in any one of claims 253-255, further comprising determining the second inflation rate based at least in part on a pulse rate of the patient.

257. The method of any of claims 253-256, further comprising determining the second inflation rate based at least in part on a maximum inflation pressure.

258. The method of claim 257, further comprising determining a maximum inflation pressure based on an envelope of the plurality of plethysmographic waveforms.

259. The method of any of claims 250-258, further comprising providing the first inflation rate until a threshold air pressure in the inflatable cuff is reached.

260. The method of any one of claims 250-259, further comprising providing the first inflation rate until a plethysmographic waveform is detected in the output of the pressure transducer.

261. The method of any one of claims 250-260 wherein the second inflation rate is an actively controlled target inflation rate during a measurement portion of the inflation phase.

262. The method of claim 261, wherein the target inflation rate is a set barometric increase per cardiac cycle.

263. The method as set forth in any one of claims 261-262 further comprising varying the target inflation rate during a measurement portion of the inflation phase.

264. The method of claim 263, further comprising slowing the target inflation rate during the identified diastolic or systolic measurement zone of air pressure in the inflatable cuff.

265. The method of claim 264, further comprising identifying diastolic or systolic pressure measurement zones using an envelope of a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms in the output of the pressure transducer.

266. The method of claim 265, further comprising identifying a diastolic or systolic pressure measurement zone based at least in part on an inflection point in an envelope of the plurality of plethysmographic waveforms.

267. The method of any one of claims 250-266, further comprising ending the measurement portion of the inflation phase based on an envelope of a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms in the output of the pressure transducer.

268. The method of claim 267, further comprising ending a measurement portion of the inflation phase based at least in part on an inflection point in an envelope of the plurality of plethysmographic waveforms.

269. The method of any of claims 267-268, further comprising determining a blood pressure measurement and a confidence metric at the conclusion of the measurement portion of the inflation phase.

270. The method of claim 269, wherein the confidence metric includes a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms detected during a measurement portion of an inflation phase, smoothness of an envelope of a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms in an output of a pressure transducer, or an indication of patient motion during a time period corresponding to one or more of the plethysmographic waveforms.

271. The method as set forth in any one of claims 250-270 further comprising measuring a cumulative on-time for each of a plurality of air pumps used during the inflation phase.

272. The method of claim 271, further comprising selecting at least two air pumps for operating the task so as to reduce imbalance in their respective cumulative operating times.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and devices for monitoring physiological information of a patient.

Background

Hospitals, nursing homes, and other patient care facilities typically utilize a plurality of sensors, devices, and/or monitors to collect or analyze a patient's physiological parameters, such as blood oxygen saturation, respiration rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, and the like. Such devices may include, for example, acoustic sensors, electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors, Electrocardiogram (ECG) devices, blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, and the like. In a medical environment, various sensors/devices (such as those just mentioned) are attached to a patient and connected to one or more patient monitoring devices using cables. Patient monitoring devices typically include sensors, processing equipment, and displays for obtaining and analyzing physiological parameters of a medical patient, such as blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and the like. Clinicians, including doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel, use physiological parameters obtained from patient monitors to diagnose diseases and prescribe treatments. The clinician also monitors the patient during various clinical situations using the physiological parameters to determine whether to increase the level of medical care given to the patient.

Disclosure of Invention

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) device configured to transmit at least one signal in response to a wearer's cardiac electrical activity may include a disposable portion and a reusable portion configured to mechanically and electrically mate with the disposable portion. The disposable portion may include a base configured to be placed on a wearer's body, wherein the base includes at least one mechanical connector portion; a plurality of cables and corresponding external ECG electrodes configured to be secured to a wearer's body and to output one or more signals in response to the wearer's cardiac electrical activity; and a first plurality of electrical connectors, each of at least some of the first plurality of electrical connectors associated with one of the plurality of cables. The reusable portion may include a cover comprising at least one mechanical connector portion configured to be removably affixed to the at least one mechanical connector portion of the base of the disposable portion; a second plurality of electrical connectors, each of the second plurality of electrical connectors configured to electrically connect with one of the first plurality of electrical connectors of the disposable portion; and an output connector port configured to transmit at least one signal in response to the one or more signals output by the external ECG electrodes of the disposable portion. The disposable portion may also include a first internal ECG electrode positioned at least partially within the base, the first internal ECG electrode configured to output one or more signals in response to cardiac electrical activity of the wearer, wherein one of the first plurality of electrical connectors is associated with the first internal ECG electrode. The output connector port may also be configured to transmit at least one signal in response to the one or more signals output by the first internal ECG electrode of the disposable portion. Each of the plurality of wires of the disposable portion may be soldered to a respective one of the external ECG electrodes. The base may be configured to secure the disposable portion to the body of the wearer. The base may be configured to secure the disposable portion to the skin of the wearer's body. In some cases, the reusable portion does not touch the skin when the base can secure the disposable portion to the skin of the wearer's body and the reusable portion mechanically and electrically mates with the disposable portion. The disposable portion may also include a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit may include a first plurality of conductive strips configured to electrically connect to a plurality of cables and a second plurality of conductive strips, wherein the first plurality of electrical connectors of the disposable portion includes the second plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit. The flexible circuit of the disposable portion may further include at least one additional conductive strip spaced apart from the first and second plurality of conductive strips. The reusable portion may further comprise at least one additional electrical connector operably positioned through the cover and configured to be in electrical connection with at least one additional conductive strip of the flexible circuit of the disposable portion to enable the reusable portion to determine whether the disposable portion is an authorized product. Each of the first plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit may be soldered to one of the plurality of cables. The disposable portion may also include a first internal ECG electrode positioned at least partially within the base, the first internal ECG electrode configured to output one or more signals in response to cardiac electrical activity of the wearer, wherein one of the first plurality of electrical connectors is associated with the first internal ECG electrode. The output connector port may also be configured to transmit at least one signal in response to the one or more signals output by the first internal ECG electrode of the disposable portion. The flexible circuit may further include a first aperture and a first conductive ring positioned along the first aperture, the first conductive ring configured to be electrically connected to a portion of the first internal ECG electrode, wherein one of the first plurality of electrical connectors is electrically coupled to the first conductive ring. The disposable portion may further include a second internal ECG electrode positioned at least partially within the base and spaced apart from the first internal ECG electrode, the second internal ECG electrode configured to act as a ground electrode, wherein one of the first plurality of electrical connectors is associated with the second internal ECG electrode. The flexible circuit may also include a second aperture spaced apart from the first aperture and a second conductive ring positioned along the second aperture, the second conductive ring configured to electrically connect to a portion of the second internal ECG electrode. The base of the disposable portion may also include a plurality of pin supports, each of the plurality of pin supports configured to position one of the second plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit to electrically contact one of the second plurality of electrical connectors of the reusable portion when the reusable portion is mated with the disposable portion. Each of the plurality of pin supports may be flexible. Each of the plurality of pin supports may not be straight. Each of the plurality of pin supports may be arcuate. A plurality of pin supports may extend above a top surface of the base of the disposable portion. The at least one mechanical connector portion of the cover of the reusable part may comprise at least one groove. The at least one mechanical connector portion of the base of the disposable portion may comprise at least one clip configured to be removably secured within the at least one recess of the reusable portion. The at least one groove may include a first groove disposed on a first end of the cover and a second groove disposed on a second end of the cover, the second end being opposite the first end. The at least one clamp may include a first clamp disposed on a first end of the base and a second clamp disposed on a second end of the base, the second end being opposite the first end. The reusable part may further include a circuit board including a processor and a memory; and a plurality of resistors electrically connected to and positioned between a portion of the circuit board and a second plurality of electrical connectors of the reusable portion, the plurality of resistors configured to protect the circuit board from sudden changes in voltage. Each of the plurality of resistors may be a low resistance, high capacitance resistor. The base of the disposable portion may further include a first opening, and the reusable portion may further include a first temperature sensor configured to align with the first opening of the disposable portion when the reusable portion is mated with the disposable portion, the first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the wearer's body. The bottom portion of the reusable portion can include a second opening configured to align with the first opening of the base of the disposable portion when the reusable portion is mated with the disposable portion. The reusable part may further comprise a housing, a portion of the housing extending through the second opening in the bottom portion of the reusable part, and wherein the first temperature sensor may be positioned within the housing. The disposable portion may include a first base plate connected to the base and configured to be secured to the skin of the wearer, wherein the first opening of the base may be positioned between the first base plate and the housing of the reusable portion. The first substrate may include a thermally conductive material. The disposable portion can include a second substrate positioned between the first substrate and the base, wherein the housing of the reusable portion is configured to contact a portion of the second substrate when the reusable portion is mated with the disposable portion. The second substrate may include a polyethylene film. The reusable part may further comprise a second temperature sensor spaced apart from the first temperature sensor in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions, the second temperature sensor being configured to measure an internal temperature of the reusable part. The second temperature sensor may not be placed within the housing of the reusable part. The reusable part may further comprise a circuit board comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to determine a corrected body temperature of the wearer based on the temperature data received from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. The cover may include a top frame and a bottom frame. The reusable portion may also include a cable connected to the output connector port. In some variations, neither the disposable portion nor the reusable portion includes a power source, and the reusable portion is configured to receive power from the cable when the cable is connected to an external power source. The cable may be configured to electrically connect to a patient monitor, and wherein the patient monitor includes an external source of electrical power. In some variations, the disposable portion does not include a processor. The reusable part may also include a motion sensor configured to measure the acceleration of the wearer when the reusable part is mated with the disposable part. The reusable portion can be configured such that none of the second plurality of electrical connectors contacts a planar surface when the reusable portion is placed on the planar surface.

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) device may include a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include a base configured for placement on a wearer's body; a plurality of cables and corresponding external ECG electrodes configured to be affixed to a wearer's body and further configured to detect electrical signals in response to the wearer's heart activity; and a flexible circuit comprising a first plurality of conductive strips and a second plurality of conductive strips, each of the first plurality of conductive strips electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of cables, wherein the second plurality of conductive strips is configured to transmit electrical signals in response to cardiac electrical activity of the wearer. In some variations, the disposable portion does not include a battery. In some variations, the disposable portion does not include a processor. The disposable portion may also include at least one base plate configured to allow the base to be secured to the skin of the wearer's body. The at least one substrate may comprise a thermally conductive material. The disposable portion may also include at least one internal ECG electrode positioned at least partially within the base, the at least one internal ECG electrode electrically connected to the flexible circuit. The flexible circuit may further include at least one aperture and at least one conductive loop positioned along the at least one aperture and configured to be electrically connected to a portion of the at least one internal ECG electrode. The at least one internal ECG electrode may comprise two internal ECG electrodes. The at least one aperture may comprise two apertures. The at least one conductive loop may comprise two conductive loops. The base may include a plurality of pin supports, each of the plurality of pin supports configured to support one of the second plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit. Each of the plurality of pin supports may be flexible. Each of the plurality of pin supports may not be straight. Each of the plurality of pin supports may be arcuate. The plurality of cables may be non-removably secured to the external ECG electrodes. Each of the plurality of cables may be non-removably secured to one of the first plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit. Multiple cables may be soldered to the external ECG electrodes. The plurality of cables, external ECG electrodes and flexible circuit may be integrally formed.

A blood pressure monitoring device configured to be attached to a blood pressure cuff and to supply air to the blood pressure cuff may include a housing including an interior; a port configured to enable fluid communication between an interior of the housing and an interior of the blood pressure cuff; and an air inlet configured to allow ambient air to enter the interior of the enclosure and further configured to prevent liquid from entering the interior of the enclosure. The air inlet may define a non-linear path for ambient air to enter the interior of the housing. The air inlet may define a tortuous path for ambient air to enter the interior of the housing. The air inlet may define a serpentine path for ambient air to enter the interior of the housing. The air inlet may include a water resistant membrane configured to prevent liquid from entering the interior of the enclosure. The housing may also include a first side and a first inner wall. The air inlet may include a first opening on a first side of the housing and a second opening on a first inner wall of the housing. The first opening may not be aligned with the second opening. The first and second openings may be vertically spaced from each other. The housing can include a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface opposite the top surface and configured to be positioned closer to the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure monitoring device is secured to the blood pressure cuff. The first opening may be located closer to the bottom surface than the second opening. The first opening may include a slit having a slit width extending along a portion of the width of the first side and a slit height extending along a portion of the height of the first side. The slit width may be greater than the slit length. The first side may be a first end of the housing. The first interior wall may be configured to divide the interior of the housing into a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being positioned between the first side of the housing and the second portion of the interior. The first opening, the first portion, and the second opening may define an air inlet. The housing may also include a second inner wall positioned within the first portion of the interior between the first opening and the second opening. The second inner wall may be configured to at least partially bifurcate the first portion of the interior. The housing may include a top interior surface and a bottom interior surface opposite the top interior surface. The first opening may be positioned at a first height relative to a bottom surface of the housing. The second opening may be positioned at a second height relative to the bottom surface of the housing. The second inner wall may extend from the bottom interior surface of the housing to a third height relative to the bottom surface of the housing. The third height may be greater than at least one of the first height and the second height. The third height may be greater than both the first height and the second height. The third height may be greater than the first height and less than the second height. The second opening in the second inner wall may include a first surface at a fourth height relative to the bottom surface of the housing and a second surface at a fifth height relative to the bottom surface of the housing, the fifth height being greater than the fourth height. The third height may be greater than the fourth height and less than the fifth height. The second opening in the second inner wall may include a first surface at a fourth height relative to the bottom surface of the housing and a second surface at a fifth height relative to the bottom surface of the housing, the fifth height being greater than the fourth height. The third height may be greater than both the fourth height and the fifth height.

A blood pressure monitor configured to be removably mounted to a blood pressure cuff in a substantially symmetrical position relative to a width of the blood pressure cuff, the blood pressure cuff configured to be mounted in a first orientation when worn on a right arm and in a second orientation when worn on a left arm, the second orientation being opposite the first orientation, the blood pressure monitor configured to be in fluid communication with the blood pressure cuff regardless of whether the blood pressure cuff is mounted in the first orientation or the second orientation, may include a housing including an interior; a first port; and a second port. The first port can be configured to receive and secure to a first branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a first orientation; receiving and securing a second branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a second orientation; and allowing fluid communication between at least one of the first fluid passage in the first branch and the second fluid passage in the second branch and the interior of the housing. The second port can be configured to receive and secure to a second branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a first orientation; and receives and secures to the first branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in the second orientation. The first port and the second port may be located along a bottom surface of the housing. The first port and the second port may be spaced apart from and aligned with each other. The first port and the second port may extend from the bottom surface into the interior of the housing. The blood pressure cuff may include a bladder in fluid communication with the first and second fluid passages of the first and second branches. The housing may be configured to inflate and deflate the bladder of the blood pressure cuff. The housing may be configured to inflate the balloon by moving air through the first port through one of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel, and may also be configured to deflate the balloon by allowing air from the balloon to flow through the first port into the interior of the housing. The blood pressure monitor may further include a valve positioned inside the housing proximate the first port, wherein the valve is in a first position when either the first branch or the second branch is secured within the first port, and wherein the valve is in a second position when neither the first branch nor the second branch is secured within the first port. When the valve is in the first position, the flow path through the first port may be open, and when the valve is in the second position, the flow path through the first port may be closed. When the first branch is received and secured within the second port, fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the first fluid passage may be prevented. When the second branch is received and secured within the second port, fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the second fluid passage may be prevented. Fluid communication may be prevented by a cap secured to the end of the second port.

A blood pressure monitor configured to be removably mounted to a blood pressure cuff in a substantially symmetrical position relative to a width of the blood pressure cuff may include a housing including an interior; a first port; and a second port. The first port can be configured to receive and secure to a first branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a first orientation; receiving and securing a second branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a second orientation; and allowing fluid communication between at least one of the first fluid passage in the first branch and the second fluid passage in the second branch and the interior of the housing. The second port can be configured to receive and secure to a second branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in a first orientation; and receives and secures to the first branch of the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure cuff is installed in the second orientation. The first port and the second port may be located along a bottom surface of the housing. The first port and the second port may be spaced apart from and aligned with each other relative to a width of the blood pressure monitor. The first port and the second port may extend from the bottom surface into the interior of the housing. The blood pressure cuff may include a bladder in fluid communication with the first and second fluid passages of the first and second branches. The housing may be configured to inflate and deflate the bladder of the blood pressure cuff. The housing may be configured to inflate the balloon by moving air through the first port through one of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel, and may also be configured to deflate the balloon by allowing air from the balloon to flow through the first port into the interior of the housing. The blood pressure monitor may further include a valve positioned inside the housing proximate the first port, wherein the valve is in a first position when either the first branch or the second branch is secured within the first port, and wherein the valve is in a second position when neither the first branch nor the second branch is secured within the first port. When the valve is in the first position, the flow path through the first port may be open, and when the valve is in the second position, the flow path through the first port may be closed. When the first branch is received and secured within the second port, fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the first fluid passage may be prevented. When the second branch is received and secured within the second port, fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the second fluid passage may be prevented. Fluid communication may be prevented by a cap secured to the end of the second port. The blood pressure cuff can be secured to the right arm of the user when the blood pressure cuff is installed in the first orientation and the blood pressure cuff can be secured to the left arm of the user when the blood pressure cuff is installed in the second orientation. The second orientation may be opposite the first orientation. The blood pressure monitor can be configured to be in fluid communication with the bladder of the blood pressure cuff via one of the first and second fluid passageways regardless of whether the blood pressure cuff is installed in the first orientation or the second orientation.

A blood pressure cuff configured to be removably secured to a user in a first orientation and a second orientation, and further configured to allow a blood pressure monitor to be removably mounted in a substantially symmetrical position relative to a width of the blood pressure cuff, the blood pressure cuff may include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a length extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the width of the blood pressure cuff extends between the first side and the second side, and wherein the width is less than the length; a balloon configured to inflate and deflate; a first branch configured to be secured within the first port of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is in a first orientation and within the second port of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is in a second orientation, the first branch including a first fluid passageway in fluid communication with an interior of the bladder; a second branch configured to be secured within the second port when the blood pressure cuff is in the first orientation and secured within the first port when the blood pressure cuff is in the second orientation, the second branch comprising a second fluid passage in fluid communication with an interior of the bladder; wherein the first branch is positioned at a first distance from the first end of the blood pressure cuff and the second branch is positioned at a second distance from the first end of the blood pressure cuff, wherein the first distance and the second distance are equal; and wherein the first branch is positioned at a third distance from the first side of the blood pressure cuff and the second branch is positioned at a fourth distance from the first side of the blood pressure cuff, wherein the third distance and the fourth distance are not equal. The blood pressure cuff may also include a first attachment portion positioned between the first end and the first and second branches and a second attachment portion positioned near the second end, the second attachment portion configured to be grounded to the first attachment portion when the blood pressure cuff is in the first and second orientations. The first and second attachment portions may be located on opposite surfaces of the blood pressure cuff. The blood pressure cuff may also include a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag configured to electronically interact with an NFC reader in the blood pressure monitor to enable the blood pressure monitor to verify that the blood pressure cuff is an authorized product. The NFC tag may be located proximate to at least one of the first branch and the second branch. The NFC tag may be positioned between the first branch and the second branch. Each of the first and second branches may include a first end operatively connected to a portion of the blood pressure cuff, a second end opposite the first end, a reduced cross-sectional portion between the first and second ends, and a remaining cross-sectional portion, wherein the reduced cross-sectional area includes a smaller cross-sectional area than the remaining cross-sectional portion, and wherein the reduced cross-sectional portion is configured to receive the sealing member within the first port of the blood pressure monitor. The reduced cross-sectional portion and the remaining cross-sectional portion may include a circular shape, and the reduced cross-sectional portion may include a smaller diameter than the remaining cross-sectional portion. Each of the first and second branches may comprise an at least partially rounded end. Each of the first and second branches may include an end having a flat surface and a circular perimeter. The blood pressure cuff can be secured to the right arm of the user when the blood pressure cuff is secured to the user in the first orientation and the blood pressure cuff can be secured to the left arm of the user when the blood pressure cuff is secured to the user in the second orientation. The second orientation may be opposite the first orientation. The blood pressure cuff may be configured to allow fluid communication between the bladder of the blood pressure cuff and an interior of the blood pressure device via one of the first and second fluid passages regardless of whether the blood pressure cuff is installed in the first orientation or the second orientation.

An assembly for enabling a caregiver to secure a physiological monitoring device to a user's arm may include a physiological monitoring device; and a bracket configured to be removably secured to the physiological monitoring device and an arm of the user. The physiological monitoring device can include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; a first connector port extending outwardly from the first end and configured to electrically connect to a first cable; and a first locking tab movably mounted relative to the first side, the first locking tab being movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The stand may include a base, first and second sidewalls connected to the base and opposite to each other, and a rear wall connected to the base and the first and second sidewalls; a first opening in the rear wall configured to receive a first connector port of a physiological monitoring device; and a second opening in the first sidewall configured to receive the first locking tab of the physiological monitoring device when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the bracket and the first locking tab is in the extended position. After the first connector port is received within the first opening in the back wall, the bracket may be configured to allow the physiological monitoring device to pivot about the back wall to secure the first locking tab within the second opening in the first side wall. The bracket may also include a collar protruding from the rear wall at least partially around the first opening, and the collar may be configured to receive and secure a first connector port of a physiological monitoring device. The bracket may include a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the back wall may be positioned at the first end of the bracket, and the collar may extend from the back wall in a direction away from the second end of the bracket. The collar may be configured to surround a portion of a perimeter of the first connector port when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the bracket. The collar may be configured to surround more than 50% but less than 100% of a circumference of the first connector port when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the bracket. The first locking tab of the physiological monitoring device can include a beveled end configured to allow the first locking tab to move past a portion of the first sidewall and be secured within the second opening. The first side wall may contact the angled end portion and move the first locking tab from the extended position to the retracted position as the first locking tab moves past the portion of the first side wall. The physiological monitoring device can include a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, the bottom surface facing the cradle when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the cradle. The surface of the angled end of the first locking tab may face away from the top surface of the housing. The physiological monitoring device can further include a first button coupled to the first locking tab and movable relative to the first side, wherein movement of the first button can cause the first locking tab to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The first sidewall of the bracket can include a first recessed cutout configured to align with and provide access to a first button of the physiological monitoring device when the bracket is secured to the physiological monitoring device. The first undercut may include a half-moon shape. The physiological monitoring device can also include a second locking tab movably mounted relative to the second side, the second locking tab being movable between an extended position and a retracted position; and a second button coupled to the second locking tab and movable relative to the second side, wherein movement of the second button causes the second locking tab to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The bracket may also include a third opening in the second sidewall configured to receive the second locking tab of the physiological monitoring device when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the bracket and the second locking tab is in the extended position. After the first connector port is received within the first opening in the back wall, the bracket may be further configured to allow the physiological monitoring device to pivot about the back wall to secure the second locking tab within the third opening in the second side wall. The second opening of the first sidewall may be aligned with the third opening of the second sidewall. The first sidewall of the bracket can include a first recessed cutout configured to align with and provide access to a first button of the physiological monitoring device when the bracket is secured to the physiological monitoring device. The second sidewall of the bracket can include a second recessed cutout configured to align with and provide access to a second button of the physiological monitoring device when the bracket is secured to the physiological monitoring device. The first undercut of the first sidewall may be aligned with the second undercut of the second sidewall. The stand may also include a front wall connected to the base and the first and second side walls. The front wall may be opposite the back wall and may include a lesser height than the back wall. The stand may also include one or more legs extending from the base and configured to allow the stand to be secured to an arm of a user. The rack may further include an RFID tag, and wherein the physiological monitoring device may further include an RFID reader configured to determine whether the rack is an authorized product.

An assembly may include a physiological monitoring device; and a bracket configured to be removably secured to the physiological monitoring device and a portion of the body of the user. The physiological monitoring device can include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; a first locking tab movably mounted relative to the first side, the first locking tab being movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The stand may include a base, first and second sidewalls connected to the base and opposite to each other, and a rear wall connected to the base and the first and second sidewalls; a first opening in the first sidewall configured to receive a first locking tab of the physiological monitoring device when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the bracket and the first locking tab is in the extended position. The back wall may be configured to support a first end of the physiological monitoring device and allow the physiological monitoring device to pivot about the back wall to secure the first locking tab within the first opening in the first side wall.

A bracket configured to removably secure a physiological monitoring device and further configured to secure to an arm of a user may include a base, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a back wall. The physiological monitoring device can include a first locking tab movably mounted relative to a portion of the physiological monitoring device between an extended position and a retracted position. The first sidewall may be connected to and extend from the base. The first sidewall can include a first opening configured to receive the first locking tab of the physiological monitoring device when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the bracket and the first locking tab is in the extended position. The second sidewall may be connected to and extend from the base. The second sidewall may be opposite the first sidewall. The back wall may be connected to the base, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. The back wall of the bracket may be configured to support the first end of the physiological monitoring device and allow the physiological monitoring device to pivot about the back wall to secure the first locking tab within the first opening in the first side wall.

A physiological monitoring device configured to be removably secured to a bracket configured to be secured to a portion of a user's body can include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; a first locking tab movably mounted relative to the first side, the first locking tab movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the first locking tab is further configured to be secured within the opening of the bracket when in the extended position; and a first button coupled to the first locking tab and movable relative to the first side, wherein movement of the first button in a first direction causes the first locking tab to move from an extended position to a retracted position, thereby allowing the first locking tab to move out of the opening of the bracket.

A charging station for providing power to a physiological monitoring device can include a charging bay including a charging port configured to receive power from a power source; and a tray positioned within and movably mounted relative to the charging bay, wherein the tray is configured to be secured to the physiological monitoring device and move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the tray is spaced away from the charging port, and wherein in the second position the tray is positioned proximate to the charging port, thereby allowing the physiological monitoring device to be electrically connected to the charging port. The physiological monitoring device can include an indicator configured to indicate a status of the physiological monitoring device. The indicator may be configured to indicate a charging status of the physiological monitoring device when electrically connected to a charging port of the charging station. The indicator may be configured to indicate whether the charging station is an authorized product when the physiological monitor device is electrically connected to the charging port. The physiological monitoring device can include a display including an indicator. The charging bay may include a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, a back wall connected to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a bottom panel connected to the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the back wall, the charging port being positioned on the bottom panel. The tray may be movably mounted to the first and second side walls of the charging bay. The tray may include a base, a first arm extending outwardly from and along a first side of the base, and a second arm extending outwardly from and along a second side of the base, the first side of the base being opposite the second side of the base, and wherein the first arm may be at least partially supported by the first side wall and the second arm may be at least partially supported by the second side wall. The base of the tray may include a rear end and a front end opposite the front end. The rear end of the tray may be configured to be positioned closer to a rear wall of the charging station when the first and second arms are at least partially supported by the first and second side walls. The base of the tray may include an opening sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the charging port, the opening being positioned closer to the front end of the tray than the rear end of the tray. The opening of the base of the tray may comprise a circular shape. The charging port may include a base projecting outwardly from the bottom panel, and the opening of the tray may be positioned around the base when the tray is in the second position. The charging station may also include one or more branches connected to the bottom panel, the one or more branches configured to bias the tray toward the first position. The one or more branches may be positioned at least partially within the one or more openings in the bottom panel. The one or more branches may include two branches, and the two branches may be spaced apart from each other. The tray may compress the one or more branches when the tray is in the second position. Each of the one or more branches may include a straight portion connected to the bottom panel and a curved portion configured to contact the tray. The one or more branches may include a first branch proximate the first sidewall and a second branch proximate the second sidewall. The tray may also include one or more legs extending from the base, the one or more legs configured to contact the one or more branches. One or more legs of the tray may extend from the base in a first direction, and the first and second arms of the tray may extend from the base in a second direction opposite the first direction. Each of the one or more legs of the tray may include a peripheral wall and a hollow interior defined therein that is configured to receive at least a portion of a respective one of the one or more branches. Each of the first and second arms may include a first portion connected to the base and a second portion connected to the first portion, and the first portion may be angled with respect to the base and the second portion is angled with respect to the first portion. The first side wall of the charging bay may include a first end connected to the back wall and a second end opposite the first end, and the first side wall may include a first guide recess proximate the second end, the first guide recess configured to allow the first locking tab of the physiological monitoring device to slide therein. The first guide recess may be recessed from a surface of the first sidewall by a first depth, and the first guide recess may be defined by no more than three walls. At least one wall defining the first guide recess may be inclined. The first side wall of the charging compartment may include a first pole wall extending from the second end of the first side wall to the second side wall, and the first pole wall may include a first guide recess. The first sidewall can further include a first locking recess proximate the second end, the first locking recess configured to restrain a first locking tab of the physiological monitoring device when the tray is in the second position. The first locking recess may be located closer to the bottom panel than the first guide recess. The first locking recess may be recessed from a surface of the first sidewall by a first depth, and the first guide recess may be recessed from the surface of the first sidewall by a second depth. The second depth may be less than the first depth. The first locking recess may be defined by four walls. The first locking recess may be spaced apart from the first guide recess. The second side wall may include a third end connected to the rear wall and a fourth end opposite the third end. The second sidewall may include a second guide recess proximate the fourth end. The second guide recess may be configured to allow a second locking tab of the physiological monitoring device to slide therein. The second guide recess may be recessed from a surface of the second sidewall by a third depth, and the second guide recess may be defined by no more than three walls. At least one wall defining the second guide recess may be inclined. The second sidewall may include a second stem wall extending from the fourth end of the second sidewall toward the first sidewall, and the second stem wall may include a second guide recess. The second sidewall may also include a second locking recess proximate the fourth end, the second locking recess configured to restrain a second locking tab of the physiological monitoring device. The second locking recess may be located closer to the bottom panel than the second guide recess. The second locking recess may be recessed from a surface of the second sidewall by a third depth, and the second guide recess may be recessed from the surface by a fourth depth. The fourth depth may be less than the third depth. The second locking recess may be defined by four walls. The second locking recess may be spaced apart from the second guide recess. The power source may include a wall outlet, and the charging station may further include a connector port configured to receive an end of a power cable configured to connect with the wall outlet. The power source may include a battery positioned within a portion of the charging station. The charging station may also include a base and a charging frame configured to be removably secured to the base. The charging frame may comprise said charging bay. The battery may be positioned within a base of the charging station.

A charging station for providing power to one or more physiological monitoring devices may include a plurality of frames configured to be removably secured to one another. Each of the plurality of frames may include one or more charging bays, each of the one or more charging bays including a charging port configured to receive power from a power source; and one or more trays. Each of the one or more trays may be positioned within and movably mounted relative to a respective one of the one or more charging bays; and configured to secure a respective one of the one or more physiological monitoring devices and move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, each of the one or more trays is spaced away from the charging port of the respective one of the one or more charging bays, and wherein in the second position, each of the one or more trays is positioned proximate to the charging port, thereby allowing the respective one of the one or more physiological monitoring devices to be electrically connected to the charging port.

A system for monitoring one or more vital signs of a patient and managing sensor cables in a patient environment can include a first sensor configured to obtain physiological information related to a first physiological parameter, the first sensor configured to be attached to a first portion of a patient; a second sensor configured to obtain physiological information related to a second physiological parameter, the second sensor configured to be attached to a second portion of the patient, the second sensor configured to be connected to the first sensor by a first cable; and a patient monitor configured to be connected to the second sensor by a second cable, the patient monitor configured to receive physiological information related to the first physiological parameter and the second physiological parameter via the second cable, the patient monitor configured to be attached to a third portion of the patient. The first sensor may comprise an Electrocardiogram (ECG) device. The second sensor may comprise a blood pressure monitor. The ECG device may be configured to attach to the chest of the patient and the blood pressure device may be configured to attach to the arm of the patient. The second sensor may include a first connector port and a second connector port. The first connector port may be configured to connect to a first cable and the second connector port may be configured to connect to a second cable. The second sensor may also include a bypass bus configured to communicate the physiological information obtained by the first sensor to the patient monitor without being processed by the second sensor. The second sensor may be configured to transmit physiological information obtained by the second sensor to the patient monitor simultaneously with physiological information from the first sensor. The first connector port and the second connector port may be positioned on a first side of the second sensor. The system may also include a third sensor that may be configured to obtain physiological information related to a third physiological parameter. The third sensor may be configured to attach to a third portion of the patient and be connected to the patient monitor with a third cable. The patient monitor may include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first connector port positioned on the first end, and a second connector port positioned on the second end. The first connector port may be configured to connect to a third sensor via a third cable, and the second connector port may be configured to connect to a second sensor via a second cable. The second connector port may include a first female connector configured to connect to a second cable and a second female connector configured to connect to a fourth sensor via a fourth cable. The fourth sensor may be an acoustic sensor. The third sensor may be an optical sensor. The second sensor may be a blood pressure monitor. The system may also include at least one cable management branch configured to be secured to the skin of the patient and a portion of one of the first cable or the second cable. The at least one cable management branch may include a base configured to be affixed to a skin surface of a patient; a stem extending outwardly from the base; and one or more arms extending outwardly from the rod, the one or more arms sized and shaped to receive and secure a portion of one of the first cable or the second cable. The base may include an adhesive. The base may also include a release liner disposed on the adhesive. The base may comprise a square. The stem may extend substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base. The stem may extend from a middle portion of the base. The middle portion of the base may be spaced inwardly from at least two side portions of the base. The stem may include a first height and a first width, and the base may include a second height and a second width, wherein the first height is greater than the second height and the first width is less than the second width. Each of the one or more arms may extend generally perpendicular to a side of the bar in the first direction. Each of the one or more arms may extend in a second direction different from the first direction. Each of the one or more arms may extend outwardly from the stem and be at least partially curled about a radius of curvature. One or more of the arms may be curled in a direction away from the base. One or more of the arms may comprise a C-shape. One or more of the arms may comprise an at least partially circular cross-section. The patient monitor may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit physiological information received from the first sensor and the second sensor.

A system for monitoring one or more vital signs of a patient and managing sensor cables in a patient environment can include a first sensor configured to obtain physiological information related to a first physiological parameter, the first sensor configured to be attached to a first portion of a patient; a second sensor configured to obtain physiological information related to a second physiological parameter, the second sensor configured to be attached to a second portion of the patient, the second sensor including a first connector port and a second connector port, the first connector port configured to connect to the first sensor via a first cable; and a patient monitor configured to connect to the second connector port of the second sensor via a second cable, the patient monitor configured to receive physiological information related to the first and second physiological parameters from the second sensor, and further configured to attach to a third portion of the patient. The second sensor may also include a bypass bus configured to communicate physiological information from the first sensor to the patient monitor without being processed by the second sensor. The second sensor may be configured to transmit physiological information obtained by the second sensor to the patient monitor simultaneously with physiological information from the first sensor. The first connector port and the second connector port of the second sensor may be positioned on a first side of the second sensor. The second sensor may include one or more cable securing arms configured to be secured to a portion of one of the first cable or the second cable. The first sensor may be an ECG device and the second sensor may be configured to measure physiological information related to the blood pressure of the patient.

A non-invasive blood pressure monitor may include an inflatable cuff; a pressure transducer; an air pump; a plurality of air paths connecting the inflatable cuff, the pressure transducer, and the air pump; and an acoustic filter disposed along the at least one air path. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may include an air manifold linking a plurality of air paths. An acoustic filter may be disposed between the air pump and the air manifold. An acoustic filter may be disposed between the inflatable cuff and the air manifold. An acoustic filter may be disposed between the pressure transducer and the air manifold.

The acoustic filter may be integrated with the air manifold. The air manifold may include an acoustic filtering cavity. The acoustic filtering cavity may comprise a plurality of ports feeding into the acoustic filtering cavity, wherein the size of the acoustic filtering cavity is at least 5 times the size of the plurality of ports. The acoustic filter may comprise a low pass filter. The acoustic filter may include one or more take-over tubes (stubs) branching off from one of the plurality of air paths. One or more of the nipples may be straight. One or more of the nipples may be closed-ended. The acoustic filter may comprise two opposing nipples. One or more of the nipples may have a folded configuration. The one or more nipples may comprise a plurality of segments joined together at one or more angles. The acoustic filter may comprise one or more box-shaped cavities. The acoustic filter may include a box-shaped cavity having a face attached to one of the plurality of air paths. The acoustic filter may include a box-shaped cavity attached to one of the plurality of air paths by a nipple. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may also include a housing having two or more portions; and a gasket disposed at a mating interface between the two or more portions. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may also include noise suppressing materials within the housing. The acoustic filter may have a passband that excludes a fundamental frequency generated by the air pump when operating at 50% or more of its maximum operating speed.

A non-invasive blood pressure monitor may include an inflatable cuff; a pressure transducer; a first air pump and a second air pump; and a processor configured to independently control one or more operating characteristics of the first air pump and the second air pump. The one or more operating characteristics of the first air pump and the second air pump may include a speed of the first air pump or the second air pump. The one or more operating characteristics of the first and second air pumps may include a stroke length of the first or second air pump. The one or more operating characteristics of the first and second air pumps may include a stroke phase of the first or second air pump. The monitor may be configured to determine one or more characteristics of acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps; and independently adjusting one or more operating characteristics of the first air pump and the second air pump based on one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise. The monitor may be configured to determine one or more characteristics of acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps using signals output from the microphones. The microphone may be integrated in the monitor. The monitor may be configured to determine one or more characteristics of acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps using the signal output from the pressure transducer. The monitor may be configured to use the current from the air pumps to determine one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps. One or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps may be loudness. One or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the second air pump may be beat frequency. One or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps may include frequency content. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may also be configured to adjust one or more operating characteristics of the first air pump and the second air pump based on one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise in order to reduce the acoustic discomfort metric. The acoustic discomfort metric may be based on one or more characteristics of acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the second air pump. The monitor may be configured to control the speed of the first air pump or the second air pump so as to set the beat frequency in the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the second air pump to a desired value. The monitor may be configured to control the speed of the first air pump or the second air pump so as to obtain a desired relationship between the frequency content of the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the frequency content of the acoustic noise generated by the second air pump. The monitor may be configured to control the speed of the first air pump or the second air pump such that a frequency component of the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump is harmonically related to a frequency component of the acoustic noise generated by the second air pump. The monitor may be configured to control a stroke phase of the first air pump or the second air pump so as to increase destructive interference between acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and acoustic noise generated by the second air pump.

A non-invasive blood pressure monitor may include an inflatable cuff; a pressure transducer; one or more air pumps; and a processor configured to control the one or more air pumps so as to provide a first inflation rate for the inflatable cuff during a non-measurement portion of the inflation phase and a second inflation rate during a measurement portion of the inflation phase, the first inflation rate being greater than the second inflation rate. The monitor may include a first air pump and a second air pump, and the processor may be configured to turn on the first air pump and the second air pump during a non-measurement portion of the inflation phase. The processor may be configured to subsequently turn off the second air pump during the measurement portion of the inflation phase. The processor may be configured to control the one or more air pumps to switch from the first inflation rate to the second inflation rate after detecting the plethysmographic waveform from the output signal of the pressure transducer. The processor may be configured to determine the second inflation rate based at least in part on a predetermined minimum number of cardiac cycles for performing the blood pressure measurement. The predetermined minimum number of cardiac cycles may be less than or equal to 15. The processor may be configured to determine the second inflation rate based at least in part on a pulse rate of the patient. The processor may be configured to determine the second inflation rate based at least in part on the maximum inflation pressure. The maximum inflation pressure may be determined based on an envelope of the plurality of plethysmographic waveforms. The processor may be configured to provide a first inflation rate until a threshold air pressure in the inflatable cuff is reached. The processor may be configured to provide a first inflation rate until a plethysmographic waveform is detected in the output of the pressure transducer. The second inflation rate may be a target inflation rate that is actively controlled during a measurement portion of the inflation phase. The target inflation rate may be a set increase in air pressure per cardiac cycle. The target inflation rate may be varied during a measurement portion of the inflation phase. During the identified diastolic or systolic pressure measurement zone of air pressure in the inflatable cuff, the target inflation rate may be slowed. The envelope of multiple plethysmographic waveforms in the output of the pressure transducer may be used to identify diastolic or systolic pressure measurement zones. Diastolic or systolic pressure measurement zones may be identified based at least in part on inflection points in an envelope of the plurality of plethysmographic waveforms. The monitor may be configured to end the measurement portion of the inflation phase based on an envelope of a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms in the output of the pressure transducer. The monitor may be configured to end the measurement portion of the inflation phase based at least in part on an inflection point in an envelope of the plurality of plethysmographic waveforms. The monitor may be configured to determine a blood pressure measurement and a confidence metric upon ending the measurement portion of the inflation phase. The confidence measures may include a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms detected during the measurement portion of the inflation phase, smoothness of an envelope of the plurality of plethysmographic waveforms in the output of the pressure transducer, or an indication of patient motion during a time period corresponding to one or more plethysmographic waveforms. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may further comprise at least two air pumps; and a clock or counter for measuring the accumulated running time of each of the at least two air pumps. The monitor may be configured to select at least two air pumps for running the task in order to reduce imbalance in their respective cumulative run times.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the invention disclosed herein may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Drawings

Various embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are illustrated and described by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like elements have like reference numerals.

Fig. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a patient monitoring system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B shows another perspective view of the patient monitoring system of FIG. 1A.

Fig. 1C illustrates a schematic diagram of the patient monitoring system of fig. 1A, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1D illustrates another schematic diagram of the patient monitoring system of fig. 1C, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of an ECG device.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the disposable portion of the ECG device of FIG. 2A.

Fig. 2C shows a perspective view of the reusable portion of the ECG device of fig. 2A.

Fig. 2D shows a schematic diagram of the ECG device of fig. 2A.

FIG. 2E shows a docking station for the disposable portion of the ECG device shown in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2F shows an exploded top perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 2E.

FIG. 2G illustrates an exploded bottom perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 2E.

FIG. 2H illustrates a side view of the docking station of FIG. 2E.

FIG. 2I illustrates a top view of the flexible circuit of the docking station of FIG. 2E.

Fig. 2J and 2K show top perspective views of the hub portion of the reusable portion of the ECG device shown in fig. 2C.

FIGS. 2L-2M illustrate bottom perspective views of the hub portion of FIGS. 2J-2K.

FIG. 2N illustrates a side view of the docking station of FIGS. 2J-2K.

Fig. 2O illustrates an exploded top perspective view of the hub of fig. 2J and 2K.

Fig. 2P shows an exploded bottom perspective view of the hub of fig. 2J and 2K.

Fig. 2Q illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the hub of fig. 2J and 2K, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2R illustrates a perspective view of a hub and docking station of the ECG device of fig. 2A and also illustrates a method of mating the hub and docking station, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2S illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the ECG device of fig. 2A on a patient showing the relative position of the temperature sensor with respect to the patient, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2T illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the ECG device of fig. 2A on a patient showing the relative position of the internal electrodes of the ECG device with respect to the patient, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2U illustrates a block diagram depicting a method of collecting physiological data using the ECG of fig. 2A, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an ECG device.

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the disposable portion of the ECG device of FIG. 3A.

Fig. 3C shows a perspective view of the reusable portion of the ECG device of fig. 3A.

Fig. 3D shows a schematic diagram of the ECG device of fig. 3A.

FIG. 3E shows a docking station for the disposable portion of the ECG device shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3F shows an exploded top perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 3E.

FIG. 3G illustrates an exploded bottom perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 3E.

FIG. 3H illustrates a side view of the docking station of FIG. 3E.

FIG. 3I illustrates a top view of the flexible circuit of the docking station of FIG. 3E.

Fig. 3J and 3K show top perspective views of the hub portion of the reusable portion of the ECG device shown in fig. 3C.

FIG. 3L illustrates a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIGS. 3J-3K.

Fig. 3M illustrates an exploded top perspective view of the hub of fig. 3J and 3K.

Fig. 3N shows an exploded bottom perspective view of the hub of fig. 3J and 3K.

Fig. 3O illustrates a perspective view of a hub and docking station of the ECG device of fig. 3A and also illustrates a method of mating the hub and docking station, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3P illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the ECG device of fig. 3A on a patient showing the relative position of the temperature sensor with respect to the patient, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3Q illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the ECG device of fig. 3A on a patient showing the relative position of the internal electrodes of the ECG device with respect to the patient, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3R illustrates a block diagram depicting a method of collecting physiological data using the ECG of fig. 3A, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4A-4C illustrate various views of an ECG packaging apparatus, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4D illustrates various views of an electrode, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4E illustrates an alternative configuration of the ECG packaging apparatus of fig. 4A, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5A-5B show perspective views of a blood pressure monitor.

Fig. 5C shows a top view of the blood pressure monitor of fig. 5A-5B.

Fig. 5D illustrates a bottom view of the blood pressure monitor of fig. 5A-5B.

Figure 5E illustrates a side view of the blood pressure monitor of figures 5A-5B.

Figure 5F illustrates another side view of the blood pressure monitor of figures 5A-5B.

Fig. 5G illustrates a front view of the blood pressure monitor of fig. 5A-5B.

Fig. 5H illustrates a rear view of the blood pressure monitor of fig. 5A-5B.

Figure 5I shows a perspective view of the blood pressure cuff.

Figure 5J illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the blood pressure cuff of figure 5I.

FIG. 5K shows the blood pressure cuff of FIG. 5I secured to the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 5A-5B.

Fig. 5L illustrates the blood pressure cuff of fig. 5I in a first orientation with a blood pressure monitor secured thereto, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5M illustrates the blood pressure cuff of fig. 5I in a second orientation with the blood pressure monitor secured thereto, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figures 5N-5O illustrate perspective views of a portion of the blood pressure cuff of figure 5I, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

5P-5Q illustrate cross-sections of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 5A-5B, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5R shows an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-section shown in fig. 5Q.

5S-5T illustrate exploded perspective views of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 5A-5B, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

5U-5V illustrate perspective views, with portions removed, of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 5A-5B, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

5W-5X illustrate cross-sectional views of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 5A-5B, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5Y illustrates another perspective view, with a portion removed, of the blood pressure monitor of fig. 5A-5B, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5Z and 5AA show exploded views of the valve of the blood pressure monitor.

Fig. 6A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a blood pressure monitor assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B shows another perspective view of the blood pressure monitor assembly of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the blood pressure monitor assembly of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the blood pressure monitor assembly shown in FIG. 6C.

FIG. 6E shows an exploded view of the blood pressure monitor assembly of FIG. 6A.

6F-6I show perspective views of a blood pressure monitor of the assembly of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6J illustrates a top view of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6F-6I.

Figure 6K illustrates a bottom view of the blood pressure monitor of figures 6F-6I.

