Patient monitoring systems, devices, and methods

Abstract

Various patient monitoring systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for monitoring physiological parameters of a patient. The disclosure relates to an electrocardiogram (ECG) device including a disposable part and a reusable part configured to removably mate with each other. The disclosure also describes a blood pressure monitor configured to attach to a blood pressure cuff and supply air. The blood pressure monitor may include an air intake configured to allow ambient air to enter the interior of the housing and further configured to prevent liquid from entering the interior. The blood pressure monitor can dynamically control the operating characteristics of an air pump within the blood pressure monitor. The disclosure also describes a patient monitoring device and a removable cradle configured for attachment to a patient. The disclosure further describes a charging station for providing power to one or more physiological devices.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Incorporated by reference to priority application) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 923,157, filed October 18, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 888,271, filed August 16, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 837,195, filed April 23, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 835,386, filed April 17, 2019. All of the above applications, and all other applications that identify a foreign or domestic priority claim in the currently filed Application Data Sheet, are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

[0002] (Technical field) The present disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and devices for monitoring physiological information of a patient. [Background technology]

[0003] Description of Related Art Hospitals, nursing homes, and other patient care facilities typically utilize numerous sensors, devices, and / or monitors to collect or analyze patient physiological parameters, such as blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure. Such devices may include, for example, acoustic sensors, electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors, electrocardiogram (ECG) devices, blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, and the like. In medical environments, various sensors / devices (such as those listed above) are connected to the patient and, using cables, to one or more patient monitoring devices. Patient monitoring devices generally include sensors, processing units, and displays for acquiring and analyzing medical patient physiological parameters, such as blood oxygen saturation and respiratory rate. Clinicians, including doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel, use the physiological parameters acquired from patient monitors to diagnose illnesses and prescribe treatments. Clinicians also use physiological parameters to monitor patients in various clinical situations and to determine whether to increase the level of medical care provided to the patient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An electrocardiogram (ECG) device configured to transmit at least one signal in response to electrical activity of a wearer's heart may include a disposable part and a reusable part configured to mechanically and electrically mate with the disposable part. The disposable part may include a base configured to be placed on a wearer's body, the base including at least one mechanical connector portion, a plurality of cables and corresponding external ECG electrodes configured to be secured to the 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, at least some of the first plurality of electrical connectors being associated with one of the plurality of cables. The reusable part may include a cover including at least one mechanical connector portion configured to removably secure to the at least one mechanical connector portion of the base of the disposable part, a second plurality of electrical connectors, each configured to electrically connect with one of the first plurality of electrical connectors of the disposable part, 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 part. The disposable part further includes a first internal ECG electrode disposed at least partially within the base, the first internal ECG electrode configured to output one or more signals responsive to electrical activity of the wearer's heart and associated with one of the first plurality of electrical connectors, the output connector port further configured to transmit at least one signal responsive to the one or more signals output by the first internal ECG electrode of the disposable part. Each of the plurality of cables of the disposable part can be soldered to a respective one of the external ECG electrodes. The base can be configured to secure the disposable part to the wearer's body.In some cases, the base can secure the disposable part to the skin of the wearer's body, and the reusable part does not contact the skin when the reusable part is mechanically and electrically mated with the disposable part. The disposable part can further include a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit has a first plurality of conductive strips and a second plurality of conductive strips configured to electrically connect to the plurality of cables, and the first plurality of electrical connectors of the disposable part include the second plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit. The flexible circuit of the disposable part can further include at least one additional conductive strip spaced apart from the first and second plurality of conductive strips. The reusable part is operably positioned by a cover and electrically connects with the at least one additional conductive strip of the flexible circuit of the disposable part to enable the reusable part to determine whether the disposable part is a certified product. Each of the first plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit can be soldered to one of the plurality of cables. The disposable part may further include a first internal ECG electrode disposed at least partially within the base, the first internal ECG electrode configured to output one or more signals responsive to electrical activity of the wearer's heart and associated with one of the first plurality of electrical connectors. The output connector port may be further configured to transmit at least one signal responsive to the one or more signals output by the first internal ECG electrode of the disposable part. The flexible circuit may further include a first opening and a first conductive ring disposed along the first opening, the first conductive ring configured to electrically connect to a portion of the first internal ECG electrode, and the one of the first plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupled to the first conductive ring.The disposable part may further include a second internal ECG electrode at least partially disposed within the base and spaced apart from the first internal ECG electrode, the second internal ECG electrode configured to function as a ground electrode, and one of the first plurality of electrical connectors associated with the second internal ECG electrode. The flexible circuit may further include a second opening and a second conductive ring disposed along the second opening, the second opening spaced apart from the first opening, and the second conductive ring configured to electrically connect to a portion of the second internal ECG electrode. The base of the disposable part may further include a plurality of pin supports, each configured such that one of the second plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit is positioned in electrical contact with one of the second plurality of electrical connectors of the reusable part when the reusable part is mated with the disposable part. Each of the plurality of pin supports is flexible. Each of the plurality of pin supports may not be straight. Each of the plurality of pin supports may be arc-shaped. The plurality of pin supports can extend above a top surface of the base of the disposable part. The at least one mechanical connector portion of the cover of the reusable part can include at least one groove. The at least one mechanical connector portion of the base of the disposable part can include at least one groove and can include at least one clip configured to be removably secured within the at least one groove of the reusable part. The at least one groove can include a first groove disposed at a first end of the cover and a second groove disposed at a second end of the cover opposite the first end. The at least one clip can include a first clip disposed at a first end of the base and a second clip disposed at a second end of the base opposite the first end.The reusable part further includes a circuit board including a processor and memory, and a plurality of resistors electrically connected and disposed between a portion of the circuit board and the second plurality of electrical connectors of the reusable part, 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-capacity resistor. The base of the disposable part may further include a first opening, and the reusable part may further include a first temperature sensor configured to align with the first opening of the disposable part when the reusable part is mated with the disposable part and configured to measure a body temperature of the wearer. A lower portion of the reusable part may include a second opening configured to align with the first opening of the base of the disposable part when the reusable part is mated with the disposable part. The reusable part may further include a housing, a portion of the housing extending through the second opening of the lower portion of the reusable part, and the first temperature sensor may be disposed within the housing. The disposable part may include a first substrate connected to the base and configured to be secured to the wearer's skin, and the first opening of the base may be located between the first substrate and the housing of the reusable part. The first substrate may include a thermally conductive material. The disposable part may include a second substrate located between the first substrate and the base, and the housing of the reusable part is configured to contact a portion of the second substrate when the reusable part is mated with the disposable part. The second substrate may include a polyethylene film. The reusable part may further include a second temperature sensor spaced at least vertically and horizontally from the first temperature sensor and configured to measure an internal temperature of the reusable part. The second temperature sensor may not be located within the housing of the reusable part.The reusable part may further include a circuit board including a processor, and the processor may be configured to determine a corrected body temperature of the wearer based on temperature data received from the first and second temperature sensors. The cover may include an upper frame and a lower frame. The reusable part may further include a cable connected to the output connector port. In some variations, neither the disposable part nor the reusable part includes a power source, and the reusable part 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 the patient monitor may include an external power source. In some variations, the disposable part does not include a processor. The reusable part may further include a motion sensor configured to measure acceleration of the wearer when the reusable part is mated with the disposable part. The reusable part may be configured so that none of the second plurality of electrical connectors contacts a flat surface when the reusable part is placed on the flat surface.

[0005] The electrocardiogram (ECG) device may include a disposable part. The disposable part may include a base configured for placement on a wearer's body; a plurality of cables and corresponding external ECG electrodes configured to be secured to the wearer's body and to detect electrical signals responsive to the wearer's cardiac activity; and a flexible circuit including 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, and the second plurality of conductive strips configured to transmit electrical signals responsive to the wearer's cardiac electrical activity. In some variations, the disposable part does not include a battery. In some variations, the disposable part does not include a processor. The disposable part may further include at least one substrate configured to secure the base to the skin of the wearer's body. The at least one substrate may include a thermally conductive material. The disposable part may further include at least one internal ECG electrode at least partially disposed within the base, the at least one internal ECG electrode being electrically connected to the flexible circuit. The flexible circuit may further include at least one opening and at least one conductive ring disposed along the at least one opening and configured to electrically connect to a portion of the at least one internal ECG electrode. The at least one internal ECG electrode may include two internal ECG electrodes. The at least one opening may include two openings. The at least one conductive ring may include two conductive rings. The base may include a plurality of pin supports, each of which may be 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 arc-shaped. The plurality of cables may be non-removably secured to the external ECG electrodes.Each of the plurality of cables can be permanently secured to one of the first plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit. The plurality of cables can be soldered to the external ECG electrodes. The plurality of cables, the external ECG electrodes, and the flexible circuit can be integrally formed.

[0006] A blood pressure monitoring device for attachment to a blood pressure cuff for infusing air includes a housing including an interior, a port configured to allow fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the interior of the blood pressure cuff, and an air inlet configured to allow ambient air to enter the interior of the housing and further configured to prevent liquid from entering the interior of the housing. The air inlet can define a nonlinear path for ambient air to enter the interior of the housing. The air inlet can define a tortuous path for ambient air to enter the interior of the housing. The air inlet can define a serpentine path for ambient air to enter the interior of the housing. The air inlet can include a waterproof membrane configured to prevent liquid from entering the interior of the housing. The housing can further include a first side and a first interior wall. The air inlet can include a first opening in the first side of the housing and a second opening in the first interior wall of the housing. The first opening cannot be aligned with the second opening. The first opening and the second opening can be vertically spaced apart from each other. The housing may include an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and may be configured to be positioned near the blood pressure cuff when the blood pressure monitoring device is secured. Furthermore, the first opening may be positioned closer to the lower surface than the second opening. The first opening may comprise 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 the first end of the housing. The first inner wall may be configured to divide the interior of the housing into a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion may be 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 the air intake. The housing may further include a second inner wall positioned between the first opening and the second opening within the first portion of the interior.The second inner wall may be configured to at least partially diverge the first portion of the interior. The housing may have an upper inner surface and a lower inner surface opposite the upper inner surface. The first opening may be disposed at a first height relative to the lower surface of the housing. The second opening may be disposed at a second height relative to the lower surface of the housing. The second inner wall may extend from the lower inner surface of the housing to a third height relative to the lower surface of the housing. The third height may be greater than at least one of the first and second heights. The third height may be greater than both the first and second heights. The third height may be greater than the first height and less than the second height. The second opening of the second inner wall may have a first surface at a fourth height relative to the lower surface of the housing and a second surface at a fifth height relative to the lower surface of the housing, the fifth height being greater than the fourth height, and the third height being 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 lower surface of the housing and a second surface at a fifth height relative to the lower surface of the housing, the fifth height being greater than the fourth height, and the third height being greater than both the fourth height and the fifth height.

[0007] A blood pressure monitor configured to be removably worn in positions generally symmetrical with respect to a width of a blood pressure cuff, the blood pressure cuff being configured to be worn in a first orientation when worn on a right arm and in a second orientation opposite to the first orientation when worn on a left arm, the blood pressure monitor being configured to be in fluid communication with the blood pressure cuff regardless of whether the blood pressure cuff is attached in the first or second orientation, the blood pressure monitor comprising: a housing including an interior; and a first port configured to receive and secure a first prong of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is attached in the first orientation and a second prong configured to receive and secure a first prong of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is attached in the second orientation. The blood pressure cuff may include a first port configured to receive and secure a second prong of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is worn in the first orientation and to allow fluid communication between the interior of the housing and at least one of a first fluid passage in the first prong and a second fluid passage in the second prong; and a second port configured to receive and secure the second prong of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is worn in the first orientation and to receive and secure the first prong of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is worn in the second orientation. The first and second ports may be disposed along a lower surface of the housing. The first and second ports may be spaced apart and aligned with each other. The first and second ports may extend from the lower 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 prongs. The housing may be configured to inflate and deflate the bladder of the blood pressure cuff. The housing can be configured to inflate the bladder by moving air through the first port through one of the first and second fluid passages, and can be further configured to deflate the bladder by allowing air from the bladder to flow through the first port into the interior of the housing.The blood pressure monitor may further include a valve disposed within the interior of the housing adjacent to the first port, the valve being in a first position when either the first or second prong is secured within the first port, and in a second position when neither the first nor second prong is secured within the first port. When the valve is in the first position, it may open a flow path through the first port, and when the valve is in the second position, it may close a flow path through the first port. When the first prong is received and secured within the second port, it may inhibit fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the first fluid passageway. When the second prong is received and secured within the second port, it may inhibit fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the second fluid passageway. The fluid communication may be inhibited by a cap secured to an end of the second port.

[0008] A blood pressure monitor configured to be removably worn at positions generally symmetrical across a width of a blood pressure cuff includes a housing including an interior, a first port configured to receive and secure a first prong of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is worn in the first orientation and a second prong of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is worn in the second orientation, and to allow fluid communication between the interior of the housing and at least one of a first fluid passageway in the first prong and a second fluid passageway in the second prong, and a second port configured to receive and secure the second prong of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is worn in the first orientation and the first prong of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is worn in the second orientation. The first and second ports can be located along a bottom surface of the housing. The first and second ports can be spaced apart and aligned with each other across the width of the blood pressure monitor. The first and second ports may extend from the lower 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 prongs. The housing may be configured to inflate and deflate the bladder of the blood pressure cuff. The housing may be configured to inflate the bladder by moving air through the first port through one of the first and second fluid passages, and to deflate the bladder by allowing air from the bladder to flow through the first port into the interior of the housing. The blood pressure cuff may further include a valve disposed within the interior of the housing adjacent to the first port, the valve being in a first position when either the first or second prong is secured within the first port, and the valve being in a second position when neither the first nor second prong is secured within the first port.When the valve is in the first position, it opens a fluid path through the first port, and when the valve is in the second position, it closes a fluid path through the first port. When the first prong is received and secured within the second port, it inhibits fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the first fluid passageway. When the second prong is received and secured within the second port, it inhibits fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the second fluid passageway. The fluid communication can be inhibited by a cap secured to an end of the second port. When the blood pressure cuff is worn in the first orientation, it can be secured to the user's right arm, and when the blood pressure cuff is worn in the second orientation, it can be secured to the user's left arm. The second orientation can be the opposite of the first orientation. The blood pressure monitor can be configured to fluidly communicate with the blood pressure cuff bladder via either the first or second fluid passageway, regardless of whether the blood pressure cuff is worn in the first or second orientation.

[0009] a first prong configured to be removably secured to a user in first and second orientations, and further configured to allow a blood pressure monitor to be removably attached in a position generally symmetrical with respect to a width of the blood pressure cuff, the blood pressure cuff having 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 and second ends, wherein a width of the blood pressure cuff extends between the first and second sides and is less than the length; a bladder configured to inflate and deflate; and a first prong configured to be secured within a first port of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is in the first orientation and within a second port of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is in the second orientation, the first prong being configured to secure the bladder within the first port of the blood pressure monitor when the blood pressure cuff is in the second orientation. a first prong including a first fluid passageway fluidly communicating with an interior of the bladder; and a second prong configured to be secured within a second port of the sphygmomanometer when the blood pressure cuff is in the first orientation and to be secured within the first port of the sphygmomanometer when the blood pressure cuff is in the second orientation, the second prong including a second fluid passageway fluidly communicating with the interior of the bladder, wherein the first prong is positioned a first distance from the first end of the blood pressure cuff and the second prong is positioned a second distance from the first end of the blood pressure cuff, the first and second distances being equal, the first prong is positioned a third distance from a first side of the blood pressure cuff and the second prong is positioned a fourth distance from the first side of the blood pressure cuff, the third and fourth distances being unequal. The blood pressure cuff may further include a first mounting portion disposed between the first end and the first and second prongs, and a second mounting portion disposed near the second end, the second mounting portion configured to be secured to the first mounting portion when the blood pressure cuff is in the first and second orientations. The first and second mounting portions may be located on opposite surfaces of the blood pressure cuff.The blood pressure cuff may further include a near-field communication (NFC) tag configured to electronically interact with an NFC reader of the blood pressure monitor to verify that the blood pressure monitor is an authorized product. The NFC tag may be positioned proximate to at least one of the first and second prongs. The NFC tag may be positioned between the first and second prongs. Each of the first and second prongs includes a first end operably 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, the reduced cross-sectional portion having an area smaller than the remaining cross-sectional portion, and the reduced cross-sectional portion may be configured to receive a seal 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 prongs may include an at least partially rounded end. Each of the first and second prongs can include an end having a flat surface and a rounded perimeter. The blood pressure cuff can be secured to the user's right arm when secured to the user in the first orientation, and can be secured to the user's left arm when secured to the user in the second orientation. The second orientation can be the opposite of the first orientation. The blood pressure cuff can be configured to provide fluid communication between the blood pressure cuff bladder and the blood pressure device via either the first or second fluid passageway, regardless of whether the blood pressure cuff is worn in the first or second orientation.

[0010] An assembly for a caregiver to secure a physiological monitor to a user's arm can include the physiological monitor and a cradle configured to removably secure the physiological monitor to the user's arm. The physiological monitor can include 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 outward from the first end and configured to electrically connect to a first cable, and a first locking tab movably mounted to the first side and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The cradle may include a base, first and second side walls connected to opposite sides of the base, a rear wall connected to the base and the first and second side walls, a first opening in the rear wall configured to receive the first connector port of the physiological monitor, and a second opening in the first side wall configured to receive the first locking tab of the physiological monitor when the physiological monitor is secured to the cradle and the first locking tab is in the extended position. After the first opening in the rear wall receives the first connector port, the cradle may be configured to allow the physiological monitor to pivot about the rear wall to secure the first locking tab within the second opening in the first side wall. The cradle may further include a collar protruding at least partially from the rear wall around the first opening, the collar configured to receive and secure the first connector port of the physiological monitor. The cradle may include a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the rear wall disposed at the first end of the cradle, and the collar extending from the rear wall in a direction away from the second end of the cradle. The collar may be configured to surround a portion of a circumference of the first connector port when the physiological monitor is secured to the cradle. 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 monitor is secured to the cradle.The first locking tab of the physiological monitor may include a beveled end configured to move through a portion of the first side wall and secure within the second opening. When the first locking tab moves through the portion of the first side wall, the first side wall contacts the beveled end, causing the first locking tab to move from the extended position toward the stowed position. The physiological monitor may include an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, wherein the lower surface faces the cradle when the physiological monitor is secured to the cradle, and the beveled end surface of the first locking tab may face away from the upper surface of the housing. The physiological monitor further includes 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 the extended and stowed positions. The first side wall of the cradle may include a first recessed notch configured to align with and provide access to the first button on the physiological monitor when the cradle is secured to the physiological monitor. The first recessed notch may be half-moon shaped. The physiological monitor may further include a second locking tab movably mounted to the second side and 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 moves the second locking tab between the extended position and the retracted position. The cradle may further include a third opening in the second side wall configured to receive the second locking tab on the physiological monitor when the physiological monitor is secured to the cradle and the second locking tab is in the extended position. The cradle can be configured to allow the physiological monitoring device to pivot about the rear wall to secure the second locking tab within the third opening in the second side wall after the first opening in the rear wall receives the first connector port.The second opening in the first side wall can be aligned with the third opening in the second side wall. The first side wall of the cradle can include a first recessed notch configured to align with and provide access to the first button on the physiological monitor when the cradle is secured to the physiological monitor, and the second side wall of the cradle can include a second recessed notch configured to align with and provide access to the second button on the physiological monitor when the cradle is secured to the physiological monitor. The first recessed notch in the first side wall can be aligned with the second recessed notch in the second side wall. The cradle can further include a front wall connected to the base and the first and second side walls, the front wall being opposite the rear wall and having a height shorter than the rear wall. The cradle can further include one or more legs extending from the base and configured to secure the cradle to the user's arm. The cradle may further include an RFID tag, and the physiological monitoring device may further include an RFID reader configured to determine whether the cradle is a certified product.

[0011] The assembly can include a physiological monitor and a cradle configured to removably secure the physiological monitor to a portion of a user's body. The physiological monitor 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 outward from the first end and configured to electrically connect to a first cable, and a first locking tab movably mounted to the first side and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The cradle can include a base, first and second side walls connected to opposite sides of the base, a back wall connected to the base and the first and second side walls, and a first opening in the first side wall configured to secure the physiological monitor to the cradle and to receive the first locking tab of the physiological monitor when the first locking tab is in the extended position. The rear wall can be configured to support the first end of the physiological monitoring device and to allow the physiological monitoring device to pivot about the rear wall to secure the first locking tab within the first opening in the first side wall.

[0012] A cradle configured to removably secure a physiological monitor and further configured to secure to a user's arm may include a base, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a rear wall. The physiological monitor may include a first locking tab movably attached to a portion of the physiological monitor and movable between an extended position and a stowed position. The first sidewall may be connected to and extend from the base. The first sidewall may include a first opening configured to receive the first locking tab of the physiological monitor when the physiological monitor is secured to the cradle 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 rear wall may be connected to the base, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. The rear wall of the cradle can be configured to support a first end of the physiological monitor and to allow the physiological monitor to pivot about the rear wall to secure the first locking tab within the first opening in the first side wall.

[0013] A physiological monitor configured to be removably secured to a cradle, the cradle configured to secure to a portion of a user's body, the physiological monitor comprising: 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 to the first side and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the first locking tab further configured to be secured within an opening of the cradle when in the extended position; and a first button coupled to the first locking tab and movable relative to the first end, the first button being movable in a first direction to move the first locking tab from the extended position to the retracted position and thereby move out of the opening of the cradle.

[0014] A charging station for powering a physiological monitor includes: a charging bay including a charging port configured to receive power from a power source; and a tray disposed within and movably mounted relative to the charging bay, the tray configured to secure the physiological monitor and move between a first position and a second position, the first position being spaced apart from the charging port and the second position being proximate to the charging port, thereby enabling the physiological monitor to be electrically connected to the charging port. The physiological monitor may include an indicator configured to indicate a status of the physiological monitor. The indicator may be configured to indicate a charging status of the physiological monitor when electrically connected to the charging port of the charging station. The indicator may be configured to indicate whether the charging station is a certified product when the physiological monitor is electrically connected to the charging port. The physiological monitor may include a display including the indicator. The charging bay may include a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, a rear wall connected to the first and second sidewalls, and a bottom panel connected to the first, second sidewall, and rear wall, wherein the charging port is disposed on the bottom panel, and the tray may be movably mounted to the first and second sidewalls of the charging bay. The tray may include a base, a first arm extending outward from and along a first side of the base, and a second arm extending outward from and along the second side of the base, wherein the first side of the base is opposite the second side of the base, and the first arm may be at least partially supported by the first sidewall and the second arm may be at least partially supported by the second sidewall.The tray base may include a rear end and a front end opposite the rear end, the rear end of the tray configured to be positioned near 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 the tray base may include an opening sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the charging port, the opening configured to be positioned closer to the front end of the tray than the rear end of the tray. The opening in the tray base may include a rounded shape. The charging port may include a pedestal protruding outward from the lower panel, and the opening in the tray may be positioned around the pedestal when the tray is in the second position. The tray may further include one or more prongs connected to the lower panel, the one or more prongs configured to bias the tray toward the first position. The one or more prongs may be at least partially positioned within one or more openings in the lower panel. The one or more prongs may include two prongs, and the two prongs may be spaced apart from each other. The tray may compress the one or more prongs when in the second position. Each of the one or more prongs may include a straight portion connected to the bottom panel and a curved portion configured to contact the tray. The one or more prongs may include a first prong proximate the first sidewall and a second prong proximate the second sidewall. The tray may further include one or more legs extending from the base, and the one or more legs may be configured to contact the one or more prongs. The 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, the hollow interior configured to receive at least a portion of a respective one of the one or more prongs. 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, the first portion being angled relative to the base and the second portion being angled relative to the first portion. The first sidewall of the charging bay may include a first end connected to the rear wall and a second end opposite the first end, the first sidewall may include a first guide recess adjacent the second end and configured to allow a 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 three or fewer walls. At least one of the walls defining the first guide recess may be sloped. The first sidewall of the charging bay may include a first stem wall extending from the second end of the first sidewall toward the second sidewall, and the first stem wall may include the first guide recess. The first sidewall may further include a first locking recess proximate the second end, the first locking recess configured to trap the first locking tab of the physiological monitoring device when the tray is in the second position. The first locking recess may be positioned 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 a surface of the first sidewall by a second depth, the second depth being 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, and the second side wall may include a second guide recess proximate the fourth end, 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 side wall to a third depth, and may be defined by three or fewer walls. At least one of the walls defining the second guide recess may be sloped. The second side wall may include a second stem wall extending from the fourth end of the second side wall toward the first side wall, and the second stem wall may include the second guide recess. The second side wall may further include a second locking recess proximate the fourth end, configured to trap the second locking tab of the physiological monitoring device. The second locking recess may be positioned closer to the lower panel than the second guide recess. The second locking recess may be recessed a third depth from the surface of the second side wall, and the second guide recess may be recessed a fourth depth from the surface, the fourth depth being 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 to the wall outlet. The power source may include a battery disposed within a portion of the charging station. The charging station may further include a base and a charging frame configured to removably secure to the base, the charging frame including the charging bay, and the battery may be disposed within the base of the charging station.

[0015] A charging station for powering one or more physiological monitors 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 including a charging port configured to receive power from a power source, and one or more trays. Each of the one or more trays is disposed 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 monitors and move between a first position and a second position, where in the first position each of the one or more trays is spaced apart from the charging port and in the second position each of the one or more trays is disposed proximate to the charging port, thereby electrically connecting the one or more physiological monitors to the charging port.

[0016] A system for monitoring one or more vital signs of a patient and managing sensor cables in a patient environment may include a first sensor configured to be attached to a first portion of the patient and acquire physiological information related to a first physiological parameter; a second sensor connected to the first sensor by a first cable and configured to be attached to a second portion of the patient and acquire physiological information related to a second physiological parameter; and a patient monitor configured to be attached to a third portion of the patient and connected to the second sensor by a second cable and configured to receive the physiological information related to the first and second physiological parameters via the second cable. The first sensor may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) device. The second sensor may include a blood pressure monitor. The ECG device may be configured to be attached to the patient's chest, and the blood pressure device may be configured to be attached to the patient's arm. The second sensor may include a first connector port and a second connector port. The first connector port can be configured to connect to the first cable, and the second connector port can be configured to connect to the second cable. The second sensor can further include a bypass bus configured to pass the physiological information acquired by the first sensor to the patient monitor without processing by the second sensor. The second sensor can be configured to transmit the physiological information acquired by the second sensor to the patient monitor simultaneously with the physiological information from the first sensor. The first connector port and the second connector port can be located on a first side of the second sensor. The system can further include a third sensor configured to acquire physiological information related to a third physiological parameter. The third sensor can be configured to be attached to a third portion of the patient and connected to the patient monitor by a third cable.The patient monitor may include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first connector port disposed at the first end, and a second connector port disposed at the second end. The first connector port may be configured to connect to the third sensor via the third cable, and the second connector port may be configured to connect to the second sensor via the second cable. The second connector port may include a first female connector configured to connect to the 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 further include at least one cable management prong configured to secure to the patient's skin and to a portion of one of the first cable or the second cable. The at least one cable management prong may include a base configured to be secured to a patient's skin surface, a stem extending outward from the base, and one or more arms extending outward from the stem and 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 further include a release liner disposed on the adhesive. The base may be square-shaped. The stem may extend generally perpendicular to a plane of the base. The stem may extend from a central portion of the base. The central portion of the base may be spaced inward from at least two sides 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, the first height being greater than the second height and the first width being less than the second width. Each of the one or more arms may extend in a first direction generally perpendicular to a side of the stem. 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 outward from the stem and be at least partially curved with a substantially constant radius of curvature. The one or more arms may be curved in a direction away from the base. The one or more arms may include a C-shape. The one or more arms may include a cross-section that is at least partially circular. The patient monitor may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit the physiological information received from the first and second sensors.