FIG. 6L shows a side view of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6F-6I.

FIG. 6M shows another side view of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6F-6I.

Fig. 6N illustrates a front view of the blood pressure monitor of fig. 6F-6I.

FIG. 6O shows a rear view of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6F-6I.

FIG. 6P illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6F-6I shown in FIG. 6F.

FIG. 6Q illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6F-6I shown in FIG. 6H.

FIG. 6R illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the housing of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6F-6I shown in FIG. 6M.

Fig. 6S-6T show perspective views of the bracket of the assembly of fig. 6A.

FIG. 6U illustrates a top view of a stand of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6S-6T.

FIG. 6V illustrates a bottom view of the stand of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6S-6T.

FIG. 6W shows a side view of a stent of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6S-6T.

FIG. 6X illustrates another side view of the stand of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6S-6T.

FIG. 6Y shows a front view of a mount of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6S-6T.

FIG. 6Z illustrates a rear view of the stand of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6S-6T.

Fig. 7A illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a blood pressure monitor assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

7B-7C show perspective views of the blood pressure monitor of the assembly of FIG. 7A.

Fig. 7D shows a top view of the blood pressure monitor of fig. 7B-7C.

Fig. 7E illustrates a bottom view of the blood pressure monitor of fig. 7B-7C.

Figure 7F illustrates a side view of the blood pressure monitor of figures 7B-7C.

Figure 7G illustrates another side view of the blood pressure monitor of figures 7B-7C.

Fig. 7H illustrates a front view of the blood pressure monitor of fig. 7B-7C.

Fig. 7I illustrates a rear view of the blood pressure monitor of fig. 7B-7C.

FIG. 7J illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the view of the blood pressure monitor illustrated in FIG. 7G.

Fig. 7K illustrates a cross-sectional view of the blood pressure monitor of fig. 7B-7C, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7L illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the cross-section shown in fig. 7K, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7M illustrates another enlarged perspective view of the cross-section shown in fig. 7K, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7N-7O show perspective views of the bracket of the assembly of fig. 7A.

Fig. 7P shows a top view of the stent of fig. 7N-7O.

Fig. 7Q illustrates a bottom view of the bracket of fig. 7N-7O.

Fig. 7R shows a side view of the stent of fig. 7N-7O.

Fig. 7S shows another side view of the stent of fig. 7N-7O.

Fig. 7T shows a front view of the stent of fig. 7N-7O.

Fig. 7U shows a rear view of the bracket of fig. 7N-7O.

Fig. 7V shows the stent of fig. 7N-7O connected to an exemplary blood pressure cuff, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a patient monitor assembly with a connected cable, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 8B illustrates another perspective view of the patient monitor assembly of figure 8A without an attached cable.

FIG. 8C shows an exploded view of the blood pressure monitor assembly of FIG. 8B.

Figure 8D shows a top view of the patient monitor of the assembly of figure 8B.

Figure 8E illustrates a bottom view of the patient monitor of figure 8D.

Figure 8F shows a side view of the patient monitor of figure 8D.

Figure 8G shows another side view of the patient monitor of figure 8D.

Figure 8H shows a front view of the patient monitor of figure 8D.

Figure 8I shows a rear view of the patient monitor of figure 8D.

Fig. 8J shows a perspective view of a bracket of the assembly of fig. 8B.

Fig. 8K shows a top view of the stent of fig. 8J.

Fig. 8L illustrates a bottom view of the bracket of fig. 8J.

Fig. 8M shows a side view of the stent of fig. 8J.

Fig. 8N shows another side view of the stent of fig. 8J.

Fig. 8O shows a front view of the stent of fig. 8J.

Fig. 8P shows a back view of the stent of fig. 8J.

Figure 8Q shows an enlarged view of a portion of the patient monitor shown in figure 8G.

Fig. 8R illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the view illustrated in fig. 8Q with a portion of the patient monitor removed, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8S illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the view illustrated in fig. 8Q with a portion of the patient monitor removed, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8T shows a top view of the enlarged view of fig. 8R.

Fig. 8U illustrates a perspective view of a locking tab assembly of a patient monitor, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8V illustrates a bottom view of the locking tab assembly of FIG. 8U.

Fig. 9A-9C illustrate various views of a cable management branch, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10A illustrates a perspective view of a charging station, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10B shows a top view of the charging station of fig. 10A.

Fig. 10C illustrates a bottom view of the charging station of fig. 10A.

Fig. 10D shows a side view of the charging station of fig. 10A.

Fig. 10E shows a front view of the charging station of fig. 10A.

Fig. 10F shows a rear view of the charging station of fig. 10A.

Fig. 10G shows a top perspective view of the frame of the charging station of fig. 10A.

Fig. 10H shows another top perspective view of the frame of fig. 10G.

Fig. 10I shows a bottom perspective view of the frame of fig. 10G.

Fig. 10J shows an exploded view of the frame of fig. 10G.

Fig. 10K shows another exploded view of the frame of fig. 10G.

Fig. 10L shows a cross section through a portion of the frame of fig. 10G.

Fig. 11A-11B illustrate perspective views of a charging stand with two patient monitors placed therein, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11C illustrates a perspective view of a medical monitoring hub, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

11D-11E illustrate perspective views of the charging stand of FIGS. 11A-11B with two patient monitors not placed therein, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11F illustrates a bottom view of the charging stand of fig. 11D-11E.

Fig. 11G shows a top view of the charging stand of fig. 11D-11E.

Fig. 11H shows an exploded perspective view of the charging stand of fig. 11D-11E.

Fig. 11I shows another exploded perspective view of the charging stand of fig. 11D-11E.

Fig. 11J shows a perspective view of the tray of the charging stand of fig. 11D-11E.

Fig. 11K shows a front view of the tray of fig. 11J.

Fig. 11L illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the charging stand of fig. 11H, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

11M-11N illustrate side views of the charging stand of FIGS. 11D-11E, and also illustrate the rotational capability of the tray of the charging stand, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a non-invasive blood pressure monitor.

Fig. 13A shows an exemplary embodiment of an acoustic filter that may be provided in a blood pressure monitor.

FIG. 13B illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an acoustic filter that may be provided in a blood pressure monitor.

Fig. 13C shows an additional exemplary embodiment of an acoustic filter that may be provided in a blood pressure monitor.

FIG. 13D illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of an acoustic filter that may be provided in a blood pressure monitor.

Fig. 14A is a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method of improving audible sounds emitted by a non-invasive blood pressure monitor using an air pump controller.

Fig. 14B is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method of reducing the amount of time required for a non-invasive blood pressure monitor to perform a blood pressure measurement.

FIG. 14C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method of dynamically controlling inflation of a cuff in a blood pressure monitor.

FIG. 14D illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method for performing pump frequency relationship control in a blood pressure monitor having multiple air pumps.

FIG. 14E illustrates how the target inflation rate of the blood pressure cuff is adjusted based on the envelope of the oscillometric signal produced by the blood pressure monitor during a blood pressure measurement.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure describes various devices, systems, and methods for monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a patient.

The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The following description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that the steps in the method may be performed in a different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the apparatus, systems, and/or methods disclosed herein may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the apparatus, systems, and/or methods disclosed herein.

Overview of a patient monitoring System

The present disclosure describes patient monitoring systems that may include a patient monitor (also referred to herein as a "user interface monitor" and a "vital signs monitor") attached to a patient and also attached to one or more physiological sensors. The patient monitor may collect physiological data from various connected sensors and may process and/or display such data or information related to such data on a screen of the patient monitor. In some cases, the patient monitor includes a wireless transmitter or transceiver that can transmit such data or information to the patient monitor remote from the patient. In some cases, the patient monitor may be a stand-alone unit that may present a large amount of physiological information to the patient or caregiver (via a screen). The patient monitoring system and/or various components thereof (e.g., sensors/devices) may minimize the total amount of cabling in the system. For example, one or more sensors/devices of a patient monitoring system may be indirectly connected to a patient monitor via another of the one or more sensors/devices in the system. For example, where the system includes an ECG device, a blood pressure monitor, and a patient monitor, the ECG device may be directly connected to the blood pressure monitor and indirectly connected to the patient monitor via a single cable that directly connects the blood pressure monitor and the patient monitor. Further, the blood pressure monitor may include a bypass function that allows incoming data from the ECG device to be passed directly to an outgoing cable that connects the blood pressure monitor to the patient monitor (e.g., without the need for the incoming ECG device data to be processed by the processor of the blood pressure monitor). Such an "indirect" cable connection between the ECG device and the patient monitor may reduce the length of cable required and may allow for improved cable management of the patient monitoring system as a whole.

Fig. 1A-1B illustrate a patient monitoring system 100. The patient monitoring system 100 may include one or more physiological sensors attached to the patient 111. For example, the patient monitoring system 100 can include an acoustic sensor 150, an ECG device 110, a blood pressure monitor 600 (also referred to herein as a "blood pressure sensor" or a "blood pressure device" or a "blood pressure measurement device" or a "blood pressure monitoring device"), an optical sensor 140, and/or a patient monitor 130 (also referred to herein as a "user interface monitor" and a "vital signs monitor"). Additional sensors and/or devices may be incorporated into the system 100 in addition to those shown in fig. 1A-B. Any or all of the sensor/monitors 110, 120, 130, 140 and/or 150 cables 103, 105, 107, 114 and/or blood pressure cuff 121 may be reusable, disposable or reusable. Reusable devices may include partially disposable and partially reusable devices. For example, the acoustic sensor 150 may include reusable electronics, but may include a disposable contact surface (such as an adhesive) where the sensor 150 contacts the skin of the patient 111. As another example, and as described in more detail below, the ECG device 110 can include a reusable portion and a disposable portion.

As shown in fig. 1A-1B, ECG device 110 may have a plurality of cables 114 connected to electrodes 112, and may be connected to a blood pressure monitor 120 via cable 105. As also shown, blood pressure monitor 120 may be connected to patient monitor 130 via cable 107. System 100 may include additional sensors that may be connected to patient monitor 130. For example, the system 100 may include an acoustic sensor 150 that may be connected to the patient monitor 130 via a cable 103 and/or an optical sensor 140 that may be connected to the patient monitor 130 via a cable 109. The ECG device 110 can be secured to the chest of the patient 111. Blood pressure monitor 120 may be secured to an arm of patient 111 and/or a blood pressure cuff 121, which may be secured to the arm. Patient monitor 130 may be secured to the forearm of patient 111, for example, via a fastening strap 131, which may be secured to or through a portion of patient monitor 130 and around the forearm. The acoustic sensor 150 may be affixed to the neck of the patient 111. Optical sensor 140 may be affixed to a finger of patient 111, such as the index finger of patient 111.

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) device 110 of the system 100 may be used to monitor electrical activity of the heart of the patient 111. The ECG device 110 can include one or more cables 114, which can be coupled to one or more external electrodes 112. The ECG device 110 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven or more cables 114 and/or corresponding electrodes 112. The ECG device 110 is further illustrated in fig. 2A-2U, and is described in more detail below.

Blood pressure monitor 120 of system 100 may be used with blood pressure cuff 121 to measure blood pressure data of patient 111. The blood pressure cuff 121 (also referred to herein as a "cuff") may be inflatable and/or deflatable. Cuff 121 may be a vibrometry cuff that is electrically actuated (e.g., via smart cuff inflation and/or based on a time interval) to obtain blood pressure information of patient 111. Such blood pressure data may be transmitted to patient monitor 130 via cable 35. Blood pressure monitor 120 is further illustrated in fig. 5A-5AA, and described in more detail below. As described below, the blood pressure monitor 120 may have features and/or functionality as described in more detail below with reference to fig. 12-14E.

The optical sensor 140 may include one or more emitters and one or more detectors for obtaining physiological information indicative of one or more blood parameters of the patient 111. These parameters may include various blood analytes, such as oxygen, oxidationCarbon, methemoglobin, total hemoglobin, glucose, protein, glucose, lipids, percentages thereof (e.g., concentration or saturation), and the like. The optical sensor 140 may also be used to obtain photoplethysmography, measurements of plethysmogram variability, pulse rate, measurements of blood perfusion, and the like. Such as oxygen saturation (SpO) may be obtained from the optical sensor 140 ₂) Pulse rate, plethysmographic waveform, Perfusion Index (PI), plethysmogram (pleth) variability index (PVI), methemoglobin (MetHb), carboxyhemoglobin (CoHb), total hemoglobin (tHb), glucose, and data related to these information may be transmitted to patient monitor 130 via cable 109. For example, the optical sensor 140 may be a pulse oximeter.

The acoustic sensor 150 (also referred to as an "acoustic respiration sensor" or "respiration sensor") of the system 100 may include an acoustic transducer, such as a piezoelectric element. The acoustic sensor 150 may be connected to the patient monitor 130 via a cable 103. The acoustic sensor 150 may detect respiration and other biological sounds of the patient and provide signals reflective of these sounds to the patient monitor. The acoustic sensor 150 may be a piezoelectric sensor or the like that obtains physiological information reflecting one or more breathing parameters of the patient 111. These parameters may include, for example, respiration rate, inspiration time, expiration time, inspiration-to-expiration ratio, inspiration flow, expiration flow, tidal volume, minute volume, apnea duration, breath sounds, rale sounds, lange sounds, wheezing sounds, and changes in breath sounds such as volume reduction or changes in airflow. Further, in some cases, the respiration sensor 150 or another lead (not shown) of the respiration sensor 150 may measure other physiological sounds, such as heart rate (e.g., to facilitate probeless detection), heart sounds (e.g., S1, S2, S3, S4, and murmurs), and changes in heart sounds, such as normal to murs or split heart sounds indicative of fluid overload. In some embodiments, a second acoustic respiration sensor may be provided over the chest of the patient 111 for additional heart sound detection.

The acoustic sensor 150 may be used to generate an exciter waveform that may be detected by the optical sensor 140 at the fingertip, the optical sensor attached to the patient's ear, the ECG device 110, or another acoustic sensor. The velocity of the exciter waveform can be calculated by a processor in the patient monitor 130 and/or the blood pressure device 120. From this velocity, the processor can derive a blood pressure measurement or blood pressure estimate. The processor may output the blood pressure measurement for display. The processor may also use the blood pressure measurement to determine whether to trigger the blood pressure cuff 121.

As shown in fig. 1A-1B, the patient monitoring system 100 includes various cables that connect the physiological sensors together and/or to the patient. As described above, patient monitor 130 may be advantageously coupled to each of the various sensors 110, 120, 140, and/or 150 to acquire various physiological data of patient 111, process such data, and may conveniently display such data and/or information related to such data on a display screen for easy viewing by the patient and/or caregiver. As shown, such cables may include one or more cables 114, cables 103 connected to acoustic sensors 150, cables 105 connected to ECG devices 110, cables 107 connected to blood pressure monitors 120, and/or cables 109 connected to pulse oximeters 140. Cable management can be difficult due to all such sensors/devices in the system 100 and all such cables connecting these sensors/devices. Advantageously, the system 100 and its various components (sensors/devices) may be oriented, structured, and/or designed to effectively manage the various cables.

For example, while it may be advantageous to transmit data from each of the various sensors to patient monitor 130, such transmission may be provided indirectly through other ones of the sensors/devices of system 100. As shown, in some cases where system 100 includes ECG device 110, blood pressure monitor 120, and patient monitor 130, rather than having ECG device 110 directly connected to patient monitor 130 (where such a cable may have to span or pass through a gap between the chest of patient 111 and the arm of the patient), ECG device 110 may be directly connected to blood pressure device 120 via cable 105, as shown in fig. 1A-1B, blood pressure device 120 may be affixed to the upper arm of patient 111. Furthermore, such indirect connection may result in a shorter cable length when ECG device 110 is attached to the chest of patient 111 and patient monitor 130 is attached to the arm (e.g., wrist or lower arm) of patient 111. Reducing the length of the cable connecting the various sensors/devices may reduce or eliminate problems associated with wiring, including discomfort and/or annoyance to the patient being monitored, interference with the patient's motion, and/or the ability of the caregiver to interact with, contact, assess and/or treat the patient.

FIG. 1B shows the system 100 shown in FIG. 1A, but on the opposite side of the patient 111. Advantageously, the connection techniques discussed above with reference to fig. 1A are equally applicable to the case where the system 100 is secured to the right side of the patient 111. The system 100 may include one or more cable management branches (such as cable management branch 900 discussed further below with reference to fig. 9A-9C) that may be secured to various portions of the patient 111, and may also be secured to portions of any of the cables 103, 105, 107, and/or 109.

Fig. 1C shows a schematic diagram of the system 100. Fig. 1C schematically illustrates how patient monitor 130 may obtain information from one or more physiological sensors or monitors. Patient monitor 130 may be connected (via a cable or wirelessly) to one or more physiological sensors to obtain various physiological information about the monitored patient, as described above. Patient monitor 130 may be configured to store, process, transmit without processing, display, and/or display without processing physiological information received from one or more physiological sensors of system 100. Patient monitor 130 is a processing device and, as such, may include the necessary components to perform the functions of the processing device. For example, patient monitor 130 may include one or more processors (such as one, two, three, or four processors, which may be dedicated to processing certain physiological parameters and/or processing physiological information from certain sensors/devices), memory devices, storage devices, input/output devices, and communication connections, all connected via one or more communication buses.

As shown, the patient monitoring system 100 may include an ECG device 110 and/or a blood pressure monitor 120. As also shown, ECG device 110 and/or blood pressure monitor 120 may be connected to patient monitor 130 and transmit physiological information to patient monitor 130. Each of the ECG device 110 and/or the blood pressure monitor 120 can be directly connected to the patient monitor 130 with a cable (or wirelessly). Alternatively, one or both of the ECG device 110 and the blood pressure monitor 120 may be indirectly connected to the patient monitor 54. For example, the ECG device 110 may be directly connected to the blood pressure monitor 120 (such as with cable 105) and then the blood pressure monitor is directly connected to the patient monitor 130 (such as with cable 107). As noted above, such "indirect" connection between the ECG device 110 and the patient monitor 130 may be beneficial, for example, where many physiological sensors/devices are attached to the patient 111 and cables are used to connect the various physiological sensors/devices to each other or to the patient monitor 130. As described above, such an "indirect" connection may reduce the length and/or number of cables near the patient being monitored, which in turn may reduce patient discomfort, reduce potential "obstructions" or cable displacement, and increase patient mobility, among other things.

In some cases, the cable 103 may be configured to connect to a connector port on the blood pressure monitor 120 or a connector port on the patient monitor 130. Additionally or alternatively, in some cases, the cable 105 may be configured to connect to a connector port on the blood pressure monitor 120 or a connector port on the patient monitor 130. Advantageously, this may provide flexibility for the connection of the system 100 without the blood pressure monitor 120. Further, in some cases, blood pressure monitor 120 includes one or more connector ports on an end thereof. This may additionally allow for a smaller cable length between the blood pressure monitor 120 and the one or more ECG devices 110 and/or acoustic sensors 150 when the system 100 is secured to the patient 111 in the configuration shown in fig. 1A-1B. Cables 103, 105 and 107 may include the same connectors on their ends. For example, referring to fig. 2C, 5A, and 8A, connector ends 105A, 107a, and/or 103a of cables 105, 107, and/or 103 may be identical. Blood pressure monitor 120 and patient monitor 130 may include one or more identical connector ports configured to electrically connect to connectors on such ends of cables 103, 105, and 107. Advantageously, such a configuration may allow cables 103, 1095, and/or 107 to be electrically connected to blood pressure monitor 120 or patient monitor 130, which may provide flexibility in the configuration of system 100. For example, such a configuration may provide flexibility as to which of ECG device 110, blood pressure monitor 120, patient monitor 130, and/or acoustic sensors are included and/or arranged. In one non-limiting example, the ECG device 110 is secured to the chest of the monitored patient, the blood pressure monitor 120 is secured to the arm of the patient (e.g., the patient's biceps and/or upper arm), the acoustic sensor 150 is secured to the patient's neck, the optical sensor 140 is secured to the patient's finger (e.g., index finger), and the patient monitor 130 is secured to a portion of the arm of the patient (e.g., the patient's forearm).

As shown in fig. 1C, ECG device 110 may be directly connected to blood pressure monitor 120 with cable 105, and blood pressure monitor 120 may be directly connected to patient monitor 130 with cable 107. Blood pressure monitor 120 may include a bypass function that allows blood pressure monitor 120 to pass physiological information received from ECG device 110 to patient monitor 130 without processing, storing, or otherwise altering the received information. For example, the blood pressure monitor 120 may include a bypass bus configured to communicate physiological information received from the ECG device 110 without processing the information. Further, the blood pressure monitor 120 may transmit the physiological information obtained from its own measurement component together with the information received from the ECG device 110. This transmission of the physiological information of the blood pressure monitor 120 may or may not be simultaneous with the transmission of the physiological information from the ECG device 110. Alternatively, the blood pressure monitor 120 may be configured to process or partially process the physiological information received from the ECG device 110 (e.g., via the cable 107) prior to transmission to the patient monitor 130.

As described above, the patient monitoring system 100 may include sensors in addition to or in lieu of the ECG device 110 and/or the blood pressure monitor 120. Such additional sensors may also be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to patient monitor 130. For example, the patient monitoring system 100 may include an acoustic sensor 150 that may be connected to the patient monitor 130 via a cable 103 (or wirelessly). Additionally or alternatively, the patient monitoring system 100 may include an optical sensor 140 that may be connected (or wirelessly) to the patient monitor 130 via the cable 109. Although the acoustic sensor 150 and the optical sensor 140 are shown as being connected to the patient monitor 130 separately from the ECG device 110 and the blood pressure monitor 120, one or both of the acoustic sensor 150 and the optical sensor 140 may alternatively be configured to be connected to one of the ECG device 110 and the blood pressure monitor 120. For example, the acoustic sensor 150 may be directly connected to the blood pressure monitor 120 and indirectly connected to the patient monitor 130 via the cable 103. For example, the system 100 may include the acoustic sensor 150, the blood pressure monitor 120, without the ECG device 110, and one end of the cable 105 may be connected to the blood pressure monitor 120, where the ECG device 110 may be otherwise connected to the blood pressure monitor 120. The blood pressure monitor 120 may include a bypass bus configured to transmit physiological information received from the acoustic sensor 150 without processing the information. Further, similar to that described above with respect to the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120 may transmit the physiological information it obtains from its own measurement component to the patient monitor 130 along with the information received from the acoustic sensor 150. This transmission of physiological information of the blood pressure monitor 120 may be simultaneous with the transmission of physiological information from the acoustic sensor 150. Alternatively, blood pressure monitor 120 may be configured to process or partially process physiological information received from acoustic sensor 150 prior to transmission to patient monitor 130. The blood pressure monitor 120 may include a single bypass bus configured to transmit physiological information received from the ECG device 110 and/or the acoustic sensor 150 to the patient monitor 130 without processing. Alternatively, the blood pressure monitor 120 may include a plurality of bypass buses, each of which is dedicated to one of the ECG device 110 and/or the acoustic sensor 150. The blood pressure monitor 120 may include a plurality of connector ports and/or connectors configured to connect to one or more cables that connect the ECG device 110 and/or the acoustic sensor 150 to the blood pressure monitor 120.

The patient monitor 130 may be configured to transmit physiological information received from one or more of the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, the acoustic sensor 150, and/or the optical sensor 140 to the external patient monitor 160. The external patient monitor 160 may be, for example, a nurse station, a clinician device, a pager, a cell phone, a computer, a multi-patient monitoring system, a hospital or facility information system. The skilled artisan will appreciate that many other computing systems, servers, processing nodes, display devices, printers, and links may interact with and/or receive physiological information from patient monitor 130.

Fig. 1D shows details of patient monitoring system 100 and patient monitor 130 in schematic form. As described above, the patient monitoring system 130 may include one or more of the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, the acoustic sensor 150, and/or the optical sensor 140 connected indirectly or directly to the patient monitor 130. Patient monitoring system 130 may include one or more additional sensors 180, which may also be connected to patient monitor 130 either indirectly or directly. The ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, the acoustic sensor 150, the optical sensor 140, and/or any additional sensors 180 may transmit physiological data to the sensor interface 132 of the patient monitor 130. The sensor interface 132 may pass the received physiological data to the processing and storage block 134. The processing and storage block 134 may include one or more processors configured to process physiological data received from one or more of the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, the acoustic sensor 150, the optical sensor 140, and/or any additional sensors 180 into a representation of a physiological parameter. The processing and storage block 134 may include a plurality of processors that are independently dedicated to processing data from different ones of the physiological sensors described above. For example, processing and storage block 134 may include a first processor dedicated to processing data from ECG device 110 and/or blood pressure monitor 120, a second processor dedicated to processing data from acoustic sensor 150, and/or dedicated to processing data A third processor of data from the optical sensor 140. The processing and storage block 134 may include an instrument manager that further may process the received physiological parameters for display. The instrument manager may include a memory buffer to hold the data for processing over a period of time. The memory buffer may include RAM, flash or other solid state memory, magnetic or optical disk based memory, combinations thereof, and the like. As described above, patient monitor 130 may include wireless transceiver 136. The wireless transceiver 136 may wirelessly transmit the physiological information received from the physiological sensors described above and/or parameters from one or more processors and/or instrument managers of the processing and storage block 134. The wireless transceiver 136 may transmit the received physiological data to an external device (such as an external patient monitor 160) via a wireless protocol 170. The wireless protocol may be any of a variety of wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi (802.llx), Cellular phones, infrared, RFID, satellite transmission, proprietary protocols, combinations thereof, and the like.

In some cases, one or more of the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, the acoustic sensor 150, and/or the optical sensor 140 incorporated in the system 100 may receive power from the patient monitor 130. In some cases, one or more of the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, the acoustic sensor 150, and/or the optical sensor 140 incorporated in the system 100 do not have an independent source of power and are electrically dependent on the patient monitor 130 for operation. For example, one or more of the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, the acoustic sensor 150, and/or the optical sensor 140 incorporated in the system 100 can be configured to be in a non-operational mode unless and/or until an indirect and/or direct electrical connection is established with the patient monitor 130. As discussed further below, patient monitor 130 may be configured to be charged from an external power source, such as charging station 1000 and/or charging stand 1100.

Physiological parameter calculation

One or more of the devices discussed above may be capable of independently determining certain physiological data. In some cases, the data processed from the respective devices may be used for correlation or accuracy improvement purposes. In some cases, data processed from multiple devices may be aggregated to determine a particular physiological condition. Further, in some cases, an independent data source may be used to determine the alert.

Cardiac parameters: the heart activity may be determined from the ECG device 110, the optical sensor 140, the blood pressure monitor 120, and the acoustic sensor 150. In some cases, the cardiac activity determined from the respective sensor may be used to improve the accuracy of the parameter related to cardiac activity. For example, parameters from different sources may be averaged. Furthermore, the deviation in the parameter may be used to determine a confidence. In some cases, certain parameters derived from a particular system may have a higher priority than parameters derived from a different system. For example, with respect to cardiac parameters, in some cases, the parameters derived from the ECG device 110 may have the highest priority. Thus, if there is a difference between the parameters derived from the ECG device 110 and the parameters derived from the optical sensor 140, the parameters derived from the ECG device 110 may be used for further processing. In some cases, parameters derived from the ECG device 110 may have higher weights. Furthermore, in some cases, the cardiac parameter derived from the optical sensor 140 may have a higher priority than the cardiac parameter derived from the blood pressure monitor 120. Furthermore, in some cases, the parameters derived by the blood pressure monitor 120 may have a higher priority than the parameters derived by the acoustic sensor 150. The cardiac parameter may comprise, for example, a pulse rate or a heart rate. The cardiac parameter may also include heart rhythm (cardioc tone). In some cases, the heart rhythm may be selected based on parameters derived from the ECG device 110 or parameters derived from the optical sensor 140. Oxygen saturation (SpO) can be derived by optical sensor 140 ₂) Values to modulate the temperament (tone).

Breathing rate: in some cases, the respiration rate measurements may be determined from three different sources: an acoustic sensor 150; an optical sensor 140; and an ECG device 110 (e.g., impedance). The combined respiration rate can be determined from these three different sources. As discussed above with respect to cardiac parameters, the rates from the independent sources may be averaged or weighted according to priority. In some examples, the respiration rate derived from the acoustic sensor 150 is of higher priority than the respiration rate derived from the impedance of the ECG device 110, which in turn may be of higher priority than the respiration rate derived from the optical sensor 140. As described above, the priority may determine the weight and alarm management conditions.

ECG characteristics: the collected ECG data can be used for ST/QT segment analysis, beat classification, and arrhythmia detection.

Temperature characteristics: the temperature measurements may be obtained from one or more temperature sensors in the ECG device 110, as described below. In some cases, a wireless sensor may be used to determine the temperature. Wireless sensors are described in more detail in U.S. patent publication No.2018/0103874 entitled "Systems and Methods for use in a Patient Fall Detection", filed on 12.10.2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Such wireless sensors may be disposable. Wireless sensors can also be used to detect patient orientation and falls. In some cases, the functionality of the wireless sensor may be integrated directly into the ECG device 110, as the ECG device 110 includes an accelerometer and/or gyroscope, as described below. Thus, in some cases, the ECG device 110 can detect temperature and orientation of the patient including fall monitoring, as described in more detail in U.S. patent publication No. 2018/0103874. When using the ECG device 110 and the wireless sensor, the temperature readings from the additional sensor may have a higher priority than the temperature readings from the ECG device 110.

Posture/fall source: in some cases, the plurality of devices may include accelerometers and/or gyroscopes that measure motion data. Example (b)For example, patient monitor 130, blood pressure monitor 120, ECG device 110, and wireless sensors discussed above may all include accelerometers and/or gyroscopes. The wireless sensor can passOr an alternative wireless communication protocol to patient monitor 130. As described above, the functions of the ECG device 110 and the wireless sensor may be merged into a single device. In some cases, the wireless sensor may be used alone when the ECG device 110 is unavailable or not needed. Since these devices are placed at different locations on the patient's body, the accelerometer and gyroscope data can be used to determine the overall orientation of the patient. For example, motion data from patient monitor 130 provides an indication of wrist movement. The motion data from blood pressure monitor 120 provides an indication of arm motion. The motion data from the ECG device 110 and the wireless sensor can provide motion data from the chest and/or back of the patient. The collected motion data may be used to determine, for example, whether the patient is walking, exercising, lying down, or has fallen. Thus, the collected motion data may provide information about the posture of the patient.

Alarm priority: in some cases, interactions between devices may determine alarm priority. For example, when blood pressure monitor 120 measures blood pressure, it may affect the reading from optical sensor 140. Thus, when the blood pressure monitor 120 is measuring (inflating/deflating the cuff), the alarm corresponding to the optical sensor 140 may be suspended or muted. In some examples, the following order may be used for alarm priorities having the highest priority to the lowest priority. 1) Fatal arrhythmia, 2) apnea, 3) SpO2, 4) cuff overpressure/timeout, 5) cardiac analysis, 6) heart rate, 7) respiratory rate, 8) NIBP, and 9) temperature.

Calibration: in some cases, the characteristics from the acoustic sensor 150 may be correlated with characteristics derived by the blood pressure monitor 120 (such as systolic, mean, and diastolic pressures). This correlation can be used for calibration purposes. Furthermore, characteristics from the waveform derived by the optical sensor 140, the waveform derived by the ECG device 110, may be used to determine the pulse arrival time. The pulse arrival time may be used to determine the pulse transit time, which may also be obtained from the waveform derived by the acoustic sensor 150. Based on these pulse parameters, an indication of blood pressure may be obtained, which may be calibrated periodically or over a certain period of time using blood pressure measurements obtained from blood pressure monitor 120.

ECG device

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a widely accepted non-invasive procedure that detects electrical pulses traveling through a patient's heart. It is commonly used to detect problems and/or abnormal conditions that may be associated with the heart of a patient. Temperature is also a widely accepted indicator of patient health. Both too low and too high a temperature may negatively affect the metabolic rate, organ function, and/or cause tissue damage in a patient. By collecting and monitoring ECG and temperature data of a patient, a care provider can detect and/or prevent harmful conditions, such as infection, sudden cardiac arrest, stroke, and other types of conditions.

Fig. 2A shows an ECG device 110 (also referred to herein as an "ECG sensor"). The ECG device 110 can be attached to different parts of the patient 111, such as the patient's chest, back, arms, legs, neck, head, or other parts of the patient's body. Fig. 1A-1B show an ECG device 110 attached to the chest of a patient 111. Referring to fig. 1A-B, 2A, and 5A, the ECG device 110 can be connected to a blood pressure monitor 120 via a cable 105. For example, connector 105a of cable 105 may connect to connector port 516 of blood pressure monitor 120. In some cases, the connector 105a is the same as the connector 107a of the cable 107. In this case, the ECG device 110 may be directly connected to the patient monitor 130 via a connector port, such as connector port 832 (fig. 8I), that connects the connector 105a to the patient monitor 130. This may advantageously provide flexibility in the connection of the ECG device 110, for example, when the blood pressure monitor 120 is not included in the system 100. In some variations, the cable 105 is permanently affixed to the ECG device 110 at the connector port 250 (see fig. 2A and 2O-2P). For example, the end of the cable 105 may be permanently hardwired to the circuit board of the ECG device 110 and therefore not removably affixed like the connector 105 a.

The ECG device 110 can detect electrical signals responsive to the patient's cardiac activity and can transmit such signals and/or physiological parameters responsive to such signals to other patient monitoring systems and/or devices. The detected signals and/or physiological parameters may be transmitted to other patient monitoring systems and/or devices via wired or various wireless communication protocols. For example, as described above, the ECG device 110 can interact with and/or be used with the devices/sensors 120, 130, 140, and/or 150.

The ECG device 110 can have the functionality and/or computational capability to calculate physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate, precise body temperature values, etc.) using raw physiological data (e.g., raw temperature data, raw ECG data responsive to patient heart activity, etc.). In this regard, the ECG device 110 may transmit the raw, unprocessed electrical signals or physiological data and/or the processed, calculated physiological parameters to other patient monitoring devices and/or systems, such as those discussed elsewhere herein (e.g., the blood pressure monitor 120 and/or the patient monitor 130).

Referring to fig. 2A-2D, the ECG device 110 can include a disposable portion 203 (also referred to herein as a "disposable device") and a reusable portion 205 (also referred to herein as a "reusable device"). The disposable portion 203 can include a docking station 204 (also referred to herein as a "base"), one or more external electrodes 112, and one or more cables 114. One or more external electrodes 112 can be coupled to the docking station 204 via one or more cables 114. The coupling between the external electrodes 112 and the docking station 204 is described further below.

The external electrodes 112 may detect electrical signals from the patient 111 in response to the patient's heart activity. The electrodes 112 may be placed in various locations on the patient 111 including the chest, head, arms, wrists, legs, ankles, etc. The electrodes 112 may be coupled to one or more substrates that provide support and/or adhesion. For example, the electrode 112 may include a substrate configured to removably secure the external electrode 112 to the patient 111 (e.g., the patient's skin) to allow for easy repositioning of the electrode 112. The substrate may provide improved electrical conductivity between the external electrode 112 and the patient 111. The substrate may be waterproof. For example, the substrate may be a silicone adhesive. Each outer electrode 112 may include a design (e.g., a unique design) that may be used to provide instructions to a user or caregiver to place and/or arrange the electrode 112 on the patient's body, as discussed further below with reference to fig. 4A-4E.

The electrical signals collected by the electrodes 112 can be transmitted to the docking station 204 via the cable 114. One end of the cable 114 can be coupled to the external electrode 112, while the other end of the cable 114 can be coupled to the docking station 204. For example, the cable 114 can be soldered to the electrodes 112 and/or to circuitry of the docking station 204 (such as the flex circuit 225 discussed below). The cable 114 may be flexible. The length of the cable 114 may be varied to provide flexibility to the caregiver in placing the outer electrode 112 at different locations on the patient 111. The length of the cable 114 shown in fig. 2A-2B is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2C shows a perspective view of the reusable device 205. The reusable device 205 may include a hub 206 (also referred to herein as a "cover"), the cable 105, and/or the connector 105 a. The hub 206 may transmit electrical signals to other devices and/or systems, including a multi-parameter patient monitoring system (MPMS), via the cable 105 and connector 105 a. Additionally or alternatively, the hub 206 may wirelessly transmit the electrical signals to other devices and/or systems. For example, the hub portion 206 may include a wireless transmitter or transceiver configured to use a different type of wireless communication technology (e.g., such asWi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.) wirelessly transmits electrical signals (e.g., signals related to patient temperature and/or cardiac activity). In some variations, the reusable device 205 does not include a cable or connector.

The hub portion 206 may have various shapes and/or sizes. For example, as shown in fig. 2C, the hub 206 may be rectangular in shape and/or may have rounded edges and/or corners. The hub 206 may be shaped to mate with the docking station 204. For example, the hub portion 206 may be sized and/or shaped to facilitate a mechanical and/or electrical mating with the docking station 204. Additional details regarding the mating of the hub 206 and docking station 204 are described further below.

Fig. 2D shows a schematic diagram of the ECG device 110. As described above, the ECG device 110 can include a disposable device 203 and a reusable device 205. The disposable device 203 may include a docking station 204 coupled to one or more external electrodes 112 that detect and transmit electrical signals from the patient 111 through the cable 114. The docking station 204 can receive electrical signals from the external electrodes 112 (e.g., via the flex circuit 225) and transmit them to the reusable device 205. The external electrodes 112 can be placed in various positions relative to the placement of the docking station 204. For example, the docking station 204 may be placed near, adjacent to, and/or over the patient's heart, and the external electrodes 112 may be placed at different locations on the patient's chest.

The external electrodes 112 may be color coordinated and/or include graphics or visualizations that may advantageously assist a caregiver in properly positioning and/or securing the electrodes 112 to a portion of the patient's body in order to collect accurate ECG data. For example, referring to fig. 2A-2B and 4D, the outer electrode 112 may include a label portion 112A that may indicate the name, number, or other identifier of a particular electrode 112, e.g., relative to another electrode or electrodes 112 (see "RA", "V1", "V3", "LL" in fig. 4D). As also shown, the external electrodes 112 can include a placement indicator 112b that can indicate proper positioning and/or placement of a particular electrode 112 relative to another electrode 112, a plurality of other electrodes 112, and/or a docking station 204 of the disposable portion 203 of the ECG device 110. For example, where the ECG device 110 includes four electrodes 112, each of the electrodes 112 may include a unique placement indicator 112b that graphically illustrates the proper placement of a particular electrode 112 relative to each of the other electrodes 112, the cable 114, and/or the docking station 204 of the disposable portion 203 on the user's body (e.g., chest). As another example, where the ECG device 110 includes two electrodes 112, each of the electrodes 112 may include a unique placement indicator 112b that graphically illustrates the proper placement of a particular electrode 112 relative to each of the other electrodes 112, the cable 114, and/or the docking station 204 of the disposable portion 203 on the user's body (e.g., chest). The unique portion of placement indicator 112b may be color coordinated with the actual color of cable 114 and/or electrode 112. In some variations, each unique placement indicator 112b includes the shape of a particular electrode and/or associated cable in solid lines, and includes shapes that represent other electrodes and/or docking stations in dashed lines so as to be distinguishable. In some variations, the shape of a particular electrode and/or associated cable in each unique placement indicator 112b has a color that matches the color of the associated cable 114. Although the body is shown on the electrode 112, the design of the body is not limiting and may be sized and/or shaped in a variety of ways. Further, instead of a body, a square or other shape may be placed on the electrode 112, and a placement indicator 112b may be displayed therein.

Referring to fig. 2A-2B, the pattern on the electrodes 112 (as shown in the enlarged view of fig. 4D) may be oriented in an orientation when coupled to the docking station 204 by the cable 214. For example, as shown, the unique marking portion 112a, body, and/or unique placement indicator 112b of each electrode may be oriented "upside down" relative to the views shown in these figures. For example, the unique marking portion 112a, the body, and/or the unique placement indicator 112B for each electrode may be oriented such that a lower portion of the body is closer to the docking station 204 than an upper portion of the body (e.g., the head), and/or such that the unique marking portion 112a is "upside down" when a viewer views the disposable portion 203 in a direction from the electrode 112 toward the docking station 204 (see fig. 2B). Such orientation and/or configuration may be advantageous where disposable portion 203 is secured to packaging apparatus 400 described below. For example, such an orientation and/or configuration may allow a user (e.g., a caregiver) to conveniently see the proper positioning and/or sequence of securing the electrodes 112 and/or docking station 204 to the patient's body when the electrodes 112 and/or docking station 204 are removed from the packaging apparatus 400 (see fig. 4).

The disposable device 203 may include one or more external electrodes 112. For example, the disposable device 203 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more outer electrodes 112. As another example, shown by fig. 2A-2B, the disposable device 203 may include four external electrodes 112. As another example, the disposable device 203 may include two outer electrodes 112.

The docking station 204 of the disposable device 203 may include one or more internal electrodes 211. For example, docking station 204 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more internal electrodes 211. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2F-2G, the docking station 204 can include two internal electrodes 211. As another example, the docking station 204 may include an internal electrode 211. In some cases, one of the internal electrodes 211 is configured as a ground electrode or a reference electrode.

The total number of electrodes (including the outer and inner electrodes) may be two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve or more electrodes. For example, the disposable set 203 may include four outer electrodes 112, four cables 114, and two inner electrodes 211. In another example, the disposable device 203 may include two outer electrodes 112, two cables 114, and two inner electrodes 211. In another example, the disposable device 203 may include two outer electrodes 112, two cables 114, and one inner electrode 211. In yet another example, the disposable device 203 may include four outer electrodes 112, four cables 114 and no inner electrodes 211. In yet another example, the disposable device 203 can include one outer electrode 112, one cable 114, and one inner electrode 211. In another example, the disposable device 203 may include two outer electrodes 112, two cables 114, and no inner electrodes 211. In various examples of the disposable device 203 of the ECG device 110, the number of external electrodes 112 coupled to the docking station 204 of the disposable device 203 and the number of internal electrodes 211 housed within the docking station 204 can vary.

As mentioned above, fig. 2D shows a schematic representation of the ECG device 110. As shown, the reusable device 205 may include a processor 207, a memory 208, one or more temperature sensors 209, and/or a motion sensor 210. The memory 208 may be programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), or the like. The memory 208 may store various types of physiological data (raw and/or processed) related to the patient 111. For example, the memory 208 may store raw and/or processed physiological data related to patient temperature and electrical activity of the heart. The data related to the electrical activity of the heart may represent the rhythm and/or activity of the heart. As discussed further below, the memory 208 may be used, inter alia, in conjunction with memory on the disposable device 203 to enable verification that the disposable device 203 is an authorized product. For example, the disposable device 203 may include PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, and/or DRAM that is readable by the reusable part 205 to enable the reusable part 205 to verify that the disposable device 203 is an authorized product.

As described above, the reusable device 205 may include a motion sensor 210. The motion sensor 210 may measure static (e.g., gravity) acceleration forces and/or dynamic acceleration forces (e.g., forces caused by motion or vibration of the motion sensor 210). The motion sensor 210 may be used to calculate the motion or relative position of the ECG device 110 by measuring one or both of static acceleration forces and dynamic acceleration forces. The motion sensor 210 may be an AC-responsive accelerometer (e.g., charge-mode piezoelectric accelerometer, voltage-mode piezoelectric accelerometer), a DC-responsive accelerometer (e.g., capacitive accelerometer, piezoresistive accelerometer), a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope, a Hemispherical Resonator Gyroscope (HRG), a Vibrating Structure Gyroscope (VSG), a Dynamically Tuned Gyroscope (DTG), a fiber optic gyroscope, or the like. The motion sensor 210 may measure acceleration forces in one, two, or three dimensions. Using the calculated position and motion data, the care provider may be able to map the position or motion vector of the ECG device 110. Any number of motion sensors 210 may be used to collect sufficient data to determine the position and/or motion of the ECG device 110.

The motion sensor 210 may be and/or may include a three-dimensional (3D) accelerometer. The motion Sensor 210 may be and/or may include accelerometers similar to or identical to those discussed in U.S. application No.15/253,536 entitled "Patient-word Wireless physical Sensor" filed on 31/8/2016 (now U.S. patent No.10,226,187), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The term 3D accelerometer as used herein includes its broad meaning known to the skilled person. The measurements from the accelerometer may be used to determine the orientation of the patient. The accelerometer may measure and output signals related to the linear acceleration of the patient relative to gravity along three axes (e.g., three mutually orthogonal axes). For example, one axis, referred to as a "roll," may correspond to and/or extend through a longitudinal axis of a patient's body (e.g., along a length and/or height of the patient). Thus, the roll reference measurements can be used to determine whether the patient is in a prone position (e.g., face down), a supine position (e.g., face up), or lying on its side. The other reference axis of the accelerometer is called "pitch". The pitch axis may correspond to a position around the patient's buttocks (e.g., an axis extending between and/or through the patient's buttocks). The pitch measurements can be used to determine whether the patient is sitting up or lying down. The third reference axis of the accelerometer is referred to as "yaw". The deflection axis may correspond to a horizontal plane in which the patient is located. When in bed, the patient may be supported by a surface structure that generally fixes the orientation of the patient relative to the axis of deflection. Thus, in certain embodiments, deflection measurements are not used to determine the orientation of the patient while in bed. The three axes (relative to which the accelerometer can measure linear acceleration) may be referred to as the "X", "Y" and "Z" axes. The accelerometer may provide acceleration information along three axes, and it may provide acceleration information equivalent to inertial acceleration minus local gravitational acceleration. In some embodiments, the accelerometer may be a three-axis accelerometer, and the output of the accelerometer may include three signals, each signal representing acceleration measured along a particular axis. The output of the accelerometer may be an 8-bit, 12-bit or any other suitably sized output signal. The output of the accelerometer may be in analog or digital form. The accelerometer can be used to determine the position, orientation, and/or motion of the patient to which the ECG device 110 is attached.

The motion sensor 210 may additionally or alternatively be and/or include a gyroscope. The motion Sensor 210 may be and/or may include gyroscopes similar or identical to those discussed in U.S. application No.15/253,536 entitled "topic-word Wireless physical Sensor" filed on 31/8/2016 (now U.S. patent No.10,226,187), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The gyroscope may be a three-axis digital gyroscope having an angular resolution of 2 degrees and having a sensor drift adjustment capability of 1 degree. The term tri-axis gyroscope is used herein in its broadest sense known to the skilled artisan. The gyroscope may provide an output in response to the angular velocities sensed by the ECG device 110 or a portion thereof (e.g., the docking station 204) relative to the three orthogonal axes corresponding to the measurements of pitch, yaw, and roll when attached to a patient (e.g., see the description provided above). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other gyroscopes may be used in the ECG device 110 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the accelerometer and gyroscope may be integrated into a single hardware component, which may be referred to as an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). In some embodiments, the IMU may also include an embedded processor that processes signal sampling, buffering, sensor calibration, and sensor fusion processing of sensed inertial data, among other things. In other embodiments, a processor may perform these functions. And in still other embodiments, the sensed inertial data is minimally processed by components of the ECG device 110 and transmitted to an external system (such as the patient monitor 130) for further processing, thereby minimizing complexity, power consumption, and cost of the ECG device 110, which may be or include disposable components as discussed elsewhere herein.

Incorporating motion sensors 210 into the ECG device 120 may provide a number of benefits. For example, the ECG device 110 can be configured such that when the motion sensor 210 detects that the patient's motion exceeds a threshold, the ECG device 110 stops collecting and/or transmitting physiological data. As another example, the ECG device 110 stops collecting, processing, and/or transmitting physiological data in response to the patient's heart activity and/or the patient's temperature data when the motion sensor 210 detects that the patient's motion exceeds a threshold. As another example, the ECG device 110 stops collecting, processing, and/or transmitting physiological data in response to the patient's cardiac activity and/or the patient's temperature data when the motion sensor 210 detects that the patient's acceleration and/or angular velocity exceeds a threshold. This may advantageously reduce or prevent noise, inaccurate and/or erroneous physiological data from being processed, transmitted and/or relied upon (e.g., by a caregiver assessing patient health).

As described above, the reusable device 205 may include one or more temperature sensors 209. For example, the reusable device 205 may include one, two, three, four, five, or six or more temperature sensors 209. The temperature sensor 209 may measure the temperature of the patient 111 at and/or near the location where the ECG device 110 is placed. Temperature sensor 209 may measure the temperature of the skin of patient 111. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor 209 may measure an ambient temperature, such as a temperature external to the reusable device 205 and/or a temperature internal to the reusable device 205 (such as at or near a circuit board of the reusable device 205). Temperature data collected from the patient 111 by the temperature sensor 209 may be used to determine the core body temperature of the patient 111. The temperature sensor 209 may be in electronic communication with the processor 207 and may transmit temperature data to the processor 207. In one example, the temperature sensor 209 may be an infrared temperature sensor. The placement and/or arrangement of the temperature sensor 209 within the reusable device 205 and/or relative to the disposable device 203 can be varied to facilitate thermal communication between the user's skin and the temperature sensor 209, as discussed further below.

The processor 207 may receive raw temperature data from the temperature sensor 209. Further, the processor 207 may receive raw ECG data from the disposable device 203. For example, the processor 207 may receive raw ECG data from the disposable device 203 via contact between one or more electrical connectors of the reusable portion 205 and one or more electrical connectors of the disposable portion 203. As another example, the processor 207 can receive raw ECG data from the disposable device 203 via electrical contact between the conductive strip 244 of the flexible circuit 225 of the disposable device 203 and the conductor pins 253 of the reusable device 206. After receiving the raw ECG and temperature data, the processor 207 may perform data processing to calculate physiological parameters corresponding to temperature and/or ECG. The physiological parameters may be stored in the memory 208 or transmitted to a different sensor system, patient monitoring system, or the like. For example, the physiological parameter may be sent to blood pressure monitor 120 and/or patient monitor 130. The data stored in the memory 208 may be stored for a predetermined length of time and transmitted to a different sensor system or patient monitoring system or device when the ECG device 110 is connected (via wired or wireless) to such other system or device. Optionally, the raw temperature data and raw ECG data may be stored in memory 208 prior to data processing by processor 207. The processor 207 may periodically retrieve the raw temperature and/or ECG data for batch processing and/or transmission of the raw data. Alternatively, the processor 207 may automatically (e.g., continuously) retrieve the raw data from the memory 208 when the memory 208 receives the raw electrocardiogram and temperature data.

Fig. 2E shows a top perspective view of the docking station 204 of the disposable device. The docking station 204 (also referred to herein as a "base") may include a main body 216 and a laminate structure 221. The body 216 may include one or more pin supports 219, one or more pin supports 220, a wall 255 extending along and/or around the exterior and/or perimeter of the body 216, and an opening 223 in the wall 255. The wall 255 may extend along and/or around a portion of the body 216, and/or may have a height that varies along the length of the wall 255.

The docking station 204 of the disposable portion 203 may include one or more mechanical connector portions configured to be secured (e.g., removably secured) to one or more mechanical connector portions of the hub portion 206 of the reusable portion 205. For example, the main body 216 may include one or both of the mechanical connector portions 217 and 218. The mechanical connector portion 217 may be, for example, a clip 217, which may be configured to bend and/or flex. As discussed further below, the clip 217 may include a protrusion 240 that may extend in a direction toward the mechanical connector portion 218 (fig. 2H). The mechanical connector portion 218 may extend outwardly from a portion of the main body 216. For example, the mechanical connector portion 218 may extend above the height of the wall 255. The mechanical connector portion 218 may include one or more protrusions 241, which may extend in a direction towards the mechanical connector portion 217 (fig. 2H). The mechanical connector portions 217, 218 may facilitate coupling between the docking station 204 and the hub portion 206. For example, the mechanical connector portions 217, 218 may engage corresponding mechanical connector portions of the hub portion 206 to hold the hub portion 206 in place. For example, as described below, the mechanical connector portions 217, 218 may be removably secured within the grooves 251, 252 of the hub portion 206. The interaction of the mechanical connector portions 217, 218 and the corresponding mechanical connector portions of the hub portion 206 may advantageously maintain electrical communication between the docking station 204 and the hub portion 206. The docking station 204 of the disposable portion 203 may include one, two, three, or four or more mechanical connector portions, and/or the hub portion 206 may include one, two, three, or four or more mechanical connector portions.

The mechanical connector portions 217, 218 may extend upwardly from an outer edge of the main body 216 and/or upwardly adjacent or proximate to the wall 255, as shown in fig. 2E. The mechanical connector portions 217, 218 may be positioned opposite each other (fig. 2E and 2H). In some variations, the docking station 204 includes less than two mechanical connector portions or more than two mechanical connector portions. For example, in some variations, the docking station 204 includes only one of the mechanical connector portions 217, 218.

The pin supports 219, 220 of the docking station 204 of the disposable portion 203 can support and/or operatively position the plurality of electrical connectors of the disposable portion 203. For example, the pin supports 219, 220 can support and/or operatively position the conductive strips 245, 244 of the flexible circuit 225 of the docking station 204. Docking station 204 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten or more pin supports 219 and/or 220. The pin supports 219, 220 may extend through openings or slots formed on the top surface of the body 216. For example, as described below, the body 216 may include a top frame 224 having one or more slots 236 and a bottom frame 227, which may include one or more pin supports 219, 220. When body 216 is assembled, one or more pin supports 219, 220 may extend from bottom frame 227 and through slots 236, 237 of top frame 224. The slots 236, 237 formed on the top surface of the body 216 may be rectangular or substantially rectangular in shape. The pin supports 219, 220 may be arcuate and/or may include an upward portion, an apex, and a downward portion. The upward portions of the pin supports 219, 220 can extend upward at a predetermined angle relative to and/or beyond a top surface of the body 216 (e.g., a top surface of the top frame 224 and/or the bottom frame 227). The upper portions of the lead supports 219, 220 can terminate at an apex from which the downward portions of the lead supports 219, 220 can extend downward at another predetermined angle toward the top surface of the body 216. This configuration of the pin supports 219, 220 may allow them to act like a spring when a downward force is applied to the pin supports 219, 220. Alternatively, the pin supports 219, 220 may not have a lower portion. The pin supports 219, 220 may be flexible and/or resilient.

The pin support 219 may correspond to and/or be associated with an electrical connector of the disposable portion 203. For example, the pin support 219 may correspond to and/or be associated with a conductive strip 244 (see fig. 2F and 2I) of the flex circuit 225 that carries electrical signals associated with the one or more outer electrodes 112 and/or the one or more inner electrodes 211. For example, as shown in fig. 2E, the docking station 204 may have six pin supports 219 that operably position and/or support six conductive strips 244 of flex circuit 225 that may carry electrical signals from the four external electrodes 112 (via cables 114) and the two internal electrodes 211.

Similar to the pin support 219, the pin support 220 can correspond to and/or be associated with an electrical connector of the disposable portion 203. For example, the pin supports 220 may correspond to and/or be associated with conductive strips 245 (see fig. 2F and 2I) of the flex circuit 225 that allow electrical signals and/or information to be sent between the docking station 204 and the memory 208 of the hub 206. The flexible circuit 225 can include and/or be coupled to a memory (such as PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, and/or DRAM memory) of the disposable portion 203 that is configured to store information associated with the disposable portion 203. The conductive strips 245 of the flex circuit 225 may be coupled to such a memory. Advantageously, pin support 220 may support and/or operatively position conductive strips 245 such that they contact conductor pins (such as conductive pins 254) of hub 206, which may enable hub 206 to determine whether docking station 204 is an authorized product.

As described above, the docking station 204 can include one or more openings 223 in a portion of the body 216 configured to allow portions of the cable 114 to pass into the interior of the docking station 204. For example, as described above, the body 216 may include one or more openings 223 in the wall 255. The docking station 204 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more openings 223. The opening 223 may be sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of the cable 114 coupled to the outer electrode 112. The opening 223 may be formed on one side of the body 216. For example, as shown in fig. 2E, the opening 223 may be formed on a front side (or "end") of the body 216. Alternatively, the openings 223 may be formed on different sides or portions of the body 216. The number of openings 223 may correspond to the number of external electrodes 112 and/or the number of cables 114 coupled to the docking station 204. For example, as shown in fig. 2B, the docking station 204 of the disposable device 203 can include four external electrodes 112. In this regard, the docking station 204 may include four openings 223 configured to receive four cables 114 coupled to four external electrodes 112. Although fig. 2E shows four openings 223, four cables 114, and four external electrodes 112, a different number of electrodes 112, openings 223, and/or cables 114 may be implemented as part of the disposable portion 203. The opening 223 may be sized to form a tight fit with the cable 114. This configuration is advantageous in allowing the docking station 204 to be water resistant and/or waterproof. This configuration also helps maintain the integrity of the connection between cable 114 and opening 223. For example, a tight fit between the opening 223 and a portion of the cable 114 may reduce the likelihood that the end of the cable 114 connected to the flexible circuit 225 (e.g., connected to the conductive strip 243) will break when the opposite end of the cable 114 is inadvertently or intentionally pulled.

Fig. 2F and 2G show exploded perspective views of the docking station 204 as a disposable part. Docking station 204 may include a top frame 224, a flexible circuit 225, one or more internal electrodes 211, a bottom frame 227, and one or more of substrates (also referred to herein as "membranes") 228, 229, 230, 231, 242, and/or 239, each of which is described further below. Advantageously, the portions shown in fig. 2F and 2G can be stacked on top of each other without folding, thereby increasing the efficiency of the manufacturing process of the ECG device 110. The top and bottom frames 224, 227 may together form and/or define the body 216, which is discussed above with reference to fig. 2E. In addition, the top frame 223 may include the walls 255 discussed above.

The top frame 224 may be coupled to the bottom frame 227 such that the top frame 224 rests on top of the bottom frame 227. The top frame 224 may include a recessed portion 235 formed from a top surface of the top frame 224. The recessed portion 235 may include an aperture 238 formed at the bottom of the recessed portion 235 (see fig. 2F-2G).

The bottom frame 227 may include an aperture 232 and one or more apertures 233. The aperture 232 of the bottom frame 227 may correspond to and/or align with the recessed portion 235 of the top frame 224 such that when the top frame 224 is placed on the bottom frame 227, the aperture 232 receives the recessed portion 235 and the recessed portion 235 extends through the aperture 232 and/or below the aperture. As described below, this may advantageously allow a portion of the reusable device 205 and the temperature sensor 209a to be positioned closer to the substrate 230, which in turn may increase thermal communication between the user's skin and the temperature sensor 209 a.

As described above, the docking station 204 may include pin supports 219, 220. As shown in fig. 2F, the lead supports 219, 220 can be formed on the bottom frame 227. The top frame 224 may include slots 236, 237 that may receive the pin supports 219, 220, respectively, of the bottom frame 227. When the top frame 224 is placed on the bottom frame 227, the lead supports 219, 220 may extend through and/or over the slots 236, 237 of the top frame 224.

The flexible circuit 225 may be placed and/or positioned between the top frame 224 and the bottom frame 227 (see fig. 2F-2G). For example, during assembly, the flexible circuit 225 may be sandwiched between the top frame 224 and the bottom frame 227. The bottom frame 227 may operably position the flexible circuit 225 and/or portions thereof such that electrical communication between the flexible circuit 225 and the circuit board and/or flexible circuit of the reusable portion 205 is facilitated when the reusable portion 205 is affixed to the disposable portion 203. For example, the pin supports 219 of the bottom frame 227 may be operable to position the conductive strips 244 of the flex circuit 225 such that the conductive strips 244 contact the conductor pins 253 of the reusable portion 205 when the reusable portion 203 and the disposable portion 205 are mated. Additionally or alternatively, the pin supports 220 of the bottom frame 227 may be operable to position the conductive strips 245 of the flex circuit 225 such that the conductive strips 245 contact the conductor pins 254 of the reusable portion 205 when the reusable portion 203 and the disposable portion 205 are mated. Such contact may advantageously allow the flexible circuit 225 to transmit information and/or physiological data from the disposable device 203 to the reusable device 205. Additional details of the flex circuit 225 are provided below.

Referring to fig. 2F, the inner electrode 211 may be at least partially disposed and/or positioned between the top frame 224 and the bottom frame 227. The inner electrode 211 may be removably coupled to the flexible circuit 225. The inner electrode 211 may be placed within the aperture 233, and the aperture 233 may be sized to receive the inner electrode 211 (and/or portions thereof).

As described above, the docking station 204 (also referred to herein as the "base") of the disposable portion 203 may include the laminate structure 221. For example, docking station 204 may include one or more of substrates 228, 229, 230, 231, 242, and/or 239. The base plate 228 may include foam and may be configured to surround the top and/or bottom frames 224, 227 when the docking station 204 is assembled. The base plate 228 may include an opening sized and/or shaped to match the size and/or shape of the perimeter of the top frame 224 and/or the bottom frame 227 (see fig. 2F-2G).

Substrate 229 may include an adhesive material configured to secure substrate 228 and/or bottom frame 227 to substrate 230 and/or substrate 231. The substrate 229 may be, for example, a double-sided adhesive layer. The substrate 229 may include one or more of the openings 229a, 229 b. The opening 229a may be sized and/or shaped to allow the recessed portion 235 and/or the housing 297 to contact a portion of the substrate 230 when the docking station 204 is assembled and the hub portion 206 is mated with the docking station 204. The opening 229b may be sized and/or shaped to allow the inner electrode 211 to contact the substrate 231, as will be discussed further below.

As described above, substrate 230 may be affixed (e.g., bonded) to substrate 229. As shown, the substrate 230 may include an aperture 230a sized and/or shaped to correspond to the size and/or shape of the inner electrode 211. The number of the holes 230a may correspond to the number of the internal electrodes 211. The aperture 230a may be sized to receive one or more internal electrodes 211. As described above, the opening 229a of the base plate 229 may be sized and/or shaped to allow the recessed portion 235 and/or the housing 297 to contact a portion of the base plate 230 when the docking station 204 is assembled and the hub portion 206 is mated with the docking station 204. Advantageously, the substrate 230 may comprise a thermally conductive material configured to provide thermal communication between the patient's skin and the enclosure 297. Also as described above, the outer casing 297 may comprise a thermally conductive material and may house the temperature sensor 209 a. The substrate 230 can include an electrically insulating material that can advantageously minimize or eliminate electrical interference between the patient's skin and portions of the docking station 204 in areas other than the aperture 234. The substrate 230 may be, for example, a Polyethylene (PE) film.

The docking station 204 may include one or more substrates that provide increased conductivity between the patient's skin and the internal electrodes 211. For example, docking station 204 may include one or more substrates 231, the number of which may correspond to the number of internal electrodes 211. Substrate 231 may be bonded to substrate 230 (e.g., the bottom side of substrate 230). The substrate 231 may be bonded adjacent, proximate to, and/or under the aperture 230a of the substrate 230 such that the bottom portion of the internal electrode 211 contacts and/or is affixed to the substrate 231. For example, substrate 231 can be sized and/or shaped to cover aperture 230a when secured to substrate 230. The substrate 231 may include an adhesive material. The substrate 231 may include a conductive material. The substrate 231 may comprise, for example, a hydrogel. The substrate 231 may be a hydrogel patch. Substrate 231 may have a smaller area than any or all of the other substrates 228, 229, 230, 242, and/or 239.

The base plate 242 can be the bottom most layer of the docking station 204 that is configured to contact the user's skin when the docking station 204 is secured to the user. The substrate 242 may comprise a material configured to be secured to the skin of a user. For example, the substrate 242 can include a material configured to allow the docking station 204 to be removably secured to the skin of a user. Additionally or alternatively, the substrate 242 may be waterproof. For example, the substrate 242 may include a silicone adhesive. The substrate 242 may include a silicone adhesive coupled with a polyurethane layer. As shown, the substrate 242 may include one or more openings 242a aligned with one or more substrates 231. The one or more openings 242a may be sized and/or shaped to receive (e.g., at least partially receive) one or more substrates 231. Advantageously, the openings 242a are spaced apart from each other, and thus the substrate 231 may be separated. This separation between the substrates 231 is important so that the two internal electrodes 211 (both included) are electrically insulated from each other and/or so that the two substrates 231 are in independent electrical contact with the patient's skin. When the docking station 204 is assembled and secured to the skin of a user, the one or more openings 242a can be positioned relative to the one or more base plates 231 such that the base plates 231 and portions of the base plates 242a surrounding the one or more openings 242a contact and/or are secured to the skin.

The substrate 239 can be a release liner configured to be secured to one or more of the substrates described above, and further configured to be removed prior to securing the docking station 204 to a user. Substrate 239 may cover substrates 242 and/or 231. As shown in fig. 2F-2G, the substrate 239 may include tabs 239a configured to facilitate removal of the substrate 239 from one or more of the substrates described above.

Fig. 2H shows a side view of the docking station 204 of the disposable device. As described above, the docking station 204 may include one or both of the mechanical connector portions 217, 218, which may be secured to the mechanical connector portion of the hub 206. The mechanical connector portions 217, 218 may include protrusions 240, 241, respectively. The projections 240, 241 may be positioned at a free end (e.g., cantilevered end) of the mechanical connector portions 217, 218, such as an end opposite an end connected to the docking station 204, such as the main body 216. The projections 240, 241 may engage projections 251a, 252a (see fig. 2J-2K) within grooves 251, 252 of the hub 206 to removably secure the hub to the docking station 204. The hub portion 206 may be positioned at least partially between the mechanical connector portions 217, 218 when the hub portion 206 is mated with the docking station 204. The engagement between the protrusions 240, 241 and the protrusions 251a, 252a within the grooves 251, 252 may prevent the hub portion 206 from moving in a horizontal direction and/or a vertical direction when mated with the docking station 204.

Referring to fig. 2H and 2J-2K, the hub portion 206 may include two protrusions 252a spaced apart from each other within the groove 252. The protrusion 252a may be tapered (fig. 2J). The hub 206 may include a protrusion 251a that extends across the width of the groove 252. The mechanical connector portion 217 may be a flexible clip. The mechanical connector portion 217 may have a non-linear cross-section (fig. 2H). For example, the mechanical connector portion 217 may have an S-shape. As another example, the mechanical connector portion 217 may be bent in multiple directions from a first end to a second end. Such a configuration may advantageously allow the mechanical connector portion 217 to be bent without breaking, particularly if the mechanical connector portion 217 is made of a rigid plastic material. The mechanical connector portion 217 can have one or more ribs 217a on its top plate, which can assist a user in moving (e.g., flexing) the mechanical connector portion 217 to disconnect a portion of the hub portion 206 from the docking station 204.

Fig. 2I shows a top view of the flexible circuit 225. The flexible circuit 225 may include a plurality of conductive surfaces and/or conductive strips. For example, the flexible circuit 225 may include conductive strips 243, 244, 245, and/or 246. The conductive strip 243 may be electrically connected to the cable 114, which may itself be electrically connected to the outer electrode 112. In this regard, the conductive strip 243 may receive electrical signals from the outer electrode 112 via the cable 114. The cables 114 may be soldered to the corresponding conductive strips 243. Conductive strips 246 (also referred to herein as "conductive rings") may be formed around and/or within the apertures 247, as shown in fig. 2I. The conductive ring 246 may be in contact with the inner electrode 211 and receive electrical signals from the inner electrode. The aperture 247 may receive a top portion of the inner electrode 211, thereby forming contact between the conductive strip 246 and the inner electrode 211, which allows the flex circuit 225 to receive ECG data from the inner electrode 211.

The conductive strip 245 can establish electrical communication between the docking station 204 and the memory 208 of the reusable device 205. The conductive strip 245 of the flex circuit 225 may be positioned adjacent to (e.g., on top of) the pin support 220. Pin support 220 supporting conductive strip 245 may be oriented such that conductor pins 254 (see FIGS. 2L-2M) of hub 206 contact conductive strip 245 when hub 206 is mated with docking station 204. The memory 208 of the reusable device 205 can be coupled to the conductor pins 254 such that contact between the conductive strip 245 and the conductor pins 254 allows electrical signals and/or information to be sent from the disposable device 203 to the memory 208 of the reusable device 205. Advantageously, conductive strip 245 may be used to enable verification that disposable portion 203 is an authorized product. For example, when the reusable portion 205 is mated electronically and/or mechanically to the disposable portion 203 such that contact is made between the conductive strip 245 and the conductor pins 254, the reusable portion 205 can determine whether the disposable portion 203 is an authorized product by analyzing information contained in the memory of the flexible circuit 225 of the disposable portion 203. As described above, the memory of the flexible circuit 225 may be PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, and/or DRAM memory configured to store information associated with the disposable portion 203. This determination may prevent damage to the reusable device 205 that may occur if an unauthorized product is secured thereto. Such determination may additionally or alternatively ensure proper functionality of the reusable device 205.

In some cases, the memory of the flex circuit 225 is encoded with information about the disposable portion 203, e.g., how many outer and/or inner electrodes 112, 211 are included in a particular disposable portion 203. In this case, when the reusable portion 205 is mated electronically and/or mechanically with the disposable portion 203 such that contact is made between the conductive strip 245 and the conductor pins 254, the reusable portion 205 can determine such information and can determine the particular measurement and/or processing scheme to be implemented. For example, in such a case, after determining how many external and/or internal electrodes 112, 211 are included in a particular disposable portion 203, the processor 207 of the reusable portion 205 can determine that a more or less complex diagnostic and/or physiological assessment should be made of a physiological parameter related to the patient's cardiac activity.

The conductive strips 244 may be in electronic communication with the conductive strips 243, 246 such that they may receive electrocardiogram data from the outer electrodes 112 and the inner electrodes 211. The conductive strip 244 of the flex circuit 225 may be positioned on top of the pin support 219. The pin supports 219 that support the conductive strips 244 may be oriented such that conductor pins 253 (see fig. 2L-2M) of the hub portion 206 may contact the conductive strips 244 when the hub portion 206 is mated with the docking station 204. The contact between the conductive strip 244 and the conductor pins 253 can allow electrical signals to be sent from the disposable device 203 to the processor 207 of the reusable device 205. The processor 207 of the reusable device 205 can be coupled to the conductor pins 253 to receive electrical signals from the disposable device 203 via the conductive strip 244. The number of conductive strips 244 may correspond to the total number of conductive strips 243, 246. Each of the conductive strips 243 and one of the conductive strips 246 may be associated with a different one of the conductive strips 244 of the flexible circuit 225.

Fig. 2J-2K show various perspective views of the docking station 206 of the reusable part 205. The hub portion 206 may include a cable outlet (also referred to herein as an "output connector port") 250, one or more mechanical connector portions, and other components discussed further below. One or more mechanical connector portions may allow the reusable portion 205 to mate with the disposable portion 203. The one or more mechanical connector portions may be, for example, grooves 251, 252. The grooves 251, 252 may be formed on the same side or different sides of the hub 206. For example, as shown in fig. 2J and 2K, the grooves 251, 252 may be positioned opposite each other on opposite ends of the hub 206. As described above, the recesses 251, 252 may interact with the protrusions 240, 241 of the mechanical connector portions 217, 218, respectively, to removably secure the docking station 204 and the hub portion 206. The recesses 251, 252 are sized and/or shaped to engage the protrusions 240, 241, respectively. As described above, the recesses 251, 252 may include protrusions 251a, 252a, which may engage the protrusions 240, 241. In some variations, the mechanical connector portions 217, 218 may be affixed to the recesses 251, 252 with a snap fit.

Reusable portion 205 can include one or more electrical connectors that, when affixed to disposable portion 203, are configured to connect to one or more electrical connectors of disposable portion 203. For example, referring to fig. 2L-2N, the hub 206 may include one or more conductor pins 253, 254 disposed proximate a bottom surface of the hub 206 such that when the hub 206 is coupled with the docking station 204, the conductor pins 253, 254 may contact the conductive strips 244, 245, respectively. The contact between the pins 253, 254 and the strips 244, 245 allows information and/or electrical signals to be sent from the disposable device 203 to the reusable device 205. As described above, contact between the conductive strip 244 and the conductor pins 253 can allow electrical signals to be sent between the docking station 204 and the processor 207 of the reusable device 205. The contact between the conductive strip 245 and the conductor pins 254 can allow information to be transmitted between the memory of the docking station 204 (e.g., the memory of the flexible circuit 225) and the memory 208 of the reusable device 205.

The reusable part 205 can be configured such that when the bottom of the reusable part 205 is placed on a flat surface, the conductor pins 253, 254 do not contact the flat surface. This may advantageously minimize the risk of the reusable portion 205, or portions thereof, being damaged and/or "shorted" when high voltages are introduced to the flat surface. For example, if the defibrillator is used on a patient and the bottom of the reusable portion 205 is placed on the surface of the patient, the reusable portion 205 can be configured such that the conductor pins 253, 254 are spaced away from the surface. Referring to fig. 2L, the hub portion 206, e.g., the bottom frame 257 of the hub portion 206, may include one or more bumps 291, 293 that protrude outward from the surface of the hub portion 206. One or more of the ridges 291, 293 may include a cavity sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of the conductor pins 253, 254. The number of bumps 291, 293 may correspond to the number of conductor pins 253, 254. For example, the hub 206 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more bumps 291 and/or 293. In some variations, the hub 206 includes a protuberance 293 that includes two cavities, each cavity sized and/or shaped to receive a different one of the two conductor pins 253. In some variations, the height of the bumps 291, 293 (measured from the bottom surface of the hub 206) is greater than the length of the extension of the conductor pins 253, 254 through the cavities in the bumps 291, 293. This may prevent the ends of the conductor pins 253, 254 from contacting the surface on which the reusable portion 206 is placed. Additionally or alternatively, the hub 206 may include one or more nipples 295 extending outwardly from a bottom surface of the hub 206 (e.g., a surface of the bottom frame 257 of the hub 206). For example, the hub 206 may include one, two, three, or four or more nipples 295. As another example, the hub 206 may include two nipples positioned outside of the plurality of ridges 291 (fig. 2L-2M). One or more nipples 295 may be aligned with each other along a bottom surface of the hub 206. One or more nipples 295 may have a height (measured from the bottom surface of the hub 206) that is greater than the length of the conductor pins 253, 254 that extend beyond the bottom surface of the hub 206. This may prevent the ends of the conductor pins 253, 254 from contacting the surface on which the reusable portion 206 is placed. Additionally or alternatively, the hub 206 may include a housing 297, as described below. The outer shell 297 may extend beyond the bottom surface of the hub 206 a distance greater than the length of the conductor pins 253, 254 extending beyond the bottom surface of the hub 206. This may prevent the ends of the conductor pins 253, 254 from contacting the surface on which the reusable portion 206 is placed. In some cases, when the bottom of the hub 206 is placed on a surface (such as a flat surface), one or more of the spuds 295 and the shell 297 contact the surface and the conductor pins 253, 254 do not contact the surface. The housing 297, spud 295, ridges 291, 293, and/or other portions of the hub 206 may include materials that minimize or prevent electrical conduction. For example, the outer shell 297, the spud 295, the ridges 291, 293, and/or other portions of the hub 206 may include boron nitride.

Fig. 2O-2P show an exploded perspective view of the hub portion 206 of the reusable device 205. The hub 206 (also referred to herein as a "cover") may include a top frame 256 and a bottom frame 257. The hub 206 may also include one or more resistors 258, a circuit board 259, conductor pins 253, conductor pins 254, one or more of the temperature sensors 209a, 209b, 209c, 209d, a housing 297, a flexible circuit 299, and a cable exit 250. The bumps 291 and/or 293 of the bottom frame 257 may include cavities 263 and/or cavities 264. Cavities 263, 264 may be sized and/or shaped to receive conductor pin 253 and conductor pin 254, respectively. Cavities 263, 264 may be sized and dimensioned such that conductor pins 253, 254 create a water-tight seal when received by cavities 263, 264.

The hub 206 may include a recessed portion 261. The concave portion 261 may be formed in the bottom frame 257, for example. The recessed portion 261 may be recessed from a top surface of the bottom frame 257 (fig. 2O), and may extend outward from (e.g., extend below) a bottom surface of the bottom frame 257 (fig. 2P). The recess portion 261 may include an opening 260 formed at an end or bottom of the recess portion 261. The recessed portion 261 can be shaped, sized, and/or positioned relative to a top surface and/or a bottom surface of the hub 206 such that the recessed portion 261 can be received by a recessed portion 235 (fig. 2F) of the docking station 204 when the docking station 204 is coupled to the hub 206. As discussed further below, the recessed portion 261 can receive a housing 297 that can receive the temperature sensor 209 a. As described below, the housing 297 can extend through the recessed portion 261 and at least partially through the recessed portion 235 of the docking station 204 proximate the openings 258 and/or 232 so that it can contact the substrate 230.

FIG. 2Q illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the assembly shown in FIGS. 2O-2P. As described above, the reusable part 205 can include one or more temperature sensors 209 that can be used to measure the temperature of the patient's body (e.g., percutaneously) and/or the ambient temperature inside or outside the reusable part 205. For example, the hub 206 may include a temperature sensor 209a and one or more of temperature sensors 209b, 209c, 209 d. As shown, temperature sensors 209a, 209b, 209c, 209d may be coupled to a flexible circuit 299, and flexible circuit 299 may be coupled to a circuit board 259. Accordingly, temperature data from one or more of the temperature sensors 209a, 209b, 209c, 209d may be sent to the circuit board 259. Temperature sensor 209a may be located adjacent and/or near a different side of circuit board 259 than temperature sensors 209b, 209c, 209 d. As shown, temperature sensor 209a may be coupled to an end portion of flexible circuit 299. When the reusable portion 205 is mated with the disposable portion 203, the temperature sensor 209a may be configured to be positioned closer to the patient's skin. As described above, the hub portion 206 may include the outer shell 297. The housing 297 may be configured to receive the temperature sensor 209 a. Temperature sensor 209a may be secured to a portion of housing 297 via pad 269. The pad 269 may be configured to bond the temperature sensor 209a to the portion of the housing. The pad 269 may include a thermally conductive material.

As described elsewhere herein, the housing 297 can extend through a portion of the bottom frame 257 and/or a portion of the docking station 204 of the disposable portion 203 and contact a substrate of the docking station that can contact the skin of the patient. In this configuration, the housing 297 can provide thermal communication between the patient's skin and the temperature sensor 209a housed within the housing 297. The outer shell 297 may comprise a material that provides thermal conductivity but minimizes or prevents electrical conductivity. This may advantageously allow the housing 297 to facilitate thermal communication between the patient's skin and the temperature sensor 209a, while minimizing or eliminating damage and/or interference that may be caused by electrical interference. For example, the outer shell 297 may comprise a plastic coated with and/or including boron nitride.

In addition to temperature sensor 209a, reusable portion 205 can include one or more of temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209 d. Temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d may be coupled to flexible circuit 299 and located remotely from temperature sensor 209 a. One or more of the temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d may be used to detect a temperature in the interior of the reusable portion 205 (e.g., the interior of the hub portion 206). For example, temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d may detect temperatures proximate and/or near circuit board 259 and/or resistor 258. In some cases, the temperature data measured from the temperature sensor 209a may be affected by the temperature in the interior of the reusable portion 205. Advantageously, combining the temperature sensor 209a and one or more of the temperature sensors 209b, 209c and 209d may allow the processor 207 to more accurately determine the core body temperature of the patient. For example, the processor 207 may utilize temperature data from one or more of the temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d in order to adjust the temperature data received from the temperature sensor 209a in order to more accurately determine the body temperature of the patient. Where the hub 206 includes two or more temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d, the temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d may be spaced apart from one another to collect temperature data at different locations in the interior of the hub 206.

The circuit board 259 may include a processor 207 and a memory 208. The circuit board 259 may be operatively coupled to the outer electrode 112, the inner electrode 211, and one or more of the temperature sensors 209a, 209b, 209c, 209d to receive electrocardiographic data and temperature data. The hub 506 may include one or more resistors 258 coupled to the circuit board 259 and/or the conductor pins 253. The hub 506 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more resistors 258. The number of resistors 258 may correspond to the number of conductor pins 253 and/or the total number of outer and inner electrodes 112, 211. Resistor 258 may be positioned between circuit board 259 and conductor pin 253. Advantageously, the resistor 258 may prevent or reduce damage to the circuit board 259 (or other components of the reusable device 205) due to short circuits or arcing, for example, which may be caused when high voltages are accidentally and/or suddenly introduced via the conductor pins 253 if the reusable device 205 is positioned on or near a patient while using the defibrillator. For example, the resistor 258 may be a high capacitance, low resistance resistor that allows electrical signals associated with the user's cardiac electrical activity to pass therethrough, but prevents high voltages from passing to the circuit board 259 and/or other components of the reusable device 205. The resistor 258 may be soldered directly to the circuit board 259 and/or the conductive pin 253. Referring to fig. 2O and 2Q, the hub 206 may include one or more walls 268 configured to separate each of the one or more resistors 268. For example, the hub 206 may include a number of walls 268 that is one less than the number of resistors 258. The walls 268 may advantageously isolate portions of the resistor 258 from one another.

The reusable part 205 can include a heat sink configured to transfer heat generated by the reusable part 205, or portions thereof, to the ambient environment outside the reusable part 205, thereby allowing for regulation of the temperature within the reusable part 205. For example, referring to fig. 2O, the hub portion 206 of the reusable portion 205 may include a heat sink 279 positioned at or near a top surface of the hub portion 206. The heat sink 279 may advantageously transfer heat generated by one or more of the circuit board 259, the flex circuit 299, the temperature sensors 209a, 209b, 209c, 209d, the resistor 258, and/or other components to the ambient environment external to the hub 206. The heat sink 279 may be a metal element.

Fig. 2R illustrates a top perspective view of the hub 206 and docking station 204, illustrating how the hub 206 and docking station 204 may be coupled (e.g., removably coupled). As described above, the docking station 204 may be removably secured to the hub 206 via engagement between the mechanical connector portions 217, 218, 252, 251. When docking station 204 and hub 206 are secured in this manner, conductive pins 253, 254 (see fig. 2L-2M) of hub 206 may engage pin supports 219, 220, respectively. As described above, the conductive strips 244, 245 of the flexible circuit 225 may be supported by the pin supports 219, 220. Thus, when docking station 204 and hub 206 are secured in this manner, conductive strips 244, 245 may contact conductor pins 253, 254 of hub 206. The contact between the conductive strips 244, 245 and the conductor pins 253, 254 may allow electrical signals and/or information to be sent from the docking station 204 of the disposable device 203 to the hub 206 of the reusable device 205. Additionally, when docking station 204 and hub 206 are secured in this manner, housing 297 (FIGS. 2L-2M) and recessed portion 235 can be aligned (FIG. 2R). The recessed portion 235 may be sized and/or shaped to receive the outer shell 297 and/or the recessed portion 261. When secured in this manner, the outer shell 297 may contact one of the substrates of the laminate structure 221, as described elsewhere herein.

Fig. 2S shows a cross-sectional view of the ECG device 110 placed on a patient, showing the relative position of the temperature sensor 209a with respect to the patient' S skin. Fig. 2S shows, among other things, circuit board 259, flex circuit 299, recessed portion 261, housing 297, pad 269, temperature sensor 209a, and optionally one or more of temperature sensors 209b, 209c, 209 d. As shown, the temperature sensor 209a may be affixed and/or positioned above the pad 269 and the bottom of the housing 297. In this regard, the temperature sensor 209a may be in indirect contact with the patient's skin via the pad 269, the housing 297, and one or more substrates of the docking station 204.

Fig. 2T shows a cross-sectional view of the ECG device 110 placed on a patient, showing the relative position of the inner electrode 211 with respect to the patient's skin. Fig. 2T shows, among other things, the inner electrode 211, the flex circuit 225, the conductive strip 244, the pin support 219, the conductor pin 253, and the resistor 258. As shown, the conductor pins 253 can contact and/or press against the pin support 219 when the reusable portion 205 and the disposable portion 203 are mated. As also shown, the inner electrode 211 may be in indirect contact with the patient's skin. For example, the substrate 231 may be positioned between the inner electrode 211 and the patient's skin. As described above, the substrate patch 231 may facilitate the transmission of electrical signals from the patient's heart to the internal electrodes 211.

Fig. 2R illustrates a block diagram representing a method 270 of determining a physiological parameter of a patient using the ECG device 110. At step 271, the reusable device 205 establishes a connection with the disposable device 203. This occurs when the reusable device is mechanically mated with the disposable device 203. The connection between the reusable device 205 and the disposable device 203 may be established via contact between the conductive pins 253, 254 and the conductive strips 244, 245 supported by the pin supports 219, 220. Contact between conductor pins 253, 254 and conductive strips 244, 245 can occur when the hub portion 206 of the reusable device 205 is removably mounted on the docking station 204 of the disposable device 203. At step 272, the reusable device 205 can provide power to the disposable device 203. The power provided by the reusable device 205 can power the outer and inner electrodes 112, 211 to collect electrocardiographic data. In some variations, disposable portion 203 does not include a source of electrical power and relies entirely on reusable device 205 to collect electrocardiographic data.

At step 273, the disposable device 203 receives power from the reusable device 205. At step 274, the disposable device 203 collects raw ECG data from the patient using one or more external electrodes 112 and/or one or more internal electrodes 211. At step 275, the raw ECG data collected by the outer electrodes 112 and/or the inner electrodes 211 may be sent to the reusable device 205. As described above, the raw ECG data can be sent via the flex circuit 225. The raw ECG data can be sent from the disposable device 203 to the reusable device 205 automatically or manually according to user input. The raw ECG data may be sent continuously or with a predetermined delay.

At step 276, the reusable device 205 may collect raw temperature data. Raw temperature data may be collected by temperature sensor 209 a. The raw temperature data may be collected simultaneously or non-simultaneously with the raw ECG data. For example, the reusable device 205 can collect raw temperature data regardless of whether the disposable device is collecting and/or transmitting raw ECG data. Raw temperature data may be collected from the temperature sensor 209a simultaneously or non-simultaneously with temperature data collected from one or more of the temperature sensors 209b, 209c, 209 d. As described above, the processor 207 of the reusable part 205 may determine the body temperature of the patient based at least on a comparison of temperature data from the temperature sensor 209a and one or more of the temperature sensors 209b, 209c, 209 d.

The care provider may be able to configure the ECG device 110 to determine which physiological data to collect under different circumstances. The ECG device 110 may be configured to collect and process temperature-related physiological data under certain predetermined conditions. For example, the ECG device 110 can be configured to measure the temperature of the patient when it detects ECG signals associated with irregular heart activity and/or physical condition. For example, the ECG device 110 can be configured to measure the temperature of the patient when the change in the ECG signal over a predetermined period of time exceeds a threshold. In another example, the ECG device 110 can be configured to collect ECG data from the patient when the temperature measurement exceeds or falls below a threshold, which can be indicative of an abnormal condition. Other types of information related to different patient parameters and/or conditions may be used to trigger the ECG device 110 to collect ECG and/or temperature data.

At step 277, the reusable device 205 (e.g., processor 207) may perform signal processing on the raw ECG and temperature data to determine physiological parameters related to the patient's cardiac activity and temperature. At step 278, the reusable device 205 of the ECG device 110 can transmit the physiological parameters to other patient monitoring systems and/or devices via a wired or various wireless communication protocols.

In some variations, the ECG device 110 is waterproof or water-resistant. For example, the reusable device 205 and/or the disposable device 203 may be configured such that when secured to one another, they prevent water from entering the interior thereof. This may minimize or prevent damage to the reusable device 205 and/or the disposable device 203 and/or components thereof (such as the temperature sensor 209, the inner electrode 211, and/or the circuit board 259).

The division of the ECG device 110 into separable reusable and disposable portions 205, 203 provides a number of advantages over conventional ECG devices. For example, such partitioning allows a portion of the ECG device 110 (e.g., the reusable portion 205) to be reused after the device 200 is used with a given patient, and allows another portion of the device 200 (e.g., the disposable portion 203) to be discarded after such use. By removably securing to the disposable portion 203 as described above, the reusable portion 205 can avoid contacting portions of the patient during use. The disposable portion 203 may be secured to the patient and provide a platform to which the reusable portion 205 may be attached. This division allows, among other things, more expensive and/or more fragile components, such as circuit board 259, flex circuit 299, temperature sensors 209a, 209b, 209c, 209d, etc., to be housed within reusable portion 205, while less expensive and/or more durable components (such as electrodes 112, cables 114, laminate structure 221, docking station 204, etc.) become part of disposable portion 203. Such a division may allow the disposable portion 203 to be secured to the patient independently of the reusable portion 205. This may be advantageous where the reusable portion 205 is connected to other physiological monitoring devices (such as to the blood pressure monitor 120 and/or the patient monitor 130 via the cable 105), and it may be more difficult for the reusable portion 205 and the disposable portion 203 to be secured to the patient at the same time (e.g., because of the presence of various cables in the patient's environment). In this case, this division allows the caregiver to affix disposable portion 203 (e.g., electrodes 112 and docking station 204) to the patient, and after this affixing, the caregiver can affix reusable portion 205 to disposable portion 203. In some variations, the reusable portion 205 is heavier than the disposable portion 203. In some variations, the disposable portion 203 does not include a processor and/or a power source (e.g., a battery). In some variations, disposable portion 203 does not collect electrical signals in response to the patient's heart activity until reusable portion 205 is secured to disposable portion 203.

Fig. 3A shows another embodiment of an ECG device 310 (also referred to herein as an "ECG sensor"). The ECG device 310 may be attached to different parts of the patient 111, such as the patient's chest, back, arms, legs, neck, head, or other parts of the patient's body. The ECG device 310 can collect one or more types of patient physiological data and transmit the data to other monitoring systems or devices. The physiological data may be transmitted to other monitoring systems or devices via wired or various wireless communication protocols. For example, as described above, the ECG device 310 may interact with various other physiological devices and/or systems, such as the blood pressure monitor (e.g., blood pressure monitor 120) and/or patient monitor 120 discussed herein. Accordingly, all of the portions of the description above with reference to ECG device 110 and fig. 1A-1D may be applicable to ECG device 310.

The ECG device 310 may have the functionality and/or computational capability to calculate physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate, precise body temperature values, etc.) using raw physiological data (e.g., raw temperature data, raw ECG data responsive to patient heart activity, etc.). In this regard, the ECG device 310 may transmit the raw, unprocessed electrical signals or physiological data and/or the processed, calculated physiological parameters to other patient monitoring devices and/or systems, such as those discussed elsewhere herein (e.g., the blood pressure monitor 120 and/or the patient monitor 130).

Referring to fig. 3A-3D, the ECG device 310 can include a disposable portion 303 (also referred to herein as a "disposable device") and a reusable portion 305 (also referred to herein as a "reusable device"). Disposable portion 303 may include docking station 304 (also referred to herein as a "base"), one or more external electrodes 312, and one or more cables 314. One or more external electrodes 312 may be coupled to docking station 304 via one or more cables 314. The one or more external electrodes 312 and/or cables 314 can be the same as the one or more external electrodes 112 and/or cables 114 discussed with respect to the ECG device 110, and thus the discussion above with respect to these components is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

Figure 3C shows a perspective view of the reusable device 305. The reusable device 305 may include a hub 306 (also referred to herein as a "cover"), the cable 105, and/or the connector 105 a. The hub 306 may transmit electrical signals to other devices and/or systems, including a multi-parameter patient monitoring system (MPMS), via the cable 105 and connector 105 a. Additionally or alternatively, the hub 306 may wirelessly transmit the electrical signals to other devices and/or systems. For example, the hub portion 306 may include a wireless transmitter or transceiver configured to use a different type of wireless communication technology (such as Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.) wirelessly transmits electrical signals (e.g., signals related to patient temperature and/or cardiac activity). In some variations, the reusable device 205 does not include a cable or connector.

The hub portion 306 may be of various shapes and/or sizes. For example, as shown in fig. 3C, the hub 306 may be rectangular in shape and/or may have rounded edges and/or corners. Hub 306 may be shaped to mate with docking station 304. For example, the hub portion 306 may be sized and/or shaped to facilitate mechanical and/or electrical mating with the docking station 304. Additional details regarding the mating of the hub 306 and docking station 304 are further described below.

Fig. 3D shows a schematic diagram of an ECG device 310. As described above, the ECG device 310 may include a disposable device 303 and a reusable device 305. The disposable device 303 may include a docking station 304 coupled to one or more external electrodes 312 that detect and transmit electrical signals from the patient 111 through a cable 314. The docking station 304 can receive electrical signals from the external electrodes 312 (e.g., via the flex circuit 325) and transmit them to the reusable device 305. The external electrodes 312 can be placed in different positions relative to the placement of the docking station 304. For example, docking station 304 may be placed near, adjacent to, and/or over a patient's heart, and external electrodes 312 may be placed at different locations on the patient's chest.