[0017] A system for monitoring one or more vital signs of a patient and managing sensor cables in a patient environment may include a first sensor configured for attachment to a first portion of the patient and configured to acquire physiological information related to a first physiological parameter; a second sensor configured for attachment to a second portion of the patient and configured to acquire physiological information related to a second physiological parameter, the second sensor including a first connector port and a second connector port configured to connect to the first sensor with a first cable; and a patient monitor configured for attachment to a third portion of the patient, the patient monitor configured to connect to the second connector port of the second sensor via a second cable and receive the physiological information related to the first and second physiological parameters from the second sensor. The second sensor may further include a bypass bus configured to pass the physiological information acquired by the first sensor to the patient monitor without processing by the second sensor. The second sensor may be configured to transmit the physiological information acquired by the second sensor to the patient monitor simultaneously with the physiological information from the first sensor. The first connector port and the second connector port of the second sensor can be located on a first side of the second sensor. The second sensor can include one or more cable fixation arms configured to fix to a portion of one of the first or second cables. The first sensor can be an ECG device, and the second sensor can be configured to measure physiological information related to the patient's blood pressure.

[0018] The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may include an inflatable cuff, a pressure transducer, an air pump, multiple air paths connecting the inflatable cuff, the pressure transducer, and the air pump, and an acoustic filter disposed along at least one of the air paths. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may further include an air manifold connecting the multiple air paths. The acoustic filter may be disposed between the air pump and the air manifold. The 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 the acoustic filter cavity. The acoustic filter cavity may include multiple ports feeding into the acoustic filter cavity, and the dimensions of the acoustic filter cavity may be at least five times the dimensions of the multiple ports. The acoustic filter may include a low-pass filter. The acoustic filter may include one or more stubs branching from one of the multiple air paths. The one or more stubs may be straight. The one or more stubs may be closed-ended. The acoustic filter may include two opposing stubs. The one or more stubs may have a folded configuration. The one or more stubs may include multiple sections joined together at one or more angles. The acoustic filter may include one or more box-shaped cavities. The acoustic filter may include a box-shaped cavity having a surface attached to one of the multiple air paths. The acoustic filter may include a box-shaped cavity attached to one of the multiple air paths by a stub. The noninvasive blood pressure monitor may further include a housing having two or more parts and a gasket provided at a mating interface between the two or more parts. The noninvasive blood pressure monitor may further include a noise-damping material within the housing. The acoustic filter may have a passband that excludes fundamental frequencies generated by an air pump when operating at 50% or more of its maximum operating speed.

[0019] The noninvasive blood pressure monitor may include an inflatable cuff, a pressure transducer, first and second air pumps, and a processor configured to independently control one or more operating characteristics of the first and second air pumps. The one or more operating characteristics of the first and second air pumps may include a speed of the first or 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 noninvasive blood pressure monitor may be configured to determine one or more characteristics of acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps and independently adjust the one or more operating characteristics of the first and second air pumps based on the one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may be configured to determine the one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps using a signal output from a microphone. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may incorporate the microphone. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may be configured to determine the one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps using a signal output from the pressure transducer. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may be configured to determine the one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps using a current from the air pump. The one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps may include loudness. The one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps may include a beat frequency. The one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps may include frequency components.The noninvasive blood pressure monitor may be further configured to adjust one or more operating characteristics of the first and second air pumps to reduce an acoustic annoyance metric based on the one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise. The acoustic annoyance metric may be based on the one or more characteristics of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps. The noninvasive blood pressure monitor may be configured to control the speed of the first or second air pump to set a beat frequency of the acoustic noise generated by the first and second air pumps to a desired value. The noninvasive blood pressure monitor may be configured to control the speed of the first or second air pump to achieve a desired relationship between the frequency components of the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump and the frequency components of the acoustic noise generated by the second air pump. The noninvasive blood pressure monitor may be configured to control the speed of the first or second air pump such that the frequency components of the acoustic noise generated by the first air pump are harmonically related to the frequency components of the acoustic noise generated by the second air pump. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor can be configured to control the stroke phase of the first or 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.

[0020] 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 that a first inflation rate provided to the inflatable cuff during a non-measurement portion of an inflation phase is greater than a second inflation rate provided to the inflatable cuff during a measurement portion of the inflation phase. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may include first and second air pumps, and the processor may be configured to turn on both the first and second air pumps during the non-measurement portion of the inflation phase. The processor may be configured to turn off the second air pump subsequently during the measurement portion of the inflation phase. The processor may be configured to control the one or more air pumps to transition from the first inflation rate to the second inflation rate after a plethysmographic waveform is detected in the output signal from 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 a blood pressure measurement. The predetermined minimum number of cardiac cycles may be 15 or less. The processor may be configured to determine the second inflation rate based at least in part on the patient's pulse rate. The processor may be configured to determine the second inflation rate based at least in part on a maximum inflation pressure. The maximum inflation pressure may be determined based on the envelope of a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms. The processor may be configured to provide the first inflation rate until a threshold air pressure in the inflatable cuff is reached. The processor may be configured to provide the first inflation rate until a plethysmographic waveform is detected at the output of the pressure transducer. The second inflation rate may be a target inflation rate actively controlled during the measurement portion of the inflation phase. The target inflation rate may be a set air pressure increase per cardiac cycle. The target inflation rate may be changed during the measurement portion of the inflation phase. The target inflation rate may be slowed during a specified diastolic or systolic blood pressure measurement zone of air pressure in the inflatable cuff.The diastolic or systolic blood pressure measurement zones may be identified using envelopes of multiple plethysmographic waveforms at the output of the pressure transducer. The diastolic or systolic blood pressure measurement zones may be identified based at least in part on inflection points in the envelopes of the multiple plethysmographic waveforms. The noninvasive blood pressure monitor may be configured to terminate the measurement portion of the inflation phase based on envelopes of multiple plethysmographic waveforms at the output of the pressure transducer. The noninvasive blood pressure monitor may be configured to terminate the measurement portion of the inflation phase based at least in part on inflection points in the envelopes of the multiple plethysmographic waveforms. The noninvasive blood pressure monitor may be configured to determine a blood pressure measurement value and a reliability metric upon terminating the measurement portion of the inflation phase. The reliability metric may include an indication of a number of plethysmographic waveforms detected during the measurement portion of the inflation phase, smoothness of the envelopes of multiple plethysmographic waveforms at the output of the pressure transducer, or patient movement during a time period corresponding to one or more of the plethysmographic waveforms. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may further include at least two air pumps and a clock or counter for measuring cumulative execution time of each of the at least two air pumps. The non-invasive blood pressure monitor may be configured to select the at least two air pumps for an operational task to reduce disparities in their cumulative execution times.