Similar or identical to the external electrodes 112 of the ECG device 110, the external electrodes 312 can be color-coordinated and/or include graphics or visualizations that can advantageously assist a caregiver in properly positioning and/or securing the electrodes 312 to portions of the patient's body in order to collect accurate ECG data. Thus, the discussion above with reference to fig. 2A-2B and 4D and the ECG device 110 is equally applicable to the outer electrodes 312 of the ECG device 310 and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

The disposable device 303 may include one or more external electrodes 312. For example, the disposable device 303 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more external electrodes 312. For example, as shown by fig. 3A-3B, the disposable device 303 may include four external electrodes 312. As another example, the disposable device 303 may include two external electrodes 312.

Docking station 304 of disposable device 303 may include one or more internal electrodes 311. For example, docking station 304 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more internal electrodes 311. As another example, docking station 304 may include two internal electrodes 311, as shown in FIGS. 3F-3G. As another example, docking station 304 may include an internal electrode 311.

The total number of electrodes (including the outer and inner electrodes) may be two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve or more electrodes. For example, the disposable device 303 may include four outer electrodes 312, four cables 314, and two inner electrodes 311. In another example, the disposable device 303 may include two outer electrodes 312, two cables 314, and two inner electrodes 311. In another example, the disposable device 303 may include two outer electrodes 312, two cables 314, and one inner electrode 311. In yet another example, the disposable device 303 may include four outer electrodes 312, four cables 314, and no inner electrodes 311. In yet another example, the disposable device 303 may include one outer electrode 312, one cable 314, and one inner electrode 311. In another example, the disposable device 303 may include two outer electrodes 312, two cables 314, and no inner electrodes 311. Various combinations of inner and outer electrodes 311, 312 are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In various examples of the disposable device 303 of the ECG device 310, the number of external electrodes 312 coupled to the docking station 304 of the disposable device 303 and the number of internal electrodes 311 housed within the docking station 304 can vary.

As shown in fig. 3D, the reusable device 305 of the ECG device 310 may include a processor 307, a memory 308, a temperature sensor 309, and/or a motion sensor 310. The memory 308 may be a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), or the like. The memory 308 may store various types of physiological data (raw and/or processed) related to the patient 111. For example, the memory 308 may store raw and/or processed physiological data related to patient temperature and electrical activity of the heart. The data related to the electrical activity of the heart may represent the rhythm and/or activity of the heart. As discussed further below, the memory 308 may be used, inter alia, in conjunction with memory on the disposable device 303 to enable verification that the disposable device 303 is an authorized product. For example, the disposable device 303 may include a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, and/or DRAM that is readable by the reusable part 305 to enable the reusable part 305 to verify that the disposable device 303 is an authorized product.

As described above, the reusable device 305 may include a motion sensor 310. The motion sensor 310 may be the same as the motion sensor 210 of the ECG device 110. Thus, the discussion above with reference to the motion sensor 110 of the ECG device 110 applies equally to the motion sensor 310 of the ECG device 310 and, for the sake of brevity, is not repeated here.

As described above, the reusable device 305 may include a temperature sensor 309. The temperature sensor 309 may measure the temperature of the patient 111 at and/or near the location where the ECG device 310 is placed. Temperature sensor 309 may measure the temperature of the skin of patient 111. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor 309 may measure an ambient temperature, such as a temperature outside of the reusable device 305 and/or a temperature inside the reusable device 305 (such as at or near a circuit board of the reusable device 305). Temperature data collected from patient 111 by temperature sensor 309 may be used to determine the core body temperature of patient 111. The temperature sensor 309 may be in electronic communication with the processor 307 and may send temperature data to the processor 307. In one example, the temperature sensor 309 may be an infrared temperature sensor. The placement and/or arrangement of the temperature sensor 309 within the reusable device 305 and/or relative to the disposable device 303 can be varied to facilitate thermal communication between the user's skin and the temperature sensor 309, as discussed further below.

The processor 307 may receive raw temperature data from the temperature sensor 309. Further, the processor 307 may receive raw ECG data from the disposable device 303. For example, the processor 307 may receive raw ECG data from the disposable device 303 via contact between one or more electrical connectors of the reusable portion 305 and one or more electrical connectors of the disposable portion 303. As another example, the processor 307 may receive raw ECG data from the disposable device 303 via electrical contact between the conductive strip 344 of the flexible circuit 325 of the disposable device 303 and the conductor pins 353 of the reusable device 305. After receiving the raw ECG and temperature data, processor 307 may perform data processing to calculate physiological parameters corresponding to temperature and/or ECG. The physiological parameters may be stored in the memory 308 or transmitted to a different sensor system, patient monitoring system, or the like. For example, the physiological parameter may be sent to blood pressure monitor 120 and/or patient monitor 130. The data stored in the memory 308 may be stored for a predetermined length of time and transmitted to a different sensor system or patient monitoring system or device when the ECG device 310 is connected (via wired or wireless) to such other system or device. Optionally, the raw temperature data and raw ECG data may be stored in memory 308 prior to data processing by processor 307. The processor 307 may periodically retrieve raw temperature and/or ECG data for batch processing and/or transmission of the raw data. Alternatively, when the memory 308 receives raw ECG and temperature data, the processor 307 may automatically (e.g., continuously) retrieve the raw data from the memory 308.

FIG. 3E shows a top perspective view of docking station 304 of the disposable device. Docking station 304 (also referred to herein as a "base") may include a body 316 and a laminate structure 321. Body 316 may include one or more pin supports 319, one or more pin supports 320, a wall 355 extending along and/or around the exterior and/or perimeter of body 316, and an opening 323 in wall 355. Wall 355 may extend along and/or around a portion of body 316 and/or may have a height that varies along the length of wall 355.

Docking station 304 of disposable portion 303 may include one or more mechanical connector portions configured to be fixedly secured (e.g., removably secured) to one or more mechanical connector portions of hub portion 306 of reusable portion 305. For example, body 316 may include one or both of mechanical connector portions 317 and 318. The mechanical connector portion 317 may be, for example, a clip, which may be configured to bend and/or flex. As discussed further below, the clamp 317 may include a protrusion 340, which may extend in a direction toward the mechanical connector portion 318 (fig. 3H). The mechanical connector portion 318 may extend outwardly from a portion of the body 316. For example, the mechanical connector portion 318 may extend above the height of the wall 355. The mechanical connector portion 318 may include one or more protrusions 341 that may extend in a direction toward the mechanical connector portion 317 (fig. 3H). The mechanical connector portions 317, 318 may facilitate coupling between the docking station 304 and the hub portion 306. For example, the mechanical connector portions 317, 318 may engage corresponding mechanical connector portions of the hub portion 306 to hold the hub portion 306 in place. For example, as described below, the mechanical connector portions 317, 318 may be removably secured within the grooves 351, 352 of the hub 306. The interaction of the mechanical connector portions 317, 318 and the corresponding mechanical connector portions of the hub portion 306 may advantageously maintain electrical communication between the docking station 304 and the hub portion 306. The docking station 304 of the disposable portion 303 may include one, two, three, or four or more mechanical connector portions, and/or the hub portion 306 may include one, two, three, or four or more mechanical connector portions.

The mechanical connector portions 317, 318 may extend upwardly from an outer edge of the body 316 and/or upwardly adjacent or proximate to the wall 355, as shown in fig. 3E. The mechanical connector portions 317, 318 may be positioned opposite each other (fig. 3E and 3H). In some variations, docking station 304 includes less than two mechanical connector portions or more than two mechanical connector portions. For example, in some variations, docking station 304 includes only one of mechanical connector portions 317, 318.

The pin supports 319, 320 of docking station 304 of disposable portion 303 can support and/or operatively position the plurality of electrical connectors of disposable portion 303. For example, pin supports 319, 320 can support and/or operatively position conductive strips 344, 345 of flexible circuit 325 of docking station 304. The pin supports 319, 320 may extend through openings or slots formed on the top surface of the body 316. For example, as described below, body 316 may include a top frame 324 having one or more slots 336 and/or openings 337 and a bottom frame 327 that may include one or more pin supports 319, 320. When body 316 is assembled, one or more pin supports 319, 320 may extend from bottom frame 327 and through slot 336 and opening 337 of top frame 324 (respectively). The slot 336 and/or opening 337 formed on the top surface of the body 316 may be rectangular or substantially rectangular in shape. The pin supports 319, 320 may be arcuate and/or may include an upward portion, an apex, and a downward portion. The upward portions of the pin supports 319, 320 may extend upward at a predetermined angle relative to and/or beyond a top surface of the body 316 (e.g., a top surface of the top frame 324 and/or the bottom frame 327). The upper portion of the pin supports 319, 320 may terminate at an apex from which the downward portion of the pin supports 319, 320 may extend downward at another predetermined angle toward the top surface of the body 316. This configuration of the pin supports 319, 320 may allow them to act like a spring when a downward force is applied to the pin supports 319, 320. Alternatively, the pin supports 319, 320 may not have a lower portion. The pin supports 319, 320 may be flexible and/or resilient.

The pin support 319 may correspond to and/or be associated with an electrical connector of the disposable portion 303. For example, the pin support 319 may correspond to and/or be associated with a conductive strip 344 (see fig. 3F and 3I) of the flex circuit 325 that carries electrical signals associated with the one or more external electrodes 312 and/or the one or more internal electrodes 311. For example, as shown in fig. 3E, docking station 304 may have six support pins 319 that support six conductive strips 344 of flex circuit 325 that may carry electronic signals from four external electrodes 312 (via cables 314) and two internal electrodes 311.

Similar to pin support 319, pin support 320 may correspond to and/or be associated with an electrical connector of disposable portion 303. For example, the pin support 320 may correspond to and/or be associated with a conductive strip 345 (see fig. 3F and 3I) of the flex circuit 325 that allows electronic signals and/or information to be sent between the docking station 304 and the memory 308 of the hub 306. Flexible circuit 325 may include and/or be coupled to a memory (such as PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, and/or DRAM) of disposable portion 303 that is configured to store information associated with disposable portion 303. The conductive strips 345 of the flexible circuit 325 may be coupled to such a memory. Advantageously, pin support 320 may support and/or operatively position conductive strips 345 such that they contact conductor pins (such as conductive pins 354) of hub 306, which may enable hub 306 to determine whether docking station 304 is an authorized product.

As described above, docking station 304 may include one or more openings 323 in portions of body 316 that are configured to allow portions of cable 314 to pass into the interior of docking station 304. For example, as described above, the body 316 may include one or more openings 323 in the wall 355. Docking station 304 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more openings 323. The opening 323 may be sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of the cable 314 coupled to the outer electrode 312. An opening 323 may be formed on one side of the body 316. For example, as shown in fig. 3E, an opening 323 may be formed on a front side (or "end") of the body 316. Alternatively, the openings 323 may be formed on different sides or portions of the body 316. The number of openings 323 can correspond to the number of external electrodes 312 and/or the number of cables 314 coupled to docking station 304. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, docking station 304 of disposable device 303 may include four external electrodes 312. In this regard, docking station 304 may include four openings 323 configured to receive four cables 314 coupled to four external electrodes 312. Although fig. 2E shows four openings 323, four cables 314, and four external electrodes 312, a different number of electrodes 312, openings 323, and/or cables 314 may be implemented into disposable portion 303. Opening 323 may be sized to form a tight fit with cable 314. This configuration is advantageous in allowing docking station 304 to be water resistant and/or waterproof. Additionally or alternatively, such a configuration may help maintain the integrity of the connection between cable 314 and opening 323. For example, a tight fit between the opening 323 and the portion of the cable 314 may reduce the likelihood of the end of the cable 314 connected to the flexible circuit 325 (e.g., connected to the conductive strip 343) being disconnected when the opposite end of the cable 314 is inadvertently or intentionally pulled.

Figures 3F and 3G show exploded perspective views of docking station 304 of disposable portion 303. Docking station 304 may include a top frame 324, a flexible circuit 325, one or more internal electrodes 311, a substrate 328, a substrate 329, a bottom frame 327, one or more adhesives 322, a substrate 330, and a substrate 331. Advantageously, the portions shown in fig. 3F and 3G may be stacked on top of each other without folding, thereby increasing the efficiency of the manufacturing process of the ECG device 310. The top and bottom frames 324, 327 may together form and/or define the body 316, which is discussed above with reference to fig. 3E. Further, top frame 324 may include a wall 355 also discussed above.

Top frame 324 may be coupled to bottom frame 327 such that top frame 324 rests on top of bottom frame 327. The top frame 324 may include a recessed portion 335 formed on a top surface of the top frame 324. The recessed portion 335 may include a hole 338 (see fig. 3F-3G) formed at a bottom portion of the recessed portion 335.

The bottom frame 327 may include an aperture 332 and one or more apertures 333. The aperture 332 of the bottom frame 327 may correspond to and/or align with the recessed portion 335 of the top frame 324 such that when the top frame 324 is placed on the bottom frame 327, the aperture 332 receives the recessed portion 335 and the recessed portion 335 extends through the aperture 332 and/or below the aperture. As described below, this may advantageously allow a portion of the reusable portion 305 and the temperature sensor 309 to be positioned closer to the substrate 330 and/or 331, which in turn may increase thermal communication between the user's skin and the temperature sensor 309.

As described above, docking station 304 may include pin supports 319, 320. As shown in fig. 3F, the pin supports 319, 320 can be formed on the bottom frame 327. Top frame 324 may include slots 336 and/or openings 337 that may receive pin supports 319, 320, respectively, of bottom frame 327. When top frame 324 is placed on top of bottom frame 327, pin supports 319, 320 may extend through and/or over slot 336 and/or opening 337 of top frame 324.

The flexible circuit 325 may be placed and/or positioned between the top frame 324 and the bottom frame 327 (see fig. 3F-3G). For example, during assembly, the flexible circuit 325 may be sandwiched between the top frame 324 and the bottom frame 327. The bottom frame 327 may operably position the flexible circuit 325 and/or portions thereof such that electrical communication between the flexible circuit 325 and a circuit board or flexible circuit of the reusable portion 305 is facilitated when the reusable portion 305 is affixed to the disposable portion 303. For example, the pin support 319 of the bottom frame 327 may be operable to position the conductive strip 344 of the flex circuit 325 such that the conductive strip 344 contacts the conductor pins 353 of the reusable portion 305. Additionally or alternatively, the pin support 320 of the bottom frame 327 may operatively position the conductive strip 345 of the flexible circuit 325 such that when the reusable portion 205 is mated with the disposable portion 303, the conductive strip 345 contacts the conductor pins 354 of the reusable portion 205. Such contact may allow the flexible circuit 325 to transmit information and/or physiological data between the disposable device 303 and the reusable device 305. Additional details of the flexible circuit 325 are provided below.

Referring to fig. 3F, the inner electrode 311 may be at least partially disposed and/or positioned between the top frame 324 and the bottom frame 327. The inner electrode 311 may be removably coupled to the flexible circuit 325. The inner electrode 311 may be placed within the bore 333, and the bore 333 may be sized to receive the inner electrode 311 (and/or portions thereof).

As described above, docking station 304 of disposable portion 303 may include laminate structure 321. As also discussed, the laminate structure 321 may include one or more substrates, such as substrates 328, 329, 330, and/or 331. Base 328 may be, for example, a foam membrane or ring configured to surround top and/or bottom frames 324, 327 when docking station 304 is assembled. The base plate 328 may include an opening sized and/or shaped to match the size and/or shape of the perimeter of the top frame 324 and/or the bottom frame 327 (see fig. 3F-3G). The substrates 329, 330, 331 may be made of a material that may provide thermal and/or electrical isolation or alternatively electrical and/or thermal conductivity. The substrates 328, 329, 330, 331 may be made of different materials or the same material. Substrate 329 and/or 330 may be, for example, a Polyethylene (PE) film.

Referring to fig. 3F-3G, an adhesive 322 may be attached to a bottom surface of the bottom frame 327 to adhere the bottom frame 327 to the substrate 330. Substrate 330 may be bonded to substrate 331. One or more apertures 334 may be formed in the substrate 330. The substrate 330 may include one, two, three, or four or more apertures 334. The number of holes 334 may correspond to the number of inner electrodes 311. The aperture 334 may be sized to receive one or more internal electrodes 311. Base plate 330 can provide electrical isolation between docking station 304 and patient 111, e.g., in an area outside and/or around aperture 334. The aperture 334 may allow the inner electrode 311 to collect raw ECG data without requiring the electrical impedance or isolation provided by the substrate 330.

Substrate 331 can provide thermal and/or electrical conductivity between docking station 304 and patient 11. The substrate 331 may be the only substrate between the inner electrode 311 and the patient 11. The holes 333 of the bottom frame 327 and the holes 334 of the base plate 330 may advantageously allow the inner electrode 311 to measure electrocardiogram data from the patient 111 without any unnecessary resistance and/or impedance. For example, the substrate 331 may include a hydrogel.

FIG. 3H shows a side view of docking station 304 of disposable device 303. As described above, docking station 304 may include one or both of mechanical connector portions 317, 318. The mechanical connector portions 317, 318 may include protrusions 340, 341, respectively. The protrusions 340, 341 may be positioned at free ends (e.g., cantilevered ends) of the mechanical connector portions 317, 318, such as ends opposite ends of portions connected to the docking station 304, such as the main body 316. The protrusions 340, 341 may engage the grooves 352, 351 (see fig. 3J-3K) of the hub portion 306 to removably secure the hub portion 306 to the docking station 304. The hub portion 306 may be positioned at least partially between the mechanical connector portions 317, 318 when the hub portion 306 is mated with the docking station 304. The engagement between the protrusions 340, 341 and the recesses 352, 351 may prevent the hub portion 306 from moving in a horizontal direction and/or a vertical direction when mated with the docking station 304.

Fig. 3I shows a top view of the flexible circuit 325. The flexible circuit 325 may include a plurality of conductive surfaces and/or conductive strips. For example, the flexible circuit 325 may include conductive strips 343, 344, 345, and/or 346. The conductive strip 343 may be electrically connected to the cable 314, which may itself be electrically connected to the external electrode 312. In this regard, the conductive strip 343 may receive electrical signals from the external electrode 312 via the cable 314. The wires 314 may be soldered to corresponding conductive strips 343. Conductive strips 346 (also referred to herein as "conductive rings") may be formed around and/or within the holes 347, as shown in fig. 3I. The conductive ring 346 may be in contact with the inner electrode 311 and receive an electrical signal from the inner electrode. The aperture 347 may receive a top portion of the inner electrode 311, thereby forming contact between the conductive strip 346 and the inner electrode 311, which allows the flex circuit 325 to receive ECG data from the inner electrode 311.

The conductive strip 345 may establish electrical communication between the docking station 304 and the memory 308 of the reusable device 305. The conductive strip 345 of the flexible circuit 325 may be positioned adjacent to (e.g., on top of) the pin support 320. The pin supports 320 supporting the conductive strip 345 may be oriented such that when the hub 306 is mated with the docking station 304, the conductor pins 354 (see fig. 3L) of the hub 306 contact the conductive strip 345. The memory 308 of the reusable device 305 can be coupled to the conductor pins 354 such that contact between the conductive strip 345 and the conductor pins 354 allows electronic signals and/or information to be transmitted from the disposable device 303 to the memory 308 of the reusable device 305. Advantageously, a conductive strip 345 may be used to enable verification that the disposable portion 303 is an authorized product. For example, when the reusable portion 205 is mated electronically and/or mechanically to the disposable portion 303 such that contact is made between the conductive strip 345 and the conductor pins 354, the reusable portion 205 can determine whether the disposable portion 303 is an authorized product by analyzing information contained in the memory of the flexible circuit 325 of the disposable portion 303. As described above, the memory of the flexible circuit 325 may be PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, and/or DRAM memory configured to store information related to the disposable portion 303. This determination may prevent damage to the reusable device 305 that may occur if an unauthorized product is secured thereto. Such a determination may additionally or alternatively ensure proper functionality of the reusable device 305.

Conductive strip 344 may be in electronic communication with conductive strips 343, 346 such that they may receive electrocardiogram data from outer electrode 312 and inner electrode 311. The conductive strip 344 of the flexible circuit 325 may be positioned on top of the pin support 319. Pin support 319 supporting conductive strip 344 may be oriented such that conductor pins 353 (see FIG. 3L) of hub portion 306 may contact conductive strip 344 when hub portion 306 is mated with docking station 304. The contact between the conductive strip 344 and the conductor pins 353 may allow electronic signals to be sent from the disposable device 303 to the processor 307 of the reusable device 305. The processor 307 of the reusable device 305 can be coupled to the conductor pins 353 to receive electronic signals from the disposable device 303 via the conductive strip 344. The number of conductive strips 344 may correspond to the total number of conductive strips 343, 346. Each of the conductive strips 343 and one of the conductive strips 346 may be associated with a different one of the conductive strips 344 of the flexible circuit 325.

Figures 3J-3L illustrate various perspective views of the docking station 306 of the reusable part 205. As shown, the hub 306 may include a cable outlet (also referred to herein as an "output connector port") 350, one or more mechanical connector portions, and other components discussed further below. One or more mechanical connector portions may allow the reusable portion 305 to mate with the disposable portion 303. The one or more mechanical connector portions may be, for example, grooves 351, 352. Grooves 351, 352, conductor pins 353, 354 and temperature sensor 309. The grooves 351, 352 may be formed on the same side or different sides of the hub 306. For example, as shown in fig. 3J and 3K, the grooves 351, 352 may be positioned opposite each other on opposite ends of the hub 306. As described above, the grooves 351, 352 may interact with the protrusions 340, 341 of the mechanical connector portions 317, 318, respectively, to removably secure the docking station 304 and the hub portion 306. The grooves 351, 352 are sized and/or shaped to engage the protrusions 340, 341, respectively. For example, the mechanical connector portions 317, 318 may snap toward and/or within the grooves 351, 352 to engage the protrusions 340, 341 with the grooves 351, 352.

Reusable portion 305 may include one or more electrical connectors configured to connect to one or more electrical connectors of disposable portion 203 when affixed to disposable portion 303. For example, referring to fig. 3L, the hub 306 may include one or more conductor pins 353, 354 disposed proximate a bottom surface of the hub 306 such that when the hub 306 is coupled with the docking station 304, the conductor pins 353, 354 may contact the conductive strips 344, 345, respectively. The contact between the pins 353, 354 and the strips 344, 345 allows information and/or electrical signals to be transmitted from the disposable portion 303 to the reusable portion 305. As described above, contact between the conductive strip 344 and the conductor pin 353 can allow electrical signals to be sent between the docking station 304 and the processor 307 of the reusable portion 305. The contact between the conductive strip 345 and the conductor pin 354 may allow information to be transmitted between the memory of the docking station 304 (e.g., the memory of the flexible circuit 325) and the memory 308 of the reusable portion 305.

The hub portion 306 may include a recessed portion 361. The concave portion 361 may be formed in the bottom frame 357, for example. The recessed portion 361 may be recessed from a top surface of the bottom frame 357 (fig. 3L and 3N), and may extend outward from (e.g., extend below) a bottom surface of the bottom frame 357. The concave portion 361 may include an opening 360 formed at an end or a bottom of the concave portion 361. The recessed portion 361 may be shaped, sized, and/or positioned on a bottom surface of the hub 306 such that the recessed portion 335 (fig. 3E) of the docking station 304 may receive the recessed portion 361 when the docking station 304 is coupled to the hub 306. The recessed portion 361 may receive and/or house the temperature sensor 309. The temperature sensor 309 may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the bottom portion of the recessed portion 361 and/or the opening 360. As described below, recessed portion 361 can extend through an opening in docking station 304 and can contact substrates 330 and/or 331. Recessed portion 361 of docking station 304 may include a material that provides thermal conductivity but minimizes or prevents electrical conductivity. This may advantageously allow the recessed portion 361 to facilitate thermal communication between the patient's skin and the temperature sensor 309, while minimizing or eliminating damage and/or interference that may be caused by electrical interference. For example, the recessed portion 361 may comprise a plastic coated with and/or containing boron nitride.

Fig. 3M and 3N show various exploded perspective views of the hub 306 of the reusable device 305. The hub 306 (also referred to herein as a "cover") may include a top frame 356 and a bottom frame 357. The hub portion 306 may also include one or more resistors 358, a circuit board 359, conductor pins 353, conductor pins 354, a temperature sensor 309, and a cable exit 350. The bottom frame 357 may include apertures 363 and/or apertures 364 (also referred to herein as "cavities"). Holes 363, 364 may extend through bottom frame 357 and receive conductor pin 353 and conductor pin 354, respectively. The apertures 363, 364 may be sized and dimensioned such that the conductor pins 353, 354 create a water-blocking seal when received by the apertures 363, 364.

Circuit board 359 may include processor 307 and memory 308. The circuit board 359 can be operably coupled to the outer electrodes 312, the inner electrodes 311, and the temperature sensor 309 to receive electrocardiogram data and temperature data. The hub portion 506 may include one or more resistors 358 coupled to the circuit board 359 and/or the conductor pins 353. The hub 506 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more resistors 358. The number of resistors 358 may correspond to the number of conductor pins 353 and/or the total number of outer and inner electrodes 312, 311. Resistor 358 may be positioned between circuit board 359 and conductor pin 353. Advantageously, the resistor 358 may prevent or reduce damage to the circuit board 359 (or other components of the reusable device 305) due to short circuits or arcing, for example, that may occur if high voltages are accidentally and/or suddenly introduced via the conductor pins 353 if the reusable device 305 is positioned on or near the patient while the defibrillator is in use. For example, resistor 358 may be a high capacitance, low resistance resistor that allows electrical signals associated with the user's cardiac electrical activity to pass therethrough, but prevents high voltages from passing to circuit board 359 and/or other components of reusable device 305. Resistor 358 may be soldered directly to circuit board 359 and/or conductive pin 353. As shown in fig. 3M, the hub 306 may include one or more walls 368 configured to separate each of the one or more resistors 368.

FIG. 3O illustrates a top perspective view of the hub 306 and docking station 304, illustrating how the hub 306 and docking station 304 may be coupled (e.g., removably coupled). As described above, the docking station 304 may be removably secured to the hub 306 via engagement between the mechanical connector portions 217, 218, 252, 251. When docking station 304 and hub 306 are secured in this manner, conductor pins 353, 354 (see fig. 2L) of hub 306 may engage pin supports 319, 320, respectively (see fig. 3E). As described above, the conductive strips 344, 345 of the flexible circuit 325 may be supported by the pin supports 319, 320. Thus, when the docking station 304 and hub 306 are secured in this manner, the conductive strips 344, 345 may contact the conductor pins 353, 354 of the hub 306. The contact between the conductive strips 344, 345 and the conductor pins 353, 354 may allow electronic signals and/or information to be transmitted from the docking station 304 of the disposable device 303 to the hub 306 of the reusable device 305. Additionally, recessed portion 335 and recessed portion 361 can be aligned when docking station 304 and hub 306 are secured in this manner (see FIGS. 3N-3O). The recessed portion 335 may be sized and/or shaped to receive the recessed portion 361. The aperture 360 (see fig. 3N) of the recessed portion 361 and the aperture 338 (see fig. 3F-3G) of the recessed portion 335 may be aligned such that the apertures 360, 338 define an open space and/or area under the temperature sensor 309. In this configuration, the recessed portion 261 can contact the substrate 334 when the reusable part 305 and the disposable part 303 are mated. For example, the apertures 338, 360 may be vertically aligned.

Fig. 3P and 3Q show cross-sectional views of an ECG device 310 placed on the skin of a patient, showing the relative positions of the temperature sensor 309 and the inner electrode 311, respectively, with respect to the skin of the patient.

The temperature sensor 309 may be positioned a distance D1 away from the outer surface of the patient's skin. For example, the distance D1 may be equal to the distance between the bottommost portion of the temperature sensor 309 and the bottom surface of the substrate 331. In this regard, the temperature sensor 309 may not be in direct contact with the patient's skin. Aperture 360 (see fig. 3N) of recessed portion 361 and aperture 338 of recessed portion 335 may allow temperature sensor 309 to collect temperature data from the patient.

Referring to fig. 3Q, the inner electrode 311 may be positioned a distance D2 away from the outer surface of the patient's skin. The distance D2 may be equal to the distance between the bottommost portion of the inner electrode 311 and the bottom surface of the substrate 331. In this regard, the inner electrode 311 may not be in direct contact with the patient's skin. For example, the substrate 331 may be positioned between the inner electrode 311 and the patient's skin. The substrate 331 may include a conductive material that facilitates the transmission of electrical signals from the patient's heart to the inner electrode 311. The laminate structure 221 may include a release liner similar to or the same as the release liner 239 discussed above with reference to the ECG device 110 and fig. 2F-2G.

The distance D2 and the distance D1 may be the same or different. For example, D2 may be less than D1. In another example, D2 may be greater than D2.

Fig. 2R shows a block diagram representing a method 370 of determining a physiological parameter of a patient using the ECG device 310. In step 371, the reusable device 305 establishes a connection with the disposable device 303. This occurs when the reusable device is mechanically mated with the disposable device 303. The connection between the reusable device 305 and the disposable device 303 may be established via contact between the conductive pins 353, 354 and the conductive strips 344, 345 supported by the pin supports 319, 320, as described above. Contact between the conductive pins 353, 354 and the conductive strips 344, 345 may occur when the hub 306 of the reusable device 305 is mounted on the docking station 304 of the disposable device 303. At step 372, the reusable device 305 can provide power to the disposable device 303. The power provided by the reusable device 305 may power the external and internal electrodes 312, 311 to collect electrocardiographic data. In some variations, the disposable portion 303 does not include a source of electrical power and relies entirely on the reusable device 305 to collect electrocardiographic data.

At step 373, the disposable device 303 receives power from the reusable device 305. At step 374, the disposable device 303 collects raw ECG data from the patient using one or more external electrodes 312 and/or one or more internal electrodes 311. At step 375, the raw ECG data collected by the outer electrodes 312 and/or the inner electrodes 311 may be sent to the reusable device 305. As described above, the raw ECG data can be sent via the flex circuit 325. The raw ECG data can be sent from the disposable device 303 to the reusable device 305 automatically or manually according to user input. The raw ECG data may be sent continuously or with a predetermined delay.

At step 376, the reusable device 305 can collect raw temperature data. Raw temperature data may be collected by temperature sensor 309. The raw temperature data may be collected simultaneously or non-simultaneously with the raw ECG data. For example, the reusable device 305 may collect raw temperature data regardless of whether the disposable device is collecting and/or transmitting raw ECG data.

The caregiver may be able to configure the ECG device 310 to determine which physiological data to collect under different circumstances. The ECG device 310 may be configured to collect and process temperature-related physiological data under certain predetermined conditions. For example, the ECG device 310 may be configured to measure the temperature of the patient when it detects ECG signals associated with irregular heart activity and/or physical condition. For example, the ECG device 310 can be configured to measure the temperature of the patient when the change in the ECG signal over a predetermined period of time exceeds a threshold. In another example, the ECG device 310 can be configured to collect ECG data from the patient when the temperature measurement exceeds or falls below a threshold, which can be indicative of an abnormal condition. Other types of information related to different patient parameters and/or conditions may be used to trigger the ECG device 310 to collect ECG and/or temperature data.

In step 377, the reusable device 305 (e.g., processor 307) may perform signal processing on the raw ECG and temperature data to determine physiological parameters related to the patient's cardiac activity and temperature. At step 378, the reusable device 305 of the ECG device 310 can transmit the physiological parameters to other patient monitoring systems and/or devices via a wired or various wireless communication protocols.

In some variations, the ECG device 310 is waterproof or water-resistant. For example, the reusable device 305 and/or the disposable device 303 may be configured such that when secured to one another, they prevent water from entering the interior thereof. This may minimize or prevent damage to the reusable device 305 and/or the disposable device 303 and/or components thereof (such as the temperature sensor 309, the internal electrodes 311, and/or the circuit board 359).

In some variations, other portions of the ECG device 310 include materials that provide thermal conductivity but minimize or prevent electrical conductivity, such as boron nitride. For example, portions of the docking station 304 and/or hub 306 may be made of a plastic coated with boron nitride. In some variations, portions of the ECG device 310 (e.g., the docking station 304 and/or the hub 306) include a material that provides temperature isolation. For example, the docking station 304 and the hub 306 may be fabricated using coated fiberglass.

ECG package

Fig. 4A-4C show views of a packaging apparatus 400 (also referred to herein as an "ECG packaging device") that can be used to secure and/or package portions of an ECG device 110. For example, the packaging device 400 can be used to secure and/or package the disposable portion 203 of the ECG device 110. While fig. 4A-4C illustrate the ECG device 110 or portions thereof, it should be understood that the ECG device 310 or portions thereof (e.g., the disposable portion 303) can be secured to and/or can interact with the packaging device 400 in a similar or identical manner. Thus, the discussion below with reference to the disposable device 203 of the ECG device 110 is equally applicable to the disposable device 303 of the ECG device 310.

Referring to FIG. 4A, packaging device 400 can include a body placement indicator portion 410 and one or more disposable device securement portions, such as docking station securement portion 420 and/or electrode securement portion 440. Packaging apparatus 400 can include an opening 450 extending along an interior of a portion of packaging apparatus 400, which can allow flexing and/or bending of apparatus 400, for example, as shown in fig. 4C. As shown, the opening 450 may extend along a central axis 470 of the device 400. In such a configuration, when the device 400 is bent as shown in fig. 4C, the device 400 may be split into two halves and may be upright and/or partially upright. As shown, one half may include a body placement indicator portion 410 and/or a docking station securement portion 420, and the other half may include an electrode securement portion 440.

The docking station securing portion 420 can be configured to secure (e.g., removably secure) the docking station 204 of the disposable device 203. Docking station stationary portion 420 may include a placement indicator 422 and one or more branches 424, such as one, two, three, four, five, or six or more branches 424. By way of example, docking station stationary portion 420 can include two branches 424 (FIG. 4A) positioned opposite each other about placement indicator 422. One or more branches 424 may be formed by and/or integral with other portions of the apparatus 400. One or more of the branches 424 may be bendable and/or resilient. One or more branches 424 may be configured to bend away from the surface 401 of the device 400 such that portions of the docking station 204 may be secured between the branches 424 and the surface 401 of the device 400. For example, referring to fig. 4B, one or more branches 424 may be configured to bend away from surface 401 a distance equal to or greater than a thickness of a laminated structure 211 of docking station 204, which may include one or more substrates as described above.

The electrode securing portion 440 can be configured to secure (e.g., removably secure) one or more electrodes 112 of the disposable portion 203 of the ECG device 110. The electrode securing portion 440 may include one or more placement indicators 442 configured to indicate placement of one or more electrodes 112. Each of the one or more placement indicators 442 may include a unique graphic and/or indicia that indicates the placement of a particular one of the one or more electrodes 112 (fig. 4A). For example, each of the one or more placement indicators 442 may include graphics and/or indicia corresponding to the graphics and/or indicia on each electrode 112, as shown in fig. 4D and described above.

The electrode securing portion 440 may include one or more branches 444, such as one, two, three, four, five, or six, seven, or eight or more branches 444. The electrode securing portion 440 may include one or more pairs of branches 444, such as one, two, three, four, five, or six or more pairs of branches 444. One or more branches 444 may be formed by and/or integral with other portions of the device 400. One or more of the branches 444 may be bendable and/or resilient. One or more branches 444 may be configured to bend away from the surface 401 of the device 400 such that portions of the electrode 112 may be secured between the branches 444 and the surface 401 of the device 400. For example, referring to fig. 4B, one or more branches 444 may be configured to bend away from surface 401 a distance sized to accommodate the thickness of electrode 112 (e.g., the thickness of laminate structure 221 of electrode 112). The number of branches 444 may correspond to the number of electrodes 112 of the disposable portion 203 of the ECG device 110. For example, the electrode securing portion 440 may include a pair of branches 44 for each electrode 112 of the disposable 203, such that each electrode 112 is secured by two branches 444. Each branch 44 of a pair may be positioned opposite each other around placement indicator 422 (fig. 4A).

Packaging device 400 can include one or more features that can hold and/or secure portions of cable 114 of disposable portion 203 of ECG device 110. For example, device 400 may include one or more cable securement branches 446, which may be configured to bend away from surface 401 of device 400 such that portions of cable 114 may be received and/or at least partially secured between branches 446 and surface 401 of device 400. For example, referring to fig. 4B, one or more branches 446 may be configured to bend away from surface 401 a distance equal to or greater than a dimension (e.g., diameter) of cable 114. One or more branches 446 may be formed from and/or integral with other portions of the apparatus 400. One or more of the branches 446 may be bendable and/or resilient. One or more branches 446 may be positioned in the electrode securing portion 440. For example, one or more branches 446 may be positioned proximate to and/or between one or more branches 444. Such a configuration may advantageously allow portions of cable 114 to be secured within one or more branches 446 (see fig. 4A-4C) when one or more electrodes 112 are secured by one or more branches 444. Apparatus 400 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve or more cable securing branches 446 or groups of cable securing branches 446. For example, the device 400 may include a set of branches 446 for each number of electrodes 112. For example, the device 400 may include two, three, or four branches 446 of each number of electrodes 112. In some variations, one or more branches 446 in each set are oriented opposite nearby branches 446 in order to reduce or prevent portions of cable 114 from being inadvertently removed (see fig. 4A-4C).

Additionally or alternatively to one or more cable securement branches 446, apparatus 400 may include one or more indentations 452 sized and/or shaped to receive and/or secure portions of cable 114. For example, the device 400 may include one, two, three, or four or more indentations 452. The number of indentations 452 may correspond to the number of cables 114 and/or electrodes 112. As shown in fig. 4A-4B, the notch 452 can be positioned adjacent the opening 450. The indentation 452 may include a passage and a hole positioned at an end of the passage. The passageway may have a size and/or shape that is smaller than the cross-section of the cable 114, and the hole may have a cross-section sized and/or shaped to match the cross-section of the cable 114. Such a configuration may allow portions of the cable 114 to remain at least partially within the bore without moving out of the gap 452 via the passage. Portions of the channel of the device 400 adjacent the indentation 452 may bend or flex to allow portions of the cable 114 to be positioned within and/or through the aperture of the indentation 452.

Device 400 may include a body placement indicator portion 410, which may include a visual representation of the body and one or more body placement indicators that may indicate suggested placements of each of the one or more electrodes 112 and/or docking stations 204 on the body. For example, referring to fig. 4A, body placement indicator portion 410 may include one or more electrode body placement indicators 474, which may correspond to a different and unique one of electrode 112 and placement indicator 442. Additionally or alternatively, body placement indicator portion 410 can include docking station body placement indicator 472, which can correspond to placement indicator 422. One or more electrode body placement indicators 474 and docking station body placement indicator 472 can advantageously help quickly indicate to a caregiver on proper placement of docking station 204 and electrode 112 on the patient's body. Additionally, the apparatus 400 may include placement sequence indicators 460, 462, 464, 466, 468 that may indicate the sequence in which each of the components of the disposable portion 203 should be placed and/or secured to the patient.

While fig. 4A-4D illustrate packaging apparatus 400 configured to secure disposable portion 203 including four electrodes 112 and four cables 114, packaging apparatus 400 may be configured differently to secure an alternate number of electrodes 112 and cables 114. For example, as shown in fig. 4E, packaging apparatus 400 can be configured to secure a disposable portion 203 having two electrodes 112 and two cables 114. For example, device 400 may include two placement indicators 442, two pairs of branches 444, one or more branches 446 or groups of branches 446 for each cable 114, two gaps 452, two electrode body placement indicators 474, a docking station body placement indicator 472, and one or more placement sequence indicators 460, 462, 464.

Blood pressure monitor

Fig. 5A-5AA illustrate various views and aspects of blood pressure monitor 120 (also referred to herein as a "blood pressure device" and a "blood pressure monitoring device"). Although device 120 is referred to herein as a "blood pressure monitor" or "blood pressure device," device 120 may measure and/or monitor other parameters in addition to or instead of blood pressure. For example, the blood pressure device 120 may measure and/or monitor carbon dioxide (CO) in the exhaled air of the patient ₂) Concentration or partial pressure of (a). As another example, as described above, blood pressure monitor 120 may include an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope to measure movement data. Blood pressure device 120 may be, for example, a non-invasive blood pressure device and may have the features and/or functionality described in more detail below with reference to fig. 12-14E.

Fig. 5A-5H illustrate various views of blood pressure monitor 120. The blood pressure monitor 120 may include a housing 502. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, 5C-5D, and 5F, and as discussed further below, blood pressure monitor 120 may be configured to be secured to an arm of patient 111, for example, by being secured to a blood pressure cuff 121. Blood pressure cuff 121 may be wrapped around and/or otherwise secured to an arm of patient 111, and blood pressure monitor 120 may be secured to blood pressure cuff 121, e.g., via securement between one or more ports of blood pressure monitor 120 and one or more branches of blood pressure cuff 121, as discussed further below. As also discussed further below, the blood pressure monitor 120 may be configured to be coupled to the cuff 121 and inflate and/or deflate the cuff 121. As also discussed further below, the blood pressure monitor 120 may provide air to the cuff 121 to inflate the cuff 121 to a pressure level high enough to occlude the aorta. When air is slowly released from the cuff 121, blood pressure may be estimated by the blood pressure monitor 120, as described in more detail below with reference to fig. 12-14E.

Referring to fig. 1A-1B and 5A, blood pressure monitor 120 may be connected to one or more physiological sensors and/or monitors, such as ECG device 110 and/or patient monitor 130, each of which will be discussed in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the cable 105 and connector 105A may connect to a connector port 516 of the blood pressure monitor 120 (see fig. 1A-1B and 5A), and may also connect to the ECG device 110 (see fig. 1A-1B and 2A). Additionally or alternatively, the cable 107 may be connected to a connector port 514 of the blood pressure monitor 120 (see fig. 1A-1B and 5A), and may also be connected to the patient monitor 130 (see fig. 1A-1B and 8A). For example, the cable 107 and connector 107a may connect to a female connector port 832 of the patient monitor 130 (see fig. 8A and 8I). In some variations, the cable 107 is permanently affixed to the blood pressure monitor 120 at the connector port 514. For example, one end of the cable 107 may be permanently hardwired to the circuit board of the blood pressure monitor 120 and therefore not removably securable as the connectors 105a and/or 107 a. As previously described, the blood pressure monitor 120 may include a bypass bus that may communicate physiological data received from the ECG device 110 to the patient monitor 130 without processing such data. For example, the bypass bus of the blood pressure monitor 120 may communicate physiological data received by the connector port 516 via the cable 105 and connector 105a to the connector port 514 via the cable 107 and connector 107a and to the patient monitor 130 via the connector port 433 without processing such data.

Blood pressure monitor 120 may include various electronic components to allow blood pressure monitor 120 to perform its physiological measurement and/or monitoring functions, while cuff 121 (fig. 5I) may include little or no electronic components and/or functions. For example, in some cases, the only electronic components in cuff 121 are those associated with and/or provided with blood pressure monitor 120 for Near Field Communication (NFC), as will be described further below. In some cases, blood pressure monitor 120 and/or cuff 121 may be configured such that blood pressure monitor 120 does not contact the patient when cuff 121 and blood pressure monitor 120 are secured to the patient. This configuration may allow the blood pressure monitor 120 to be "reusable" while the cuff 121 is "disposable. In some variations, the blood pressure monitor 120 includes a marker portion 521, for example, on a top surface of the blood pressure monitor 120 (fig. 5A-5B).

As discussed in more detail below, the blood pressure monitor 120 and cuff 121 may include various features that allow removable securement. Such removable securement may advantageously allow cuff 121 to remain attached to patient 111 when blood pressure monitor 120 is removed from patient 111 and/or cuff 121. This may be particularly useful where the housing 502 needs to be temporarily removed for inspection or repair. This may also allow the caregiver to clean cuff 121 and/or the area of patient 111 proximate cuff 121 without risk of damaging blood pressure monitor 120 (or various components thereof).

Fig. 5B-5H show various views of blood pressure monitor 120. As shown, the blood pressure monitor 120 (and/or the housing 502) may include a first end 510, a second end 512 opposite the first end 510, a first side 513, and a second side 515 opposite the first side 513. Although the present disclosure refers to "ends" or "sides," such terms are not intended to be limiting, but are used merely for convenience in distinguishing certain features of the blood pressure monitor 120. Thus, while the term "end" is used for the first end 510 and the second end 512, it should be understood that such ends 510, 512 may also represent "sides" of the blood pressure monitor 120.

Connector port 516 may extend from first end 510 and, as described above, may be connected to a connector and/or cable, such as connector 105a and cable 105. A connector port 516 may project outwardly from a portion of the first end 510. The connector port 516 may have a width and/or height that is less than a width and/or height of the first end 510. The first end 510 may additionally or alternatively include a connector port 514, which may be spaced apart from a connector port 516 along the first end 510. Also as described above, the connector port 514 may be connected to a cable 107. Also as described above, one end of the cable 107 may be non-removably secured to the blood pressure monitor 120 via the connector port 514. For example, one end of the cable 107 may be hardwired to a circuit board of the blood pressure monitor 120. The connector port 514 may project outwardly from the first end 510. The connector port 514 may protrude outwardly from the first end 510 a distance greater than the connector port 516 (see fig. 5C-5D). The connector port 514 may have a circular cross-section, a conical cross-section, and/or a combination of cross-sections or shapes of the same or different shapes. The connector port 514 may have a tapered (or smaller) cross-section from a first end of the connector port 514 connected to the first end 510 to a second end of the connector port 514 opposite the first end of the connector port. The connector port 514 may have an increased cross-section at a second end of the connector port 514 (see fig. 5C-5D). The connector port 516 may be positioned intermediate the first end 510. The connector port 514 may be positioned along the first end 510 on either side of the connector port 516. As discussed further below, the blood pressure monitor 120 may include one or more ports that may provide fluid communication between the interior of the housing 502 and the bladder of the cuff 121. For example, the blood pressure monitor 120 may include one or both of the ports 570, 572 (fig. 5D), each of which is described in more detail below.

Fig. 5I-5M show various views of cuff 121 with and without blood pressure monitor 120 attached. As shown, the cuff 121 may include a first portion 540 and a second portion 542. As shown, the second portion 542 may have tapered or partially tapered edges. The cuff 121 canTo have a width W₁And length L₁(see FIG. 5L). Width W₁May extend between the side portions 545 and 547. Length L₁May extend between ends 541 and 543. Width W₁May be less than length L₁. The first portion 540 may include an attachment portion 544 configured to be secured to an attachment portion of the second portion 542, which may be on a surface of the cuff 121 opposite the attachment portion 544. For example, the attachment portion 544 may include hook and loop fasteners that may be removably secured to the hook and loop fasteners of the attachment portion of the second portion 542. The first portion 540 of the cuff 121 can include a bladder layer (also referred to herein as an "airbag"), such as the bladder layer 543 (see fig. 5X), the bladder layer 543 can be configured to contact a patient when the cuff 121 is secured to the patient. The balloon 543 may be configured to inflate and deflate, as discussed further elsewhere herein. The cuff 121 may, for example, include a securement portion in the first portion 540 that may facilitate removable securement of the blood pressure monitor 120. For example, the cuff 121 may include one or more branches that may be secured to portions of the blood pressure monitor 120. For example, the cuff 121 may include one or both of the branches 550, 552, which may be configured to be received and/or secured within one or more ports (such as ports 570, 572) of the blood pressure monitor 120. The branches 550, 552 may be spaced apart from each other. Branches 550, 552 may be equally spaced from end 541 and/or end 543 of cuff 121. The branch 550 may be spaced a first distance from the first side 545 of the cuff 121 and the branch 552 may be spaced a second distance from the second side 547 of the cuff 121, and the first and second distances may be equal. The branch 550 can be spaced a first distance from the first side 545 of the cuff 121 and the branch 552 can be spaced a second distance from the first side 545 of the cuff 121, and the first and second distances can be unequal. The branch 550 may be spaced apart from the second side 547 of the cuff 121 by a first distance, and the branch 552 may be spaced apart from the second side 547 of the cuff 121 by a second distance, and the first and second distances so described may be equal. Width W of cuff 121 ₁Spacing and/or positioning of branches 550, 552, and/or blood pressure monitoringThe width and/or length of the detector 120 can be configured such that when the blood pressure monitor 120 is secured to the cuff 121 (e.g., via securement of the branches 550, 552 within the ports 570, 572 of the blood pressure monitor 120), the blood pressure monitor 120 is positioned at the width W of the cuff 121₁Internally (e.g., the ends of the blood pressure monitor 120 at the sides 545, 547 or spaced inwardly) (see fig. 5L-5M).

Advantageously, the spacing and/or positioning of the branches 550, 552 with respect to each other and/or the ends 541, 543 and/or the sides 545, 547 may be configured such that the device 120 is relative to the width W of the cuff 121₁Symmetrically positioned regardless of whether the device 120 and/or cuff 121 are secured in a first orientation (e.g., fig. 5L) or a second orientation (e.g., fig. 5M), for example, on the arm of the patient 111. Such first and second orientations may be reversed or opposite to each other (see fig. 5L-5M). The spacing and/or positioning of the branches 550, 552 relative to each other and/or the ends 541, 543 and/or the sides 545, 547 may be configured such that the device 120 is relative to the width W of the cuff 121₁Symmetrically positioned regardless of whether branch 550 is secured to port 570 or port 572 and/or regardless of whether branch 552 is secured to port 570 or port 572. As shown in fig. 1A-1B, this may advantageously allow the cuff 121 and the device 120 to be symmetrically positioned when affixed to the right or left arm of the patient 111. Further, the combination of the two branches 550, 552 may provide increased stability when secured to the ports 570, 572 of the device 120. As described further below, the branches 550, 552 may include fluid channels in fluid communication with the balloons 543 of the cuff 121.

Fig. 5N-5O illustrate an optional support body 560 that may be secured to other portions of the cuff 121 during assembly. Where the cuff 121 includes such a support body 560, the support body 560 may include branches 550, 552. The branches 550, 552 may include fluid channels 550a, 552a that may extend through the length of the branches 550, 552 and a base 554 of the support body 560 (see fig. 5O). The support body 560 can include one or more protuberances 553 extending from a bottom surface of the base 554 of the support body 560. As shown in fig. 5O, one or more protuberances 553 may be positioned about fluid passageways 550a, 552 a. For example, the support body 560 can include one, two, three, or four or more protuberances 553 extending from a bottom surface of the base 554 of the support body 560. One or more protuberances 553 may be spaced apart from one another relative to fluid passageways 550a, 552. Such protuberances 553 may advantageously help ensure that the bladder 543 does not cover the fluid passageways 550a, 552a (see fig. 5X) when the blood pressure monitor 120 is used with the cuff 121. For example, one or more protuberances 553 may separate the surface of the bladder 543 from the fluid channels 550a, 552a and provide a gap between the ends of the fluid channels 550a, 552a at the surface of the body 554. As shown in fig. 5I-5J, the support body 560 can be welded to portions of the cuff 121 such that only the branches 550, 552 are visible.

Blood pressure monitor 120 and cuff 121 may include Near Field Communication (NFC) structures and/or functionality that may enable blood pressure monitor 120, among other things, to confirm that cuff 121 is an authorized product; transmit the information and/or data to cuff 121 for storage; determining the size of the particular cuff 121 to which the blood pressure monitor 120 is attached; and/or determine the life of the cuff 121. For example, in some cases, after the blood pressure monitor 120 detects the size of the cuff 121 to which it is attached via NFC (such as described below), the blood pressure monitor 120 determines a particular inflation rate and/or profile that is specific to a particular cuff 121. For example, such a particular inflation rate and/or profile may be different for smaller cuffs 121 (e.g., for infants or neonatal patients) than for larger cuffs 121 (e.g., for adults). Blood pressure monitor 120 may include an NFC reader that transmits radio frequencies, and cuff 121 may include an NFC tag (e.g., in the form of a sticker or label) that may be attached to a portion of cuff 121 or an interior portion of cuff 121. For example, the blood pressure monitor 120 may include an RFID reader that transmits radio frequencies, and the cuff 121 may include an RFID tag (e.g., in the form of a sticker or label) that may be attached to a portion of the cuff 121 or an interior portion of the cuff 121. The RFID tag can be placed on the outer surface of the cuff 121, e.g., near the branches 550, 552. Alternatively, the RFID tag may be positioned in the interior of the cuff 121. For example, in the case where the cuff 121 includes the support body 560, the RFID tag may be positioned in the recess portion 548 of the support body 560 (see fig. 5J and 5N). The recessed portion 548 may be positioned proximate to the branches 550, 552, e.g., between the branches 550, 552. Referring to fig. 5J, the cuff 121 may include a placement indicator 546, which may be configured to indicate proper placement of the blood pressure monitor 120 on the cuff 121. The placement indicator 546 may have a size and/or shape that matches the size and/or shape of the blood pressure monitor 120 (e.g., the perimeter of the blood pressure monitor 120).

Blood pressure monitor 120 (e.g., housing 502) may include one or more air inlets that are capable of being in fluid communication with ambient air outside of housing 502. As discussed elsewhere herein, the blood pressure monitor 120 may also include one or more air pumps 522 that may generate suction to draw ambient air into and/or through such air inlets of the housing 502. Such air inlets may be located and/or positioned at various locations on the housing 502, such as at the sides, ends, and/or top or bottom surfaces of the housing 502. The housing 502 may include one, two, three, four, five, or six or more air inlets. For example, the housing 502 may include air inlets positioned along one of the sides 513, 515 and/or ends 510, 512.

Fig. 5P-5Q show a cross-section through the blood pressure monitor 120. Fig. 5P-5R further illustrate an air inlet 580 of the blood pressure monitor 120. Air inlet 580 may be configured such that air flowing into and/or out of interior 588 of blood pressure monitor 120 travels in a non-linear path. As described below, this may advantageously prevent fluid from entering interior 588 (which may cause damage to the internal components of blood pressure monitor 120).

The housing 502 may include an opening 581 in a portion of the first end 512 of the housing 502. Referring to fig. 5H, the opening 581 may include a slit having a width greater than a height. The opening 581 may extend along a portion of the first end 512 of the housing 502. The housing 502 may include an inner wall 582 (or an outer wall defined by the first end 512) spaced apart from the first end 512. Referring to fig. 5Q-5R, the inner wall 582 may divide (e.g., "partition") the interior 588 of the housing 502 into a first portion 588a and a second portion 588 b. As shown, the first portion 588a may be closer to the wall defined by the first end 512 and/or the opening 581. The first portion 588a may be in fluid communication with the environment external to the housing 502 via the opening 581. The inner wall 582 may include an opening 583. The opening 583 may provide fluid communication between the first and second portions 588a, 588 b. Opening 583 may include, among other shapes, a square, rectangle, or circle. Opening 583 may include a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners (see fig. 5P).

As shown in fig. 5R, the opening 581 may be positioned a distance D from the bottom of the housing 502₁To (3). A top portion 583a of opening 583 may be positioned a distance D away from a bottom of housing 502 ₃And a bottom portion 583b of opening 583 may be positioned a distance D from a bottom of housing 502₂To (3). Also as shown, the housing 502 may have a height H₁。

The air inlet 580 may be defined (or "formed") by an opening 581. Where the housing 502 includes an inner wall 582, the air inlet 580 may be defined (or "formed") by an opening 581 and an opening 583. Further, the positioning of the openings 581, 583 relative to the bottom of the housing 502 may be selected such that the flow path of air into or out of the interior 588 (e.g., the second portion 588b) is not straight. For example, the opening 581 and the opening 583 may not be aligned with each other. As another example, distance D₁May be different from (e.g., less than) distance D₂、D₃One or both, and/or a distance from an axis extending through the bottom of the housing 502 and the center of the opening 583 that is different from (e.g., less than). Such a configuration may advantageously block (e.g., prevent) fluid from entering interior 588 (which may result in damage to internal components of blood pressure monitor 120). At the same time, such a configuration may still allow air to flow into and out of interior 588 (e.g., second portion 588 b).

With continued reference to fig. 5P-5R, housing 502 may include an interior wall 586. Interior wall 586 may extend from a bottom interior surface of housing 502. Inner wall 586 may extend upward from the bottom interior surface (e.g., toward the top interior surface of housing 502) and partially divide a first portion of interior 588 588 a. Interior wall 586 may have a terminal end or tip that is positioned a distance D from the bottom of housing 502₄Here (see fig. 5R). Distance D₄May be different from distance D₁Distance D₂And/or distance D₃. For example, distance D₄May be greater than the distance D₁Distance D₂And/or distance D₃. Interior wall 586 may extend such that a tip or end of interior wall 586 is positioned (vertically) between top portion 583a and bottom portion 583b of opening 583. For example, distance D₄May be greater than the distance D₂But less than distance D₃。

In some variations, the housing 502 includes a wall 587 proximate to the opening 581, which may extend from a bottom surface or portion of the housing 502 toward a top surface or portion of the housing 502. Referring to the view shown in fig. 5R, the terminal end or end of the wall 587 may be higher (e.g., vertical) than the height of the opening 581. The housing 502 may include a notched portion 589 extending along a portion of the width of the opening 581 (e.g., along the first end 512), which may receive the wall 587 such that air may flow through the opening 581, over and/or around the wall 587, and into the first portion 588a of the interior 588.

The air inlet 580 may be defined (or "formed") by an opening 581 in the first end 512 and an opening 583 in the inner wall 582. The air inlet 580 may additionally be defined by one or both of the interior walls 582, 586, the wall 587, and/or the notched portion 589. This configuration may create a non-linear air flow path into interior 588. For example, such a configuration may create a tortuous, circuitous, and/or serpentine air flow path into interior 588. As described below, this may advantageously allow air to flow into and out of interior 588, but prevent or prevent fluid from entering interior 588 of blood pressure monitor 120.

The housing 502 may be formed from more than one piece. For example, referring to fig. 5S-5T, the housing 502 may be formed from a top portion 502a and a bottom portion 502 b. During assembly, a septum or gasket 502c may be positioned between portions of the top portion 502a and the bottom portion 502b, e.g., to provide a seal that prevents liquid from entering the interior 588 of the housing 502. As shown, the inner wall 582 and/or the opening 583 may be formed by the top portion 502 a. Also as shown, interior walls 586 and/or 587 may be formed from bottom portion 502 b. Referring to fig. 5R-5S, the inner wall 582 may be formed from a portion of the top portion 502a, the gasket 502c, and a portion of the bottom portion 502b such that the first interior portion 588a is sealed from the second interior portion 588b except for the opening 583 (e.g., air and/or liquid cannot pass around the gasket 502 c). The opening 581 may be formed by a gap between a portion of the top portion 502a and a portion of the bottom portion 502b (see fig. 5H and 5R). The ports 570, 572 can be formed by the bottom portion 502b (fig. 5S-5T). For example, the ports 570, 572 can extend from a bottom interior surface (e.g., bottom portion 502b) of the housing 502 upward toward a top interior surface (e.g., top portion 502a) of the housing 502.

Fig. 5U-5V illustrate the blood pressure monitor 120 with the top portion removed (e.g., top portion 502a removed) to better illustrate the internal components of the blood pressure monitor 120. Fig. 5W-5X show cross-sectional views of blood pressure monitor 120 taken along lines through ports 570, 572. Fig. 5V is the same as fig. 5U except that the top portion 520c of the manifold 520 (discussed below), the pump 522, and the flexible circuit 524 of the blood pressure monitor 120 have been removed. Blood pressure monitor 120 may include one or more pumps 522, a manifold 520, one or more relief valves 526, and ports 570, 572. As described further below, the one or more ports 572 can enable fluid communication between an interior 588 of the housing (e.g., manifold 520) and an interior 549 of the bladder 543 of the cuff 121 when the branches 550, 552 are received and secured therein. As also described elsewhere herein, the branches 550, 552 may include fluid channels 550a, 552a that may be in fluid communication with the interior 549 of the bladder 543 of the cuff 121.

One or more pumps 522 may generate a suction force to draw ambient air into and/or through an air inlet of the housing 502, such as the air inlet 580 described above. One or more pumps 522 may pump air into the manifold 520 (e.g., via the inlet 520 a). Advantageously, including more than one pump in the blood pressure monitor 120 may allow the device 120 (e.g., the housing 502) to have a smaller height while still providing the same pumping capacity. One or more relief valves 526 may allow air to flow out of the manifold 520, for example, into the interior 588z of the housing 502.

The manifold 520 may include an opening 520d that may enable fluid communication between one of the fluid channels 550a, 552a of one of the branches 550, 552 and the interior of the manifold 520 when the one of the branches 550, 552 is secured within the port 572. Blood pressure monitor 120 may include a valve configured to open and/or close opening 520d to enable or prevent such fluid communication. For example, blood pressure monitor 120 may include a valve 530 positioned within manifold 520 proximate to opening 520 d. Referring to fig. 5Z and 5AA, the valve 530 may include a body 531, a sealing ring 532, and a biasing member 533. The body 531 may include a stem 531a, a base 531b, and a head 531 c. Lever 531 can be sized and/or shaped to fit within and/or through biasing member 533. The stem 531 may include a cross pattern shape or other shapes. The base 531b may have a circular shape. The head 531c may have a cylindrical shape, and may have one or more openings 531e and 531 f. For example, the head 531c may have one, two, three, or four or more openings 531 e. One or more openings 531e may be positioned about an axis extending along the length of the height of valve 530 (e.g., about an axis extending along the length of stem 531 a). The opening 531f may be aligned with an axis extending along the length of the valve 531. For example, an axis extending through the center of opening 531f may be parallel to an axis extending through the height of stem 531a and/or valve 530 or body 531. The opening 531f may be oriented perpendicular to the opening 531 e. For example, an axis extending through the center of opening 531e may be perpendicular to an axis extending through the center of opening 531 f. The body 531 may include a recessed portion 531d sized and/or shaped to receive the sealing ring 532. As discussed further below, the valve 530 may allow air to flow through the openings 531e, 531f to provide fluid communication between the interior of the manifold 520, the fluid passages 550a, 552a of the branches 550, 552, and/or the interior 549 of the bladder 543 of the cuff 121.

The valve 530 may be configured to move so as to open and/or close a flow path through the opening 520a of the manifold 520. Fig. 5W shows a cross section through blood pressure monitor 120 when valve 530 is in the first position where valve 530 covers opening 520 d. Fig. 5X shows the cross section of fig. 5W, with cuff 121 secured to blood pressure monitor 120 via securing branches 550, 552 within ports 572, 570, respectively. Fig. 5X further illustrates the valve 530 in a second position, wherein the valve 530 does not cover or block the opening 520 d. The blood pressure monitor 120 may be configured such that the valve 530 is in the second position unless and/or until one of the branches 550, 552 is secured within the port 572. With continued reference to fig. 5W-5X, when one of the branches 550, 552 is secured within the port 572, the valve 530 may be moved (e.g., "pushed") from the first position (fig. 5W) to the second position (fig. 5X). As described above, valve 530 may include one or more openings 531e and 531 f. When the valve 530 is in the first position (fig. 5W), the opening 531e may be blocked. For example, when valve 530 is in the first position (fig. 5W), fluid communication between opening 531e and the interior of manifold 520 may be blocked or prevented. When valve 530 is in the second position (fig. 5X), opening 531e may be in fluid communication with the interior of manifold 520. In this second position, air may flow through opening 531e, opening 531f, fluid passage 550a, and into interior 549 of bladder 543 of cuff 121. Further, in this second position, air may flow in the opposite direction, e.g., from the interior 549 of the bladder 543 of cuff 121, through fluid passage 550a, opening 531f, opening 531e, and into the interior of manifold 520.

As described above, the valve 530 may include the sealing ring 532. When the valve 530 is in the first position (fig. 5W), the sealing ring 532 may contact the surface of the manifold 520 surrounding the opening 520 d. Further, when the valve 530 is in the second position (fig. 5X), the sealing ring 532 may be spaced apart from the surface of the manifold 520 surrounding the opening 520 a. Each of the ports 572, 570 may include a sealing ring 572a, 570a that may be received by the recessed portions 550b, 552b of the branches 550, 552 (see fig. 5W-5X and 5N). The recessed portions 550b, 552b of the branches 550, 552 may include an annular recess around the perimeter of the branches 550, 552.

In some cases, only one of the ports 572, 570 of the blood pressure monitor 120 is configured to enable fluid communication between the interior of the housing 502 (e.g., the interior of the manifold 520) and the fluid channels 550a, 552a of the branches 550, 552 when the branches 550, 552 are received and/or secured in the ports 572, 570. For example, referring to fig. 5V-5X, blood pressure monitor 120 may include ports 570 and 572, but only port 572 is configured to enable such fluid communication. The blood pressure monitor 120 may include a cap 523 (fig. 5V and 5Y) affixed to the end of the port 570. In such a case, while port 570 may not enable such fluid communication, port 570 may advantageously allow for a more stable and/or secure securement with cuff 121. For example, regardless of whether the blood pressure monitor 120 and cuff 121 are secured in either of the two orientations shown in fig. 5L or 5M, one of the branches 550, 552 will be secured within the port 572 to enable fluid communication between the interior 549 of the bladder 543 and the interior 588 of the housing 502. Additionally, regardless of the orientation depicted, the other of the two branches 550, 552 that is not secured within the port 572 may be secured within the port 570 and provide stability to the blood pressure monitor 120 on the cuff 121.

As discussed further below with reference to fig. 12-14E, the blood pressure monitor 120 may include one or more pressure transducers configured to detect the air pressure in the cuff 121. The blood pressure monitor 120 may include, for example, one or two pressure transducers. The pressure transducer may be coupled to and/or positioned proximate to the circuit board 521. The pressure transducer may be positioned adjacent and/or near the manifold 520 of the blood pressure monitor 120. For example, the manifold 520 may include one or more openings in the bottom portion 520b of the manifold 520 that are located near or adjacent to the pressure transducer. In some cases, it may be beneficial to isolate or partially isolate these openings in manifold 520 from other portions of manifold 520 and/or other portions of blood pressure monitor 120. For example, it may be beneficial to partially isolate these openings from the inlet 520a, which may be in fluid communication with the pump 522. Blood pressure monitor 120 may include one or more towers 527 extending around an opening in bottom portion 520b of manifold 520 and/or extending upward from bottom portion 520b of manifold 520. The tower 527 may be hollow. For example, the tower 527 may be cylindrical. The tower 527 may extend upward from the bottom portion 520b of the manifold 520 to the top portion 520c of the manifold 520 (see fig. 5U). The tower 527 can include a notch 527a that can provide fluid communication between the interior of the tower 527 and the manifold 520. The notch 527a can be sized and/or shaped to provide an air flow path over a portion of the end of the tower 527 (e.g., the top end of the tower 527), such that air can flow from the tower 527 into the manifold 520, and vice versa. Advantageously, the tower 527 can help isolate or partially isolate the opening in the bottom portion 520b and the flow path to the pressure transducer from, for example, the inlet 520a of the pump 520a, which may encounter large fluctuations in air flow and/or pressure gradients that may interfere with the ability of the pressure transducer to function and/or function properly.

The blood pressure monitor 120 may include one or more Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicators that may indicate a status of the blood pressure monitor 120, such as the blood pressure monitor 120 being in an operational ("on") mode. The LED indicator may be coupled to one side of the circuit board 521, e.g., one side facing "up" in the orientation shown in fig. 5V and/or facing the top portion 502a of the housing 502 of the monitor 120. Referring to fig. 5V, the blood pressure monitor 120 may include a light pipe or light conduit 593 surrounding and/or enclosing the LED indicators. The light pipe 593 may focus and/or direct light emitted from the LED indicator to a top portion of the blood pressure monitor 120, such as the top portion 502a of the housing 502 of the monitor 120. In some variations, a top portion (e.g., top portion 502a) of the blood pressure monitor 120 is transparent, which may allow light from the LED indicator to be seen from outside the housing 502. The light pipe 593 may be opaque, e.g., opaque. In some variations, the housing 502 includes an opening on a top portion thereof (e.g., top portion 502a) that is aligned with the light pipe 593 (e.g., the axis of the light pipe 592) which allows light from the LED indicator to be viewed through the top portion.

6A-6Z illustrate various views of a blood pressure monitor assembly 600 andin one aspect, it includes an alternative design for blood pressure monitor 602, and also includes a bracket 604. Although device 602 is referred to herein as a "blood pressure monitor" or "blood pressure device," device 602 may measure and/or monitor other parameters in addition to or instead of blood pressure. For example, the device 602 may measure and/or monitor carbon dioxide (CO) in the exhaled air of the patient₂) Concentration or partial pressure of (a). The blood pressure monitor 602 may have features and/or functionality as described in more detail below with reference to fig. 12-14E.

Referring to fig. 6A-6E, a blood pressure monitor assembly 600 can include a blood pressure monitor 602 and a bracket 604 configured to be secured to the blood pressure monitor 602 (and vice versa). Blood pressure monitor assembly 600 may be configured to be secured to an arm of patient 11. For example, blood pressure monitor assembly 600 may be secured to a blood pressure cuff (such as cuff 737 shown in FIG. 7V) that is secured to the arm of the patient. The blood pressure cuff may be wrapped around and/or otherwise secured to the arm of patient 11, and blood pressure monitor assembly 600 may be secured to blood pressure cuff 737, e.g., via a securement between stent 604 and the blood pressure cuff. For example, the bracket 604 may have an adhesive or hook and loop fastener on its bottom surface (e.g., ) Which may be secured to a portion of cuff 737.

Blood pressure monitor assembly 600 may be configured to be coupled to cuff 737 (see fig. 7V) and provide air to the cuff to cause inflation and/or may allow cuff 737 to be deflated. For example, the blood pressure monitor assembly 600 may include a pneumatic opening or connection point 670 (see fig. 6F) in the blood pressure device 602 (or a housing of the blood pressure device 602) that may be in fluid communication with a cuff 737 via a pneumatic hose 637 (see fig. 6A). As discussed further below, the bracket 604 may include one or more ports that may connect to and/or facilitate a connection between the pneumatic hose 637 and an opening 670 in the blood pressure monitor 602. For example, as discussed in more detail below, the bracket 604 may include an outward port 672a, which may be connected to a pneumatic hose 637, and an inward port 672b (see fig. 6A and 6W-6X) which is connected to an opening 670 in the blood pressure device 602. The securement between the outward port 672a and the pneumatic hose 637 may be a snap fit, press fit, friction fit, or other type of securement. Further, while fig. 6A shows the end of pneumatic hose 637 connected to port 672a, the end of pneumatic hose 637 may be connected to port 672a via an adapter or other type of intermediate connector. The blood pressure device 602 may provide air to the cuff 737 to inflate the cuff 737 to a pressure level high enough to occlude the aorta. When air is slowly released from cuff 737, blood pressure may be estimated by blood pressure monitor 602, as described in more detail below with reference to fig. 12-14E.

The blood pressure device 602 may include structure and/or functionality to cover and/or close the opening 670 when the blood pressure device 602 is not in use to prevent debris and/or fluid from passing through the opening 670 and into the interior of the blood pressure device 602. For example, referring to fig. 6N, the blood pressure device 602 may include a cover 679 that may cover and/or seal the opening 670 when the blood pressure apparatus 602 is not in use, and thus may prevent fluid communication between ambient air and the interior of the blood pressure device when not in use. For example, the cover 679 may be a flap that may be used to seal and/or close the opening 670 when the blood pressure device 602 is not connected to the bracket 604. The flip may be movable, flexible and/or resilient. The flap may cover the opening 670 unless and/or until an object pushes the flap at least partially inward into the interior of the blood pressure device 602. For example, when the blood pressure device 602 is secured to the bracket 604, the port 672b may push the flap at least partially inward into the interior of the blood pressure device 602 so that the port 672b may at least partially enter the interior of the blood pressure device 602 and be in fluid communication with a conduit, manifold, pump, and/or valve within the blood pressure device 602. As another example, the cover 679 may be rigid and may be electronically and/or mechanically controlled by the controller and/or processor of the blood pressure device 602. For example, the cover 679 may be a rigid plate that may be moved from a position that does not cover or only partially cover the opening 670 to a position that covers and/or seals the opening 670. The cover 679 may be sized and/or shaped to match the size and/or shape of the opening 670. In some cases, the blood pressure device 602 may control the operation (e.g., movement) of the cover 679 based on interaction with the stent 604.

As discussed elsewhere herein, the blood pressure device 602 and the cradle 604 may include Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality (e.g., RFID) that may enable the blood pressure device 602 and the cradle 604 to, among other things, confirm that the blood pressure device 602 and/or the cradle 604 are authorized components; transmit data (e.g., data measured and/or collected by the blood pressure device 602 may be transmitted and/or stored on the stand 604); determining the size of the cuff to which the stent 604 is attached; and determining the life of the blood pressure device 602 and/or the stent 604. For example, as described below, the blood pressure device 602 may include an RFID reader that transmits radio frequencies, and the bracket 604 may include an RFID tag (e.g., in the form of a sticker or label) that may be attached to a portion of the bracket 604. Such NFC structure and functionality enables the blood pressure device 602 to control the operation of the cover 679 based on proximity to the stent 604. For example, when the blood pressure device 602 is sufficiently close to the RFID tag of the stent 604 such that an RFID reader in the blood pressure device 602 receives a confirmation signal from the RFID tag, the blood pressure device 602 may automatically open the cover 679 to expose the opening 670. For example, the range of the RFID reader and tag may be selected such that bringing the blood pressure device 602 within a certain distance of the cradle 604 causes such automatic opening of the cover 679. Such distance may be 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 111 inches, 12 inches, 1 foot, 1.5 feet, or 2 feet, or any value therebetween, or any range bounded by any combination of these values, although values outside of these values or ranges may be used in some cases.

The blood pressure monitor 602 may be connected to one or more physiological sensors and/or monitors, such as the ECG device 110 and/or the patient monitor 130, each of which will be discussed in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the cable 105 and connector 105a may connect to a connector port 616 of the blood pressure monitor 602 (see fig. 6B), and may also connect to the ECG device 110 (see fig. 2A). Additionally or alternatively, the cable 107 may be connected to and/or coupled to (e.g., secured to) a connector port 614 of the blood pressure device 602 (see fig. 6A), and may also be connected to the patient monitor 130 (see fig. 8A). For example, the cable 107 and connector 107a may connect to a female connector port 832 of the patient monitor 130 (see fig. 8A and 8I). As previously described, the blood pressure monitor 602 may include a bypass bus that may communicate the physiological data received from the ECG device 110 to the patient monitor 130 without processing. For example, the bypass bus of the blood pressure monitor 602 may communicate physiological data received via the cable 105 and connector 105a through the connector port 616 to the connector port 614 through the cable 107 and connector 107a and to the patient monitor 130 via the connector port 833.

Blood pressure monitor 602 may include various electronic components to allow blood pressure monitor 602 to perform its physiological measurement and/or monitoring functions, while stand 604 may include few or no electronic components and/or functions. For example, blood pressure monitor 602 may include various electronic components and/or functions described with reference to fig. 12-14E. As discussed in more detail below, blood pressure monitor 602 and bracket 604 may include various features that allow one or both to be removably secured to one another. Such removable securement may advantageously allow the bracket 604 to remain attached to the patient 111 and/or the cuff 737 while the blood pressure monitor 602 is removed away from the patient 111 and/or the cuff 737. This is particularly useful in situations where the blood pressure monitor 602 needs to be temporarily removed to charge and/or repair the blood pressure monitor 602. This may also allow a caregiver to clean the stent 604 and/or areas of the patient 111 near the stent 604 without risk of damaging the blood pressure monitor 602 (or various components thereof).

6A-6D illustrate various views of a blood pressure monitor assembly 600 with a blood pressure monitor 602 and a bracket 604 in an assembled or secured configuration. As shown and discussed further below, the bracket 604 may be secured to the blood pressure monitor 602 (and vice versa) by a securement between one or more sides or ends of the blood pressure monitor 602 and one or more sides or ends of the bracket 604. For example, a first end of the bracket 604 may be secured to a first end of the blood pressure monitor 602, and/or a second end of the bracket 604 (opposite the first end of the bracket 604) may be secured to a second end of the blood pressure monitor 602 (opposite the first end of the blood pressure monitor 602). Securement of the blood pressure monitor 602 by the bracket 604 may advantageously prevent the blood pressure monitor 602 from moving and/or rotating relative to the bracket 604 along an axis extending through the length, width, and/or height of the blood pressure monitor 602 and/or the bracket 604.

6F-6O illustrate various views of a blood pressure monitor 602 of a blood pressure monitor assembly 600. As shown, the blood pressure monitor 602 may include a first end 610, a second end 612 opposite the first end 610, a first side 613, and a second side 615 opposite the first side 613. First end 610 may include a connector port 616, which, as described above, may be connected to a connector and/or a cable, such as connector 105a and cable 105. Although the present disclosure refers to "ends" or "sides," such terms are not intended to be limiting, but are used merely for convenience to distinguish certain features of the blood pressure monitor 602. Thus, while the term "end" is used for the first end 610 and the second end 612, it should be understood that such ends 610, 612 may also represent "sides" of the blood pressure monitor 602. The connector port 616 may project outwardly from a surface of the first end 610. The first end 610 may additionally or alternatively include a connector port 614, which may be spaced apart from a connector port 616 along a surface of the first end 610. Also as described above, the connector port 614 may be connected to a cable 107. The connector port 614 may protrude outwardly from a surface of the first end 610. The connector port 614 may protrude outwardly from the first end 610a distance greater than the connector port 616 (see fig. 6L-6M). The connector port 614 may have a circular cross-section, a tapered cross-section, and other shapes. The connector port 614 may have a cross-section that tapers (or diminishes) from a first end of the connector port 614, which is connected to the first end 610 of the blood pressure monitor 602, to a second end of the connector port 614, which is opposite the first end of the connector port. The connector port 616 may be positioned intermediate the first end 610. The connector port 614 may be positioned along the first end 610 on either side of the connector port 616.

As described above, the blood pressure monitor 602 may include an opening 670 configured to connect to and/or provide air to a pneumatic conduit, such as the hose 37. For example, the blood pressure monitor 602 may have an opening 670 on a second end 612 opposite the first end 610 of the housing. The pneumatic opening 670 may be positioned at a different location on the middle of the second end 612 or the second end 612. Alternatively, the opening 670 may be positioned on a different portion of the blood pressure monitor 602, such as one of the sides 613, 615 of the blood pressure monitor 602.

As described above, the opening 670 may be sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of the bracket 604. For example, referring to fig. 6T, the opening 670 may be sized and/or shaped to receive all or a portion of the port 672b extending from the wall 646 of the bracket 604. As discussed further below, the port 672b may be rigid or non-rigid and may have a length and/or cross-section sized to fit within the opening 670. The blood pressure monitor 602 may be secured or partially secured to the stent 604 via the connection between the port 672b and the opening 670. For example, when port 672b is received within opening 670, port 672b may prevent blood pressure monitor 602 from moving relative to stent 604 along a direction that is perpendicular to an axis extending through the length of port 672b and/or parallel to an axis of the length of blood pressure monitor 602 between first end 610 and second end 612.

Blood pressure monitor 602 may include one or more features that facilitate removable securement of blood pressure monitor 602 to bracket 604. For example, the housing may include one or more recesses 622 recessed from a surface of the blood pressure monitor 602 and configured to engage a portion of the bracket 604. Recess 622 may be positioned on top surface 608 of blood pressure monitor 602 (see fig. 6F-6G). The recess 622 may be recessed from the top surface 608 by a depth 623 (fig. 6N) and may extend along a portion of the top surface 608. A recess 622 may be located along the top surface 608 near or adjacent to the second end 612. As discussed further below, the recess 622 may engage a lip 646a of a wall 646 of the carrier 604, and may be sized and/or shaped to receive the lip 646 a. The depth 623 of recess 622 can be equal or substantially equal to the thickness of lip 646a such that when lip 646a is positioned within recess 622, the surface of lip 646a is flush with the region of top surface 608 of blood pressure monitor 602 proximate recess 622 (see fig. 6C). Referring to fig. 6F-6G, 6J, and 6N, recess 622 may extend along a portion of the width of blood pressure monitor 602, and may also extend along a portion of the length of blood pressure monitor 602. For example, where the width of blood pressure monitor 602 is the distance between sides 613 and 615 of blood pressure monitor 602 (see fig. 6J), recess 622 may extend along a portion of that distance, such as the entire distance, less than the entire distance, half of the distance, less than half of the distance, and other percentages or fractions of the distance. Additionally or alternatively, when the length of blood pressure monitor 602 is the distance between first end 610 and second end 612, recess 622 may extend a distance 625 (see fig. 6P) along the length. Distance 625 can be equal or substantially equal to the length of lip 646 a. Distance 625 may be a percentage of the length of blood pressure monitor 602 between first and second ends 610, 612, such as 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5%, although other percentages, values, or ranges are possible in some cases.

Additionally or alternatively, the blood pressure monitor 602 may include one or more latch arm protrusions 618 extending outwardly from a surface of the blood pressure monitor 602 and configured to engage and/or interact with one or more latch arms 648 of the cradle 604. For example, as shown at least in fig. 6H-6K, the blood pressure monitor 602 can include one or more latch arm protrusions 618 that extend or protrude outward from a surface of the first end 610 of the blood pressure monitor 602. The one or more latch arm protrusions 618 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine or more latch arm protrusions 618. The number of latch arm protrusions 618 on the blood pressure monitor 602 may be equal to the number of latch arms 648 on the cradle 604, such that each of the latch arm protrusions 618 is configured to engage, snap fit, mate, and/or interact with a respective one of the latch arms 648 of the cradle 604. Blood pressure monitor 602 may include a first latch arm protrusion 618 extending from a surface of first end 610 of blood pressure monitor 602 and a second latch arm protrusion 618 extending from a surface of first end 610. The first and second latch arm protrusions 618 may be spaced apart from each other. The first and second latch arm protrusions 618 may be positioned on opposite sides of the connector port 616 (where the blood pressure monitor 602 includes the connector port 616).

The one or more latch arm protrusions 618 may have a variety of shapes and/or cross-sections. For example, the one or more latch arm protrusions 618 may have a triangular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, and other shapes. As shown in fig. 6L-6M, the latch arm protrusion 618 has a triangular shape, wherein the tip of the triangular shape defines the free end of the protrusion 618 (not connected to the blood pressure monitor 602). One or more of the protrusions 618 may have a sloped or tapered configuration such that they are able to move or slide past a portion of the latch arms 648 while contacting a portion of the latch arms 648. The one or more latch arm protrusions 618 may have a shape or cross-section that is sized and/or shaped to correspond to the size and/or shape of the latch arms 648 or a portion thereof. For example, where the free ends of the latch arms 648 have triangular or tapered tips 648a (see fig. 6W-6X), the latch arm protrusions 618 may also have triangular or tapered tips. In configurations where the shape or cross-section of latch arm protrusion 618 corresponds to the shape or cross-section of the free ends of latch arms 648, latch arm protrusion 618 may advantageously engage and/or be secured to or secured with the free ends of latch arms 648. For example, referring to fig. 6C-6D, when an end of blood pressure monitor 602 (e.g., first end 610 of blood pressure monitor 602) is secured to an end of bracket 604 (e.g., end 640 of bracket 604), one or more protrusions 618 may contact and pass over tips 648a of latch arms 648 such that tips 648a at least partially hold protrusions 618 down (with reference to the vertical axis in the orientation shown in fig. 6C-6D).

As described above, the blood pressure monitor 602 may be at least partially secured to the bracket 604 via the connection between the port 672b and the pneumatic opening 670. One example of securing the blood pressure monitor 602 to the bracket 604 may include securing the second end 612 of the blood pressure monitor 602 to the end 642 of the bracket 604 by placing the opening 670 over and around the port 672 b. When the opening 670 is positioned over/around the port 672b, the second end 612 of the blood pressure monitor 602 may move or slide at the end 642 toward the wall 646 of the stent 604. Further, as second end 612 of blood pressure monitor 602 moves toward wall 646, first end 610 of blood pressure monitor 602 may move toward end 640 of bracket 604 such that first end 610 contacts or is proximate to one or more latch arms 648. Movement of the first end 610 of the blood pressure monitor 602 toward the top surface 638 of the bracket 604 and/or toward the one or more latch arms 648 can cause the one or more latch arm protrusions 618 of the blood pressure monitor 602 to contact and pass over the ends 648a of the latch arms 648 (see fig. 6D). Such contact between the one or more latch arm projections 648 and the tip 648a of the latch arm 348 may include a snap fit, a friction fit, or a press fit. When the first end 610 of the blood pressure monitor 602 is moved to contact the top surface 638 of the bracket 604, the latch arm protrusion 618 may be positioned below the tip 648a of the latch arm 648, and the tip 648a may at least partially prevent the latch arm protrusion 618 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the top surface 638 of the bracket 604 (e.g., in a direction parallel to the axis 603, as shown in fig. 6D). If sufficient force is applied to blood pressure monitor 602 and/or holder 604 in this direction, latch arm protrusion 648 can move past (e.g., above) tip 648a of latch arm 648 to remove first end 610 of blood pressure monitor 602 from end 640 of holder 604. Additionally, as described above, the bracket 604 can include a lip 646a at the end 642 of the bracket 604 on the wall 646 that can engage the recess 622 of the blood pressure monitor 602 and at least partially prevent the blood pressure monitor 602 from moving in a direction parallel to the extension of the wall 646 and/or perpendicular to the top surface 638.

The lip 646a and recess 622 may work with (or as an alternative to) the latch arms 648 and latch arm protrusions 618 and/or openings 670 and ports 672b to removably secure the blood pressure monitor 602 with the bracket 604. For example, lip 646a may slide or be received in recess 622 when opening 670 of second end 612 of blood pressure monitor 602 is placed and/or moved over and/or around port 672 b. Thus, the blood pressure monitor 602 and the bracket 604 may include various features that enable removable securement.

Blood pressure monitor 602 and/or stent 604 may include one or more features that facilitate removal of blood pressure monitor 602 from stent 604 (and vice versa). For example, as shown at least in fig. 6F-6M, blood pressure monitor 602 may include one or more handles 620 configured to assist in grasping or operating blood pressure monitor 602 (or stent 604 if secured to blood pressure monitor 602) and/or removing blood pressure monitor 602 from stent 604 (and vice versa). Although the figures show two handles 620, the blood pressure monitor 602 may include a different number of handles 620. For example, the blood pressure monitor 602 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more handles 620. One or more handles 620 may be located on different surfaces, ends, or sides of blood pressure monitor 602. For example, one or more handles 620 may be located on one or both of the sides 613, 615 of the blood pressure monitor 602. The blood pressure monitor 602 can include a first handle 620 positioned on the first side portion 615 and a second handle 620 positioned on the second side portion 613. The two handles 620 on the sides 613, 615 may be aligned with each other. Alternatively, the two handles 620 may not be aligned. One or both of the first handle 620 and the second handle 620 can be positioned along the side portions 613, 615 and closer to one of the ends 610, 612 of the blood pressure monitor 602. For example, the first and second handles 620 may be located along one of the sides 613, 615 and closer to the first end 610 than the second end 612. Such placement may allow for removal of the first end 610 from the end 640 of the bracket. For example, such placement may allow the latch arm protrusions 618 to be removed from the latch arms 648 (or the ends 648a of the latch arms 648).

Each of the one or more handles 620 may include a recess 620 a. Recess 620a may be recessed from a surface of blood pressure monitor 602, such as a surface of sides 613, 615 of blood pressure monitor 602. The recess 620a may be circular or non-circular. The recess 620a may include a circular or partially circular shape (e.g., when viewed from the view of fig. 4M, which shows an enlarged view of the handle 620). Alternatively, the recess 620a can include different shapes, such as square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, and other shapes (e.g., which shows an enlarged view of the handle 620 when viewed from the view of fig. 6R). The surface of the recess 620a may be smooth. Alternatively, the surface of the recess 620a may be rough. The recess 620a may be sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of a finger. For example, the recess 620a may be sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of a thumb, index finger, or other digit. As another example, referring to fig. 6Q, the recess 620a may be shaped like a thumb or fingernail such that the sides of the recess 620a (such as the right and left sides shown in fig. 6Q) are recessed less than the top and bottom of the recess 620a (given the orientation of fig. 6L-6M). Such a size and/or shape of recess 620a may advantageously allow a user to better operate blood pressure monitor 602 by positioning a portion of the user's finger within recess 620 a. Such a size and/or shape of recess 620a may also advantageously allow a user to remove blood pressure monitor 602 from holder 604.

Each of the one or more handles 620 may additionally or alternatively include a rim 620 b. As shown in at least FIGS. 6L-M and 6Q-6R, the rim 620b may extend or protrude outward from the surface of the blood pressure monitor 602. For example, the rim 620b may extend outwardly from the surface of the side 613, side 615, and/or ends 610, 612. Rim 620b may extend outward from a surface of blood pressure monitor 602 near or adjacent to recess 620 a. Rim 620b may extend outward from a surface of blood pressure monitor 602 and surround a portion of the perimeter of recess 620 a. For example, the rim 620b may extend around the entire perimeter of the recess 620 a. Alternatively, rim 620b may extend around less than the entire perimeter of recess 620 a. For example, the rim 620b may extend around 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10% of the perimeter of the recess 620a, although other percentages are possible. The rim 620b may extend around half or less than half of the perimeter of the recess 620 a. The rim 620b may extend around 1/3 or less than 1/3 of the perimeter of the recess 620 a. The rim 620b may extend around 3/4 or less than 3/4 of the perimeter of the recess 620 a. The rim 620b can be positioned near or adjacent to the recess 620a and between the top or bottom of the blood pressure monitor 602. For example, blood pressure monitor 602 may include a top surface 608 (see fig. 6J) and a bottom surface 609 (see fig. 6K), and rim 32b may be positioned between recess 620a and top surface 608. Alternatively or additionally, rim 620b may be positioned at different locations relative to recess 620a and/or top surface 608 and bottom surface 609 of blood pressure monitor 602.

Rim 620b may extend around a portion of the perimeter of recess 620a from a first end of rim 620b to a second end of rim 620b, and rim 620b may have a length extending between the first and second ends. Rim 620b may extend outward from the surface of blood pressure monitor 602a variable distance along its length. Rim 620b may have a constant cross-section from a first end to a second end of rim 620 b. Alternatively, rim 620b may have a variable cross-section along its length. Rim 620b may have an intermediate region positioned between the first and second ends of rim 620 b. Rim 620b may have a cross-section that increases from a first end of rim 620b to a middle region of rim 620b and/or decreases from the middle region of rim 620b to a second end. The rim 620b may have a cross-section that increases from the first end to the second end, or alternatively, from the second end to the first end. The middle region of rim 620b may extend further outward from the surface of blood pressure monitor 602 than one or both of the first and second ends of rim 620 b. The middle region of the rim 620b may be aligned with the center of the recess 620 a. For example, as shown in fig. 6R (which shows an enlarged view of a portion of side 615 of blood pressure monitor 602), when viewed, rim 620b may have a circular, semi-circular, square, rectangular, or other shape.

As another example, blood pressure monitor 602 may include a first rim 620b extending at least partially outward from side 613 and a second rim 620b extending at least partially outward from side 615. The first and second edges 620b, 620b may or may not be aligned with each other. The first edge 620b and/or the second edge 620b may be located along the sides 613, 615 and closer to the first end 610.

The rim 620b may advantageously be used as a grasping point to allow a user to better manipulate or hold the blood pressure monitor 602. In addition, rim 620b can allow a user to remove blood pressure monitor 602 from bracket 604 when blood pressure monitor 602 and bracket 604 are secured to one another. The rim 620b may function alone or with the recess 620a in this manner. For example, recess 620a may be sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of a user's finger, and the user's finger may at least partially contact or press against a portion of rim 620b (such as a middle region of the edge).

Fig. 6S-6Z show various views of a stent 604 that may be affixed to a blood pressure monitor 602 as described above. The bracket 604 may include a first end 640, a second end 642 opposite the first end 640, a first side 643, a second side 645 opposite the first side 643, a top interior surface 638 between the sides 643, 645, and a bottom surface 639 opposite the surface 638. Top inner surface 638 and bottom surface 639 may together define a base of cradle 604, which may be configured to contact and/or be secured to a patient (such as patient 111) and/or cuff 737 wrapped around the arm of patient 111. For example, the base of the bracket 604 may include an adhesive or Which is configured to be attached to a portion of cuff 737. The sides 643, 645 (also referred to herein as "sidewalls") may extend from in an angled direction relative to the baseThe base of the bracket 604 extends outward. For example, the sidewalls 643, 645 can extend substantially perpendicularly from the base of the bracket 604.