[0021] For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention are 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 inventions disclosed herein may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] Various embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are designated by like reference numerals and in which the embodiments are illustrated and described by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a patient monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows another perspective view of the patient monitoring system of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C shows a schematic diagram of the patient monitoring system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D shows another schematic diagram of the patient monitoring system of FIG. 1C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an ECG device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the disposable portion of the ECG device of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of the reusable portion of the ECG device of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D shows a schematic diagram of the ECG device of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E shows the dock for the disposable part of the ECG device shown in FIG. 2B. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F shows an exploded top perspective view of the dock of FIG. 2E. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2G shows an exploded bottom perspective view of the dock of FIG. 2E. [Figure 2H] FIG. 2H shows a side view of the dock of FIG. 2E. [Figure 2I] FIG. 2I shows a top view of the flexible circuit of the dock of FIG. 2E. [Figure 2J] FIG. 2J shows a top perspective view of the hub of the reusable portion of the ECG device shown in FIG. 2C. [Figure 2K] FIG. 2K shows a top perspective view of the hub of the reusable portion of the ECG device shown in FIG. 2C. [Figure 2L] FIG. 2L shows a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIGS. 2J through 2K. [Figure 2M] FIG. 2M shows a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIGS. 2J through 2K. [Figure 2N] FIG. 2N shows a side view of the hub of FIGS. 2J to 2K. [Figure 2O] FIG. 2O shows an exploded top perspective view of the hub of FIGS. 2J and 2K. [Figure 2P] FIG. 2P shows an exploded bottom perspective view of the hub of FIGS. 2J and 2K. [Figure 2Q] FIG. 2Q shows an exploded view of a portion of the hub of FIGS. 2J and 2K according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2R] FIG. 2R illustrates a perspective view of the hub and dock of the ECG device of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and further illustrates how the hub and dock mate. [Figure 2S] FIG. 2S illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the ECG device of FIG. 2A, showing the relative position of the temperature sensor with respect to the patient, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2T] FIG. 2T illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the ECG device of FIG. 2A, showing the relative positions of the internal electrodes of the ECG device with respect to the patient, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2U] FIG. 2U shows a block diagram illustrating a method for collecting physiological data using the ECG of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an ECG device. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the disposable portion of the ECG device of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of the reusable portion of the ECG device of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D shows a schematic diagram of the ECG device of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E shows the dock for the disposable part of the ECG device shown in FIG. 3B. [Figure 3F] FIG. 3F shows an exploded top perspective view of the dock of FIG. 3E. [Figure 3G] FIG. 3G shows an exploded bottom perspective view of the dock of FIG. 3E. [Figure 3H] FIG. 3H shows a side view of the dock of FIG. 3E. [Figure 3I] FIG. 3I shows a top view of the flexible circuit of the dock of FIG. 3E. [Figure 3J] FIG. 3J shows a top perspective view of the hub of the reusable portion of the ECG device shown in FIG. 3C. [Figure 3K] FIG. 3K shows a top perspective view of the hub of the reusable portion of the ECG device shown in FIG. 3C. [Figure 3L] FIG. 3L shows a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIGS. 3J to 3K. [Figure 3M] FIG. 3M shows an exploded top perspective view of the hub of FIGS. 3J and 3K. [Figure 3N] FIG. 3N shows an exploded bottom perspective view of the hub of FIGS. 3J and 3K. [Figure 3O] FIG. 3O illustrates a perspective view of the hub and dock of the ECG device of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and further illustrates how the hub and dock mate. [Figure 3P] FIG. 3P illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the ECG device of FIG. 3A on a patient according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the relative position of the temperature sensor with respect to the patient. [Figure 3Q] FIG. 3Q illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the ECG device of FIG. 3A on a patient according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the relative positions of the internal electrodes of the ECG device with respect to the patient. [Figure 3R] FIG. 3R shows a block diagram illustrating a method of collecting physiological data using the ECG of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 4A-4D show various views of an ECG packaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] 4A-4B illustrate various views of an ECG packaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] 4A-4C show various views of an ECG packaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4D] 4A-4D show various views of electrodes according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4E illustrates an alternative configuration of the ECG packaging device of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A]FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a blood pressure monitor. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the sphygmomanometer. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C shows a top view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D shows a bottom view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5E shows a side view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5F shows another side view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B. [Figure 5G] FIG. 5G shows a front view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B. [Figure 5H] FIG. 5H shows a rear view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B. [Figure 5I] FIG. 5I shows a perspective view of a blood pressure cuff. [Figure 5J] FIG. 5J shows an enlarged view of a portion of the blood pressure cuff of FIG. 5I. [Figure 5K] FIG. 5K shows the blood pressure cuff of FIG. 5I secured to the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 5A-5B. [Figure 5L] FIG. 5L illustrates a blood pressure cuff secured to a blood pressure monitor in a first orientation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5M] FIG. 5M illustrates the blood pressure cuff of FIG. 5I secured in a second orientation to a blood pressure monitor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5N] FIG. 5N shows a perspective view of a portion of the blood pressure cuff of FIG. 5I according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5O] FIG. 5O shows a perspective view of a portion of the blood pressure cuff of FIG. 5I according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5P] FIG. 5P illustrates a cross section of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5Q] FIG. 5Q illustrates a cross section of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5R] FIG. 5R shows an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5Q. [Figure 5S] FIG. 5S illustrates an exploded perspective view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5T] FIG. 5T illustrates an exploded perspective view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5U] FIG. 5U illustrates a perspective view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B with portions removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5V] FIG. 5V illustrates a perspective view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B with portions removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5W] FIG. 5W shows a cross-sectional view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5X] FIG. 5X illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5Y] FIG. 5Y illustrates another perspective view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 5A-5B with portions removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5Z] FIG. 5Z shows an exploded view of the valve of the blood pressure monitor. [Figure 5AA] FIG. 5AA shows an exploded view of the valve of the blood pressure monitor. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a blood pressure monitor assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows another perspective view of the blood pressure monitor assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C shows a side view of the sphygmomanometer assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D shows an enlarged view of a portion of the sphygmomanometer assembly shown in FIG. 6C. [Figure 6E] FIG. 6E shows an exploded view of the sphygmomanometer assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6F] FIG. 6F shows a perspective view of the blood pressure monitor assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6G] FIG. 6G shows a perspective view of the blood pressure monitor assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6H] FIG. 6H shows a perspective view of the blood pressure monitor assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6I] FIG. 6I shows a perspective view of the blood pressure monitor assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6J] FIG. 6J shows a top view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6F to 6I. [Figure 6K] FIG. 6K shows a bottom view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6F to 6I. [Figure 6L] FIG. 6L shows a side view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6F to 6I. [Figure 6M] FIG. 6M shows another side view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6F to 6I. [Figure 6N] FIG. 6N shows a front view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6F to 6I. [Figure 6O] FIG. 6O shows a rear view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6F to 6I. [Figure 6P] FIG. 6P shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6F to 6I shown in FIG. 6F. [Figure 6Q] FIG. 6Q shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6F to 6I shown in FIG. 6H. [Figure 6R] FIG. 6R shows an enlarged view of a portion of the housing of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6F to 6I shown in FIG. 6M. [Figure 6S] FIG. 6S shows a perspective view of the cradle of the assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6T] FIG. 6T shows a perspective view of the cradle of the assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6U] FIG. 6U shows a top view of the cradle of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6S to 6T. [Figure 6V] FIG. 6V shows a bottom view of the cradle of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6S to 6T. [Figure 6W] FIG. 6W shows a side view of the cradle of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6S to 6T. [Figure 6X] FIG. 6X shows another side view of the cradle of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 6S to 6T. [Figure 6Y] FIG. 6Y shows a front view of the cradle of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6S to 6T. [Figure 6Z] FIG. 6Z shows a rear view of the cradle of the blood pressure monitor of FIGS. 6S to 6T. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a sphygmomanometer assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of the blood pressure monitor assembly of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of the blood pressure monitor assembly of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D shows a top view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 7B to 7C. [Figure 7E] FIG. 7E shows a bottom view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 7B to 7C. [Figure 7F] FIG. 7F shows a side view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 7B to 7C. [Figure 7G] FIG. 7G shows another side view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 7B to 7C. [Figure 7H] FIG. 7H shows a front view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 7B to 7C. [Figure 7I] FIG. 7I shows a rear view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 7B to 7C. [Figure 7J] FIG. 7J shows an enlarged view of a portion of the blood pressure monitor diagram shown in FIG. 7G. [Figure 7K] FIG. 7K illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sphygmomanometer of FIGS. 7B to 7C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7L] FIG. 7L shows an enlarged perspective view of the cross section shown in FIG. 7K according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7M] FIG. 7M shows another enlarged perspective view of the cross section shown in FIG. 7K according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7N] FIG. 7N shows a perspective view of the cradle of the assembly of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7O] FIG. 7O shows a perspective view of the cradle of the assembly of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7P] FIG. 7P shows a top view of the cradle of FIGS. 7N to 7O. [Figure 7Q] FIG. 7Q shows a bottom view of the cradle of FIGS. 7N to 7O. [Figure 7R] FIG. 7R shows a side view of the cradle of FIGS. 7N to 7O. [Figure 7S] FIG. 7S shows another side view of the cradle of FIGS. 7N to 7O. [Figure 7T] FIG. 7T shows a front view of the cradle of FIGS. 7N to 7O. [Figure 7U] FIG. 7U shows a rear view of the cradle of FIGS. 7N to 7O. [Figure 7V] FIG. 7V illustrates the cradle of FIGS. 7N-7O connected to an exemplary blood pressure cuff according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a patient monitor assembly with cables connected, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B shows another perspective view of the patient monitor assembly of FIG. 8A without the cables connected. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C shows an exploded view of the patient monitor assembly of FIG. 8B. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D shows a top view of the patient monitor assembly of FIG. 8B. [Figure 8E] FIG. 8E shows a bottom view of the patient monitor of FIG. 8D. [Figure 8F] FIG. 8F shows a side view of the patient monitor of FIG. 8D. [Figure 8G] FIG. 8G shows another side view of the patient monitor of FIG. 8D. [Figure 8H] FIG. 8H shows a front view of the patient monitor of FIG. 8D. [Figure 8I] FIG. 8I shows a rear view of the patient monitor of FIG. 8D. [Figure 8J] FIG. 8J shows a perspective view of the cradle of the assembly of FIG. 8B. [Figure 8K] FIG. 8K shows a top view of the cradle of FIG. 8J. [Figure 8L] FIG. 8L shows a bottom view of the cradle of FIG. 8J. [Figure 8M] FIG. 8M shows a side view of the cradle of FIG. 8J. [Figure 8N] FIG. 8N shows another side view of the cradle of FIG. 8J. [Figure 8O] FIG. 8O shows a front view of the cradle of FIG. 8J. [Figure 8P] FIG. 8P shows a rear view of the cradle of FIG. 8J. [Figure 8Q] FIG. 8Q shows an enlarged view of a portion of the patient monitor shown in FIG. 8G. [Figure 8R]FIG. 8R illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the patient monitor shown in FIG. 8Q with portions removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8S] FIG. 8S shows an enlarged perspective view of the patient monitor shown in FIG. 8Q with portions removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8T] FIG. 8T shows a top view of the enlarged view of FIG. 8R. [Figure 8U] FIG. 8U shows a perspective view of a locking tab assembly of a patient monitor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8V] FIG. 8V shows a bottom view of the locking tab assembly of FIG. 8U. [Figure 9A] 9A-9C show various views of cable management prongs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 9A and 9B show various views of cable management prongs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] 9A-9C show various views of cable management prongs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of a charging station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B shows a top view of the charging station of FIG. 10A. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C shows a bottom view of the charging station of FIG. 10A. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10D shows a side view of the charging station of FIG. 10A. [Figure 10E] FIG. 10E shows a front view of the charging station of FIG. 10A. [Figure 10F] FIG. 10F shows a rear view of the charging station of FIG. 10A. [Figure 10G] FIG. 10G shows a top perspective view of the frame of the charging station of FIG. 10A. [Figure 10H] FIG. 10H shows another top perspective view of the frame of FIG. 10G. [Figure 10I] FIG. 10I shows a bottom perspective view of the frame of FIG. 10G. [Figure 10J] FIG. 10J shows an exploded view of the frame of FIG. 10G. [Figure 10K] FIG. 10K shows another exploded view of the frame of FIG. 10G. [Figure 10L] FIG. 10L shows a cross section through a portion of the frame of FIG. 10G. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of a charging cradle with two patient monitors placed therein, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B shows a perspective view of a charging cradle with two patient monitors placed therein, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C shows a perspective view of a medical monitoring hub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11D] FIG. 11D illustrates a perspective view of the charging cradle of FIGS. 11A-11B without two patient monitors disposed therein, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11E] FIG. 11E illustrates a perspective view of the charging cradle of FIGS. 11A-11B without two patient monitors placed therein, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11F] FIG. 11F shows a bottom view of the charging cradle of FIGS. 11D to 11E. [Figure 11G] FIG. 11G shows a top view of the charging cradle of FIGS. 11D to 11E. [Figure 11H] FIG. 11H shows an exploded perspective view of the charging cradle of FIGS. 11D to 11E. [Figure 11I] FIG. 11I shows another exploded perspective view of the charging cradle of FIGS. 11D to 11E. [Figure 11J] FIG. 11J shows a perspective view of the tray of the charging cradle of FIGS. 11D to 11E. [Figure 11K] FIG. 11K shows a front view of the tray of FIG. 11J. [Figure 11L] FIG. 11L shows an enlarged view of a portion of the charging cradle of FIG. 11H according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11M] FIG. 11M shows a side view of the charging cradle of FIGS. 11D-11E according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and further illustrates the rotational ability of the tray of the charging cradle. [Figure 11N] FIG. 11N illustrates a side view of the charging cradle of FIGS. 11D-11E according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, further illustrating the rotational ability of the tray of the charging cradle. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a non-invasive blood pressure monitor. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A shows an exemplary embodiment of an acoustic filter that can be provided in a sphygmomanometer. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B shows another exemplary embodiment of an acoustic filter that can be provided in a sphygmomanometer. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment of an acoustic filter that may be provided in a sphygmomanometer. [Figure 13D] FIG. 13D illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of an acoustic filter that can be provided in a sphygmomanometer. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for using an air pump controller to improve the audible sound emitted by a non-invasive blood pressure monitor. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for reducing the time required for a non-invasive blood pressure monitor to perform a blood pressure measurement. [Figure 14C] FIG. 14C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method for dynamically controlling cuff inflation using a sphygmomanometer. [Figure 14D] FIG. 14D illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method for performing pump frequency relationship control in a sphygmomanometer with multiple air pumps. [Figure 14E] FIG. 14E illustrates how the target inflation rate of the blood pressure cuff can be adjusted during blood pressure measurement based on the envelope of the oscillometric signal generated by the sphygmomanometer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] This disclosure describes various devices, systems, and methods for monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a patient.

[0024] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that steps within a method may be performed in different order without altering the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, the devices, systems, and / or methods disclosed herein may include several novel features, no one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or essential to practicing the devices, systems, and / or methods disclosed herein.

[0025] (Patient monitoring system overview) This disclosure describes a patient monitoring system that can include a patient monitor (also referred to herein as a “user interface monitor” and a “vital signs monitor”) attached to a patient and one or more physiological sensors. The patient monitor can collect physiological data from various connected sensors and 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 a patient monitor remote from the patient. In some cases, the patient monitor can be a standalone unit capable of presenting a large amount of physiological information (e.g., via a screen) to a patient or caregiver. The patient monitoring system and / or its various components (e.g., sensors / devices) can minimize the total amount of cables within the system. For example, one or more sensors / devices of the patient monitoring system can be indirectly connected to the patient monitor through another one of the one or more sensors / devices in the system. For example, if the system includes an ECG device, a blood pressure monitor, and a patient monitor, the ECG device can be directly connected to the blood pressure monitor and indirectly connected to the patient monitor via a single cable connecting the blood pressure monitor and the patient monitor. Additionally, the sphygmomanometer may include a bypass feature that allows input data from the ECG device to be passed directly to an output cable connecting the sphygmomanometer to a patient monitor (e.g., without the input ECG device data being processed by the sphygmomanometer's processor). Such an "indirect" cable connection between the ECG device and the patient monitor may reduce the length of cable required, allowing for improved cable management of the overall patient monitoring system.

[0026] 1A-1B illustrate a patient monitoring system 100. The patient monitoring system 100 may include one or more physiological sensors attached to a patient 111. For example, the patient monitoring system 100 may include an acoustic sensor 150, an ECG device 110, a blood pressure monitor 600 (also referred to herein as a "blood pressure sensor" or "blood pressure device" or "blood pressure measuring device" or "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"). Additionally, additional sensors and / or devices other than those shown in FIGS. 1A-1B may be incorporated into the system 100. Any of the sensors / monitors 110, 120, 130, 140, and / or 150, the cables 103, 105, 107, 114, and / or the blood pressure cuff 121 may be reusable, disposable, or resposable. A resposable device can include a partially disposable and partially reusable device. For example, acoustic sensor 150 can include reusable electronics except for a disposable interface (such as an adhesive) that contacts the skin of patient 111. As another example, ECG device 110 can include reusable and disposable portions, as described in more detail below.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B , the ECG device 110 can have multiple cables 114 connected to the electrodes 112 and can be connected to the blood pressure monitor 120 via cable 105. Also shown, the blood pressure monitor 120 can be connected to the patient monitor 130 via cable 107. The system 100 can include additional sensors that can be connected to the patient monitor 130. For example, the system 100 can include an acoustic sensor 150 and / or an optical sensor 140 that can be connected to the patient monitor 130 using cables 103 and 109, respectively. The ECG device 110 can be secured to the chest of the patient 111. The blood pressure monitor 120 can be secured to the arm and / or a blood pressure cuff 121 that can be secured to the arm of the patient 111. The patient monitor 130 can be secured to the forearm of the patient 111, for example, via a securing strap 131 that can be secured around a portion of the patient monitor 130 and the forearm. The acoustic sensor 150 can be secured to the neck of the patient 111. The optical sensor 140 may be fixed to a finger of the patient 111, for example, the index finger of the patient 111.

[0028] The electrocardiograph (ECG) device 110 of the system 100 can be used to monitor the electrical activity of the heart of a patient 111. The ECG device 110 can include one or more cables 114 that can be coupled to one or more external electrodes 112. The device 110 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, or more cables 114 and / or corresponding electrodes 112. The ECG device 110 is further shown in Figures 2A through 2U and described in more detail below.

[0029] The blood pressure monitor 120 of the system 100 can be utilized in conjunction with a blood pressure cuff 121 to measure blood pressure data for the patient 111. The blood pressure cuff 121 (also referred to herein as the "cuff") can be inflatable and / or deflatable. The cuff 121 can be an oscillometric cuff that is electronically activated (e.g., via intelligent cuff inflation and / or based on regular time intervals) to obtain blood pressure information for the patient 111. Such blood pressure data can be transferred to the patient monitor 130 via cable 35. The blood pressure monitor 120 is further illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 5AA and described in more detail below. As discussed below, the blood pressure monitor 120 can have features and / or functions as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 12 through 14E.

[0030] 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, carbon monoxide, methemoglobin, total hemoglobin, glucose, protein, glucose, lipids, and percentages (e.g., concentrations or saturations) thereof. The optical sensor 140 may also be used to obtain a photoplethysmogram, plethysmogram variability metrics, pulse rate, blood perfusion metrics, and the like. Information such as oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate, plethysmogram waveform, perfusion index (PI), pleural variability index (PVI), methemoglobin (MetHb), carboxyhemoglobin (CoHb), total hemoglobin (tHb), glucose, and the like may be obtained from the optical sensor 140, and data related to such information may be transmitted to the patient monitor 130 via the cable 109. The optical sensor 140 may be, for example, a pulse oximeter.