One or both of the side walls 643, 645 can include one or more recessed cutouts 652 along a portion of the side walls 643, 645. For example, as shown at least in fig. 6S-6T, the side wall 643 may include a first recessed cutout 652 and the side wall 645 may include a second recessed cutout 652. The first and second recessed cutouts on the side walls 643, 645 may be aligned with one another, or alternatively, not aligned with one another. The first and second recessed cutouts 652 may be located along the side walls 643, 645 and may be closer to the first end 640 of the cradle 604 than the second end 642 of the cradle 604. One or more recessed cutouts 652 in one or both of the side walls 643, 645 may be positioned along a portion of the side walls 643, 645 that is proximate or adjacent to one or more handles 620 of the blood pressure monitor 602, and thus may provide access to one or more handles 620 when the blood pressure monitor 602 and the bracket 604 are secured to one another. The sidewalls 643, 645 can have a height that is equal to or less than a height of the blood pressure monitor 602. The one or more undercut notches 652 may be rounded and/or smooth. The one or more recessed cutouts 652 may have a semi-circular shape or other shapes (e.g., half square, half rectangle, half oval, half triangle, and other shapes) (see fig. 6W-6X).

The bracket 604 may include one or more arms configured to be secured to a portion of a cable or conduit that may connect to one or more sensors or monitors in a patient environment (such as the environments shown in fig. 1A-1B). For example, as shown in fig. 6S-6Z, bracket 604 may include one or more arms 650 sized and/or shaped to receive, retain, and/or secure a portion of the bracket, such as cables 105 and/or 35. For example, the bracket 604 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more arms 650. For example, one or more arms 650 may extend from a base defined by bottom surface 639 and top surface 638, side walls 643, and/or side walls 645. As another example, the bracket 604 may include two arms 650 extending from or proximate to the side wall 643 and two arms 650 extending from or proximate to the side wall 645. In this configuration, the respective pairs of arms 650 may be aligned with each other (see fig. 6U-6V) or not.

One or more arms 650 may extend from a surface of the bracket 604 (such as a surface of the sidewalls 643, 354) outward in a first direction that is at an angle relative to the surface. For example, the one or more arms 650 may extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the surfaces of the side walls 643, 645. Further, one or more arms 650 may extend in multiple directions. For example, the one or more arms 650 may extend in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the bracket 604, and may extend in a second direction that is angled relative to the first direction. One or more arms 650 can extend from the bracket 604 and can be curled in a first direction (e.g., up or down in the orientation shown in fig. 6Y-6Z). One or more arms 650 may extend in one or more directions to define an open area therein. For example, one or more arms 650 may be crimped as shown in fig. 6Y-6Z and define an open area having a cross-section shaped like a semicircle. Alternatively, the open area may have a cross-section shaped differently, such as a half square, a half rectangle, a triangle, and other shapes. One or more arms 650 may be crimped in a direction such that the open area defined therein faces away from or opposite the direction in which the bottom surface 639 of the cradle 604 faces. Alternatively, one or more arms 650 may be crimped in a direction such that the open area defined therein faces in the same direction as the bottom surface 639 of the stent 604 faces. As described above, the open area defined by the one or more arms 650 may be sized and/or shaped to receive, retain, and/or secure a portion of a cable or conduit.

As described above, bracket 604 may include one or more latch arms 648 that may engage and/or be secured to latch arm protrusions 618 of blood pressure monitor 602. One or more latch arms 648 may extend from the first end 640 of the bracket 604. Additionally or alternatively, one or more latch arms 648 may extend from different portions of cradle 604 (such as one or both of side walls 643, 645). The bracket 604 may include first latch arms 648 extending from a portion of the bracket 604 at the first end 640 and second latch arms 648 extending from a portion of the bracket 604 at the first end 640. First and second latch arms 648 may be spaced apart from one another. Where the first end 640 of the holder 640 includes two latch arms 648 and the first end 610 of the blood pressure monitor 602 includes two latch arm protrusions 618, the spacing between the latch arms 648 may be the same as the spacing between the latch arm protrusions 618. Further, where the first end 640 includes two latch arms 648, the two latch arms 648 may be spaced apart to accommodate the width of the connector port 616 of the blood pressure monitor 602 (where the housing includes such a connector port 616). The midpoint between the spacing of the two latch arms 648 on the first end 640 can be aligned with the midpoint of the recess 622 of the length of the recess 622 when the blood pressure monitor 602 is secured to the bracket 604. One or more latch arms 648 can have a height or length that is less than the height of blood pressure monitor 602 (see fig. 6D).

One or more latch arms 648 may have a first end connected to a portion of the bracket 604 and a free or cantilevered second end opposite the first end. As described above, the second free end of latch arm 648 may have a tip 648a (see fig. 6W-6X). The tip 648a may extend from a second free end of the latch arm 648 in a non-parallel direction relative to a length of the latch arm 648 between the first and second ends of the latch arm 648. For example, the tip 648a may extend substantially perpendicular to the second end of the latch arm 648. The tip 648a can extend from the second free end of the latch arm 648 in a direction toward the second end 642 of the bracket 604 and/or in a direction toward a wall 646 of the bracket 604 (where the bracket 604 includes such a wall 646). The tip 648a may be tapered or angled, and as described above, may be configured to engage, contact, and/or slide past the latch arm protrusion 618.

The bracket 604 can include a wall 646 extending from a portion of the bracket 604 near, adjacent to, or along the second end 642 of the bracket 604. For example, a wall 646 may extend from the base of the bracket 604, which is defined by a top surface 638 and a bottom surface 639 of the bracket 604 (see fig. 6S-6T). The wall 646 may extend at an angle relative to a plane of the base (such as a plane of the top and/or bottom surfaces 638, 339). For example, the wall 646 may extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the top surface 638 of the bracket 604. The wall 646 may have a first end connected to a portion of the bracket 604 and a free or cantilevered second end opposite the first end. The wall 646 may have a length extending between a first connected end and a second free end. Wall 646 may have a height greater than the height of one or more latch arms 648 (see fig. 6W-6X). Referring to fig. 6U, the wall 646 may have a width that extends along a portion of the width of the bracket 604 between the side walls 643, 645. The width of the wall 646 may be less than the distance between the side walls 643, 645. Alternatively, the width of the wall 646 may be equal to the distance between the side walls 643, 645.

As described above, wall 646 may include a lip 646a configured to engage, secure, and/or fit within recess 622 of blood pressure monitor 602. The lip 646a can extend between the first connected end of the wall 646 and the second cantilevered end of the wall 646 in a non-parallel direction relative to the length of the wall 646. For example, the lip 646a may extend substantially perpendicular to the length of the wall 646. The lip 646a may extend in a direction toward the first end 640 of the bracket 604. Where the bracket 604 includes one or more latch arms 648 on the first end 640, the lip 646a can extend in a direction toward the one or more latch arms 648. Lip 646a may be sized and/or shaped to fit within a portion of recess 622 of blood pressure monitor 602. For example, the width, length, and/or thickness of the lip 646a may be sized and/or shaped to match or substantially match the length, width, and/or depth of the recess 622. When lip 646a is received within and/or secured to recess 622, a top surface of lip 646a may be flush with a region of top surface 608 of blood pressure monitor 602 near or adjacent to recess 622.

As described above, the wall 646 may include one or more ports extending from a portion thereof. As shown in at least fig. 6W, the wall 646 may include a first port 672a extending from a side or surface of the wall 646 and/or may include a second port 672b extending from a side or surface of the wall 646. The first port 672a may extend from an outer surface of the wall 646 in a direction away from one or both of the first end 640 and the second end 642. The second port 672b may extend in a direction toward the first end 640 of the bracket 604. The first port 672a may have a first length and the second port 672b may have a second length that is less than, equal to, or greater than the length of the first port 672 a. The first and second ports 672a, 672b may extend in opposite directions. As described above, the second port 672b may be sized and/or shaped to fit within the pneumatic opening 670 in the blood pressure monitor 602 and may at least partially secure the blood pressure monitor 602 within the bracket 604. For example, when port 672b is positioned within opening 670, port 672b may prevent or reduce the likelihood of blood pressure monitor 602 moving relative to cradle 604 in a direction parallel to the distance between side walls 643, 645 of cradle 604.

One or both of the ports 672a, 672b may be cylindrical or non-cylindrical. One or both of the ports 672a, 672b may have a circular, square, rectangular, or another shaped cross-section. The port 672b may have a tapered or partially tapered (chamfered) end (see fig. 6W-6X). Such tapering or chamfering may help align the free end of port 672b with and/or position within opening 670. The port 672a may have a tapered or partially tapered free end. For example, port 672a may have a first end connected to wall 646, a second end opposite the first end, and the cross-section of port 672a may vary along the length between the first and second ends. For example, the port 672a may have a first cross-section proximate the wall 646 and a second cross-section proximate the free end. For example, the port 672a may have a free end of a conical shape. Port 672a may be sized and/or shaped to be secured to a conduit, such as pneumatic hose 637 as described above. One or both of the ports 672a, 672b may be positioned along the height and/or width of the wall 646. For example, one or both of the ports 672a, 672b may be positioned at or near a middle region of the wall 646.

Port 672a may define a fluid passage and port 672b may define a fluid passage. Each of the fluid passages of the ports 672a, 672b may be aligned with each other and may also be aligned with an opening in the wall 646. In this configuration, when pneumatic hose/conduit 637 is secured to port 672a, fluid (e.g., air) may be pumped via blood pressure monitor 602 through opening 670, the fluid passageway defined within port 672b, the opening in wall 646, the fluid passageway defined by port 672a, and hose 37. As described above, this pumped air may be delivered to the blood pressure cuff 121.

The bracket 604 may include one or more support walls 677 near or adjacent to the wall 646, which may provide support for the wall 646. For example, the bracket 604 may include a first support wall 677 extending from the second end 642 of the bracket 604 and connected to a first side edge of the wall 646 and a second support wall 677 extending from the second end 642 of the bracket 604 and connected to a second side edge of the wall 646.

As described above, the cradle 604 may include a mechanism that can facilitate Near Field Communication (NFC) with the blood pressure monitor 602. For example, as shown at least in fig. 6U-6V, cradle 604 may include a branch 674 that includes an NFC tag that may communicate with an NFC reader of blood pressure monitor 602. Such NFC may be, for example, RFID, and branch 674 may include an RFID tag configured to communicate with an RFID reader of blood pressure monitor 602. As another example, branch 674 can include a memory, such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), that can contact electrical contacts on a bottom surface of blood pressure monitor 602 when blood pressure monitor 602 is secured to bracket 604. In such a case where the cradle 604 includes an NFC communication mechanism, the blood pressure monitor 602 may send and/or collect data from the cradle 604. For example, such NFC communication may enable blood pressure monitor 602 and/or cradle 604 to confirm that either or both are compatible (e.g., not counterfeit); determining the life (or remaining life) of any of the components; and/or to size the cuff to which the stent 604 is attached.

As shown, the branch 674 can be connected to a portion of the bracket 604 (such as a base defined by the top surface 638 and the bottom surface 339 of the bracket 604). The branch 674 may extend from a portion of the base and extend and/or curl in a direction away from the base (such as in an upward direction given the orientation shown in fig. 6S). When the blood pressure monitor 602 is secured within the bracket 604, the branch 674 may be biased, contact, and/or press against a bottom surface 609 of the blood pressure monitor 602. Such a bias or pressure may help blood pressure monitor 602 better engage portions of stent 604 and/or help remove blood pressure monitor 602 from stent 604. For example, the branches 674 may cause one or more latch arm protrusions 618 to contact and/or press against latch arms 648 (or ends 648a) and/or may cause recesses 622 to contact and/or press against lips 646 a. The branches 674 can be positioned at least partially in openings 675 in the base of the bracket 604 that extend through the top and bottom surfaces 638, 339 (see fig. 6U-6V).

Fig. 7A-7U illustrate various views and aspects of an alternative design of a blood pressure monitor assembly 700, including an alternative design of a blood pressure monitor 702, and also including a bracket 704. Although device 702 is referred to herein as a "blood pressure monitor" or "blood pressure device," device 702 may measure and/or monitor other parameters in addition to or instead of blood pressure. For example, device 702 may measure and/or monitor carbon dioxide (CO) in the exhaled air of a patient ₂) Concentration or partial pressure of (a). The blood pressure monitor 702 may have features and/or functionality as described in more detail below with reference to fig. 12-14E.

Blood pressure monitor assembly 700 may be identical in some or many respects to blood pressure monitor assembly 600 described above. For example, the blood pressure monitor 702 may be identical to the blood pressure monitor 702 except for one or more differences discussed below. As another example, one or both of blood pressure monitor 702 and/or stent 704 may be identical in some or many respects to blood pressure monitor 602 and/or stent 604 shown and described above. Aspects or features of blood pressure monitor 702 may be combined with and/or substituted for aspects or features of blood pressure monitor 602, and vice versa, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the reference numerals used in FIGS. 6A-6Z with respect to blood pressure monitor 602 and stent 604 are the same as the reference numerals used in FIGS. 7A-7V

And are similar to indicate similar features. The discussion below with reference to FIGS. 7A-7V is intended to convey that blood pressure monitor 702

Some additional and/or different features or aspects with respect to the blood pressure 602.

As shown in fig. 7A, blood pressure monitor assembly 700 may include a blood pressure monitor 702 that may be removably secured to a bracket 704 in a manner similar or identical to the manner in which housing 602 and bracket 604 may be removably secured as described above. For example, as discussed above with reference to wall 646, lip 646a, one or more latch arms 648, tip 648a, recess 622, blood pressure monitor 602, or protrusion 618 of cradle 604, blood pressure monitor 702 or cradle 704 may include wall 746, lip 746a, one or more latch arms 748, tip 748a, recess 722, protrusion 718, which may operate in a similar or identical manner to removably secure blood pressure monitor 702 to cradle 704.

As shown in fig. 7B-7I, blood pressure monitor 702 can include ends 712, 710, top surface 708, bottom surface 709, sides 713, 715, connector port 714, opening 770, handle 720, protrusion 718, connector port 716, each of which can be identical in some, many, or all respects to ends 612, 610, top surface 608, bottom surface 609, sides 613, 615, connector port 614, opening 670, handle 620, protrusion 618, connector port 616 described and illustrated above with respect to blood pressure monitor 602. Although the present disclosure refers to "end" or "side," such terms are not intended to be limiting, but are used merely for convenience to distinguish certain features of the blood pressure monitor 702. Thus, while the term "ends" is used for the first end 712 and the second end 710, it should be understood that such ends 712, 710 may also represent "sides" of the blood pressure monitor 702.

Additionally or alternatively, as shown in fig. 7N-7U, cradle 704 may include ends 740, 742, sides 743, 745, ports 772a, 772b, recessed cutout 752, top surface 738, and/or bottom surface 739, each of which may be identical in some, many, or all respects to ends 640, 642, sides 643, 645, ports 672a, 372b, recessed cutout 652, top surface 638, and/or bottom surface 334 described and illustrated elsewhere herein.

As shown at least in fig. 7C, blood pressure monitor 702 may include a visual indicator 799 that may indicate whether blood pressure monitor 702 is on or off, whether blood pressure monitor 702 and cradle 704 are incompatible with each other (e.g., via NFC communication between blood pressure monitor 702 and cradle 704 discussed below), battery life of blood pressure monitor 702, and so forth. Indicator 799 may be an LED indicator. In some cases, the LED indicator is configured to flash and/or blink to indicate one or more of the above-listed conditions.

Referring to fig. 6S-6V and 7N-7Q, an optional difference between the bracket 604 and the bracket 704 is that the bracket 704 may lack an opening 675 and/or a branch 674 similar to that shown with respect to the bracket 604. In some cases, the blood pressure monitor 702 and the stent 704 may communicate with each other via a near field communication protocol (such as a radio frequency protocol). For example, blood pressure monitor 702 may include a radio frequency identification reader and stand 704 may include an NFC tag 793 (such as an RFID tag) shown in phantom in fig. 7P. For example, the blood pressure monitor 702 may include an RFID reader, which may be positioned within the interior of the blood pressure monitor 702, such as on a printed circuit board of the blood pressure monitor 702. In this case, the brackets 604, 704 may include an RFID tag 393, for example in the form of a sticker or label, which may transmit a signal in response to identification of the radio frequency signal from the RFID reader in the blood pressure monitor 702. Such RFID tags 393 may be on a surface of the cradle 704, such as on a bottom surface 739 of the cradle 704. Such an RFID tag 393 may be covered and/or clipped, for example, by a hook and loop fastening patch that is adhered to the bottom surface 739. Alternatively, the stent 704 may include an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) that can communicate (e.g., transmit information or data) with the blood pressure monitor 702 via contact with electrical contacts on a surface of the blood pressure monitor 702. Whether blood pressure monitor 702 and stent 704 include RFID or EPROM features and functions, these components may communicate with one another to transmit information and/or data, such as the amount of life remaining (which may be predetermined) of blood pressure monitor 702 and/or stent 704, whether blood pressure monitor 702 and stent 704 are compatible (e.g., whether counterfeit or unauthorized products are being used), and so forth.

Referring to fig. 7B-7D and 7F-7H, blood pressure monitor 702 can include a recess 722, which in some or many respects is identical to recess 622 in blood pressure monitor 602. Recess 722 may have a depth 723 (fig. 7H) equal to depth 623, as shown and described elsewhere herein with respect to blood pressure monitor 602. As can be seen in fig. 7B-7D and 7F-7H, the recess 722 may be identical in all respects to the recess 622, except for the length that the recess 722 extends along the top surface 708 of the blood pressure monitor 702. For example, as shown in fig. 7D, the recess 722 may extend along the entire width of the end 712 along the top surface 708 of the blood pressure monitor 702 and along a portion of the top surface 708 along one or both of the sides 713, 715 of the blood pressure monitor 702.

Referring to fig. 7N-7U, the bracket 704 may include a wall 746 (also referred to herein as a "back wall") that may be similar in some or many respects to the wall 646 of the bracket 604. For example, referring to fig. 7N-7O, rear wall 746 may extend upward from bottom surface 739 and/or top surface 638 and may extend along the entire width of end 742 of bracket 704. Further, the back wall 746 may extend from the bottom surface 739 and/or the top surface 638 and may extend along portions of the sides 743, 745 of the cradle 604. Similarly, rear wall 746 may include a lip 746a extending along a free end of rear wall 746 in a similar manner as rear wall 746.

The securement of the blood pressure monitor 702 to the bracket 704 may be the same in some, many, or all respects as the securement of the housing 602 to the bracket 704 described above. For example, blood pressure monitor 702 can be secured to bracket 704 by engagement of rear wall 746 and/or lip 746a with end 712 and/or recess 722, and/or by engagement of port 772b within opening 770, and/or by engagement of one or more latch arms 748 with protrusion 718. Similarly, blood pressure monitor 702 can include a handle 720 that is similar in some, many, or all respects to handle 620 of blood pressure monitor 602, which enables a user to grasp blood pressure monitor 702 and remove blood pressure monitor 702 from stand 704.

Referring to fig. 7N-7U, the cradle 704 may include an arm 750 configured to be affixed to a portion of a cable or catheter that may be connected to one or more sensors or monitors in a patient environment (such as the environment shown in fig. 1A-1B). The arm 750 may be identical to the arm 650 of the bracket 604 in some or many ways. As shown in at least fig. 7N-7U, the arm 750 may include a first end connected to a portion of the bracket 704 and a second free end. The second free end of the arm 750 may include a protrusion 750a that extends in a non-parallel (e.g., perpendicular) direction relative to the free end. In some cases, where arm 750 is crimped as shown in FIGS. 7T-7U, projection 750a of arm 750 may extend toward the interior of bracket 704, such as toward sides 743, 745 (see FIGS. 7N-7O). Such a protrusion 750a may help provide additional securement for the portion of the cable that is positioned in the space defined by the shape (e.g., "crimp") of the arm 750. For example, a portion of the cable may be pushed into the space through the protrusion 750a and may be at least partially secured between a portion of the protrusion 750a and an inner surface of the arm 750. Although the protrusion 750a is shown and described with respect to the bracket 704, the arm 650 of the bracket 604 may include the protrusion 750 a.

As shown in fig. 7P-7Q, arm 750 may include an opening through a portion thereof. Such an opening may facilitate removal of a portion of the cable from the arm 750. For example, where a portion of the cable is secured by the arm 750, the user may partially insert the user's finger or another object through the opening and push on that portion of the cable to aid in removal. While such an opening is shown and described with respect to arm 750, arm 650 may also have such an opening.

Fig. 7I illustrates a connector port 716, which may be identical to connector port 616 of blood pressure monitor 602 in some or many ways. The connector port 716 may be identical to the connector port 616 of the blood pressure monitor 602 except for the number and/or arrangement of female branch openings and/or slots or recesses (see fig. 7I and 6O). The connector port 716 may be connected to a cable (or connector thereof), such as connector 105 a.

The blood pressure monitor 702 may include one or more air inlets that may be in fluid communication with ambient air and may be configured to allow ambient air to flow into the interior of the blood pressure monitor 702 and/or to one or more pumps within the blood pressure monitor 702, such as the pumps discussed elsewhere herein. Such air inlets may also allow air to flow from the interior of the blood pressure monitor 702 to the surrounding environment, such as when the blood pressure monitor 702 facilitates deflation of an attached cuff. One or more pumps may generate suction to draw ambient air into and/or through such an air inlet of the blood pressure monitor 702. Such air inlets may be located and/or positioned at various locations on the blood pressure monitor 702, such as at the sides, ends, and/or top or bottom surfaces of the blood pressure monitor 702. The blood pressure monitor 702 may include one, two, three, four, five, or six or more air inlets. For example, the blood pressure monitor 702 may include air inlets positioned along the sides 713, 715 of the blood pressure monitor 702.

7J-7M illustrate examples of air inlets 721 in blood pressure monitor 702. While these figures and the following discussion describe air inlet 721 with reference to blood pressure monitor 702, the discussion is equally applicable to blood pressure monitor 602. As shown in fig. 7B-7C and 7J-7M, blood pressure monitor 702 may include a handle 720 that includes a depression 720a and a rim 720B, which may be identical in some, many, or all respects to handle 620, depression 620a, and/or rim 620B discussed above. Thus, the discussion regarding handle 620, recess 620a, and/or rim 620b applies equally to handle 720, recess 720a, and/or rim 720 b. Air inlet 721 can include one or more openings in an exterior portion (e.g., a side portion of blood pressure monitor 702) and/or an interior portion (e.g., an interior wall of blood pressure monitor 702). For example, referring to fig. 15F-15G, the opening in the outer portion may be an opening in a side portion 713, 715 of the blood pressure monitor 702, and such an opening may include a slit 720c along a portion of the side portion 713, 715. The slot 720c may extend adjacent to and/or along a portion of the perimeter of the recess 720 a. For example, the slits 720c can extend adjacent and/or along a perimeter or recess 720a of less than 3/4, less than 1/2, less than 1/4, less than 1/6, or less than 1/8, or any value therebetween, or any range defined by any combination of these values, although values outside of these values or ranges can be used in some cases. As another example, the slits 720c can extend adjacent to and/or along at least 1/8, at least 1/6, at least 1/4, at least 1/2, or any value therebetween or any range defined by any combination of such values, although values outside of such values or ranges can be used in some cases. In some cases, slot 720c is positioned along a portion of the perimeter of recess 720a opposite edge 720 b. For example, slit 720c may be positioned closer to the bottom of blood pressure monitor 702 than recess 720a and/or rim 720 b. The slit 720c may be positioned closer to the bottom surface of the blood pressure monitor 702 than the top surface of the blood pressure monitor 702.

Fig. 7K shows a cross section through the blood pressure monitor 702 along the dashed line shown in fig. 7D. Fig. 7K partially shows the slit 720 c. As shown, air can flow into the first chamber 720d and/or through the first chamber, into and/or through the second chamber 720e, into and/or through the chamber or opening 720f, and into the interior of the blood pressure monitor 702, and/or into one or more pumps, as described elsewhere herein, over and/or adjacent to the wall 720g, through the slit 720c and/or around a portion of the perimeter of the recess 720 a. Where the slot 720c extends along the perimeter of the recess 720a, the wall 720g and/or the chamber 720d may also extend along, adjacent to, and/or behind the recess 720a (or a portion of the recess 720 a) to collect air flowing into and along the entire length of the slot 720 c. As shown, the wall 720g can extend upward above the slit 720c (e.g., in a direction toward a top surface of the blood pressure monitor 702). As shown in fig. 7K, blood pressure monitor 702 can include an inner wall 720h that is positioned closer to the interior of blood pressure monitor 702 than side portions 13, 715 and/or slit 720 c. As also shown, chamber 720f may extend through inner wall 720 h.

7L-7M show enlarged perspective views of a portion of a cross section through blood pressure monitor 702. The cross-section shown in FIG. 7L is oriented differently than the cross-section shown in FIG. 7K to better illustrate opening 720 f. Referring to FIG. 7D, the cross-section shown in FIG. 7L is spaced further "to the right" than the cross-section line "7K" shown in FIG. 7D. The cross-section shown in FIG. 7M is also spaced from the cross-section shown in FIG. 7K to better illustrate chamber 720 e. As shown, chamber 720e may extend upward (e.g., in a direction toward a top surface of blood pressure monitor 702) to chamber 720 f. Referring to fig. 7K-7L, chamber or opening 720f can extend transversely (e.g., vertically) to chamber 720e and be open and/or adjacent to the interior of blood pressure monitor 702.

Advantageously, the structure, arrangement, and/or configuration of air inlet 721 may prevent or reduce the likelihood of fluid intrusion into the interior of blood pressure monitor 702 and damage to electrical and/or mechanical components therein. For example, referring to fig. 7K, in order for fluid to enter the interior of blood pressure monitor 702 via slit 720c, such fluid must pass through slit 720c, along and/or up wall 720g (against the force of gravity), into and/or through chambers 720d, 720e, and through chamber 720f of inner wall 720 h. In a typical patient care environment, the likelihood of fluid passing through the air inlet 721 in this manner is low, particularly if the blood pressure monitor 702 is secured to the stent 704 on a cuff similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.

Fig. 7V illustrates how the stent 704 may be connected to an exemplary blood pressure cuff 737 via a tube or hose, such as pneumatic hose 637 discussed and illustrated above. As previously described, the end of the hose 637 may be fluidly connected to the interior of the cuff 737, and the end of the hose 637 may be affixed to the port 772a of the stent 704, such that the blood pressure monitor 702 may be in fluid communication with the interior of the cuff 737 when the port 772b is positioned within the opening 770 of the blood pressure monitor 702. The cuff 737 may be affixed to a portion of the patient's body, such as an arm, thigh, or other portion. For example, cuff 737 may be affixed to the arm of patient 111, as shown by cuff 121 in FIGS. 1A-1B.

Non-invasive blood pressure measurement

The human cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels and blood. The heart pumps blood through blood vessels to transport oxygen, nutrients, etc. throughout the body.

Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure exerted on the wall of a blood vessel by circulating blood and is usually measured in one of the aorta. During the cardiac cycle from one heartbeat to the next, the blood pressure changes. When the heart contracts, the blood pressure rises momentarily and then falls until the next heartbeat. The systolic pressure is the maximum blood pressure reached during the cardiac cycle, and the diastolic pressure is the minimum blood pressure during the cardiac cycle. The Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is the mean blood pressure during the cardiac cycle. Blood pressure depends on many factors including blood volume, cardiac output, vascular resistance, arterial stiffness, etc.

Medically, blood pressure is a vital sign that can be used as an indicator of a patient's condition. Accordingly, improved devices and techniques for measuring blood pressure may help improve patient monitoring capabilities.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram 1200 of an exemplary embodiment of a non-invasive blood pressure monitor. Blood pressure monitor 1200 may include any feature of any other blood pressure monitors described herein (e.g., 120, 602, 702). For example, blood pressure monitor 1200 may be a mobile device designed to be strapped to a patient's arm via a cuff (e.g., 121). Blood pressure monitor 1200 may include electronics for determining blood pressure values, an interface for communicating blood pressure values to an external device, an integrated display for displaying blood pressure values, and the like. The components shown in the block diagram of fig. 12 may be contained within, attached to, and/or supported by any of the housings of the blood pressure monitors (e.g., 120, 602, 702) described herein. Moreover, the following description provided with reference to blood pressure monitor 1200 is equally applicable to any other blood pressure monitor described herein (e.g., 120, 602, 702).

Blood pressure monitor 1200 may include one or more air pumps 1210 (e.g., one, two, three, four, or more air pumps). The air pump 1210 may be similar or identical to the pump 522 described herein. The air pump 1210 generates a suction force to draw air through an air inlet (e.g., 580) in the housing (e.g., 502) of the blood pressure monitor 1200. The air is then pushed through an air path, such as a duct 1220, by an air pump 1210 toward an air manifold 1240 disposed in the housing. One advantage associated with using multiple air pumps 1210 is that smaller pumps can be used to provide similar airflow amounts as a single larger pump, but can be arranged in the housing of blood pressure monitor 1200 in a more flexible manner than a single larger pump. The greater flexibility in the layout of the plurality of smaller pumps, in turn, allows for a more compact design of blood pressure monitor 1200 than a single larger pump.

The air manifold 1240 supplies air to the inflatable blood pressure cuff 1250. Air manifold 1240 may include any of the features of air manifold 520 described herein, and inflatable blood pressure cuff 1250 may include any of the features of blood pressure cuff 121 described herein. The cuff 1250 can be connected to the air manifold 1240 using, for example, an air supply port (e.g., 570) that can be coupled directly with a connector built into the cuff 1250, or can be coupled to the cuff 1250 via a flexible hose or some other air path. The air manifold 1240 may also provide and/or connect to an air pathway for one or more air release valves 1260 and pressure transducers 1270, as schematically illustrated in fig. 12. Accordingly, air manifold 1240 may allow air to flow between pump 1210, cuff 1250, pressure transducer 1270, and/or release valve 1260.

As further described herein, one or more acoustic filters 1230 may be provided along the air path in blood pressure monitor 1200 to attenuate selected frequencies of air pressure waves caused by operation of air pump 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, a single acoustic filter 1230 is disposed along the conduit 1220 between the air pump 1210 and the air manifold 1240. However, in some embodiments, the monitor 1200 may include multiple acoustic filters 1230, and the acoustic filters may be disposed at various different locations along the air path (e.g., between the air manifold 1240 and the cuff 1250 and/or between the air manifold and the pressure transducer 1270).

The inflatable cuff 1250 of the blood pressure monitor 1200 is designed to be strapped around a monitoring site on the patient's body. The monitoring site may be, for example, the lower arm of the patient, at the wrist. Blood pressure in the radial artery may be measured at the site. In other embodiments, the inflatable cuff 1250 of the blood pressure monitor 1200 may be designed to be strapped around the upper arm of the patient in order to measure the blood pressure at the brachial artery.

The cuff 1250 may include an internal compliant bladder whose volume expands in response to the pressure of air supplied from the air pump 1210. Air pump 1210 may cause the air pressure within cuff 1250 to increase over time according to a desired inflation profile. For example, air pump 1210 may be controlled to linearly increase the air pressure within cuff 1250, although other inflation curves (e.g., a stepped inflation curve or a piecewise linear inflation curve with line segments of different slopes) may also be used. The inflation profile of cuff 1250 may be specified by, for example, using air pump controller 1212 to control the speed of the air pump and/or turning on or off the different air pumps 1210 at selected times.

In some cases, the desired inflation profile may not be easily achieved by operation of only one or more air pumps 1210. In some of these cases, an air release valve 1260 may be used in conjunction with air pump 1210 to achieve the desired inflation profile. For example, monitor 1200 may enable time-overlapping operation of air pump 1210 and air release valve 1260. The resulting composite inflation curve is the sum of the inflation curve due to air pump 1210 alone and the smaller deflation curve due to air release valve 1260.

During the inflation phase, the cuff 1250 applies pressure on the patient's artery at the monitoring site as the air pressure increases and the compliant bladder expands. During each cardiac cycle, pulsatile blood pressure changes within the artery cause the arterial wall to expand and contract, thereby changing the volume of the artery. These changes in the volume of the artery are communicated to the balloon in cuff 1250, in part, via tissue and skin, and can be measured by pressure transducer 1270, which is connected to the cuff by an air passageway (e.g., manifold 1240 or optional separate bypass air passageway 1241). The pressure transducer 1270 generates an output signal indicative of the pressure associated with the expansion and contraction of the artery during each cardiac cycle. Pressure transducer 1270 may be any of a variety of pressure sensors, such as a flexible diaphragm, whose deflection is measured and then output as an electrical signal.

Once the cuff 1250 has been inflated to or beyond the point of occluding the artery, the air release valve 1260 can be operated to controllably decrease the air pressure in the cuff. During the deflation phase, air release valve 1260 can be used to reduce the air pressure in cuff 1250 according to a desired deflation profile. For example, the valve can be operated to linearly decrease the air pressure within cuff 1250, although other deflation curves (e.g., a stepped deflation curve or a piecewise linear deflation curve with line segments of different slopes) can also be used.

In some cases, it may not be easy to achieve a desired deflation profile simply by operating one or more air release valves 1260. In some of these cases, air pump 1210 may be used in conjunction with air release valve 1260 to achieve a desired deflation profile. For example, the monitor 1200 may enable time-overlapping operation of the air release valve 1260 and the air pump 1210. The resulting composite deflation curve is the sum of the deflation curve due to air release valve 160 alone and the smaller inflation curve due to air pump 1210.

This technique may be useful, for example, in embodiments of the blood pressure monitor 1200, which use a relatively inexpensive air release valve 1260 to reduce overall costs. Some inexpensive valves will release the air pressure suddenly, rather than continuously. This may result in a deflation curve with a step waveform. Although a stepped deflation profile may be useful in some embodiments, if a more continuous deflation profile is desired, air pump 1210 may be operated during the deflation phase to provide an inflation profile that represents the difference between the desired composite deflation profile and the deflation profile attributed solely to air release valve 1260.

In some embodiments, the first air release valve 1260 may be used as a relatively slow deflation valve to decrease the air pressure inside the cuff 1250 according to normal operation during blood pressure measurement. At the same time, the second air release valve 1260 may act as a relatively quick release emergency release valve, which can quickly deflate the cuff 1250, if desired. The valve 1260 can be designed to fail in an open state, thereby releasing air pressure within the cuff 1250 in the event of a power failure.

To obtain measurements using blood pressure monitor 1200, cuff 1250 may be secured around the arm of the patient at the measurement site. Monitor 1200 can then implement the desired inflation and deflation profiles to obtain output signals from pressure transducer 1270 that can be processed to produce one or more blood pressure measurements. During this procedure, when the air pressure within the cuff 1250 is greater than the minimum or diastolic pressure within the artery, but less than the maximum or systolic pressure within the artery, the cuff partially collapses the artery wall at the measurement site. The partial collapse of the arterial wall restricts the flow of blood through the artery. The degree of collapse, and thus the restriction to blood flow through the artery, depends on the degree to which the air pressure in cuff 1250 exceeds the minimum blood pressure in the artery. When the air pressure within cuff 1250 rises above the maximum blood pressure in the artery, the artery is occluded and blood flow is cut off.

The patient's diastolic blood pressure measurement is related to the pressure detected by the pressure transducer 1270, at which point the cuff 1250 begins to interrupt continuous blood flow through the artery at the measurement site during the inflation phase or the cuff ceases to interrupt continuous blood flow during the deflation phase. The patient's systolic blood pressure measurement is related to the pressure detected by the pressure transducer 1270 when the cuff 1250 just occludes the artery and pulsatile blood flow ceases during the inflation phase or the artery is no longer completely occluded and blood begins to flow through the artery again during the deflation phase.

Diastolic and systolic blood pressure measurements may be determined based on the pressure transducer output signals during the inflation phase and/or during the deflation phase. In some embodiments, the pressure transducer 1270 outputs an analog pressure signal 1272 that varies as a function of time in response to the air pressure in the cuff 1250 and the pressure sent by the artery to the transducer via the cuff 1250. The analog pressure signal may then be converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter 1281. In some embodiments, the digital pressure signal may be sampled, as indicated by sample block 1282. The digital pressure signal may then be processed to obtain an oscillometric signal. The oscillometric signal includes a plethysmographic waveform that corresponds to the change in volume of an artery as it expands and contracts in response to pulsating blood.

In some embodiments, processing the digital pressure signal to obtain the oscillometric signal may include frequency filtering. For example, the digital pressure signal may be band pass filtered to suppress lower and higher frequency components that are not attributable to blood pressure changes, as shown by band pass filter block 1283. Thus, the oscillometric signal includes the plethysmographic signal content attributable to blood pressure changes in the artery at the measurement site, but generally excludes low frequency pressure changes attributable to inflation and deflation of the cuff 1250 and high frequency pressure changes attributable to vibration of the air pump 1210. The frequency filtering may be performed by, for example, a single or multi-stage filter. Additional and/or different signal processing operations may also or alternatively be applied to the digital signal. The resulting oscillometric signal can then be analyzed by a processor to determine one or more blood pressure values. This analysis may be performed locally by the processor 1284, which may be disposed in the blood pressure monitor 1200 itself, or by an external processor to which the oscillometric signal (or previous signal) may be transmitted.

Processor 1284 may cause the blood pressure measurements to be sent to an external device (e.g., a bedside patient monitor) and/or displayed on a display 1286 integrated into blood pressure monitor 1200. In addition to calculating and/or displaying a blood pressure value, the processor 1284 may also be used to control the air pump 1210 (via the air pump controller 1212) and the air release valve 1260. The processor 1284, air pump 1210, air release valve 1260, display 1286, and/or other components of the blood pressure monitor 1200 may be powered by a battery disposed in the housing of the monitor or a power bus from another component.

Although not shown, some embodiments of the blood pressure monitor 1200 may include an integrated microphone or microphone input port that allows the monitor to be connected to an external microphone. A microphone may be used to provide a signal to perform arterial blood pressure measurements using korotkoff sounds. The microphone may also be used to provide signals for controlling the operation of air pump 1210, as discussed further herein.

Furthermore, some embodiments of non-invasive blood pressure monitor 1200 may include an accelerometer. An accelerometer may be used to detect movement of a patient, for example, during a blood pressure measurement. If patient motion is detected during measurement by the accelerometer, the blood pressure value may be flagged or overridden according to a selected attribute of the detected motion (e.g., the amplitude of the motion signal). Alternatively and/or additionally, blood pressure monitor 1200 may output a message or warning to the patient (e.g., via display 1286 or a speaker) to remain stationary during the measurement. In some embodiments, blood pressure monitor 1200 may check the accelerometer signal before performing a blood pressure measurement. If the accelerometer signal indicates patient motion, the monitor 1200 may delay the blood pressure measurement until patient motion is no longer detected.

Further, during blood pressure measurements, an accelerometer may be used to determine whether the patient's arm is in an expected position. For example, if the patient's arm is raised to approximately the same height as the patient's heart, the blood pressure measurement will generally be more accurate. For wrist-worn blood pressure monitor 1200, this may be the case where the monitor detects leveling horizontally (within a certain range of angles) through the accelerometer. However, if the blood pressure monitor 1200 is detected as being oriented too vertically due to the patient's lower arm being raised or hanging down, the blood pressure value may be flagged or discarded. Alternatively and/or additionally, blood pressure monitor 1200 may output a message or warning to the patient (e.g., via display 1286 or a speaker) to level his or her lower arm during the measurement.

Exemplary Acoustic design of non-invasive blood pressure monitor

Since blood pressure monitor 1200 is a portable device designed to be worn by a patient, it is more desirable to reduce the acoustic noise generated by the monitor than other non-wearable blood pressure monitors that can be easily positioned further from the patient.

Air pump 1210 is typically the primary source of acoustic noise from blood pressure monitor 1200. To suppress sound from blood pressure monitor 1200, air pump 1210 may be disposed in a noise-suppressing housing. The housing may include, for example, two or more portions joined together to enclose the internal components of blood pressure monitor 1200. One or more gaskets may be provided at the mating interface between the portions of the housing. The gasket can reduce acoustic noise from the blood pressure monitor 1200 by preventing portions of the housing from vibrating against each other and by providing a seal that helps prevent sound waves from exiting the housing. The amount of sound attenuation may depend on the material properties of the gasket and, more specifically, on the mismatch in material acoustic properties between the housing material and the gasket itself.

Acoustic noise from blood pressure monitor 1200 can be further reduced with noise suppression materials. The open space within the housing of blood pressure monitor 1200 may be partially or completely filled with noise-inhibiting material. The noise-abatement material may be provided in a single piece, multiple layers, numerous small pieces, and/or combinations thereof, and the like. The noise-abatement material may be, for example, a loosely layered tissue-like material, a low density foam, an aerogel, or the like.

As already discussed, the blood pressure monitor may include an air path that couples the air pump 1210, manifold 1240, cuff 1250, air release valve 1260 and/or pressure transducer 1270. The air pump 1210 may generate undesirable acoustic noise that manifests as air pressure waves that propagate to the cuff 1250, the air release valve 1260, and/or the pressure transducer 1270 via air paths connecting these components. To reduce the propagation of these air pressure waves between the air pump 1210 and any other components of the monitor 1200, an acoustic filter 1230 may be provided at any point along the air path (e.g., the duct 1220 or the manifold 1240).

In some embodiments, one or more acoustic filters 1230 may be disposed along the air path between the pump 1210 and the cuff 1250. This may be advantageous because the cuff 1250 may act as a speaker by amplifying the air pressure waves coupled into the cuff from the pump 1210 via the air path. If an acoustic filter 1230 is provided between the air pump 1210 and the cuff 1250, undesirable pressure waves may be reduced or eliminated prior to amplification of the cuff 1250, thereby reducing the noise output from the cuff. One or more additional acoustic filters 1230 may also or alternatively be provided along the air path between the air pump 1210 and the pressure transducer 1270 and/or between the air pump and the air release valve 1260.

As just discussed, the acoustic filter 1230 shown in figure 12 attenuates unwanted pressure waves that would otherwise reach the cuff 1250. This reduces annoying noise and provides a more pleasant user experience. The acoustic filter 1230 also attenuates unwanted air pressure waves that would otherwise reach the pressure transducer 1270 and possibly corrupt its output signal. Acoustic filter 1230 may thus attenuate variations in the output signal of pressure transducer 1270 that would otherwise appear as signal noise. Thus, acoustic filter 1230 can reduce not only audible noise emanating from blood pressure monitor 1200, but also signal noise and thereby improve the fidelity of the measurements produced by the monitor.

In fig. 12, an acoustic filter 1230 is shown disposed along the air path between the pump 1210 and the air manifold 1240. This arrangement may be advantageous because the acoustic filter 1230 is disposed upstream of the manifold 1240 where the air path is bifurcated and thus may reduce unwanted air pressure waves at various components of the monitor 1200. However, in some embodiments, an acoustic filter may be disposed along one or more air paths at a point downstream of the air manifold 1240. For example, an acoustic filter may be disposed along the air path between the air manifold 1240 and the cuff 1250, and/or along the air path between the air manifold 1240 and the pressure transducer 1270.

Fig. 13A shows an example embodiment of an acoustic filter 1230. An air conduit 1220 is shown between air pump 1210 and blood pressure cuff 1250. The illustrated embodiment of the acoustic filter 1230 is comprised of an elongated cavity or opposing closed-end nipples that branch off from the air supply duct 1220. These opposing nipples form a column of air that can be vibrated by the air pressure wave from the air pump 1210. The air pressure wave from the air pump 1210 propagates through the air supply manifold 1220 until reaching the acoustic filter 1230. The air pressure wave may then propagate down the opposing stub of the acoustic filter 1230 and may reflect from the closed end of the stub. Depending on the length of the spud, some frequencies of the reflected wave destructively interfere with the wave propagating in the air supply canal 1220. The length of the tap may be determined based on the acoustic output of the air pump 1210 so as to effectively cause destructive wave interference of the main wavelength to be attenuated. This type of acoustic filter can be used as a low-pass filter.

Fig. 13B illustrates another example embodiment of an acoustic filter 1230. The acoustic filter 1230 shown in fig. 13B is similar to the acoustic filter shown in fig. 13A in that it includes opposing nipples or elongated cavities that branch off from the air supply duct 1220. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13B, the take-over of the acoustic filter 1230 has a folded or meandering configuration rather than a straight configuration. As shown, the folded configuration of the acoustic filter 1230 may include multiple portions-straight or curved-joined together (e.g., angled). The folded configuration may be advantageous in some embodiments because it is a more compact design that may efficiently utilize space within the housing of blood pressure monitor 1200. This type of acoustic filter can also be used as a low-pass filter.

Fig. 13C shows an additional example embodiment of an acoustic filter 1230. The exemplary acoustic filter 1230 shown in fig. 13C is a box-shaped cavity that intersects the air supply duct 1220. As shown, the box-shaped chamber may be scaled in different sizes with different dimensions. For example, a box-shaped cavity may have relatively large faces joined by relatively thin side edges. Figure 13C shows that the air supply duct 1220 can intersect the box-shaped cavity at a larger face or thinner lateral edge. Similar to the take-over filter shown in fig. 13A and 13B, the box-shaped acoustic filter 1230 shown in fig. 13C functions by generating reflected waves that can destructively interfere with air pressure waves propagating down the air supply duct 1220. These types of acoustic filters may also be used as low pass filters. However, in some embodiments, box filters may be more efficient than over-line filters because they include a larger interaction area at the intersection with the air supply duct 1220. Although a box-like cavity is shown, other shapes of closed cavity are possible and may be effective depending on the air pressure waves generated by the air pump 1210.

Fig. 13D illustrates yet another example embodiment of an acoustic filter 1230. In this embodiment, the acoustic filter is a box-like enclosure that does not intersect the air supply conduit 1220, but is joined to the air supply conduit 1220 by an open-ended nipple. This embodiment can be effectively used as a band-stop filter. Although a box-like closure is shown, other shapes are possible.

In some embodiments, the acoustic filter 1230 may be integrated with the air manifold 1240. For example, the air manifold 1240 itself may be shaped and/or sized to function as the acoustic filter 1230. In some embodiments, air manifold 1240 may include an acoustic filtering cavity. The acoustic filtering cavity may be box-shaped as shown in fig. 13C, although other cavity shapes are possible. The cavity may include a plurality of air ducts or ports that join with the cavity to connect the air manifold 1240 with other components. The dimensions of the acoustic filtering cavity may be at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, or 20 times the size of the conduits or ports feeding the cavity.

In some embodiments, the acoustic filters 1230 described herein can be designed such that their pass bands exclude some or all of the acoustic frequencies generated by the air pump 1210 at normal operating speeds. For example, the acoustic filters 1230 described herein may be designed such that their pass bands exclude fundamental frequencies produced by the air pump at 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% or more of their maximum operating speed.

The air manifold 520 discussed above is an example of an acoustic filter 1230 integrated with an air manifold. The air manifold 520 includes a plurality of box-shaped acoustic filter cavities joined together to create a larger acoustic filter cavity. The various sides of the acoustic filtering cavity in air manifold 520 include ports that connect the manifold to an air pump, cuff, relief valve, and pressure transducer. Sound waves entering the air manifold 520 through any of these ports may reflect off the walls of the acoustic filtering cavity, causing destructive interference at certain frequencies.