[0031] The acoustic sensor 150 (also referred to as an "acoustic respiration sensor" or "respiration sensor") of the system 100 can include an acoustic transducer, such as a piezoelectric element. The acoustic sensor 150 can be connected to the patient monitor 130 via the cable 103. The acoustic sensor 150 can detect the patient's respiratory sounds and other biological sounds and provide signals reflective of these sounds to the patient monitor. The acoustic sensor 150 can be a piezoelectric sensor or the like that acquires physiological information reflective of one or more respiratory parameters of the patient 111. These parameters can include, for example, respiratory rate, inspiration time, expiration time, inspiration-to-expiration ratio, inspiration flow rate, expiration flow rate, tidal volume, volume, apnea duration, respiratory sounds, rales, rhonchi, stride, and changes in respiratory sounds, such as reductions in airflow and changes in airflow. Additionally, in some cases, the respiration sensor 150, or another lead (not shown) of the respiration sensor 150, can measure other biological sounds, such as heart rate (e.g., to aid in probe-off detection), heart sounds (e.g., S1, S2, S3, S4, and murmurs), and changes in heart sounds, such as normal to murmurs or split heart sounds indicative of fluid overload. In some implementations, a second acoustic respiration sensor can be provided on the chest of the patient 111 for additional heart sound detection.

[0032] The acoustic sensor 150 can be used to generate an excitation waveform that can be detected by the optical sensor 140 on a fingertip, an optical sensor attached to the patient's ear, the ECG device 110, or another acoustic sensor. The velocity of the excitation 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 can output and display the blood pressure measurement. The processor can also use the blood pressure measurement to determine whether to trigger the blood pressure cuff 121.

[0033] 1A-1B, patient monitoring system 100 includes various cables connecting physiological sensors to each other and / or to the patient. As discussed above, patient monitor 130 can advantageously connect to each of various sensors 110, 120, 140, and / or 150 to collect various physiological data from patient 111, process such data, and 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 can include one or more cables 114, cable 103 connected to acoustic sensor 150, cable 105 connected to ECG device 110, cable 107 connected to blood pressure monitor 120, and / or cable 109 connected to pulse oximeter 140. With all such sensors / devices in system 100 and all such cables connecting these sensors / devices, cable management can become a challenge. Advantageously, the system 100 and its various components (sensors / devices) can be oriented, structured, and / or designed to effectively manage the various cables.

[0034] For example, while it may be advantageous to transmit data from each of the various sensors to the patient monitor 130, such transmission may be provided indirectly via other sensors / devices in the system 100. As shown, if the system 100 includes an ECG device 110, a blood pressure monitor 120, and a patient monitor 130, instead of directly connecting the ECG device 110 to the patient monitor 130 (where such a cable may have to span or cross the gap between the chest and arm of the patient 111), the ECG device 110 may be directly connected to the blood pressure device 120, which may be secured to the upper arm of the patient 111, via a cable 105, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. Furthermore, if the ECG device 110 is attached to the chest of the patient 111 and the patient monitor 130 is attached to the arm (e.g., the wrist or lower arm) of the patient 111, such an indirect connection may reduce the cable length. Reducing the length of the cables connecting the various sensors / devices can reduce or eliminate problems associated with cable connections, including discomfort or embarrassment to the patient being monitored, disruption to the patient's movements, and / or the caregiver's ability to interact with, engage with, assess, and / or treat the patient.

[0035] 1B shows system 100 as shown in FIG. 1A, but with system 100 on the opposite side of patient 111. Advantageously, the connection techniques discussed above with reference to FIG. 1A are equally applicable when system 100 is secured to the right side of patient 111. System 100 may include one or more cable management prongs (such as cable management prong 900, described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9A-9C). Cable management prongs may be secured to various portions of patient 111, and may also be secured to any portion of cables 103, 105, 107, and / or 109.

[0036] FIG. 1C shows a schematic diagram of the system 100. FIG. 1C also shows a schematic diagram of how the patient monitor 130 acquires information from one or more physiological sensors or monitors. The patient monitor 130 can connect (via cable or wirelessly) to one or more physiological sensors to acquire various physiological information about the monitored patient, as discussed above. The patient monitor 130 can be configured to store, process, transmit, transmit without processing, display, and / or display without processing the physiological information received from one or more physiological sensors of the system 100. The patient monitor 130 is a processing device and, as such, can include components necessary to perform the functions of a processing device. For example, the patient monitor 130 can include one or more processors (e.g., one, two, three, or four processors capable of dedicated processing of specific physiological parameters and / or physiological information from specific sensors / devices), memory devices, storage devices, input / output devices, and communication connections, all of which can be connected via one or more communication buses.

[0037] As shown, the patient monitoring system 100 may include an ECG device 110 and / or a blood pressure monitor 120. Also as shown, the ECG device 110 and / or the blood pressure monitor 120 may be connected to a patient monitor 130 and transmit physiological information to the patient monitor 130. Each of the ECG device 110 and / or the blood pressure monitor 120 may be directly connected to the patient monitor 130 via 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 130. For example, the ECG device 110 may be directly connected to the blood pressure monitor 120 (e.g., using cable 105), which may then be directly connected to the patient monitor 130 (e.g., using cable 107). As discussed above, such an "indirect" connection between the ECG device 110 and the patient monitor 130 may be beneficial, for example, when multiple physiological sensors / devices are attached to the patient 111 and cables are used to connect the various physiological sensors to each other or to the patient monitor 130. As discussed above, such an "indirect" connection may reduce the length and / or amount of cables in proximity to the monitored patient, thereby reducing patient discomfort and reducing potential "snagging" or cable dislodgement, and therefore, inter alia, enhancing the patient's athletic performance.

[0038] In some cases, cable 103 can be configured to connect to either a connector port on the sphygmomanometer 120 or a connector port on the patient monitor 130. Additionally or alternatively, cable 105 can be configured to connect to either a connector port on the sphygmomanometer 120 or a connector port on the patient monitor 130. Advantageously, this can provide flexibility for connections to a system 100 that does not include a sphygmomanometer 120. Furthermore, in some cases, sphygmomanometer 120 includes one or more connector ports at its end. This can further allow for shorter cable lengths between the sphygmomanometer 120 and the ECG device 110 and / or acoustic sensor 150 when system 100 is secured to the patient 111 in the configuration shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. Cables 103, 105, and 107 can include identical connectors at their ends. For example, with reference to FIGS. 2C, 5A, and 8A, connector ends 105a, 107a, and / or 103a of cables 105, 107, and / or 103 can be identical. The sphygmomanometer 120 and the patient monitor 130 may include one or more identical connector ports configured to electrically connect to one end of the connectors on such ends of the cables 103, 105, and 107. Advantageously, such a configuration allows the cables 103, 105, and / or 107 to be electrically connected to either the sphygmomanometer 120 or the patient monitor 130, providing flexibility in the configuration of the system 100. For example, such a configuration may provide flexibility as to which ECG device 110, the sphygmomanometer 120, the patient monitor 130, and / or the acoustic sensor to include and / or position. In one non-limiting example, the ECG device 110 is secured to the chest of the patient being monitored, the blood pressure monitor 120 is secured to the patient's arm (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., the index finger), and the patient monitor 130 is secured to a portion of the patient's arm (e.g., the patient's forearm).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1C , the ECG device 110 can be directly connected to the blood pressure monitor 120 via cable 105, and the blood pressure monitor 120 can be directly connected to the patient monitor 130 via cable 107. The blood pressure monitor 120 can include a bypass function that allows the physiological information received from the ECG device 110 to be passed to the patient monitor 130 without processing, storing, or otherwise altering it. The blood pressure monitor 120 can include, for example, a bypass bus configured to transmit the physiological information received from the ECG device 110 without processing it. Furthermore, the blood pressure monitor 120 can transmit physiological information obtained from its own measurement components along with the information received from the ECG device 110. Such transmission of the physiological information from the blood pressure monitor 120 can occur simultaneously or asynchronously with the transmission of the physiological information from the ECG device 110. Alternatively, the blood pressure monitor 120 can be configured to process or partially process the physiological information received from the ECG device 110 before transmitting it to the patient monitor 130 (e.g., via cable 107).

[0040] As discussed above, the patient monitoring system 100 may include sensors in addition to or as an alternative to the ECG device 110 and / or the blood pressure monitor 120. Such additional sensors may also be configured to connect directly or indirectly to the patient monitor 130. For example, the patient monitoring system 100 may include an acoustic sensor 150 connectable to the patient monitor 130 via cable 103 (or wirelessly). Additionally or alternatively, the patient monitoring system 100 may include an optical sensor 140 connectable to the patient monitor 130 via cable 109 (or wirelessly). Although the acoustic sensor 150 and the optical sensor 140 are shown connected to the patient monitor 130 independently of the ECG device 110 and the blood pressure monitor 120, one or both of the acoustic sensor 150 and the optical sensor 140 may be configured to alternatively connect to one of the ECG device 110 and the blood pressure monitor 120. For example, the acoustic sensor 150 may be connected directly to the blood pressure monitor 120 via cable 103 and indirectly to the patient monitor 130. For example, the system 100 may include an acoustic sensor 150 and a blood pressure monitor 120, but not an ECG device 110, and one end of the cable 105 may be connected to the blood pressure monitor 120 to which the ECG device 110 might otherwise be connected. The blood pressure monitor 120 may include a bypass bus configured to transmit physiological information received from the acoustic sensor 150 without processing it. Additionally, as described with respect to the ECG device 110 above, the blood pressure monitor 120 may transmit physiological information obtained from its own measurement components to the patient monitor 130 along with the information received from the acoustic sensor 150. The transmission of physiological information from the blood pressure monitor 120 may occur simultaneously with the transmission of physiological information from the acoustic sensor 150. Alternatively, the blood pressure monitor 120 may be configured to process or partially process the physiological information received from the acoustic sensor 150 before transmitting it. 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 it.Alternatively, the sphygmomanometer 120 may include multiple bypass buses, each dedicated to one of the ECG devices 110 and / or acoustic sensors 150. The sphygmomanometer 120 may include multiple connector ports and / or connectors configured to connect to one or more cables connecting the ECG devices 110 and / or acoustic sensors 150 to the sphygmomanometer 120.

[0041] The patient monitor 130 can be configured to transmit physiological information received from one or more of the ECG device 110, blood pressure monitor 120, acoustic sensor 150, and / or optical sensor 140 to an external patient monitor 160. The external patient monitor 160 can be, for example, a nurse's station, a clinician's device, a pager, a cell phone, a computer, a multi-patient monitoring system, a hospital or facility information system, etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other computer systems, servers, processing nodes, display devices, printers, and links can interact with and / or receive physiological information from the patient monitor 130.

[0042] 1D shows details of the patient monitoring system 100 and the patient monitor 130 in schematic form. As described above, the patient monitoring system 100 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, which are indirectly or directly connected to the patient monitor 130. The patient monitoring system 100 may also include one or more additional sensors 180, which may also be indirectly or directly connected to the patient monitor 130. 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 a sensor interface 132 of the patient monitor 130. The sensor interface 132 may pass the received physiological data to a processing and memory block 134. The processing and memory block 134 may include one or more processors configured to process the one or more ECG devices 110, the blood pressure monitor 120, the acoustic sensor 150, the optical sensor 140, and / or any additional sensors 180 into representations of physiological parameters. The processing and memory block 134 may include multiple independent processors for dedicated processing of data from different ones of the above physiological sensors. For example, the processing and memory block 134 may include a first processor dedicated to processing data from the ECG device 110 and / or the blood pressure monitor 120, a second processor dedicated to processing data from the acoustic sensor 150, and / or a third processor dedicated to processing data from the optical sensor 140. The processing and memory block 134 may include an instrument manager that can further process the received physiological parameters for display. The instrument manager may include a memory buffer for maintaining this 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, or the like. As discussed above, the patient monitor 130 may include a wireless transceiver 136.The wireless transceiver 136 can wirelessly transmit physiological information received from the physiological sensors and / or parameters from one or more processors and / or device managers. The wireless transceiver 136 can transmit the received physiological data to an external device (such as the external patient monitor 160) via a wireless protocol 170. The wireless protocol can be Wi-Fi (802.11x), Bluetooth, ZigBee, cellular, infrared, RFID, satellite transmission, proprietary protocols, or a combination thereof.

[0043] In some cases, one or more of the ECG devices 110, blood pressure monitor 120, acoustic sensor 150, and / or optical sensor 140 incorporated into the system 100 can receive power from the patient monitor 130. In some cases, one or more of the ECG devices 110, blood pressure monitor 120, acoustic sensor 150, and / or optical sensor 140 incorporated into the system 100 do not have an independent power source and rely on the patient monitor 130 for power to operate. For example, one or more of the ECG devices 110, blood pressure monitor 120, acoustic sensor 150, and / or optical sensor 140 incorporated into the system 100 can be configured to enter a non-operational mode when and / or until an indirect and / or direct electrical connection is not made with the patient monitor 130. As described further below, the patient monitor 130 can be configured to charge from an external power source, such as a charging station 1000 and / or a charging cradle 1100.

[0044] (Calculation of physiological parameters) One or more of the devices discussed above may enable independent determination of certain physiological data. In some cases, processed data from each device may be used for correlation or accuracy purposes. In some cases, processed data from multiple devices may be aggregated to determine a particular physiological condition. Additionally, in some cases, independent data sources may be used in determining an alert.