Example inflation control techniques

In some embodiments, air pump controller 1212 may be used to dynamically control one or more operating characteristics (e.g., speed, stroke length, stroke phase, etc.) of each of air pumps 1210 in non-invasive blood pressure monitor 1200. The ability to dynamically control the operating characteristics of air pump 1210 can be used to achieve a number of advantages, including improving the audible sound emitted by blood pressure monitor 1200 and reducing the amount of time required for the monitor to perform a blood pressure measurement, as shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, respectively.

Fig. 14A is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 1400A of using an air pump controller 1212 to improve the audible sound emitted by a blood pressure monitor 1200. As already discussed, the blood pressure monitor 1200 may include techniques such as gaskets, acoustic filters, noise suppression materials, etc. for reducing the amount of audible noise it emits. However, in the event that all audible noise cannot be eliminated, the remaining noise can be made more pleasant to the patient.

The example method shown in FIG. 14A is applicable to embodiments of a blood pressure monitor 1200 that include multiple air pumps 1210. By including multiple air pumps 1210, blood pressure monitor 1200 has the ability to vary the inflation rate of cuff 1250 by turning on or off different air pumps at different times. For example, if blood pressure monitor 1200 includes two air pumps 1210, the inflation rate of cuff 1250 can be doubled by opening the second air pump at approximately the same rate as the first air pump. Or conversely, when both air pumps are operating at approximately the same speed, the inflation rate of cuff 1250 may be halved by turning off one of the air pumps. While similar changes in the inflation rate of cuff 1250 may be achieved by significantly changing the operating speed of the individual air pump, doing so may result in a relatively large change in the frequency of the acoustic noise emitted by the air pump (which is related to the speed of the air pump), which may shift the acoustic noise into the pass band of acoustic filter 1230, require a more complex design of acoustic filter 1230, and/or otherwise compromise the performance of the noise reduction technique in blood pressure monitor 1200. Multiple air pump embodiments may also be advantageous because they may provide a greater range of inflation rates than can be achieved by adjusting the speed of a single air pump.

However, one potential difficulty with using multiple air pumps 1210 is that different air pumps may run at slightly different speeds, even when supplied with the same drive signal. This may be due to, for example, manufacturing tolerances or uneven wear of the internal moving parts over time. Since the frequency of the acoustic noise from the air pumps is related to their velocity, small velocity differences of the multiple air pumps 1210 can cause them to emit noise at slightly different frequencies, thus possibly resulting in a perceptible beat frequency or other acoustic effect that may be unpleasant to the user. This and other problems may be solved in accordance with the method 1400A shown in fig. 14A.

Method 1400A begins at block 1410A, where blood pressure monitor 1200 detects one or more characteristics, whether alone or in combination, of the acoustic noise emitted by air pump 1210. The detected acoustic noise characteristics may include, for example, loudness, frequency content, relative phase of frequency components, beat frequency, and so forth. The acoustic noise signature may be determined by analyzing an output signal from a microphone integrated in or connected to the monitor 1200 or from the pressure transducer 1270 using the processor 1284. The analysis may be performed using, for example, a fourier transform or other frequency domain analysis technique, an envelope detection algorithm, or other known signal processing techniques.

Then, at block 1420a, the blood pressure monitor 1200 may make one or more adjustments (e.g., via open loop or feedback control) to one or more operating characteristics of the air pump 1210 using the air pump controller 1212 in order to reduce the acoustic discomfort metric. The acoustic unpleasantness metric may be any objective metric related to the subjective unpleasantness caused by the sound emitted by the air pump 1210 to a representative patient population. In some cases, the acoustic unpleasantness metric may be equal to or based on the acoustic noise signature or combination of acoustic noise signatures detected in block 1410 a. For example, the acoustic displeasure metric may be based on the loudness of the sound, beat frequency, and the like. Method 1400A may be repeated repeatedly during the inflation phase of the blood pressure measurement, or until the sound unpleasantness metric decreases beyond a desired threshold.

In some embodiments, the blood pressure monitor may use the air pump controller 1212 to reduce the sound unpleasantness measure by adjusting the speed, stroke length, or stroke phase of either or both of the air pumps 1210. For example, the acoustic noise signature detected in block 1410a may be the loudness of the noise generated by the air pump 1210. In block 1420a, the loudness of the noise may also be used as an acoustically unpleasantness measure. The stroke phase of air pump 1210 may then be adjusted (e.g., toward a relative phase difference of 180 degrees) at block 1420a to increase destructive interference between the respective sound waves they generate. By increasing the degree of destructive interference, the loudness of the acoustic noise (i.e., the measure of acoustic displeasure) may be reduced.

In other embodiments, the acoustic noise signature detected in block 1410a may be a beat frequency generated by the air pump 1210 operating at a slightly different speed. For example, the acoustically unpleasantness metric in block 1420a may be inversely related to the beat frequency, such that a lower beat frequency results in a higher acoustically unpleasantness metric, and a higher beat frequency results in a lower acoustically unpleasantness metric. Then, at block 1420a, the speed of one of the air pumps can be adjusted to change the beat frequency in a manner that reduces the unpleasantness measure. For example, the speed difference of one of the air pumps relative to the other may be increased, thereby increasing the separation between the respective frequency components of the acoustic noise emitted by the air pumps. This in turn increases the beat frequency and so sounds better. In some embodiments, the monitor 1200 may identify dominant frequencies in the acoustic noise emitted by each of the air pumps 1210, and the air pump controller 1212 may be used to make adjustments that increase the difference between the respective dominant frequencies. The adjustment can be made by changing the drive signal of a single air pump while keeping the drive signal of the other pump stable, or by changing the drive signals of both pumps. In other embodiments, the sound unpleasantness metric may be proportional to the beat frequency, such that a lower beat frequency (e.g., so low as to be imperceptible to the human ear) results in a lower sound unpleasantness metric, while a higher beat frequency results in a higher sound unpleasantness metric. Then, at block 1420a, the speed of one of the air pumps may be adjusted to reduce the acoustic discomfort metric by driving the beat frequency, for example, towards zero.

In some embodiments, the air pump controller 1212 may be used to make adjustments that result in the frequency content of the acoustic noise emitted by one of the air pumps 1210 having a desired relationship compared to the frequency content of the acoustic noise emitted by the other air pump. For example, the relationship may be that the dominant frequency of the acoustic noise emitted by one of the pumps is harmonically related (or has any other offset) to the dominant frequency of the acoustic noise emitted by the other of the air pumps, as harmonic frequencies (i.e., frequencies related by integer multiples) are generally considered to be pleasing to the ear. Any other desired relationship between the respective main frequencies of the air pumps may also be used.

Fig. 14B is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 1400B of reducing the amount of time required for a non-invasive blood pressure monitor 1200 to perform a blood pressure measurement. The inflation phase of the cuff 1250 can be divided into a non-measurement portion and a measurement portion. Method 1400B begins at block 1410B, where blood pressure monitor 1200 inflates cuff 1250 at a relatively high rate during a non-measurement portion of the inflation phase until a plethysmographic waveform is detected in the signal from pressure transducer 1270. The plethysmographic waveform is an indication of arterial volume changes caused by instantaneous blood pressure changes from one heartbeat to the next during the cardiac cycle. The plethysmographic waveform is not present in the signal from the pressure transducer 1270 until the air pressure within the cuff 1250 causes the cuff to compress the arm with sufficient force to respond to the pulsation of the patient's artery.

Since clinically relevant measurements cannot be obtained from the output of the pressure transducer 1270 before the start of the plethysmographic waveform, by rapidly inflating the cuff 1250 to this point during the non-measurement portion of the inflation phase, the overall process of obtaining blood pressure measurements can be accelerated. However, in embodiments where blood pressure measurements are taken during the inflation phase, it may be undesirable to continue inflating the cuff 1250 at the same high rate after the plethysmographic waveform has appeared in the output signal of the pressure transducer 1270. This is because blood pressure measurements may rely on data from some predetermined minimum number of cardiac cycles, and thus the high cuff inflation rate may completely occlude the patient's artery before a sufficient number of cardiac cycles occur, thereby negatively impacting the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement. Thus, the blood pressure monitor 1200 may reduce the inflation rate of the cuff 1250 (e.g., as depicted by the presence of a plethysmographic waveform detected in the output of the pressure transducer 1270) during the measurement portion of the inflation phase in order to allow a sufficient number of cardiac cycles before the artery is completely occluded.

At block 1420B of method 1400B, the blood pressure monitor 1200 can determine a pulse rate of the patient from a period or fundamental frequency of the sequence of plethysmographic waveforms. The pulse rate can typically be determined over 2-3 cardiac cycles. Then, at block 1430b, given the patient's pulse rate, the blood pressure monitor 1200 can set (e.g., decrease) the cuff inflation rate to allow a sufficient number of cardiac cycles to occur before the maximum inflation pressure is reached. In some embodiments, the monitor may allow blood pressure measurements to be taken less than or equal to 15, or less than or equal to 12, or less than or equal to 10 cardiac cycles (including cardiac cycles that are also used to determine pulse rate) before the maximum inflation pressure is reached. (Note: in some embodiments, the maximum inflation pressure may be determined based on the shape of the envelope of the sequence of plethysmographic waveforms in the oscillometric signal

Fig. 14C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method 1400C for dynamically controlling inflation of a cuff 1250 in a blood pressure monitor 1200. The method 1400C begins at start block 1405C and then proceeds to the first of three inflation phases, phase 1 inflation, phase 2 inflation, and phase 3 inflation.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 14C, phase 1 is a non-blood pressure measurement inflation phase. The purpose of the first inflation phase is to quickly fill the dead space in cuff 1250. As already mentioned herein, blood pressure monitor 1200 cannot perform a measurement until the plethysmographic waveform begins to appear in the output of pressure transducer 1270. This plethysmographic waveform does not begin to appear until the cuff applies sufficient pressure at the measurement site. Thus, the first inflation phase serves to rapidly increase the volume of the cuff 1250 from its deflated state.

The first inflation phase begins at block 1410c, where at least one of the air pumps 1210 is activated. The first inflation phase is a relatively high rate inflation phase. Thus, at block 1410c, the start output volume of the air pump 1210 can be, for example, at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95% of the maximum available operating output volume of the pump. In some embodiments, the activated output volume of air pump 1210 can be a fixed value, or can vary based on one or more inputs. For example, the block 1410c may receive as input the size of the cuff 1250 to determine the start pump output volume. (blood pressure monitor 1200 may use cuffs 1250 of different sizes depending on the measurement location (e.g., wrist or upper arm) or the size of the patient (e.g., child, adolescent, adult, etc.)). In some embodiments, the cuff size may be stored in a Near Field Communication (NFC) or Radio Frequency (RF) tag located on or in cuff 1250 and may be read by an NFC or RF tag reader disposed in blood pressure monitor 1200, although other techniques for receiving cuff size as an input may also be used. For larger sized cuffs 1250, the start-up output volume of air at block 1410c may be set to a higher value; for smaller cuff sizes, the start output volume of air may be set to a lower value.

Since the first inflation phase is intended to be a relatively high rate inflation phase, typically, multiple air pumps will be activated at block 1410 c. In those embodiments, the first inflation phase may optionally include block 1415c, where pump frequency relationship control is performed. As described herein, even though the two air pumps may be provided with the same drive signal, they may have slightly different operating speeds. Since the frequency of the acoustic noise generated by each air pump 1210 depends on the operating speed thereof, such a shift in the operating speed may result in an acoustic beat frequency that may be acoustically unpleasant to the user. Accordingly, block 1415c may be implemented to control the respective operating speeds of air pump 1210 so as to achieve a desired relationship between the respective acoustic frequencies that they produce.

FIG. 14D illustrates an example embodiment of a method for performing pump frequency relationship control in block 1415C of FIG. 14C. In operation, a drive signal (such as a selected voltage) is applied to each of the air pumps 1210. An operating current is generated in each air pump 1210 in response to the applied voltage. These operating currents are typically periodic waveforms whose periods represent the corresponding operating speeds of air pump 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating current signal i of the first air pump 1210 _pump1Is inputted into a first Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) block 1410d, and the operating current signal i of the second air pump 1210_pump2Is input to the second FFT block 1430 d. Each FFT block 1410d, 1430d may calculate the frequency content of the operating current signal from the air pump 1210. Although an FFT block is shown, any technique for determining the frequency content of the operating current signal may be used.

Once the frequency content of the operating current signal is determined by FFT blocks 1410d, 1430d, the ith harmonic of the frequency content of the operating current signal may be determined at blocks 1420d and 1440d, respectively. In some embodiments, blocks 1420d and 1440d output a frequency or fundamental frequency of the first harmonic of the operating current signal from air pump 1210.

The selected harmonics of each of the run current signals are then input to block 1450 d. Block 1450d may also receive as input a current drive signal applied to one or both of air pumps 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, the current voltage V applied to the second air pump 1210_pump2Is input into block 1450 d. In response to these inputs, block 1450d outputs an update voltage to be applied to one or both of air pumps 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, block 1450d outputs an update voltage to be applied to the second air pump 1210. The updated voltage may be selected to achieve a desired relationship between the harmonics identified from the operating current of the first air pump and the harmonics identified from the operating current of the second air pump. In some embodiments, the identified The desired relationship between the frequencies may be that they are the same. This frequency relationship sets the operating speed of the air pump 1210 to be the same. However, in other embodiments, the desired frequency relationship may be a non-zero offset value (e.g., an offset value that produces a beat frequency that is below a frequency threshold that the human ear can perceive, or an offset value that causes frequencies to be related at integer multiples of each other, etc.). In some embodiments, the desired frequency relationship may be set based on input from a user. For example, the user may provide input via a button, knob, or other input device to set the frequency offset to a value that is audibly pleasing to the user.

The voltage update block 1450d may operate in an open loop or closed loop control mode. In the case of the open-loop control mode, the operating speed of at least one air pump (e.g., second air pump 1210) may be characterized for a range of input voltages. For example, the lookup table may include the operating speed of the second air pump 1210 for each of the ranges of input voltages. The voltage update block 1450d may receive an input of the operating speed of the first air pump 1210 as a frequency of an ith harmonic of the operating current of the first air pump. Voltage update block 1450d may then select and output the updated voltage V _pump2This results in the ith harmonic of the operating current of the second air pump having a desired relationship to the ith harmonic of the operating current of the first air pump. In the case of the closed-loop control mode, the voltage update block 1450d may iteratively adjust the update voltage V applied to the second air pump_pump2. The voltage update block 1450d may then determine the effect of the adjustment on the relationship between the respective operating frequencies of the air pump. If the adjustment results in the relationship between the respective operating frequencies of the air pumps being closer to the desired relationship, the voltage update block 1450d may update V in the same direction_pump2And carrying out subsequent adjustment. On the other hand, if the adjustment results in the relationship between the respective operating frequencies of the air pumps being further from the desired relationship, the voltage update block 1450d may pair V in the opposite direction_pump2And carrying out subsequent adjustment. The magnitude of the adjustment may vary depending on how closely the desired frequency relationship is satisfied. An exemplary closed-loop control mode may be controlled by the equation V_{updated_pump2}＝V_pump2+ dV, where dV ═ α × df if dV_min≤α*df≤dV_maxOr dV ═ dV_minIf α is df<dV_minOr dV ═ dV_maxIf α is df>dV_max；df＝f_pump2-f_pump1α is a constant.

Decision block 1420c illustrates an exemplary end criterion for the first inflation phase. In the illustrated embodiment, the end criteria for the first inflation phase is that the pressure in the cuff 1250, as measured by the pressure transducer 1270, is above a threshold pressure P ₁. One example of a threshold pressure is 30mmHg, although other pressure thresholds may be used. Other termination criteria may also be used. For example, in some embodiments, the end criteria for the first inflation phase is that the plethysmographic waveform has been detected in the output of the pressure transducer 1270.

If it is determined at decision block 1420C that the end criteria of the first inflation phase have not been met, the method 1400C may return to block 1415C to iteratively perform pump frequency relationship control. This is possible because the operating frequency of each air pump 1210 can change as the back pressure from the cuff 1250 is inflated increases. On the other hand, if the end criteria of the first inflation phase are met at decision block 1420c, the second inflation phase begins.

The second inflation phase is a non-blood pressure measurement inflation phase, but it is a heart rate detection inflation phase. The second inflation phase begins at block 1425c, where the drive signal (e.g., input voltage) to the air pump 1210 is set. In some embodiments, at block 1425c, the output volume of the air pump 1210 may be set to a value that is lower than the output volume of air during the first inflation phase. During the second inflation phase, the activated output volume of air pump 1210 may be a fixed value or may vary based on one or more inputs. For example, block 1430c may receive as input the size of cuff 1250 to determine the starting pump output volume for the second inflation phase. The inflation rate of the cuff 1250 may be slowed during the second inflation phase relative to the first inflation phase to facilitate detection of the heart rate from the oscillometric signals collected by the pressure transducer 1270.

The second inflation phase may then continue to block 1430c, where pump frequency relationship control may again be performed. This may be done as described with respect to block 1415 c. Then, at block 1435c, blood pressure monitor 1200 may analyze the output of pressure transducer 1270 to determine if a plethysmographic waveform is present and if a heart rate may be detected. In some embodiments, the heart rate may be determined based on the frequency of the plethysmographic waveform in the oscillometric signal. Subsequently, at decision block 1440C, if a heart rate has not been detected, the method 1400C may iteratively return to blocks 1430C and 1435C. Once the plethysmographic waveform is present in the oscillometric signal from the pressure transducer 1270 and a heart rate is detected, decision block 1440C may advance method 1400C to a third inflation phase.

The third inflation phase is the blood pressure measurement inflation phase. At block 1445c, a control circuit (such as a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller) sets a drive signal to air pump 1210 to achieve a target inflation rate per unit time or per cardiac cycle. In some embodiments, the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement performed by blood pressure monitor 1200 may depend in part on the number of cardiac cycles detected during the blood pressure measurement phase-and the number of corresponding plethysmographic waveforms. The target inflation rate may be selected to allow a desired number of cardiac cycles before the pressure in the cuff 1250 reaches the systolic pressure of the patient. The target inflation rate may be selected to balance the speed of the measurement with the accuracy of the measurement. In some embodiments, the target inflation rate is 9mmHg per heartbeat or cardiac cycle, although other target inflation rates may also be used.

In some embodiments, the target inflation rate is the same for all patients. However, in other embodiments, the target inflation rate may be adjusted for each patient. For example, at block 1435c, the target inflation rate may be adjusted based on the detected heart rate (e.g., the target inflation rate may be set to a higher value per unit time for patients with higher heart rates; the target inflation rate may be set to a lower value per unit time for patients with lower heart rates).

In some embodiments, the target inflation rate may be maintained stable throughout the measurement phase. In other embodiments, the target inflation rate may be varied for different portions of the measurement phase, as described with reference to fig. 14E.

Figure 14E illustrates how the target inflation rate of blood pressure cuff 1250 is adjusted during a blood pressure measurement based on the envelope of the oscillometric signal produced by blood pressure monitor 1200. An oscillometric signal 1402E is shown in FIG. 14E. The oscillometric signal is plotted as a function of the pressure in the cuff 1250. The oscillometric signal includes a sequence of plethysmographic waveforms detected by the pressure transducer 1270-each corresponding to a cardiac cycle or beat. The oscillometric signal has an envelope 1404 e. Envelope 1404e typically begins at or near zero before cuff 1250 applies sufficient pressure to the measurement site to detect the plethysmographic waveform. Once the cuff 1250 is applying sufficient pressure at the measurement site, the plethysmographic waveform begins to appear in the oscillometric signal 1402e, with the amplitude of the plethysmographic waveform initially increasing in response to the rising pressure in the cuff 1250. When cuff 1250 reaches the mean arterial pressure, the plethysmographic waveform amplitude reaches a maximum value, resulting in envelope 1404e also reaching a maximum value. The amplitude of the plethysmographic waveform then decreases in response to the rising pressure in cuff 1250. Eventually, the pressure in cuff 1250 causes the artery at the measurement site to be occluded, causing the plethysmographic waveform to disappear or its amplitude to fall below a threshold.

The point 1410E in fig. 14E is a rising inflection point of the envelope 1404E of the oscillometric signal 1402E, and the point 1420E is a falling inflection point of the envelope. The vertical dashed lines on both sides of the rising inflection point 1410e define a diastolic measurement zone 1415e on the rising side of the envelope 1404e before the peak of the envelope is reached, while the vertical dashed lines on both sides of the falling inflection point 1420e define a systolic measurement zone 1425e on the falling side of the envelope after the envelope has reached the peak. The region between the diastolic 1410e and systolic 1420e pressure measurement regions (including the peak of the envelope 1404e of the oscillometric signal 1402 e) is the mean arterial blood pressure measurement region.

In some embodiments, the target inflation rate of the cuff 1250 may be set to a lower value when the air pressure in the cuff 1250 is in the diastolic 1415e and/or systolic 1425e measurement zones than when the air pressure in the cuff is below the diastolic 1415e measurement zone, in the mean arterial blood pressure measurement zone, and/or above the systolic 1425e measurement zone. When in the diastolic 1415e and/or systolic 1425e pressure measurement zones, the lower target inflation rate allows more plethysmographic waveforms to be collected in these zones. In some embodiments, this increased measurement resolution in these regions may allow for improved diastolic and/or systolic pressure measurements. At the same time, by increasing the target inflation rate when the air pressure in cuff 1250 is outside of these measurement zones, the overall speed of blood pressure measurement can be increased without sacrificing measurement accuracy.

In some embodiments, blood pressure monitor 1200 includes an envelope detector to detect an envelope 1404e of the oscillometric signal 1402e from pressure transducer 1270. Blood pressure monitor 1200 can detect when the air pressure in cuff 1250 is in the diastolic 1415e, systolic 1425e, or intermediate mean arterial blood pressure measurement zone based on the derivative of envelope 1404 e. For example, when cuff 1250 is inflated, the left edge of diastolic measurement zone 1415e may be identified by the first derivative of envelope 1404e rising above a set threshold. The rising inflection point 1410e may be identified by the first derivative of the envelope 1404e reaching a local maximum or by the second derivative of the envelope 1404e crossing zero. The right edge of diastolic measurement zone 1415e may be identified by the first derivative of envelope 1404e falling below a set threshold after an ascending inflection point 1410e has been detected. The peak of envelope 1404e may indicate that the air pressure in cuff 1250 is in the mean arterial pressure measurement zone. This can be identified by the zero crossing of the first derivative of the envelope 1404 e. The left edge of systolic blood pressure measurement region 1425e may be identified by the first derivative of envelope 1404e falling below a threshold after an envelope maximum has been detected. The falling inflection point 1420e may be identified by the first derivative of the envelope 1404e reaching a local minimum or by the second derivative of the envelope 1404e crossing zero. The right edge of the systolic measurement zone 1425e may be identified by the first derivative of the envelope 1404e rising above a set threshold after the falling inflection point 1420e has been detected.

Block 1445c may perform one or more cycles of the PID control loop before proceeding to block 1450c, where pump frequency relationship control may again be performed in block 1450 c. This may be done as described with respect to block 1415 c.

At block 1455c, the blood pressure monitor 1200 may execute the stop inflation logic to determine whether to stop inflation of the cuff 1250. The stop inflation logic may identify a falling inflection point 1420e and/or a systolic pressure measurement region 1425e of the envelope 1404e of the oscillometric signal using the techniques described above. At decision block 1460c, blood pressure monitor 1200 may determine whether the stop inflation criteria are met. In some embodiments, the stop inflation criterion is that the air pressure in the cuff 1250 has reached the falling inflection point 1420e of the envelope 1404e of the oscillometric signal 1402e or exceeded its set threshold. In some embodiments, the stop inflation criterion is that the air pressure in cuff 1250 has reached the right edge of, or left the systolic measurement region 1425 e. If the stop inflation criteria is not met, the method 1400C may repeat blocks 1445C and 1450C in order to continue tracking the target inflation rate and the desired relative pump frequency relationship. The stop charge logic may also repeat at block 1455 c.

Once the stop inflation criteria are met at decision block 1460c, the blood pressure monitor may proceed to block 1465c to calculate and output one or more blood pressure measurements (e.g., diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure, systolic pressure, etc.). At block 1470c, the blood pressure monitor 1200 deflates the cuff 1250 using the air release valve 1260.

At decision block 1475c, blood pressure monitor 1200 may calculate a confidence metric to determine whether the blood pressure measurement was successful. In some embodiments, the confidence measure includes a number of plethysmographic waveforms detected during the measurement phase, wherein a lower number of plethysmographic waveforms represents a lower confidence value. In some embodiments, the confidence measure includes a smoothness of the envelope 1404e of the oscillometric signal 1402e, where a smoother envelope represents a higher confidence value. In some embodiments, the confidence metric includes a measure of the amount of patient motion detected during the blood pressure measurement; a greater amount of patient motion during the measurement may indicate a lower confidence value. Patient motion may be calculated based on signals from an accelerometer included in blood pressure monitor 1200. In some embodiments, the accelerometer output may be used to calculate a measure of patient motion corresponding to a time period of each plethysmographic waveform in the oscillometric signal 1402 e. Plethysmographic waveforms captured during periods of time when patient motion rises above a set threshold may be discarded. The confidence measure may include a number or percentage of the plethysmographic waveforms that are discarded, with a lower number or percentage indicating a higher confidence. Other confidence measures may also be used.

If it is determined that the blood pressure measurement has been successful based on the confidence metric (e.g., based on the confidence metric being above a set threshold), the method 1400 proceeds to block 1480 and ends. Otherwise, the method 1400C may be repeated by starting again at block 1405C.

The method described with reference to fig. 14A-14C may include one of the plurality of air pumps 1210 operating for a longer period of time than another of the air pumps. For example, the first stage of inflation in FIG. 14C may involve operation of two air pumps, while in some cases, the slower inflation stage may require operation of only a single air pump. This may cause the cumulative operation time of each of the air pumps to be unbalanced with time. Over months or years of use, this may result in the air pump 1210 having a longer cumulative operating time exhibiting greater signs of wear than another air pump having a shorter cumulative operating time. This in turn increases any mismatch in the operating speed of the air pump, resulting in the control circuit in blocks 1415c, 1430c, 1445c and 1450c having to provide mismatched drive signals to the air pump in order to achieve the desired operation, which may further exacerbate the difference in wear. Thus, in some embodiments, blood pressure monitor 1200 may include a running time counter or clock (e.g., with non-volatile memory) for each air pump 1210. The running time counter or clock for each of the air pumps 1210 can track the cumulative running time of each air pump during the life of the blood pressure monitor 1200 or over some specified period of time. The blood pressure monitor may then select individual ones of the air pumps 1210 to perform the desired operational tasks, such as inflating the cuff 150 individually for a certain inflation phase to reduce any imbalance that may occur in the respective cumulative operating times of the air pumps. Further, referring to fig. 14D, the blood pressure monitor may replace the air pump designated "pump 1" because pump 1 may run at a more constant speed and therefore experience less overall wear than "pump 2", and the input voltage to pump 2 may be constantly adjusted to maintain the desired frequency relationship between the two pumps.

Patient monitor

Fig. 8A-8V illustrate various views and aspects of an assembly 800, which may include a patient monitor 130 and a cradle 804. Patient monitor 130 may be a fully functional stand-alone monitor capable of performing various physiological measurements. Patient monitor 130 may be small and light enough to be comfortably affixed to a patient's arm and carried around the arm, such as via a fastening strap 131 (see fig. 1A-1B).

As described above, patient monitor 130 may be connected to one or more sensors or monitors in the patient's environment. For example, as shown in fig. 1A-1B, the patient monitor 130 may be connected to the blood pressure monitor 120, the acoustic sensor 150, the ECG device 110, and/or the optical sensor 140. Patient monitor 130 may be connected to blood pressure monitor 120 via cable 107 and connector 107 a. While the following discussion with reference to fig. 8A-8V and patient monitor 130 may refer to ECG device 110 and/or blood pressure monitor 120, the following discussion applies equally to ECG device 310 and blood pressure monitors 600, 700. For example, patient monitor 130 may be connected to and/or interact with ECG device 310 and blood pressure monitors 600, 700 in the same or similar manner as ECG device 110 and blood pressure monitor 120.

As shown in fig. 8A, the connector 107a of the cable 107 may connect to a connector port 833 on a first end or side of the patient monitor 130. The patient monitor 130 may additionally or alternatively be connected to another sensor, such as the acoustic sensor 150, via the cable 103 and connector 103 a. The connector 103a may be connected to a connector port 833. Connector port 833 of patient monitor 130 may have more than one connector, which may allow it to connect to connectors 107a and 103 a. For example, referring to fig. 8I, the connector port 833 can have a first female connector port 830 and a second female connector port 832 that are spaced apart from each other and positioned within the perimeter of the connector port 833. Patient monitor 130 may additionally or alternatively have a connector and/or a connector port at the other end or side of patient monitor 130. For example, as shown at least in fig. 8A and 8H, patient monitor 130 may have a connector port 831 that may be connected to connector 109a and cable 109. The cable 109 may be connected to a physiological sensor or monitor, such as an optical sensor 140. As shown, connector port 833 may be located at (and/or extend from) an end of patient monitor 130 opposite the end at which connector port 831 of patient monitor 130 is located (and/or extends from). This configuration may prevent cable clutter and entanglement, particularly where patient monitor 130 is secured to a portion of a patient's body, between sensors, and where such cables are also secured to the patient, such as shown in fig. 1A-1B. Connector 107a, connector 103a, and/or connector 109a may be waterproof and may be easily sterilized to avoid contamination.

As described above, the patient monitor 130 may store, process, transmit without processing, display, and/or display without processing physiological information received from one or more physiological sensors, such as from the acoustic sensor 150, the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, and/or the optical sensor 140. Patient monitor 130 is a processing device and, as such, may include the necessary components to perform the functions of the processing device. For example, patient monitor 130 may include one or more processors (such as one, two, three, or four processors, which may be dedicated to processing certain physiological parameters and/or processing physiological information from certain sensors/devices), memory devices, storage devices, input/output devices, and communication connections, all connected via one or more communication buses.

As described above, the patient monitor 130 may transmit physiological information received from one or more of the acoustic sensor 150, the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, and/or the optical sensor 140 to an external patient monitor located remotely from the patient 111, such as the external patient monitor 160. The external patient monitor 160 may be, for example, a nurse station, a clinician device, a pager, a cell phone, a computer, a multi-patient monitoring system, a hospital or facility information system. The skilled artisan will appreciate that many other computing systems, servers, processing nodes, display devices, printers, and links may interact with and/or receive physiological information from patient monitor 130.

The patient monitor 130 may include a sensor interface (such as sensor interface 132) configured to receive physiological information from one or more of the acoustic sensor 150, the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, and/or the optical sensor 140. The sensor interface of patient monitor 130 may communicate the received physiological data to a processing and storage block (such as processing and storage block 134). The processing and storage block may include one or more processors configured to process physiological data received from one or more of the acoustic sensor 150, the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, and/or the optical sensor 140 into a representation of a physiological parameter. The processing and storage block may include multiple processors that are independently dedicated to processing data from different physiological sensors, such as the acoustic sensor 150, the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, and/or the optical sensor 140. For example, the processing and storage block may include a first processor dedicated to processing data from the acoustic sensor 150, a second processor dedicated to processing data from the blood pressure monitor 120, and/or a third processor dedicated to processing data from the optical sensor 140. The processing and storage block may include an instrument manager that may further process the received physiological parameters for display. The instrument manager may include a memory buffer to hold the data for processing over a period of time. The memory buffer may include RAM, flash or other solid state memory, magnetic or optical disk based memory, combinations thereof, and the like. Patient monitor 130 may include a wireless transceiver, such as wireless transceiver 136. The wireless transceiver may wirelessly transmit physiological information and/or optical information received from external physiological sensors, such as the acoustic sensor 150, the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, and/or the optical sensor 140 And/or parameters from one or more processors and/or instrument managers of the processing and storage block. The wireless transceiver may transmit the received physiological data to an external device via a wireless protocol. The wireless protocol may be any of a variety of wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi (802.llx),Cellular phones, infrared, RFID, satellite transmission, proprietary protocols, combinations thereof, and the like.

Patient monitor 130 may display one or more physiological parameters on its screen or display. Patient monitor 130 may include a display (such as display 877 shown in fig. 8D), control buttons (such as switch buttons 834 shown in fig. 8I), one or more microphones, and/or one or more speakers for enabling audio communication and/or messages or alarms. Display 877 of patient monitor 130 may be a touch screen. Patient monitor 130 may include a battery configured to provide power to the electronics within patient monitor 130. Patient monitor 130 may include rechargeable batteries. For example, as described elsewhere herein, patient monitor 130 may be configured to be charged from an external power source, such as charging station 1000 and/or charging stand 1100.

As shown in fig. 8A-8C, assembly 800 may include patient monitor 130 and cradle 804. As discussed in more detail below, patient monitor 130 and the support may be configured to be removably secured to one another. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, patient monitor 130 may be secured to patient 111, such as the forearm of patient 111. For example, the stand 804 of the patient monitor 130 includes one or more legs 848 (also referred to herein as "straps") extending from a surface of the stand 804 that define an opening sized to allow a fastening strap (such as strap 131) to fit in and/or through the opening. After passing through the one or more legs 848 of the bracket 604, the band 131 may be wrapped around the arm of the patient (see fig. 1A-1B). Additionally or alternatively to one or more legs 848, bracket 604 may include hook and loop attachments on its bottom surface that allow bracket 604 to be affixed to strap 131 and thereby to patient 111 and/or may include an adhesive (e.g., a silicone adhesive) that allows bracket 804 to be affixed to the skin of patient 111. Advantageously, patient monitor 130 may be removed from cradle 604 before, during, and/or after cradle 604 is attached to patient 111 and/or strap 131. This is particularly useful where patient monitor 130 needs to be temporarily removed to charge and/or service patient monitor 130, which may house the electronics of patient monitor 130. This may also allow a caregiver to clean the cradle 804 and/or areas of the patient 111 near the cradle 804 without risk of damaging the patient monitor 130 (or various components thereof).

Figures 8D-8I illustrate various views of patient monitor 130. Patient monitor 130 may include a top surface 808, a bottom surface 809 opposite top surface 808, a first end 810, a second end 812 opposite first end 810, a first side 813, and a second side 815 opposite first side 813. As described above, patient monitor 130 may include one or more connector ports configured to connect to one or more cables, and in turn, to one or more physiological sensors and/or monitors. For example, patient monitor 130 may include a first connector port 833 on first end 810 and/or a second connector port 831 on second end 812.

The connector port 833 can extend or protrude from a surface of the first end 810 (see, e.g., fig. 8D-8E). Connector port 833 may have a width that is equal to or less than the width of patient monitor 130 between first side 813 and second side 815 (see fig. 8D-8E and 8H-8I). Connector port 833 may have a height that is equal to or less than the height of patient monitor 130 between top surface 808 and bottom surface 809 of patient monitor 130 (see fig. 8H-8I). The connector port 833 may comprise one or more connector ports configured to connect to one or more cables. For example, as shown in fig. 8I, the connector port 833 can include a first female connector port 830 and a second female connector port 832 that are spaced apart from each other and within the perimeter of the connector port 833. The female connector ports 830, 832 may be sized and/or shaped to correspond to the size and/or shape of the cable connectors to which it is connected, such as the cable connectors 107a, 103a shown in fig. 8A. Patient monitor 130 may include control buttons to control various functions. For example, patient monitor 130 may include an on-off button 834. A switch button 834 may be located within the perimeter of the connector port 833. As shown in fig. 8I, a switch button 834 may be located proximate the female connector ports 430, 832. The connector port 833 can advantageously connect to and obtain data from multiple physiological sensors simultaneously. For example, connector port 833 may connect to and obtain data from blood pressure monitor 120 from connector port 832, and may also connect to and obtain data from acoustic sensor 150 from connector port 830. As described herein, the data obtained from blood pressure monitor 120 may include physiological data from ECG device 110 and physiological data from blood pressure monitor 120.

The connector port 831 can extend or protrude from a surface of the second end 812 (see, e.g., fig. 8F-8G). Connector port 831 can have a width that is equal to or less than the width of patient monitor 130 between first side 813 and second side 815 (see fig. 8D-8G). Connector port 831 can have a height that is equal to or less than the height of patient monitor 130 between top surface 808 and bottom surface 809 of patient monitor 130 (see fig. 8H). Connector port 831 can include one or more connectors configured to connect to one or more cables. For example, as shown in fig. 8H, connector port 831 can include a connector within the perimeter of connector port 833. The size and/or shape of the connector with the connector port 831 can correspond to the size and/or shape of a cable connector to which it is connected, such as the cable connector 109a shown in fig. 8A. Connector ports 833, 831 can be located at opposite ends (e.g., ends 810, 812) of patient monitor 130 and can be aligned with each other or misaligned with each other. For example, as shown in fig. 8A-8B, connector ports 833, 831 can be aligned about an axis that extends through the center of ports 833, 831 and along the length of patient monitor 130 between first end 810 and second end 812. As also shown in fig. 8A-8B, the connector port 833 may have a width that is greater than the width of the connector port 831 (the width being measured about the upper and lower axes in the views of the figures). Connector port 831 can protrude a first distance from a surface of second end 812 and connector port 833 can protrude a second distance from a surface of first end 810. The first distance and the second distance may be equal or unequal. For example, connector port 831 can have a length that is greater than the length of connector port 833. As discussed further below, connector port 831 can be sized and/or shaped to be secured within collar 850 of stent 804 in order to secure patient monitor 130 to stent 804.

Patient monitor 130 may include one or more electrical contacts 839 that allow the battery of patient monitor 130 to be charged. For example, as discussed further below, the electrical contacts 839 may mate or contact the electrical contacts 1024 in the charging station 1000 and/or the electrical contacts 1146 of the charging stand 1100.

As previously described, patient monitor 130 may be removably secured to stand 804. As shown at least in fig. 8D-8G, patient monitor 130 may include one or more locking tabs 822 and/or one or more buttons 820. One or more locking tabs 822 may be affixed to and/or within a portion of the bracket 804, such as an opening 860 of the bracket 804. One or more locking tabs 822 may be positioned along one or more of side 813, side 815, end 810, end 812, and/or another location of patient monitor 130. One or more locking tabs 822 may extend and/or retract within one or more openings in patient monitor 130 surrounding locking tab 822 (e.g., one or more openings in the housing of patient monitor 130). One or more locking tabs 822 may be coupled to one or more buttons 820 such that movement of the buttons 820 may cause the locking tabs 822 to move (e.g., extend or retract). As one example, movement of button 820 in a direction toward the interior of patient monitor 130 may cause coupled locking tab 822 to retract in a direction toward the interior of patient monitor 130. Alternatively, movement of button 820 in a direction toward the interior of patient monitor 130 may cause coupled locking tab 822 to extend in a direction away from the interior of patient monitor 130. One or more locking tabs 822 and one or more buttons 820 may be positioned adjacent and/or proximate to each other. One or more locking tabs 822 and/or one or more buttons 820 may be located along one or both of the sides 813, 815 of patient monitor 130, and may be located closer to end 810 or end 812. For example, one or more locking tabs 822 and/or one or more buttons 820 may be positioned closer to the first end 810 than the second end 812 and/or may be positioned closer to the connector port 833 than the connector port 831.

In some cases, patient monitor 130 and cradle 804 may communicate with each other via a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, such as a radio frequency protocol. For example, patient monitor 130 may include an NFC reader and cradle 804 may include an NFC tag (such as an RFID tag). For example, patient monitor 130 may include an RFID reader, which may be positioned within the interior of patient monitor 130, such as on a printed circuit board of patient monitor 130. In this case, the cradle 804 may include an RFID tag, for example in the form of a sticker or label, that may transmit a signal in response to identification of a radio frequency signal from an RFID reader in the patient monitor 130. Such RFID tags may be on a surface of the stand 804, such as on a bottom surface 808 or a top surface 809 of the stand 804. Alternatively, cradle 804 may include an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) that can communicate (e.g., transmit information or data) with patient monitor 130 via contact with electrical contacts 839 (fig. 8E) on a surface of patient monitor 130. Regardless of whether patient monitor 130 and cradle 804 include RFID or EPROM features and functions, these components may communicate with one another to transmit information and/or data, such as the amount of life remaining of patient monitor 130 and/or cradle 804 (which may be predetermined), whether patient monitor 130 and cradle 804 are compatible (e.g., whether counterfeit or unauthorized products are being used), and so forth.

Figure 8Q illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of patient monitor 130 shown in figure 8G. Fig. 8R-8S illustrate locking tab 822 and button 820, as well as other corresponding structures associated with and/or connected to patient monitor 130. As shown, locking tab 822 and button 820 may be coupled with a rod 823a, which may extend between locking tab 822 and button 820. The locking tab 822, lever 823a, and/or button 820 may rotate about a pivot point. For example, button 820 may be connected to stem 823a on one side of button 820 and may also be connected to stem 823b on the opposite side of button 820. The lever 823b may connect the button 820 to the pivot connector 825. The pivot connector 825 may have a cylindrical cross-section (see fig. 8U-8V) or other cross-section. The pivot connector 825 may have a hollow or partially hollow interior (see fig. 8V) sized and/or shaped to receive and/or be secured to a pivot pin 893 extending from a portion of the patient monitor 130. Pivot pin 893 may extend from a bottom portion of patient monitor 130 below pivot connector 825. For example, referring to fig. 8R-8T, pivot pin 893 may be positioned below and/or within pivot connector 825.

When positioned about and/or affixed to pivot pin 893, pivot connector 825 may be prevented from moving in a direction perpendicular to an axis extending through pivot pin 893 and/or the length or height of pivot connector 825, while also allowing pivot connector 825 to rotate about that axis. Further, when positioned and/or secured to the pivot pin 893, the pivot connector 825 can allow the lever 823b, button 820, lever 823a, and locking tab 822 to rotate about an axis extending through the height of the pivot connector 825.

The pivot connector 825 can include a tip 825a extending from a portion of the pivot connector 825 (see, e.g., fig. 8U). For example, the tip 825a may extend from a top surface of the pivot connector 825. The tip 825a may be spaced inward from the perimeter of the top surface of the pivot connector 825. The tip 825a may have a cylindrical cross-section or other cross-section. Tip 825a may be sized and/or shaped to fit within an opening or hollow chamber of patient monitor 130 positioned above tip 825 a. When tip 825a is affixed and/or positioned within such an opening or hollow chamber of patient monitor 130, the interior surface of the opening or hollow chamber may prevent tip 825a from moving in a direction perpendicular to an axis passing through the height or length of tip 825a, while also allowing tip 825a to rotate within the opening or hollow chamber. Accordingly, engagement between the pivotal connector 825 and the pivot pin 893 of the patient monitor 130 below the pivotal connector 825 (alone, or in combination with engagement between the tip 825a and an opening or cavity of the patient monitor 130 above the tip 825 a) may support the stem 823b, the button 820, the stem 823a, and the locking tab 822, and allow these elements to rotate about an axis extending through the pivotal connector 825 and/or the tip 825 a. Such rotation may allow locking tab 822 and/or button 820 to extend and/or retract further or closer from the interior of housing 802.

The locking tab 822, lever 823a, button 820, lever 823b, pivot connector 825, and/or tip 825a may be positioned within a portion of the perimeter of the patient monitor 130 proximate to the patient monitor 130. For example, referring to fig. 8R-8T, patient monitor 130 may include an inner wall 833 that defines a chamber sized and shaped to allow movement of locking tab 822, lever 823a, button 820, lever 823b, pivot connector 825, and/or tip 825 a. Inner wall 833 may be connected to a first portion of a side or end of patient monitor 130 and a second portion of a side or end of patient monitor 130.

With continued reference to fig. 8R-8T, the chamber defined by the inner wall 833 can include one or more additional walls that engage or contact portions of the stem 823a, the button 820, and/or the stem 823 b. For example, the chamber defined by the inner wall 833 may include a wall 837 that extends generally perpendicular to a portion of the inner wall 833 and toward the stem 823 a. The wall 837 may include a recessed portion 837 a. The recessed portion 837a may have a smaller height than the rest of the wall 837. The recessed portion 837a of the wall 837 may be positioned below a portion of the stem 823 a. The length of the recessed portion 837a may define the space or distance that the rod 823a can move within the chamber. For example, when a force is applied to the button 820 in a direction toward the interior of the patient monitor 130, the rod 823a may move (e.g., pivot) toward the wall 837 and over the recessed portion 837a of the wall 837. Once the rod 823a passes the end of the recessed portion 837a, the rod 823a contacts the remainder of the wall 837 and is prevented from moving further inward. Accordingly, recessed portion 837a of wall 837 may define the distance that rod 823a and/or lock tab 822 can move into the interior of patient monitor 130. Further, because the stem 823a and/or the lock tab 822 may be coupled to any or all of the buttons 820 and/or the stems 423, the recessed portion 837a of the wall 837 may define the distance that all of these elements can move into the interior of the patient monitor 130.

The chamber defined by the inner wall 833 may additionally or alternatively include a wall 835 extending from the inner wall 833. As shown in fig. 8S-8T, a wall 835 may extend from two portions of the inner wall 833 at least partially toward the button 820. The distance between the outward surface of the wall 835 and the button 820 may define a space or distance that the button 820 can move within the room. For example, when a force is applied to the button 820 in a direction toward the interior of the patient monitor 130, the lever button 820 may move (e.g., pivot) toward the wall 835. As shown in fig. 8R-8T, patient monitor 130 may include a biasing member 879 configured to bias lever 823b, button 820, lever 823a, and locking tab 822 toward an extended position. The biasing member 879 may be a spring or a branch. Biasing member 879 may be positioned and/or secured to or within a portion of patient monitor 130, e.g., at least partially secured within a chamber defined between inner wall 83 and inner wall 835 (see fig. 8S). Biasing member 879 may apply a force to lever 823b, button 820, lever 823a, and/or locking tab 822, or portions thereof, to bias locking tab 882 toward a position where locking tab 822 is away from the interior of patient monitor 130. In some cases, when the button 820 is pressed inward, the button 820 may press the biasing member 879 such that the biasing member 879 and/or the button 820 contacts the inner wall 835. Thus, the inner wall 835 can prevent further inward movement of the buttons 820.

Accordingly, wall 835 may define a distance that button 820 can move into the interior of patient monitor 130. Further, because button 820 may be coupled with rods 823b, 823a and/or locking tab 822, wall 835 may define the distance all of these elements can move into the interior of patient monitor 130.

As shown at least in fig. 8U-8V, locking tabs 822 may extend outwardly from a surface and/or side of the lever 823 a. The locking tab 822 may extend outwardly from a first end of the lever 823a opposite a second end of the lever 823b connected to the button 820. Locking tab 822 may have a height that is less than the height of lever 324b (see fig. 8U). Locking tab 822 may extend a length from stem 823a such that the thickness of stem 823a and the length of locking tab 822 is equal or substantially equal to a portion of end 820a of button 820 (see fig. 8V). Locking tab 822 may have a tapered end. For example, as shown in fig. 8U-8V, the free/cantilevered end of the locking tab 822 can be tapered such that a surface of the free end faces in a direction at least partially toward the bottom surface 809 of the patient monitor 130, the cradle 804, and/or the strap 131 (when the strap 131 is affixed to the cradle 804 and the patient monitor 130). Such tapering may advantageously allow the free end of the locking tab 822 to contact, pass through, and/or slide over a portion of the bracket 804 proximate the opening 860 of the bracket 804. For example, referring to at least fig. 8M-8N and 8U, when patient monitor 130 is placed into cradle 804, the tapered end of locking tab 822 may contact and/or pass through the portion of cradle 804 above opening 860. In some cases, when patient monitor 130 is placed into cradle 804 from the top of cradle 804 (referring to the view shown in fig. 8C), the tapered end of locking tab 822 may contact and slide over the portion of cradle 804 above opening 860, and the portion of cradle 804 may press locking tab 822 inward. Once locking tab 822 reaches opening 860, locking tab 822 may extend into opening 860 and/or through opening 860. This "automatic" movement to the extended position may result from the biasing of locking tab 822 and/or button 820, discussed above with reference to biasing member 879. Once positioned within opening 860 and/or through opening 860, locking tab 822 may prevent or reduce movement of patient monitor 130 relative to cradle 804 in a direction perpendicular to bottom and/or top surfaces 809, 808 of patient monitor 130 and/or in a direction parallel to a length of patient monitor 130 between first end 810 and second end 812. To allow patient monitor 130 to be removed from cradle 804, button 820 may be depressed (e.g., toward the interior of patient monitor 130), thereby rotating locking tab 822 (and/or rods 823a, 823b) about the pivot and inward toward the interior of patient monitor 130. This movement (e.g., retraction) of locking tab 822 toward the interior of patient monitor 130 may remove locking tab 822 from opening 860, which in turn allows at least a portion of patient monitor 130 to be removed from cradle 804.

Button 820 may be cylindrical or partially cylindrical, among other shapes. The button 820 may have a circular, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal shape, among other shapes. The button 820 may have a tapered free end 820a (the end not connected to the rods 823a, 823 b). For example, as shown at least in fig. 8V, the free end 820a of the button 820 may be tapered such that a portion or one side of the free end 820a has a longer length than another portion or another side of the free end 820 a. For example, the portion of the free end 820a of the button 820 that is closer to the locking tab 822 and/or the lever 823a may have a greater length than the portion of the free end that is closer to the lever 823b and/or the pivot connector 825 and/or may extend farther from the levers 823a, 823 b. Such tapering and/or length differences may advantageously provide a better grip for the user on the button 820. For example, when a user applies a force to button 820 in a direction toward the interior of patient monitor 130, lever 823b, button 820, lever 823a, and locking tab 822 (also referred to herein as a "locking tab assembly") may rotate about pivot connector 825 and move toward the interior of patient monitor 130. When such movement/rotation occurs, the user's fingers may tend to slide off the free end 820a proximate the stem 823a and/or the locking tab 822. Thus, where the free end 820a of button 820 is tapered as shown in fig. 8U-8V, such tapering may assist a user in better engaging button 820 to retract and/or extend locking tab 822 to removably secure patient monitor 130 and cradle 804.

Patient monitor 130 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more locking tabs 822 and/or may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more buttons 820. For example, patient monitor 130 may include a first locking tab 822 positioned on a first side 813 and a second locking tab 822 positioned on a second side 815 opposite first side 813. Additionally, the patient monitor 130 may include a first button 820 positioned on the first side 813 and a second button 820 positioned on the second side 815. First locking tab 822 and first button 820 may be positioned proximate and/or adjacent to each other and/or closer to first end 810 than second end 812 of patient monitor 130. Second locking tab 822 and second button 820 may be positioned adjacent and/or proximate to each other and/or closer to first end 810 than second end 812 of patient monitor 130. The first locking tab 822 may be aligned with the second tab 822 and/or the first button 820 may be aligned with the second button 820.

Figures 8J-8P illustrate various views of the bracket 804. As described elsewhere herein, the bracket 804 may be removably secured to the patient monitor 130. The bracket 804 may include a first end 840, a second end 842 opposite the first end 840, a first sidewall 845, a second sidewall 834 opposite the first sidewall 845, a top surface 844, and a bottom surface 846 opposite the top surface 844. Top surface 844 and bottom surface 846 may together define a base of cradle 804 from which sidewalls 454, 834 and/or walls along first and second ends 840, 842 may extend.

As described above, the bracket 804 may include one or more legs 848 (also referred to herein as "straps") configured to be affixed to the securing strap 131, as shown in fig. 1A-1B. For example, the bracket 804 may include one, two, three, or four or more legs 848. Each of the one or more legs 848 may extend from and connect to a first portion of the bracket 804 and a second portion of the bracket 804 that is spaced apart from the first portion to define an opening sized and/or shaped to receive a portion of the strap 131. For example, the distance between the first and second portions of the bracket 804 from which the leg 848 extends may be selected to match the width of the band 131. As shown at least in fig. 8K-8L, the bracket 804 may include a first leg 848 extending from or proximate to the sidewall 845 and a second leg 848 extending from or proximate to the sidewall 834. The first and second legs 848 may be aligned with each other or misaligned with each other.

One or both of the side walls 843, 845 can include one or more relief cuts 852 along a portion of the side walls 843, 845. For example, as shown in fig. 8M-8N, the sidewall 843 may include a first recessed cut 852 and the sidewall 845 may include a second recessed cut 852. The first and second relief cuts on the side walls 843, 845 may or may not be aligned with each other. The first and second recessed cuts 852 can be located along the sidewalls 843, 845 and can be closer to the first end 840 of the bracket 804 than the second end 842 of the bracket 804 (see fig. 8M-8N). A recessed cutout 852 in one or both of the sidewalls 843, 845 may be positioned along a portion of the sidewalls 843, 845 that is proximate or adjacent to one or more locking tabs 822 and/or one or more buttons 820 of the patient monitor 130. For example, one or more recessed cutouts 852 may be sized and/or shaped to at least partially enclose buttons 820 when patient monitor 130 is secured to cradle 804. Such a location of one or more recessed cutouts 852 may provide access to one or more buttons 820 when patient monitor 130 and cradle 804 are secured to one another. Sidewalls 843, 845 may have a height that is equal to or less than the height of patient monitor 130 (see fig. 8B). The one or more undercut 852 can be rounded and/or smooth. The one or more recessed cutouts 852 may have a semi-circular shape or other shapes (such as semi-square, semi-rectangular, semi-elliptical, semi-triangular, and other shapes) (see fig. 8M-8N).

As shown throughout fig. 8J-8P, the bracket 804 may include a collar 850 sized and/or shaped to receive, encircle, and/or secure a portion of the patient monitor 130. For example, the collar 850 may be sized and/or shaped to receive, surround, and/or secure the connector port 831 (or a portion thereof). Fig. 8J shows a perspective view of the bracket 804 and collar 850, while fig. 8A-8C show how the collar 850 is secured to the connector port 831 of the housing 403. The bracket 804 may include a wall 836 (also referred to herein as a "back wall") along the second end 842 that extends from a base defined by a top surface 844 and a bottom surface 846 of the bracket 804. The wall 836 may include an opening 836a (see fig. 8O-8P). The opening 836a may be located and/or aligned with the center of the width of the wall 836, or in an alternative location. The collar 850 may extend or protrude outwardly from a portion of the wall 836, e.g., around and/or partially around the perimeter of the opening 836 a. The collar 850 may extend in a non-parallel direction relative to the wall 836. For example, the collar 850 may extend outwardly from the wall 836 in a generally perpendicular direction relative to the wall 836. The collar 850 may extend a distance or length away from the wall 836. The collar 850 may extend in a direction away from the end 840 (see fig. 8M-8N). The length of the collar 850 may be equal or substantially equal to the length of the connector port 831. The collar 850 may have a width equal to or substantially equal to the width of the connector port 831.

The collar 850 may have a cross-section that is sized and/or shaped to match or partially match the cross-section of the connector port 831. The collar 850 may have a circular cross-section or a non-circular cross-section. The collar 850 may have a cross-section with a perimeter that is sized and/or shaped to surround a portion of the perimeter of the cross-section of the connector port 831 when secured to the connector port. For example, the collar 850 may have a cross-section with a perimeter that is 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, or 20% of the perimeter of the interface of the connector port 831, although other percentages are possible in some cases. The collar 850 may be sized and/or shaped to surround 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, or 20% of the perimeter of the cross-section of the connector port 831 when secured thereto.

Patient monitor 130 may be secured to support 804 in a variety of ways. For example, one method of securing patient monitor 130 to cradle 804 may be to first place and/or secure connector port 831 on second end 812 of housing 602 such that connector port 831 is positioned through opening 836a and/or within collar 850 on second end 842 of cradle 804. Placing and/or securing connector port 831 within and/or through opening 829a and/or within the collar and/or within collar 850 may be accomplished by inserting connector port 831 along an axis passing through the center of opening 836a and/or collar 850 (e.g., aligned with the length of bracket 804 between first end 840 and second end 842). Additionally or alternatively, the connector port 831 may be inserted and/or affixed within the collar 850 by placing the port 831 within the collar 850 in a direction perpendicular to an axis passing through the center of the collar 850. Regardless of the direction in which connector port 831 is secured to collar 850, such securement may be a snap fit, a friction fit, a press fit, or another type of securement. After connector port 831 is secured within collar 850 (thereby securing second end 812 of patient monitor 130 to second end 842 of cradle 804), end 810 of patient monitor 130 and end 840 of cradle 804 may be positioned proximate to and/or secured to one another. For example, the end 810 of the housing 804 may be moved toward the top surface 844 and/or the end 840 of the stand until the one or more locking tabs 822 engage the openings 860 (as described above). For example, after connector port 831 is positioned within and/or through opening 836a and/or collar 850, another portion of patient monitor 130 may be rotated and/or pivoted about wall 836 such that one or more locking tabs 822 engage with one or more openings 860.

When patient monitor 130 is secured to a patient with first end 810 of patient monitor 130 and/or first end 840 of cradle 804 positioned vertically above second end 812 of patient monitor 130 and/or second end 842 of cradle 804, it may be advantageous to secure connector port 831 to collar 850 before securing lock tabs 822 to openings 860. For example, in such a vertical orientation, connector port 831 can advantageously be vertically supported by rear wall 836, opening 836a, and/or collar 850, and a portion of patient monitor 130 (such as first end 810) can be moved such that locking tab 822 snaps into opening 860.

Cable management branch

Fig. 9A-9C show various views of cable management branch 900 (also referred to herein as "cable tie branch," "cable branch," and "branch"). One or more cable branches 900 may be used with any or all of the sensors, monitors, cables, and/or catheters discussed herein. For example, one or more cable branches 900 may be used within the patient monitoring system 100 and may be used with the acoustic sensor 150, the ECG device 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, the patient monitor 130, the optical sensor 140, the cables 103, 105, 107, and/or 109. One or more cable branches 900 may advantageously be secured to one or more portions of cables 103, 105, 107, and/or 109. As described above, where the patient monitoring system 100 includes multiple physiological sensors and the sensors are connected via cables, the cables may interfere with the patient's mobility and/or the ability of the caregiver to interact with the patient. Such cables are often suspended, crossed, entangled, and caught by objects that are present or introduced nearby. This in turn can cause the cable to become dislodged from the connected physiological sensor/monitor, which can, in some cases, interfere with or cease monitoring of the patient's physiological condition. One or more cable branches 900 may be advantageously used to manage one or more cables in a patient monitoring environment and thus prevent or reduce the occurrence of the above-described problems.

The cable branch 900 may include a base 902, a stem 904 extending from the base 902, and one or more arms 906 extending from the stem 904. The base 902 may be configured to be affixed to a portion of a patient, such as the patient's skin. The base 902 may include an adhesive bottom surface that may be adhered to the skin of a patient, for example. The base 902 may have a square, rectangular, circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal, or other shape (e.g., when viewed from the view of fig. 9B). Base 902 may include an adhesive layer configured to allow securing of branch 900 to the skin of a patient and a release layer positioned over the adhesive layer, which is removable. Such an adhesive layer may comprise, for example, a silicone adhesive.

The rod 904 may extend outwardly from a surface of the base 902. For example, the rod 904 may extend outwardly from the base 902 in a non-parallel direction relative to a surface of the base 902, such as perpendicular to the surface of the base 902. The rod 904 may have a thickness or width that is less than the width of the base 902 (see fig. 9C). The rod 904 may extend from the base 902 and be spaced apart from the sides of the base 902 (see fig. 9C). For example, the rod 904 may extend from a mid-portion of the base 902. The rod 904 may have a length that is equal to or less than the length of the base 902, wherein the "length" of the rod 904 and the base 902 is in a direction perpendicular to the "width" of the base 904 (e.g., "length" may refer to "into" the page in the view of fig. 9C).

Cable branch 900 may include one or more arms 906 that extend from a portion of pole 904 and that are sized and/or shaped to receive, retain, encircle, and/or secure a portion of a cable (such as a portion of cables 103, 105, 107, and/or 109). For example, cable breakout 900 may include one, two, three, or four arms extending from rod 904. As another example, cable breakout 900 may include a first arm 906 extending from a first side of bar 904 and a second arm 906 extending from a second side of bar 904 opposite first side 904 (see fig. 9A-9C). One or more arms 906 may extend from the rod 904 near a free (top) end of the rod 904 opposite the base 904. One or more arms 906 may extend from the rod 904 in one or more directions. For example, one or more arms 906 may extend generally perpendicular to the rod 904 and may curl in a direction away from the base 902. Alternatively, one or more arms 906 may extend generally perpendicular to the rod 904 and may be curled in a direction toward the base 902. The one or more arms 906 may be circular or non-circular. One or more arms 906 may include a partial circular, partial square, or partial rectangular cross-section. One or more arms 906 may extend outwardly from rod 904 and define an open area sized and/or shaped to receive, retain, encircle, and/or secure a portion of a cable (such as a portion of cables 103, 105, 107, and/or 109). One or more arms 906 may have a C-shape (see fig. 9C). Alternatively, the one or more arms 906 may have an L-shape, U-shape, J-shape, and other shapes.

Although fig. 9A-9C illustrate a cable branch 900 having two opposing arms 906, the cable branch 900 may have a single arm 906 extending from a portion of the rod 904. Further, the cable branch 900 may have three or four arms 906, wherein each of the arms 906 extends from a different one of the four surfaces of the lever 904.

Referring to fig. 1A-1B, one or more cable branches 900 may be used within the patient monitoring system 100 to secure one or more of the cables 103, 105, 107, and/or 109. For example, patient monitoring system 100 may include a first cable branch 900 that may be secured to a portion of cable 109 and also secured to a portion of the skin of patient 111 between optical sensor 140 and patient monitor 130 (e.g., on or near the wrist of patient 111). Additionally or alternatively, patient monitoring system 100 may include a second cable branch 900 that may be secured to a portion of cable 107, and may also be secured to a portion of the skin of patient 111 between patient monitor 130 and blood pressure monitor 120 (e.g., at or near an elbow of patient 111). Additionally or alternatively, the patient monitoring system 100 may include a third cable branch 900 that may be secured to a portion of the cable 105 and also secured to a portion of the skin of the patient 111 between the blood pressure monitor 120 and the ECG device 110 (e.g., at or near the upper chest or clavicle of the patient 111). Additionally or alternatively, patient monitoring system 100 may include a fourth cable branch 900 that may be secured to a portion of cable 103 and also secured to a portion of the skin of patient 111 between patient monitor 130 and blood pressure monitor 120 (e.g., at or near an elbow of patient 11). As an alternative to having two separate branches 900 for securing cables 103 and 107, a single branch 900 may be used to secure cables 103 and 107, for example, at or near an elbow of patient 111. This double securement of cables 103 and 107 is possible with branch 900, where branch 900 has more than one wing 906, as described and illustrated above. Additionally or alternatively, patient monitoring system 100 may include a fifth cable branch 900 that may be affixed to a portion of cable 103 and also to a portion of the skin of patient 111 between blood pressure monitor 120 and acoustic sensor 150 (e.g., at or near the neck or shoulder of patient 111). Although the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and "fifth" have been used above, such usage is merely for convenience and does not imply that the presence of a "fifth," "fourth," "third," "second," or "first" branch 900 requires the presence of any other numbered branch 900 and/or requires that other branches 900 be positioned in the exemplary manner described above.

Charging station

Fig. 10A-10F show various views of the charging station 1000. Charging station 1000 may include one or more charging bays sized and/or shaped to receive physiological sensors, devices, and/or monitors. For example, as shown in fig. 10A, the charging station 1000 may include one or more charging bays 1001 that may be sized and/or shaped to receive all or a portion of the patient monitor 130. Each of the one or more charging bays 1001 may include a charging bay that includes electrical contacts (such as charging bay 1024 discussed further below) that may be connected to electrical contacts of a physiological sensor, device, and/or monitor (such as electrical contacts 839 of patient monitor 130 shown in fig. 8E) to provide power thereto.

Charging station 1000 may include one or more frames, which may include one or more charging bays. For example, as shown in fig. 10D-10E, charging station 1000 may include one or more frames 1008. For example, charging station 1000 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more frames 1008. Charging station 1000 may include a base 1006. The base 1006 may be connected to and/or support one or more frames 1008. One or more frames 1008 may be affixed, connected, and/or supported to each other, and/or may be stacked on top of each other. Further, one or more frames 1008 may be secured to, connected to, and/or may be stacked on top of the base 1006. The number of frames 1008 can be selectively customized by attaching or removing one or more frames 1008 from each other.

The base 1006 may include a bottom portion having a greater width and/or length than an upper portion of the base 1006. Such a configuration may allow the bottom portion to support the upper portion of the base 1006 and/or one or more frames 1008 attached to the base 1006. For example, such a configuration may allow base 1006 to resist the overturning forces, rotations, and/or tendencies of charging station 1000, particularly if multiple frames 1008 are attached to base 1006. As shown in fig. 11C, the base 1006 may have a bottom surface 1002. The bottom surface 1002 of the base 1006 may have a vent 1003 including one or more openings. For example, one or more openings of the vent 1003 can have a square, rectangular, circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal, or other shape (e.g., when viewed from the view of fig. 10C). One or more openings of the vent 1003 may have a circular or non-circular shape. The one or more vents 1003 may allow air to flow into the base 1006 and/or the interior of the charging station 1000. Such venting may be important because a significant amount of heat may be generated by charging station 1000 and/or one or more devices secured therein. Charging station 1000 may include one or more vents 1015a, 1015b on a rear cover or portion of station 100, as shown in fig. 10F. The one or more vents 1015a, 1015b can include one or more openings including various sizes and/or shapes. For example, one or more openings of the vents 1015a, 1015b can have a square, rectangular, circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal, or other shape (e.g., when viewed from the view of fig. 10F). One or more openings of the vents 1015a, 1015b can have a circular or non-circular shape. As shown in fig. 10F, vent 1015a can be positioned adjacent or near the top of charging station 1000, such as near top cover 1004, and vent 1015b can be positioned at or near the bottom of charging station 1000.

Charging station 1000 may include and/or be connected to a source of electrical power. For example, where the charging station 1000 includes a base 1006, the base 1006 may include a power connector port 1013 configured to receive and/or connect to a source of electrical power, such as to a wall outlet via a power cable.

As shown in fig. 10B, charging station 1000 may include a top cap 1004. The top cover 1004 may be attached to one of the frames 1008. For example, a frame 1008 intended to be the top of charging station 1000 may include or be attached to top cover 1004. The top cover 1004 may have a width and/or length that is less than, equal to, or greater than the width and/or length of one or more frames 1008 and/or the base 1006.

Fig. 10G-10H show two different perspective views of the frame 1008. As described above, one or more frames 1008 may be secured to, supported by, and/or stacked on top of another frame 1008. The frame 1008 may have a top portion/panel with a top surface 1040 and a bottom portion/panel with a bottom surface 1042 (see fig. 10G-10I). One or more frames 1008 may be affixed and/or stacked relative to another frame 1008 such that a top surface 1040 of one frame 1008 contacts, faces, and/or is affixed to a bottom surface 1042 of the other frame 1008. The frame 1008 may include one or more recessed portions 1044 recessed from the top surface 1040 by a given depth. For example, the frame 1008 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more recessed portions 1044. The frame 1008 may additionally include one or more skirt walls 1046 that project outwardly a given length from the bottom surface 1042. For example, the frame 1008 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more skirt walls 1046. As another example, the frame 1008 may include two openings 1036 (see fig. 10J), two recessed portions 1044 (see fig. 10J), and two skirt walls 1046 (see fig. 10I) extending from the bottom surface 1042 around the openings 1036 and/or under each charging compartment 1001. For example, the frame 1008 may include two charging bays 1001 (see fig. 10G-10I). One or more skirt walls 1046 may extend outwardly from the bottom surface 1042 and surround one or more openings 1036 (see fig. 101-10K) in the portion of the frame 1008. The frame 1008 may include an equal amount of recessed portions 1044 as skirt walls 1046. The one or more recessed portions 1044 can be sized and/or shaped to receive all or a portion of the length/height of the one or more skirt walls 1046, and vice versa. The depth of the one or more recessed portions 1044 can be equal to, less than, or greater than the length/height of the one or more skirt walls 1046. One or more skirt walls 1046 may be secured within one or more recessed portions 1044 via a press fit, a friction fit, a snap fit, or another type of fit or securement. Accordingly, the first frame 1008 may be secured to the second frame 1008 via interaction and/or securement between the one or more recessed portions 1044 and the one or more skirt walls 1046.

Referring to fig. 10J-10K, the frame 1008 may include one or more side walls 1013, one or more back walls 1015, and one or more bottom or floor panels 1017. The one or more side walls 1013 can be connected to the one or more back walls 1015. One or more bottom or floor panels 1017 can be connected to the one or more back walls 1015 and/or the one or more side walls 1013. One or more bottom or floor panels 1017 can extend along a plane perpendicular to the plane of the one or more side walls 1013 and/or the one or more back walls 1015. One or more side walls 1013, one or more back walls 1015, and/or one or more bottom or floor panels 1017 may define one or more charging bays 1001.

Depending on the number of charging bays 1001 included in the frame 1008, the frame 1008 may include a number of side walls 1013, a back wall 1015, and/or a bottom panel 1017. For example, where the frame 1008 includes a single charging pod 1001, the frame 1008 may include a back wall 1015, two side walls 1013 connected to the back wall 1015, and a bottom panel 1017 connected to the side walls 1013 and/or the back wall 1015. As another example, where the frame 1008 includes two charging bays 1001, as shown in the exemplary illustrations of fig. 10G-10K, the frame 1008 may include two exterior sidewalls 1013, one or more interior sidewalls 1013 that divide and/or separate the two charging bays 1001, two back panels 1015 (which may be integral or separate), and two bottom panels 1017. Where the frame 1008 includes a plurality of charging bays 1001, such charging bays 1001 may be separated by a middle section 1032, which may include one or more interior sidewalls 1013. As shown in the cross-section of fig. 10L, the middle portion 1032 may have a first interior sidewall 1013, a second interior sidewall 1013, and a hollow portion therebetween. The use of the phrase "interior sidewall" is intended to mean the sidewall 1013 of the frame 1008 that is spaced inwardly of the outer perimeter of the frame 1008. Similarly, use of the phrase "exterior sidewall" is intended to refer to the sidewall 1013 of the frame 1008 that at least partially defines and/or is positioned along an exterior perimeter of the frame 1008.

As shown in fig. 10J-10K, the side walls 1013 of the frame 1008 can include one or more bar walls 1039 extending outwardly and/or adjacent to the surfaces, corners, and/or ends of the side walls 1013. For example, the stem wall 1039 can be positioned near a forward end of the sidewall 1013 opposite a rearward end of the sidewall 1013 adjacent the rearward wall 1015. The stem wall 1039 can include one or more guide recesses 1026 and/or one or more locking recesses 1028, as discussed further below.

Each of the one or more charging bays 1001 may be at least partially defined by a cavity in the frame 1008 and a pole wall 1039 near a front of the frame 1008. Each charging bay 1001 may be bounded on its two front corners by pole walls 1039. The term "front corner" refers to the corner near the entrance of the charging bay 1001.

Fig. 10J-10K show exploded views of the frame 1008. The frame 1008 may include one or more trays 1020 sized and/or shaped to fit and/or be secured to one or more charging bays 1001 of the frame 1008. The one or more trays 1020 may include one, two, three, four, five, or six or more trays 1020. The number of trays 1020 may be equal to the number of bays 1001 present in the frame 1008. The tray 1020 may be sized and/or shaped to hold and/or secure a physiological sensor, device, or monitor. For example, tray 1020 may be sized and/or shaped to hold and/or secure patient monitor 130. The tray 1020 may include an opening 1020a sized and/or shaped to receive the charging port 1024 of the frame 1008. The charging ports 1024 of the frame 1008 may extend outward and/or upward from a surface of the frame 1008. The charging port 1024 may be included and/or formed on the base (see fig. 10J-10K). The charging port 1024 may be sized and/or shaped to pass at least partially through the opening 1020a, as discussed in more detail below. Charging port 1024 may be electrically coupled to a battery or power source inside or outside charging station 1000.

The tray 1020 may include a base portion having an opening 1020b that is larger than the opening 1020 a. Opening 1020b may be positioned below a bottom surface of patient monitor 130 (e.g., when patient monitor 130 is held and/or secured by tray 1020). When held and/or secured by tray 1020, opening 1020b may provide ventilation and airflow in and around a portion of patient monitor 130 (or another type of physiological apparatus).

Tray 1020 may include side walls 1020d (also referred to herein as "arms") that extend outwardly and/or upwardly from a base portion of tray 1020. For example, the tray 1020 may include two opposing arms 1020 d. The arms 1020d may extend in one or more directions and/or may be curved or angled. For example, arm 1020d may be angled and/or curved such that arm 1020d may extend adjacent to and/or around a portion of a side of patient monitor 130 (e.g., side 813 and/or 815 of patient monitor 130). When secured to tray 1020, such a configuration may prevent patient monitor 130 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base portion of tray 1020 and/or opening 1020b, while allowing patient monitor 130 to be inserted into tray 1020 in a direction substantially parallel to the plane (e.g., along an axis parallel to the length of tray 1020).

The tray 1020 may include one or more knobs 1020e extending outwardly from a surface of one or more arms 1020d of the tray 1020. For example, the tray 1020 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more knobs 1020 e. As another example, the tray 1020 can include a pair of knobs 1020e on a first arm 1020d and a pair of knobs 1020e on a second arm 1020d opposite the first arm 1020d (see fig. 10J-10K). One or more knobs 1020e may be sized and/or shaped to secure to one or more detents 1038 on the frame 1008. One or more detents 1038 may be positioned along an interior wall of the frame 1008 defining one or more charging bays 1001. The one or more knobs 1020e can be configured to be secured to the one or more pawls 1038 via a press fit, a snap fit, a friction fit, or another type of fit or securement. One or more knobs 1020e may be configured to slide within one or more detents 1038 from above without becoming secured with a press fit, snap fit, friction fit, or another type of fit or securement, such that tray 1020 may be easily lifted into and out of compartment 1001 by moving knob 1020e vertically out of detents 1038. The knob 1020e may have a circular cross-section and the pawl 1038 may have a semi-circular shape, although other shapes are possible. Thus, the tray 1020 may be at least partially retained, received, and/or secured within the charging bay 1001 by the securement between the one or more knobs 1020 and the one or more detents 1038. The knob 1020e may be positioned in the detent 1038 such that the tray 1020 may be moved between one or more positions, as discussed further below.

As shown in fig. 10J-10K, the tray 1020 can include one or more legs 1020c that extend outwardly and/or downwardly from a base portion of the tray 1020. One or more legs 1020c may extend from the base portion of the tray 1020 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the arms 1020d extend from the base portion. The one or more legs 1020c may include, for example, two legs 1020 c. The one or more legs 1020c may be sized and/or shaped to correspond to the size and/or shape of the opening 1036 and/or the one or more branches 1034. When the tray 1020 is placed within the charging bay 1001, the legs 1020c may be positioned near, adjacent, above, and/or around the opening 1036 and/or the branches 1034. The frame 1008 may include one or more branches 1034 (see fig. 10I-10K) positioned within and/or extending through the opening 1036. The frame 1008 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more branches 1034. The frame 1008 may include equal amounts of branches 1034 and openings 1036, and the number of branches 1034 and openings 1036 may be equal to the number of legs 1020c in the tray 1020. Branch 1034 may help bias tray 1020 when a physiological apparatus, such as patient monitor 130, is not received and/or secured within tray 1020. For example, when the tray 1020 is positioned within the charging bay 1001, the top surfaces of the branches 1034 may contact and/or apply a force to the bottom surfaces of the legs 1020c, thereby maintaining at least a portion of the tray 1020 in a raised position. The charging bay 1001 to the right of the frame 1008 in fig. 10G-10H shows the tray 1020 in a raised position, while the charging bay 1001 to the left of the frame 1008 in fig. 10G-10H shows the tray 1020 in a lowered position. In the lowered position, the opening 1020a of the tray 1020 is positioned around the charging port 1024 of the frame 1008. In the raised position, the opening 1020a of the tray 1020 is spaced from the charging port 1024 of the frame 1008. Accordingly, the branch 1034 may offset a portion of the tray 1020 (e.g., a "front" portion of the tray 1020 proximate to the opening 1020 a) such that it is spaced away from the charging port 1024 and/or the inner surface of the frame 1008. If a portion of tray 1020 is pushed downward toward the inner surface of frame 1008 and/or toward charging port 1024, a bottom surface of tray 1020 (e.g., leg 1020c) may compress branch 1034. One or more legs 1020c may be defined by a perimeter wall extending from the base of the tray 1020. As shown in fig. 10I, the peripheral wall may have an opening on an end opposite the base of the tray 1020. The perimeter wall may have a hollow interior therein. The hollow interior may be sized and/or shaped to receive at least a portion of branch 1034. When received and/or extending through the hollow interiors of legs 1020c, one end of branch 1034 may contact and/or apply pressure to the base of tray 1020.

As shown in fig. 10I-10J, the branch 1034 may pass through the opening 1036 and/or the skirt wall 1046 and be affixed or connected (at one end thereof) to a portion of the bottom surface 1042 of the frame 1008. As shown in fig. 10I-10K, branch 1034 may have a straight portion connected and/or affixed to bottom surface 1042 (see fig. 10I) and a curved or flared portion that extends into the interior of charging bay 1001 and/or applies a biasing force to a portion of tray 1020 (see fig. 10J-10K).

As shown in fig. 10G-10K, the pole wall 1039 positioned at the sides of the charging bay 1001 and/or at the corners thereof can have a guide recess 1026 and/or a locking recess 1028. Guide recess 1026 may be sized and/or shaped to receive locking tab 822 of patient monitor 822. Guide recess 1026 may have a height and/or width that allows locking tab 822 to pass therethrough when patient monitor 822 is inserted into charging bay 1001. Guide recess 1026 may be recessed from the surface of shaft wall 1039 by a depth that is equal to or greater than the length of locking tab 822 of patient monitor 130. The guide recess 1026 may have three inner walls defining the recess and an open front portion. This configuration allows locking tab 822 to enter guide recess 1026. Locking recess 1028 may be sized and/or shaped to receive, secure, encircle, and/or restrain locking tab 822 of patient monitor 822. Locking recess 1028 may have a height and/or width to allow locking tab 822 to extend therein when patient monitor 822 is inserted into charging bay 1001 and patient monitor 130 is in a lowered position (as discussed further below). Locking recess 1028 can be recessed from the surface of shaft wall 1039 by a depth equal to or greater than the length of locking tab 822 of patient monitor 130. The locking recess 1028 can be recessed by a depth greater than or equal to the recessed depth of the guide recess 1026 (see fig. 11L). Locking recess 1028 may have four walls defining the recess and serving to restrain, secure, and/or lock locking tab 822.

Fig. 10L illustrates a cross-section taken along a portion of the frame 1008 shown in fig. 10G when two patient monitors 130 are inserted into the charging bay 1001. The right hand side of fig. 10L shows patient monitor 130 in a raised position (as described above) with locking tab 822 positioned within guide recess 1026. The left hand side of fig. 10L shows patient monitor 130 in a lowered position with locking tab 822 positioned within locking recess 1028.

To secure the patient monitor 130 within the charging dock 1001 and/or to electrically connect the patient monitor 130 to the charging station 1000 (or its frame 1008), the patient monitor 130 may be inserted into a tray 1020 within the charging dock 1001. When the patient monitor 130 is inserted into the tray 1020 and/or the charging dock 1001, the locking tab 822 of the patient monitor 130 may pass and/or slide within the guide recess 1026 of the pole wall 1039 positioned at the front corner of the side of the charging dock 1001. To electrically connect patient monitor 130 to frame 1008 (e.g., initiate charging), a user may press a front portion of patient monitor 130 (e.g., end 810 of patient monitor 130 as shown in fig. 8I). Applying a force in a downward manner (e.g., toward charging port 1024 of frame 1008) moves a front portion of tray 1020 toward an inner surface of frame 1008 in charging bay 1001 such that opening 1020a of tray 1020 slides over and/or around charging port 1024. After charging port 1024 passes through opening 1020a, electrical contacts 839 (see fig. 8E) of patient monitor 130 may mate with (e.g., connect with) electrical contacts 1024 of frame 1008. Further, when a downward force is applied to patient monitor 130 and tray 1020, tray 1020 compresses one or more branches 1034. Further, when such downward force is applied to patient monitor 130 and tray 1020, locking tab 822 of patient monitor 130 moves and/or slides from guide recess 1026 to locking recess 1028 (e.g., by sliding on a non-recessed portion or wall of shaft wall 1039 separating guide recess 1026 from locking recess 1028, as shown in fig. 10L). Once locking tab 822 moves into locking recess 1028, locking recess 1028 prevents locking tab 822 (and thus patient monitor 130) from moving in a direction parallel to axis 1077, which may be parallel to the height of frame 1008 and/or patient monitor 130, as shown in fig. 10L. The locking tab 822 may snap into place when the locking tab 822 transitions from the guide recess 1026 to the locking recess 1028. As previously described, the locking tabs 822 may have tapered ends. Such a tapered end of the locking tab 822 can help the locking tab 822 slide over a non-recessed portion or wall of the stem wall 1039 separating the guide recess 1026 from the locking recess 1028, and thereafter snap and/or extend into and/or within the locking recess 1028.

As described above, after charging port 1024 passes through opening 1020a, electrical contacts 839 (see fig. 8E) of patient monitor 130 may mate with (e.g., electrically connect with) charging port 1024 of frame 1008. Patient monitor 130 may include an indicator that indicates the state of charge of patient monitor 130. For example, patient monitor 130 may include an indicator that visually indicates when electrical contacts 839 of patient monitor 130 are connected with charging port 1024 of frame 1008. For example, patient monitor 130 may include an LED indicator on a portion of tip 810. As another example, on/off button 834 on end 810 of patient monitor 130 may be configured to illuminate when electrical contacts 839 of patient monitor 130 are connected with charging port 1024 of frame 1008. For example, the on/off button 834 may be made of a transparent or translucent material, and one or more LEDs may be positioned between the on/off button 834 and the interior of the patient monitor 130, and such one or more LEDs may be configured to illuminate when the electrical contacts 839 of the patient monitor 130 are connected with the charging port 1024 of the frame 1008. Such an indicator on patient monitor 130 may also indicate (e.g., by illuminating or flashing) whether patient monitor 130 and/or charging station 1000 (or its frame) are compatible, whether patient monitor 130 has reached the end of its useful life. In some variations, charging station 1000 does not include any indicators, such as a charge status indicator. For example, charging station 1000 may lack a charge status indicator, and the only charge status indicator is on patient monitor 130.

As described above, the charging station 1000 can include one or more vents to allow air to flow into the interior of the charging station 1000 and to allow heat to dissipate from the interior of the charging station 1000. For example, as described above, charging station 1000 may include one or more of vents 1003 (fig. 10C) or vents 1015a, 1015b (fig. 10F). In some variations, charging station 1000 is configured to allow heat generated from the interior of charging station 1000 to flow up to the top of charging station 1000 and out vent 1015 a. For example, one or more frames 1008 can include an opening configured to provide a flow path for heat to pass upwardly through the frame 1008 toward the top of the charging station 1000 and out of the vent 1015 a. For example, referring to fig. 10I-10K, the bottom surface 1042 may have openings 1080 that separate portions of the frame 1008 and allow hot air to pass therethrough. The structure and configuration of the frame 1008 may include openings similar to the opening 1080. Advantageously, heat generated by electrical components in the base 1006 of the charging station 1000 and heat generated by one or more patient monitors 103 secured in the charging bay 1001 of the frame 1008 can efficiently pass through the opening 1080 and flow up to the top of the charging station 1000 and out the vent 1015 a.

Charging support

Fig. 11A-11B show various views of a charging stand 1100 with two patient monitors 130 secured therein. As shown, one or more patient monitors 130 may be secured within portions of charging stand 1100. The charging stand 1100 itself may be secured within a portion of a medical monitoring hub (such as the medical monitoring hub 1101). For example, the charging cradle 1100 may be sized and/or shaped to fit within the docking station 1105 of the medical monitoring hub 1101. The charging stand 1100 may transmit physiological data, for example, from the patient monitor 130 to the medical monitoring hub 1101 via contact between electrical contacts on the charging stand 1100 and electrical contacts in the docking station 1105. The charging stand 1100 itself may include a rechargeable battery or battery pack that may be recharged, for example, when the charging stand 1100 is secured to the docking station 1105 of the hub 1101. The medical monitoring hub 1101 may include a display 1103 that may display information responsive to physiological data obtained from the charging stand 1100 and/or the patient monitor 130.

11D-11E and 11G illustrate charging stand 1100 without patient monitor 130 secured therein. Charging cradle 1100 may include one or more docking stations configured to secure patient monitor 130. For example, charging stand 1100 may include two docking stations, each of which is sized, shaped, and configured to secure patient monitor 130. In some cases, charging stand 1100 may include a first docking station 1140 that includes charging port 1146 that includes electrical contacts and a second docking station 1130 that does not include charging port 1146 but is used to secure patient monitor 130 without charging. When the patient monitor device 130 is secured to the docking station 1140, the electrical contacts of the charging port 1146 of the docking station 1140 can be electrically connected to the electrical contacts on the patient monitor device 130. For example, when patient monitor 130 is secured to docking station 1140, the electrical contacts of charging port 1146 of docking station 1140 may be electrically connected to electrical contacts 839 on patient monitor 130 (see fig. 8E).

Docking station 1140 may include one or more openings 860 in a sidewall extending from a bottom surface of docking station 1140 that are sized and/or shaped to receive locking tabs 822 of patient monitor 130. Additionally or alternatively, docking station 1140 may include an opening 1142 in an end wall of docking station 1140. The opening 1142 may be sized and/or shaped to circumscribe a portion of the perimeter of the connector port 831 of the patient monitor 130. The opening 1142 may be similar to the opening 836a of the bracket 804.

Securing locking tab 822 of patient monitor 130 within opening 1144 may be similar or identical to securing locking tab 822 to opening 860 of cradle 804. Thus, the discussion above regarding securing locking tab 822 to opening 860 of bracket 804 applies equally to securing locking tab 822 of patient monitor 130 within opening 1144 of docking station 1140. Similarly, the securement between connector port 831 and opening 1142 of patient monitor 130 may be similar in some or many ways to the securement between connector port 831 and opening 836a and/or collar 450 of patient monitor 130. For example, connector port 831 can be inserted in a direction parallel to and/or perpendicular to an axis extending through opening 1142.

As shown in fig. 11D-11E and 11H-11I, docking station 1130 may include a tray 1120 that may be sized and/or shaped to secure and/or encircle patient monitor 130. The tray 1120 may be similar to the tray 1020 of the charging frame 1008 in some or many ways. For example, referring to fig. 11J-11K, tray 1120 may include an outer wall 1124, which may be U-shaped, and an inner portion 1126. As shown, inner portion 1126 may extend inward of tray 1120 and may be curved. Inner portion 1126 may have a size and/or shape that corresponds to the size and/or shape of patient monitor 130. Outer wall 1124 and/or inner portion 1126 may be shaped to wrap around the sides and/or bottom of patient monitor 130 when patient monitor 130 is placed therein. Outer wall 1124 may include an opening 1127 sized and/or shaped to receive connector port 831 of patient monitor 130. Patient monitor 130 may be secured within tray 1120 by placing connector port 831 within and/or through opening 1127 and/or by the shape of outer wall 1124 and/or inner portion 1126.

As shown at least in fig. 11H-11I, charging stand 1100 can include a base 1110, which can include a docking station 1130 and a docking station 1140. Tray 1120 can be secured within one or more portions of docking station 1130 of base 1110. For example, tray 1120 can include one or more legs 1122 (such as one, two, three, or four or more legs) that can be affixed to portions of docking station 1130. The legs 1122 may extend from the outer wall 1124 of the tray 1120 (see fig. 11J-11K). The legs 1122 may include bumps 1122a, 1122b that protrude outward from the surface of the legs 1122. For example, the bumps 1122a, 1122b may extend perpendicular to the surface of the leg 1122. Bumps 1122a, 1122b can be sized and/or shaped to fit within slots 1131 on the interior surface of wall 1136 of docking station 1130 (see fig. 11L). Bumps 1122a, 1122b may have a circular cross-section. Bumps 1122a, 1122b may be circular and/or cylindrical. This configuration may help projections 1122a, 1122b slide more easily within slots 1131. The slot 1131 may be recessed from an interior surface of a wall 1136 of the docking station 1130. The slot 1131 may extend along a portion of such a surface of the wall 1136, and may be curved. When projections 1122a, 1122b of leg 1122 are positioned within slots 1130 of docking station 1130 and tray 1120 is positioned within docking station 1130, tray 1120 may be rotatably secured to docking station 1130. For example, in such a configuration, tray 1120 can be prevented from separating from docking station 1130, but tray 1120 can be allowed to rotate and/or swivel by movement of bumps 1122a, 1122b within and/or along slots 1131. Fig. 11M shows a first position of tray 1120 secured within docking station 1130, and fig. 11N shows a second position of tray 1120 secured within docking station 1130. Thus, tabs 1122a, 1122b and slots 1131 allow tray 1120 to rotate outward from base 1110 while still being prevented from removal. This configuration (fig. 11N) may allow patient monitor 130 to be more easily inserted into tray 1120 from a top position. As shown in fig. 11N, after the patient monitor 130 is inserted into the tray 1120, the tray may be rotated back toward the base 1110.

Tray 1120 and/or docking station 1130 of base 1110 may include additional features to aid in the securement therebetween. For example, referring to fig. 11J-11L, leg 1122 can include a ridge 1122c and docking station 1130 can include a stop 1132 and a ridge 1134. The bumps 1122c may extend outward (e.g., perpendicular) from the surface of the legs 1122. The ridges 1134 of the docking station 1130 may protrude outward (e.g., perpendicular) from the surface of the walls 1136 of the docking station 1130. Stops 1132 can also extend outwardly (e.g., vertically) from the same surface of wall 1136 of docking station 1130. Stop 1132 may extend further outward from the wall of docking station 1130 than ridge 1134.

When the tray 1120 is rotated and/or positioned as shown in fig. 11M, the ridge 1122c may be positioned between the ridge 1134 and the stop 1132. This positioning may prevent tray 1120 from rotating via sliding of bumps 1122a, 1122b within slots 1131 until sufficient force is applied so that ridge 1122c may clear ridge 1134 in docking station 1130. The bumps 1122c can be rounded and/or smooth, and in some cases comprise a partial spherical shape. The ridges 1134 may be rounded and/or smooth, and in some cases include a partially square shape, e.g., with rounded edges and/or sides (see fig. 11L). The stopper 1132 may prevent the tray 1120 from rotating beyond a certain position, such as the position of the tray 1120 shown in fig. 11M.

Additional notes

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.

Depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events or functions of any method described herein can be performed in a different order, may be added, merged, or omitted altogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the method). Further, in some embodiments, acts or events may be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, state machine, or the like. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Furthermore, the term "processing" is a broad term and is intended to encompass several meanings, including, for example, implementing program code, executing instructions, manipulating signals, filtering, performing arithmetic operations, and the like.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, or any other form of storage medium known in the art that is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application specific integrated circuit. The application specific integrated circuit may be located in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

A module may include, but is not limited to, any one of software or hardware components, such as software objects-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, methods, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, or variables.

Moreover, although the present invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that certain advantages, features and aspects of the systems, devices and methods may be realized in a variety of other embodiments. Moreover, it is contemplated that various aspects and features described herein may be implemented separately, combined together or substituted for one another, and that various combinations and subcombinations of the features and aspects may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Further, the above-described systems and devices need not include all of the modules and functions described in the preferred embodiments.

Conditional language, such as "may," "might," "for example," and the like, as used herein, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood in the context of usage, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and/or states, while other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, blocks, and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments must include instructions for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or states are included or performed in any particular embodiment. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like, are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and the like. Furthermore, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not its exclusive sense) such that, when used in connection with, for example, a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some or all of the elements in the list. Further, the term "each" as used herein may mean any subset of a set of elements to which the term "each" applies, in addition to having its ordinary meaning.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the system, device, or method illustrated may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. It will be recognized that some of the embodiments described herein may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others.

The term "and/or" is used herein in its broadest, least restrictive sense, i.e., the disclosure includes a alone, B alone, a and B together, or alternatively a or B, but does not require both a and B or either a or B. As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B and C" should be interpreted as using a non-exclusive logical or to mean logical a or B or C.

The apparatus and methods described herein may be implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of the non-transitory tangible computer readable medium are nonvolatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

While the foregoing disclosure has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure. Moreover, other combinations, omissions, substitutions and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the disclosure herein. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the description of the preferred embodiments, but is defined by the claims.