[0045] (cardiac parameters) Cardiac 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, cardiac activity determined from each sensor may be used to improve the accuracy of parameters related to cardiac activity. For example, parameters may be averaged from various sources. Furthermore, parameter deviations may be used to determine reliability. In some cases, a particular parameter derived from a particular system may be given higher priority than one derived from another system. For example, with respect to cardiac parameters, in some cases, the parameter derived from the ECG device 110 may have the highest priority. Thus, if there is a discrepancy between a parameter derived from the ECG device 110 and a parameter derived from the optical sensor 140, the parameter derived from the ECG device 110 may be used for further processing. In some cases, the parameter derived from the ECG device 110 may have a higher weight. Furthermore, in some cases, the cardiac parameter derived from the optical sensor 140 may have a higher priority than the cardiac parameter derived by the blood pressure monitor 120. Additionally, in some cases, parameters derived by the blood pressure monitor 120 may have a higher priority than parameters derived by the acoustic sensor 150. Cardiac parameters may include, for example, pulse rate or heart rate. Cardiac parameters may also include cardiac strain. In some cases, cardiac strain may be selected based on either parameters derived from the ECG device 110 or parameters derived from the optical sensor 140. Cardiac strain may be modulated by an oxygen saturation (SpO2) value derived from the optical sensor 140.

[0046] (breathing rate) In some cases, respiration rate measurements can be determined from three different sources: acoustic sensor 150, optical sensor 140, and ECG device 110 (e.g., impedance). A combined respiration rate can be determined from these three different sources. As described above with respect to cardiac parameters, respiration rates from independent sources can be averaged or weighted according to priority. In some examples, a respiration rate derived from acoustic sensor 150 has a higher priority than a respiration rate derived from the impedance of ECG device 110, which in turn may have a higher priority than a respiration rate derived from optical sensor 140. As discussed above, the priority can determine weights and alarm management conditions.

[0047] (ECG function) The collected ECG data can be used for ST / QT segment analysis, beat classification, and arrhythmia detection.

[0048] (temperature function) 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 detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0103874, filed October 12, 2017, entitled "System and Method for Patient Fall Detection," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The wireless sensor may be disposable. The wireless sensor may 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 may detect patient orientation, including temperature and fall detection, as described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0103874. When using both the ECG device 110 and a wireless sensor, the temperature reading from the additional sensor may have higher priority than the temperature reading from the ECG device 110 .

[0049] (Posture / Fall Source) In some cases, multiple devices may include accelerometers and / or gyroscopes to measure motion data. For example, the patient monitor 130, blood pressure monitor 120, ECG device 110, and the wireless sensors described above may all include accelerometers and / or gyroscopes. The wireless sensors may be connected to the patient monitor 130 via Bluetooth or an alternative wireless communication protocol. As discussed above, the functionality of the ECG device 110 and the wireless sensors may be combined into a single device. In some cases, the wireless sensors may be used alone when the ECG device 110 is unavailable or not required. Because these devices are positioned at various locations on the patient's body, accelerometer and gyroscope data may be used to determine the patient's overall orientation. For example, motion data from the patient monitor 130 may provide an indication of wrist movement. Motion data from the blood pressure monitor 120 may provide an indication of arm movement. Motion data from the ECG device 110 and the wireless sensors may provide motion data from the patient's chest and / or back. 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 movement data can provide information regarding the patient's posture.

[0050] (Alarm priority) In some cases, the priority of an alarm can be determined by interactions between devices. For example, when the sphygmomanometer 120 is measuring blood pressure, it can affect the readings from the optical sensor 140. Therefore, the alarm corresponding to the optical sensor 140 can be paused or muted while the sphygmomanometer 120 is measuring (inflating / deflating the cuff). In some examples, the following order can be used to prioritize alarms from highest to lowest priority: 1) lethal arrhythmia, 2) apnea, 3) SpO2, 4) cuff overpressure / time, 5) cardiac analysis, 6) heart rate, 7) respiratory rate, 8) NIBP, and 9) temperature.

[0051] (calibration) In some cases, features from the acoustic sensor 150 can be correlated with features derived from the sphygmomanometer 120, such as systolic, mean, and diastolic pressures. The correlation can be used for calibration purposes. Additionally, features from the waveforms derived from the optical sensor 140 and the ECG device 110 can be used to determine pulse arrival times. Pulse arrival times can be used to determine pulse transit times, which can also be obtained from the waveforms derived from the acoustic sensor 150. Based on these pulse parameters, an indication of blood pressure can be obtained, which can be calibrated periodically or over a specific period of time using blood pressure measurements obtained from the sphygmomanometer 120.

[0052] (ECG device) An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a widely accepted medical device that detects electronic impulses traveling through a patient's heart. It is an accepted non-invasive technique. It can often be used to detect problems or abnormal conditions that may be related to a patient's heart. Body temperature is also a widely accepted indicator of a patient's health. Too low or too high a body temperature can adversely affect a patient's metabolic rate and organ function, and can cause tissue damage. By collecting and monitoring a patient's ECG and temperature data, caregivers can detect and / or prevent adverse conditions such as infection, cardiac arrest, stroke, and other types of conditions.

[0053] FIG. 2A shows an ECG device 110 (also referred to herein as an “ECG sensor”). The ECG device 110 can be attached to various parts of a patient 111, such as the patient's chest, back, arm, leg, neck, head, or other part of the patient's body. FIGS. 1A-1B show the ECG device 110 attached to the patient's 111 chest. In FIGS. 1A-1B, 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 can be connected to connector port 516 of the blood pressure monitor 120. In some cases, connector 105a is the same as connector 107a of cable 107. In such cases, the ECG device 110 can be directly connected to the patient monitor 130 by connecting connector 105a to a connector port of the patient monitor 130, such as connector port 832 (FIG. 8I). This can advantageously provide flexibility in connecting the ECG device 110, for example, when a blood pressure monitor 120 is not included in the system 100. In some variations, the cable 105 is permanently secured to the ECG device 110 at the connector port 250 (see FIGS. 2A and 20-2P). For example, one end of the cable 105 can be permanently wired to a circuit board of the ECG device 110, in which case it cannot be removably secured like the connector 105a.

[0054] The ECG device 110 can detect electrical signals responsive to a 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 can be transmitted via wires or various wireless communication protocols to other patient monitoring systems and / or devices. For example, as discussed above, the ECG device 110 can interact with and / or be utilized in conjunction with devices / sensors 120, 130, 140, and / or 150.

[0055] The ECG device 110 may have the functionality and / or computational capabilities to calculate physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate, precise body temperature values, etc., among others) using raw physiological data (e.g., raw temperature data responsive to the patient's cardiac activity, raw ECG data, among others). In this regard, the ECG device 110 may transmit raw unprocessed electrical signals or physiological data and / or processed and calculated physiological parameters to other patient monitoring devices and / or systems (e.g., blood pressure meter 120 and / or patient monitor 130) as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0056] 2A-2D , the ECG device 110 may 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 may include a dock 204 (also referred to herein as a "base"), one or more external electrodes 112, and one or more cables 114. The one or more external electrodes 112 may be coupled to the dock 204 via the one or more cables 114. The coupling between the external electrodes 112 and the dock 204 is described in more detail below.

[0057] The external electrodes 112 can detect electrical signals from the patient 111 responsive to the patient's cardiac activity. The electrodes 112 can be positioned at various locations on the patient 111, including the chest, head, arms, wrists, legs, ankles, etc. The electrodes 112 can be coupled to one or more substrates that provide support and / or adhesion. For example, the electrodes 112 can include a substrate configured to removably secure the external electrodes 112 to the patient 111 (e.g., the patient's skin) to facilitate repositioning of the electrodes 112. The substrate can improve electrical conductivity between the external electrodes 112 and the patient 111. The substrate can be waterproof. The substrate can be, for example, a silicone adhesive. Each of the external electrodes 112 can include a design (e.g., a unique design) that can be used to provide instructions to a user or caregiver when placing and / or positioning the electrodes 112 on the patient's body, as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4E.

[0058] The electrical signals collected by the electrode 112 can be transmitted to the dock 204 via the cable 114. One end of the cable 114 can be coupled to the external electrode 112, and the other end of the cable 114 can be coupled to the dock 204. For example, the cable 114 can be soldered to the electrode 112 and / or to an electrical circuit (such as a flexible circuit 225 as described below) of the dock 204. The cable 114 can be flexible. The length of the cable 114 can be varied to provide caregivers with flexibility when placing the external electrode 112 in various positions on the patient 111. The length of the cable 114 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B is exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] 2C shows a perspective view of a reusable device 205. The reusable device 205 may include a hub 206 (also referred to herein as a "cover"), a cable 105, and / or a connector 105a. 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 105a. Additionally or alternatively, the hub 206 may transmit electrical signals wirelessly to other devices and / or systems. For example, the hub 206 may include a wireless transmitter or transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit electrical signals (e.g., signals related to a patient's temperature and / or cardiac activity) using different types of wireless communication technologies, such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, near-field communication (NFC®), etc. In some variations, the reusable device 205 does not include a cable or connector.

[0060] The hub 206 can be of various shapes and / or sizes. For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, the hub 206 can be rectangular in shape and / or have rounded ends and / or corners. The hub 206 can be shaped to mate with the dock 204. For example, the hub 206 can be sized and / or shaped to facilitate mechanical and / or electrical mating with the dock 204. The dock 204 is described in more detail below.

[0061] 2D shows a schematic diagram of an 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 can include a dock 204 coupled to one or more external electrodes 112 that detect and transmit electrical signals from the patient 111 via a cable 114. The dock 204 can receive electrical signals from the external electrodes 112 (e.g., via a flexible circuit 225) and transmit them to the reusable device 205. The external electrodes 112 can be positioned in various locations relative to where the dock 204 is positioned. For example, the dock 204 can be positioned near, adjacent to, and / or on the patient's heart, and the external electrodes 112 can be positioned in various locations on the patient's chest.

[0062] The external electrode 112 may include graphics or visualizations that can advantageously assist a caregiver in properly positioning and / or securing the electrode 112 to a patient's body part so as to collect accurate ECG data. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B and 4D , the external electrode 112 may include a label portion 112a that may indicate, for example, a name, number, or other identifier of a particular electrode 112 with reference to another electrode or multiple other electrodes 112 (see "RA," "V1," "V3," "LL" in FIG. 4D ). Also as shown, the external electrode 112 may include a placement indicator 112b that may indicate proper positioning and / or placement of a particular electrode 112 with reference to another electrode 112, multiple other electrodes 112, and / or dock 204 of the disposable portion 203 of the ECG device 110. For example, if the ECG device 110 includes four electrodes 112, each of the electrodes 112 may include a unique placement indicator 112b that graphically indicates the proper placement of the particular electrode 112 relative to each other electrode 112 of the disposable part 203 on the user's body (e.g., chest), the cable 114, and / or the dock 204. As another example, if the ECG device 110 includes two electrodes 112, each of the electrodes 112 may include a unique placement indicator 112b that graphically indicates the proper placement of the particular electrode 112 relative to the other electrodes 112 of the disposable part 203 on the user's body (e.g., chest), the cable 114, and / or the dock 204. The color of some of the unique placement indicators 112b may match the actual color of the cable 114 and / or electrode 112. In some variations, each unique placement indicator 112b may include a solid shape of the particular electrode and / or associated cable, and other electrodes and / or docks may be distinguished by including a dotted shape. In some variations, the shape of the particular electrode and / or associated cable within each unique placement indicator 112b has a color that matches the color of the associated cable 114. While depicting a body on the electrode 112, the body design is not limiting and can be sized and / or shaped in a variety of ways.Additionally, in place of a body, a square or other shape may be placed on the electrode 112 and the placement indicator 112b may be shown therein.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the graphics on the electrodes 112 (shown enlarged in FIG. 4D) can be oriented in a particular direction when coupled to the dock 204 by the cable 114. For example, as shown, the unique label portion 112a, body, and / or unique placement indicator 112b of each electrode can be oriented so that they are “upside down” when viewed as shown in these figures. For example, the unique label portion 112a, body, and / or unique placement indicator 112b of each electrode can be oriented so that the lower part of the body (e.g., the head) is closer to the dock 204 than the upper part of the body. And / or, as a result, when viewing the disposable portion 203 in a direction from the electrodes 112 toward the dock 204, the unique label portion 112a appears “upside down” (see FIG. 2B). Such an orientation and / or configuration can be advantageous when securing the disposable portion 203 to the packaging device 400, described below. For example, such an orientation and / or configuration allows a user (e.g., a caregiver) to conveniently visualize the order in which the electrodes 112 and / or dock 204 are properly positioned and / or secured to the patient's body when removing the electrodes 112 and / or dock 204 from the packaged device 400 (see FIG. 4B).

[0064] The disposable device 203 can include one or more external electrodes 112. For example, the disposable device 203 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more external electrodes 112. As shown in Figures 2A-2B, the disposable device 203 can include four external electrodes 112. As another example, the disposable device 203 can include two external electrodes 112.

[0065] The dock 204 of the disposable device 203 can include one or more internal electrodes 211. For example, the dock 204 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more internal electrodes 211. For example, as shown in Figures 2F-2G, the dock 204 can include two internal electrodes 211. As another example, the dock 204 can include one internal electrode 211. In some cases, one of the internal electrodes 211 is configured as a ground or reference electrode.

[0066] The total number of electrodes (including both external and internal electrodes) can be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 or more. For example, the disposable device 203 can include four external electrodes 112, four cables 114, and two internal electrodes 211. In another example, the disposable device 203 can include two external electrodes 112, two cables 114, and two internal electrodes 211. In another example, the disposable device 203 can include two external electrodes 112, two cables 114, and one internal electrode 211. In yet another example, the disposable device 203 can include four external electrodes 112, four cables 114, and no internal electrode 211. In yet another example, the disposable device 203 can include one external electrode 112, one cable 114, and one internal electrode 211. In yet another example, the disposable device 203 can include two external electrodes 112, two cables 114, and no internal electrodes 211. The number of external electrodes 112 coupled to the dock 204 of the disposable device 203 and the number of internal electrodes 211 housed within the dock 204 can vary in different examples of the disposable device 203 of the ECG device 110.

[0067] As mentioned above, FIG. 2D shows a schematic diagram 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 a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a static random access memory (SRAM), or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc. 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 the patient's body temperature and cardiac electrical activity. The data related to cardiac electrical activity may represent cardiac rhythm and / or activity. As described further below, the memory 208 may be utilized in combination with memory on the disposable device 203 to, among other things, enable verification of whether the disposable device 203 is a certified product. For example, the disposable device 203 may include a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, and / or DRAM that can be read by the reusable portion 205 to enable the reusable portion 205 to verify whether the disposable device 203 is a certified product.

[0068] As discussed above, the reusable device 205 can include a motion sensor 210. The motion sensor 210 can measure static (e.g., gravity) and / or dynamic acceleration forces (e.g., forces caused by movement or vibration of the motion sensor 210). By measuring one or both of the static and dynamic acceleration forces, the motion sensor 210 can be used to calculate the movement or relative position of the ECG device 110. The motion sensor 210 can be an AC-response accelerometer (e.g., a charge-mode piezoelectric accelerometer, a voltage-mode piezoelectric accelerometer), a DC-response accelerometer (e.g., a capacitive accelerometer, a piezoresistive accelerometer), a microelectromechanical 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 can measure acceleration in one, two, or three dimensions. Using the calculated position and movement data, a caregiver 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 movement of the ECG device 110 .

[0069] The motion sensor 210 may be and / or include a three-dimensional (3D) accelerometer. The motion sensor 210 may be and / or include an accelerometer similar to or identical to that described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 253,536, filed August 31, 2016, entitled "Patient-Worn Wireless Physiological Sensor" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,226,187), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As used herein, the term 3D accelerometer includes its broad meaning known to those skilled in the art. Measurements from the accelerometer may be used to determine the patient's orientation. The accelerometer may measure and output signals related to the patient's linear acceleration relative to gravity along three axes (e.g., three mutually orthogonal axes). For example, one axis, referred to as "roll," may correspond to a longitudinal axis extending of and / or through the patient's body (e.g., along the patient's length and / or height). Thus, the roll reference measurement can be used to determine whether the patient is in a prone (e.g., face down), supine (e.g., face up), or side-lying position. Another reference axis of the accelerometer is called "pitch." The pitch axis can correspond to a position around the patient's hips (e.g., an axis extending between and / or through the patient's hips). The pitch measurement can be used to determine whether the patient is sitting or lying down. A third reference axis of the accelerometer is called "yaw." The yaw axis can correspond to the horizontal plane on which the patient is located. When in bed, the patient can generally be supported by a surface structure that fixes the patient's orientation relative to the yaw axis. Thus, in certain embodiments, the yaw measurement is not used to determine the patient's orientation when in bed. The three axes along which the accelerometer can measure linear acceleration are called the "X," "Y," and "Z" axes. The accelerometer can provide acceleration information along three axes, 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 of which represents the acceleration measured along a particular axis. The output of the accelerometer may be an 8-bit, 12-bit, or other suitable sized output signal.The output of the accelerometer may be in analog or digital format and may be used to determine the position, orientation, and / or movement of a patient to which the ECG device 110 is attached.

[0070] Additionally or alternatively, the motion sensor 210 can be and / or include a gyroscope. The motion sensor 210 can be and / or include a gyroscope similar or identical to that described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 253,536, entitled "Patient-Worn Wireless Physiological Sensor," filed August 31, 2016 (now U.S. Patent No. 10,226,187), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The gyroscope can be a three-axis digital gyroscope with two degrees of angular resolution and one degree of sensor drift adjustment. The term three-axis gyroscope, as used herein, includes its broad meaning known to those skilled in the art. The gyroscope can provide outputs responsive to the sensed angular velocity of the ECG device 110 or a portion thereof (e.g., the dock 204) when attached to a patient about three orthogonal axes corresponding to measurements of pitch, yaw, and roll (see above). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other gyroscopes can be used in the ECG device 110 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the accelerometer and gyroscope can be integrated into a single hardware component that may be referred to as an inertial measurement unit (IMU). In some embodiments, the IMU also includes an embedded processor that handles, among other things, signal sampling, buffering, sensor calibration, and sensor fusion processing of the sensed inertial data. In other embodiments, these functions can be performed by a processor. 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 the complexity, power consumption, and cost of the ECG device 110, which may include or include disposable components as described elsewhere herein.

[0071] Incorporating the motion sensor 210 into the ECG device 120 can provide many advantages. For example, the ECG device 110 can be configured to stop collecting and / or transmitting physiological data when the motion sensor 210 detects patient movement above a threshold. As another example, when the motion sensor 210 detects patient movement above a threshold, the ECG device 110 stops collecting, processing, and / or transmitting physiological data responsive to the patient's cardiac activity and / or patient temperature data. As another example, when the motion sensor 210 detects patient acceleration and / or angular velocity above a threshold, the ECG device 110 stops collecting, processing, and / or transmitting physiological data responsive to the patient's cardiac activity and / or temperature data. This can advantageously reduce or prevent noisy, inaccurate, and / or spurious physiological data from being processed, transmitted, and / or relied upon (e.g., by caregivers assessing the patient's health status).

[0072] As discussed 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, six, or more temperature sensors 209. The temperature sensor 209 may measure the body temperature of the patient 111 at and / or near the location where the ECG device 110 is located. The temperature sensor 209 may measure the temperature of the patient 111's skin. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor 209 may measure the ambient temperature, e.g., the temperature outside the reusable device 205 and / or the temperature inside the reusable device 205 (e.g., 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 the 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 may be modified to facilitate thermal communication between the user's skin and the temperature sensor 209, as discussed in more detail below.

[0073] The processor 207 can receive raw temperature data from the temperature sensor 209. Additionally, the processor 207 can receive raw ECG data from the disposable device 203. For example, the processor 207 can receive raw ECG data from the disposable device 203 via contact between one or more electrical connectors of the reusable part 205 and one or more electrical connectors of the disposable part 203. As another example, the processor 207 can receive raw ECG data from the disposable device 203 via contact between the conductive strips 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 can perform data processing to calculate physiological parameters corresponding to the body temperature and / or ECG. The physiological parameters can be stored in the memory 208 or transmitted to a different sensor system, a patient monitoring system, etc. For example, the physiological parameters can be transmitted to the blood pressure monitor 120 and / or the patient monitor 130. The data stored in memory 208 may be stored for a predetermined time and, if ECG device 110 is connected (wired or wirelessly) to other, different sensor systems or patient monitoring systems or devices, may be transmitted to such other systems or devices. If desired, the raw temperature data and raw ECG data may be stored in memory 208 prior to data processing by processor 207. Processor 207 may periodically retrieve the raw temperature and / or ECG data and process and / or transmit the raw data in bulk. Alternatively, processor 207 may automatically (e.g., continuously) retrieve the raw data from memory 208 as it receives raw ECG and temperature data from memory 208.

[0074] 2E shows a top perspective view of the dock 204 of the disposable device 203. The dock 204 (also referred to herein as the "base") may include a 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.

[0075] The dock 204 of the disposable part 203 can include one or more mechanical connector portions configured to secure (e.g., removably secure) to one or more mechanical connector portions of the hub 206 of the reusable part 205. For example, the body 216 can include one or both of the mechanical connector portions 217 and 218. The mechanical connector portion 217 can be, for example, a clip 217 that can be configured to bend and / or flex. As described in detail below, the clip 217 can include a protrusion 240 that can extend in a direction toward the mechanical connector portion 218 (see FIG. 2H ). The mechanical connector portion 218 can extend outward from a portion of the body 216. For example, the mechanical connector portion 218 can extend above the height of the wall 255. The mechanical connector portion 218 can include one or more protrusions 241 that can extend in a direction toward the mechanical connector portion 217 (see FIG. 2H ). The mechanical connector portions 217, 218 can assist in coupling between the dock 204 and the hub 206. For example, the mechanical connector portions 217, 218 can engage with corresponding mechanical connector portions of the hub 206 to hold the hub 206 in place. For example, as discussed below, the mechanical connector portions 217, 218 can be removably secured within grooves 251, 252 of the hub 206. The interaction of the mechanical connector portions 217, 218 with the corresponding mechanical connector portions of the hub 206 can advantageously maintain electrical communication between the dock 204 and the hub 206. The dock 204 of the disposable part 203 can include one, two, three, or more mechanical connector portions, and / or the hub 206 can include one, two, three, or more mechanical connector portions.

[0076] Mechanical connector portions 217, 218 can extend upward from the outer edge of body 216 and / or adjacent or proximate wall 255, as shown in FIG. 2E. Mechanical connector portions 217, 218 can be positioned opposite one another (see FIGS. 2E and 2H). In some variations, dock 204 includes fewer than two mechanical connector portions or more than two mechanical connector portions. For example, in some variations, dock 204 includes only one of mechanical connector portions 217, 218.

[0077] The pin supports 219, 220 of the dock 204 of the disposable part 203 can support and / or operably position multiple electrical connectors of the disposable part 203. For example, the pin supports 219, 220 can support and / or operably position conductive strips 245, 244 of the flexible circuit 225 of the dock 204. The dock 204 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more pin supports 219 and / or 220. The pin supports 219, 220 can extend through openings or slits formed in the top surface of the body 216. For example, as described below, the body 216 can include an upper frame 224 having one or more slits 236 and a lower frame 227 that can include one or more pin supports 219, 220. When the body 216 is assembled, one or more pin supports 219, 220 can extend from the lower frame 227 through slits 236, 237 in the upper frame 224. The slits 236, 237 formed in the upper surface of the body 216 can be rectangular or approximately rectangular in shape. The pin supports 219, 220 can be arcuate and / or include an upward portion, an apex, and a downward portion. The upper portions of the pin supports 219, 220 can extend upward at a predetermined angle relative to and / or beyond the upper surface of the body 216 (e.g., the surface of the upper frame 224 and / or lower frame 227) at a predetermined location. The upper portions of the pin supports 219, 220 can terminate at an apex, from which the lower portions of the pin supports 219, 220 can extend downward toward the upper surface of the body 216 at another predetermined angle. Such a configuration of the pin supports 219, 220 allows them to act like a spring when a downward force is applied to the pin supports 219, 220. If desired, the pin supports 219, 220 may not have a downward portion. The pin supports 219, 220 may be flexible and / or resilient.

[0078] The pin supports 219 can correspond to and / or associate with electrical connectors on the disposable part 203. For example, the pin supports 219 can correspond to and / or associate with conductive strips 244 on the flexible circuit 225 (see FIGS. 2F and 2I) that carry electrical signals associated with one or more external electrodes 112 and / or one or more internal electrodes 211. For example, as shown in FIG. 2E, the dock 204 can have six pin supports 219 that operably position and / or support six conductive strips 244 on the flexible circuit 225 that can carry electrical signals from four external electrodes 112 (via cables 114) and two internal electrodes 211.

[0079] Similar to pin support 219, pin support 220 can correspond to and / or associate with an electrical connector on the disposable part 203. For example, pin support 220 can correspond to and / or associate with conductive strip 245 on flexible circuit 225 (see FIGS. 2F and 2I) that enables transmission of electrical signals and / or information between dock 204 and memory 208 of hub 206. Flexible circuit 225 can include and / or be coupled to memory (such as PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, and / or DRAM memory) on disposable part 203 configured to store information related to the disposable part 203. Conductive strip 245 on flexible circuit 225 can be coupled to such memory. Advantageously, pin support 220 can support and / or operably position conductive strip 245 to contact conductive pins (such as conductive pin 254) on hub 206, thereby enabling hub 206 to determine whether dock 204 is a certified product.

[0080] As discussed above, the dock 204 may include one or more openings 223 in a portion of the body 216 configured to allow portions of the cables 114 to enter the interior of the dock 204. The body 216 may include one or more openings 223 in the wall 255. The dock 204 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more openings 223. The openings 223 may be sized and / or shaped to receive portions of the cables 114 coupled to the external electrodes 112. The openings 223 may be formed in a side of the body 216. For example, as shown in FIG. 2E , the openings 223 may be formed in the front (or “end”) of the body 216. Alternatively, the openings 223 may be formed in different sides or portions of the body 216. The number of openings 223 corresponds to the number of external electrodes 112 and / or the number of cables 114 coupled to the dock 204. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B , the dock 204 of the disposable device 203 can include four external electrodes 112. In this regard, the dock 204 can include four openings 223 configured to receive four cables 114 coupled to the four external electrodes 112. While FIG. 2E depicts four openings 223, four cables 114, and four external electrodes 112, a different number of electrodes 112, openings 223, and / or cables 114 can be implemented as part of the disposable portion 203. The openings 223 can be sized to closely fit the cables 114. Such a configuration can be advantageous because it can make the dock 204 water-resistant and / or waterproof. Such a configuration can also help maintain the integrity of the connection between the cables 114 and the openings 223. For example, a tight fit between opening 223 and the portion of cable 114 can reduce the likelihood that the other end of cable 114 connected to flexible circuit 225 (e.g., conductive strip 243) will be inadvertently or intentionally pulled, causing the end of cable 114 to be severed.

[0081] 2F and 2G show exploded perspective views of the dock 204 of the disposable part 203. The dock 204 may include an upper frame 224, a flexible circuit 225, one or more internal electrodes 211, a lower frame 227, and one or more substrates (also referred to herein as "membranes") 228, 229, 230, 231, 242, and / or 239, each of which is described in detail below. Advantageously, the components shown in FIGS. 2F and 2G may be placed on top of each other without folding, thereby improving the efficiency of the manufacturing process for the ECG device 110. The upper and lower frames 224, 227 may together form and / or define the body 216, discussed above with reference to FIG. 2E. Additionally, the upper frame 224 may include the wall 255 discussed above.

[0082] The upper frame 224 can be coupled to the lower frame 227 such that the upper frame 224 sits on top of the lower frame 227. The upper frame 224 can include a recess 235 formed in an upper surface of the upper frame 224. The recess 235 can include an opening 238 (see FIGS. 2F-2G) formed in a lower portion of the recess 235.

[0083] The lower frame 227 can include an opening 232 and one or more openings 233. The openings 232 in the lower frame 227 can correspond to and / or align with the recesses 235 in the upper frame 224 when the upper frame 224 is positioned. In the lower frame 227, the openings 232 receive the recesses 235, which extend through and / or below the openings 232. As discussed below, this can advantageously position portions of the reusable device 205 and the temperature sensor 209a closer to the substrate 230, thereby increasing thermal communication between the user's skin and the temperature sensor 209a.

[0084] As discussed above, the dock 204 may include pin supports 219, 220. In Figure 2F, the pin supports 219, 220 may be formed on the lower frame 227. The upper frame 224 may include slits 236, 237 that may receive the pin supports 219, 220, respectively, of the lower frame 227. When the upper frame 224 is placed on the lower frame 227, the pin supports 219, 220 may extend through and / or over the slits 236, 237 of the upper frame 224.

[0085] The flexible circuit 225 can be disposed and / or positioned between the upper frame 224 and the lower frame 227 (see FIGS. 2F-2G). For example, the flexible circuit 225 can be sandwiched between the upper frame 224 and the lower frame 227 during assembly. The lower frame 227 can operably position the flexible circuit 225 and / or portions thereof to facilitate electrical communication between the flexible circuit 225 and the circuit board and / or flexible circuit of the reusable part 205 when the reusable part 205 is secured to the disposable part 203. For example, the pin supports 219 of the lower frame 227 can operably position the conductive strips 244 of the flexible circuit 225 such that the conductive strips 244 contact the conductor pins 253 of the reusable part 205 when the reusable part 205 and the disposable part 203 are mated. Additionally or alternatively, the pin supports 220 of the lower frame 227 may operatively position the conductive strips 245 of the flexible circuit 225 such that the conductive strips 245 contact the conductor pins 254 of the reusable part 205 when the reusable and disposable parts 205, 203 are mated. Such contact advantageously enables the flexible circuit 225 to transmit information and / or physiological data from the disposable device 203 to the reusable device 205. Further details of the flexible circuit 225 are provided below.

[0086] 2F, the internal electrode 211 can be at least partially disposed and / or positioned between the upper frame 224 and the lower frame 227. The internal electrode 211 can be removably coupled to the flexible circuit 225. The internal electrode 211 can be disposed within the opening 233, and the opening 233 can be sized to receive the internal electrode 211 (and / or a portion thereof).

[0087] As discussed above, the dock 204 (also referred to herein as the "base") of the disposable part 203 can include a laminate structure 221. For example, the dock 204 can include one or more of substrates 228, 229, 230, 231. The substrate 228 can include foam and can be configured to surround the upper and / or lower frames 224, 227 when the dock 204 is assembled. The substrate 228 can include an opening of a size and / or shape that matches the size and / or shape of the perimeter of the upper and / or lower frames 224, 227 (see FIGS. 2F through 2G).

[0088] The substrate 229 may include an adhesive material configured to secure the substrate 228 and / or the lower frame 227 to the substrate 230 and / or the 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, 229b. The opening 229a may be sized and / or shaped to allow the recess 235 and / or the housing 297 to contact a portion of the substrate 230 when the dock 204 is assembled and the hub 206 is mated with the dock 204. The opening 229b may be sized and / or shaped to allow the internal electrode 211 to contact the substrate 231, as described in more detail below.

[0089] The substrate 230 can be secured (e.g., glued) to the substrate 229, as discussed above. As shown, the substrate 230 can include openings 230a of a size and / or shape corresponding to the size and / or shape of the internal electrodes 211. The number of openings 230a can correspond to the number of internal electrodes 211. The openings 230a can be dimensioned to receive one or more internal electrodes 211. As discussed above, the openings 229a in the substrate 229 can be sized and / or shaped to allow the recess 235 and / or the housing 297 to contact a portion of the substrate 230 when the dock 204 is assembled and mated with the hub 206. Advantageously, the substrate 230 can include a thermally conductive material configured to provide thermal communication between the patient's skin and the housing 297. As also discussed above, the housing 297 can include a thermally conductive material and can house the temperature sensor 209a. The substrate 230 may include an electrically insulating material that may advantageously minimize or eliminate electrical interference between the patient's skin and portions of the dock 204 in areas other than the opening 234. The substrate 230 may be, for example, a polyethylene (PE) film.

[0090] The dock 204 may include one or more substrates that enhance electrical conductivity between the patient's skin and the internal electrodes 211. For example, the dock 204 may include one or more substrates 231, the number of which may correspond to the number of internal electrodes. The substrate 231 may be adhered to the substrate 230 (e.g., to the underside of the substrate 230). The substrate 231 may be adhered adjacent to, close to, and / or below the opening 230a of the substrate 230 so that the lower portion of the internal electrode 211 contacts and / or is secured to the substrate 231. For example, the substrate 231 may be shaped to cover the opening 230a when secured to the substrate 230. The substrate 231 may include an adhesive material. The substrate 231 may include a conductive material. The substrate 231 may include, for example, a hydrogel. The substrate 231 may be a hydrogel patch. The substrate 231 may have a smaller area than any or all of the other substrates 228, 229, 230, 242, and / or 239.

[0091] The substrate 242 may be the bottom layer of the dock 204 configured to contact a user's skin when the dock 204 is secured to the user. The substrate 242 may include a material configured to secure to a user's skin. For example, the substrate 242 may include a material configured to allow for removable securement of the dock 204 to a user's skin. Additionally or alternatively, the substrate 242 may be waterproof. The substrate 242 may include, for example, 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. Advantageously, the openings 242a may be spaced apart from one another, thereby separating the substrates 231. Such separation between the substrates 231 is important so that the two internal electrodes 211 (if both are included) are electrically isolated from one another and / or the two substrates 231 independently make electrical contact with the patient's skin. One or more openings 242a can be positioned relative to one or more substrates 231 so that when the dock 204 is assembled and secured to the user's skin, the substrate 231 and portions of the substrate 242 around the one or more openings 242a contact and are secured to the skin.

[0092] Substrate 239 can be a release liner configured to secure to one or more of the above substrates and further configured to be removed prior to securing dock 204 to a user. Substrate 239 can cover substrates 242 and / or 231. As shown in Figures 2F-2G, substrate 239 can include tabs 239a configured to assist in removing substrate 239 from one or more of the above substrates.

[0093] FIG. 2H shows a side view of the dock 204 of the disposable part 203. As discussed above, the dock 204 can include one or both of the mechanical connector portions 217, 218 that can be secured to the mechanical connector portions of the hub 206. The mechanical connector portions 217, 218 can include protrusions 240, 241, respectively. The protrusions 240, 241 can be located at the free (e.g., cantilevered) ends of the mechanical connector portions 217, 218, such as the ends opposite the ends that are connected to a portion of the dock 204 (e.g., the body 216). The protrusions 240, 241 can engage with protrusions 251 a, 252 a in grooves 251, 252 of the hub 206 (see FIGS. 2J to 2K) to removably secure the hub 206 to the dock 204. When the hub 206 is mated with the dock 204, the hub 206 can be at least partially disposed between the mechanical connector portions 217, 218. The engagement between the protrusions 240 , 241 and the protrusions 251 a , 252 a in the grooves 251 , 252 can prevent the hub 206 from moving horizontally and / or vertically while mated with the dock 204 .

[0094] 2H and 2J-2K, the hub 206 can include two protrusions 252a spaced apart from one another within the groove 252. The protrusions 252a can be tapered (FIG. 2J). The hub 206 can include a protrusion 251a extending across the width of the groove 252. The mechanical connector portion 217 can be a flexible clip. The mechanical connector portion 217 can have a non-linear cross-section (FIG. 2H). For example, the mechanical connector portion 217 can have an S-shape. As another example, the mechanical connector portion 217 can curve in multiple directions from the first end to the second end. Such a configuration advantageously allows the mechanical connector portion 217 to bend without breaking, particularly if the mechanical connector portion 217 is made of a rigid plastic material. The mechanical connector portion 217 may have one or more ribs 217a on its top plate that may assist a user in moving (e.g., bending) the mechanical connector portion 217 to disconnect a portion of the hub 206 from the dock 204.

[0095] FIG. 2I shows a top view of the flexible circuit 225. The flexible circuit 225 can include multiple conductive surfaces and / or strips. For example, the flexible circuit 225 can include conductor strips 243, 244, 245, and / or 246. The conductor strip 243 can be electrically connected to the cable 114, which itself electrically connects to the outer electrode 112. In this regard, the conductor strip 243 can receive an electrical signal from the outer electrode 112 via the cable 114. The cable 114 can be soldered to the corresponding conductive strip 243. The conductor strip 246 (also referred to herein as a "conductive ring") can be formed around and / or within the opening 247, as shown in FIG. 2I. The conductive ring 246 can contact the inner electrode 211 and receive an electrical signal from the inner electrode 211. The opening 247 receives the top of the internal electrode 211 and forms contact between the conductive strip 246 and the internal electrode 211 , thereby allowing the flexible circuit 225 to receive ECG data from the internal electrode 211 .

[0096] The conductive strip 245 can establish electrical communication between the dock 204 and the memory 208 of the reusable device 205. The conductive strip 245 of the flexible circuit 225 can be disposed adjacent to (e.g., on) the pin support 220. The pin support 220 supporting the conductive strip 245 can be oriented such that, when the hub 206 is mated with the dock 204, conductive pins 254 (see FIGS. 2L to 2M) of the hub 206 contact the conductive strip 245. The memory 208 of the reusable device 205 can be coupled to the conductive pins 254 such that contact between the conductive strip conductors 245 and the conductive pins 254 can transmit electrical signals and / or information from the disposable device 203 to the memory 208 of the reusable device 205. Advantageously, the conductive strip 245 can be utilized to enable verification of whether the disposable part 203 is a certified product. For example, when the reusable portion 205 electronically and / or mechanically mates with the disposable portion 203 and contact is made between the conductive strip 245 and the conductor pin 254, the reusable portion 205 can determine whether the disposable portion 203 is a certified product by analyzing information contained within the memory of the flexible circuit 225 of the disposable portion 203. As discussed above, the memory of the flexible circuit 225 can be PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, and / or DRAM memory configured to store information. Such a determination can prevent damage to the reusable device 205 that could occur if an uncertified product were secured thereto. Such a determination can additionally or alternatively ensure proper functioning of the reusable device 205.

[0097] In some cases, the memory of the flexible circuit 225 is encoded with information about the disposable portion 203, such as the number of external and / or internal electrodes 112, 211 included in the particular disposable portion 203. In such cases, the reusable portion 205 is electronically and / or mechanically coupled to the disposable portion 203 such that, upon contact being made between the conductive strip 245 and the conductor pins 254, the reusable portion 205 can determine such information and determine the particular measurement and / or processing scenario to implement. For example, in such cases, after determining the number of external and / or internal electrodes 112, 211 included in the particular disposable portion 203, the processor 207 of the reusable portion 205 can determine that a more or less complex and / or physiological evaluation needs to be performed regarding physiological parameters related to the patient's cardiac activity.

[0098] The conductive strip 244 can be in electronic communication with the conductive strips 243, 246 to receive electrocardiogram data from the external electrode 112 and the internal electrode 211. The conductive strip 244 of the flexible circuit 225 can be disposed on the pin support 219. The pin support 219 supporting the conductive strip 244 can be oriented so that the conductive pins 253 (see FIGS. 2L-2M) of the hub 206 can contact the conductive strip 244 when the hub 206 is mated with the dock 204. Contact between the conductive strip 244 and the conductive pins 253 enables electrical signals to be transmitted from the processor 207 of the reusable device 205 to the disposable device 203. The processor 207 of the reusable device 205 is coupled to the conductive pins 253 and can receive electrical signals from the disposable device 203 via the conductive strip 244. The number of conductive strips 244 can correspond to the total number of conductive strips 243, 246. Each of the conductor strips 243 and 246 may be associated with a different one of the conductor strips 244 of the flexible circuit 225 .

[0099] 2J through 2K show various perspective views of the hub 206 of the reusable portion 205. The hub 206 can include a cable exit (also referred to herein as an "output connector port") 250, one or more mechanical connector portions, among other components described in detail below. The one or more mechanical connector portions enable the reusable portion 205 to mate with the disposable portion 203. The one or more mechanical connector portions can be, for example, grooves 251 and 252. The grooves 251 and 252 can be formed on the same or different sides of the hub 206. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2J and 2K, the grooves 251 and 252 can be located on opposite ends of the hub 206. As discussed above, the grooves 251 and 252 can interact with the protrusions 240 and 241 of the mechanical connector portions 217 and 218, respectively, to releasably secure the dock 204 and the hub 206. Grooves 251, 252 can be sized and / or shaped to engage with protrusions 240, 241, respectively. As discussed above, grooves 251, 252 can include protrusions 251 a, 252 a that can engage with protrusions 240, 241. In some variations, mechanical connector portions 217, 218 can be secured in grooves 251, 252 with a snap fit.

[0100] The reusable part 205 can include one or more electrical connectors configured to connect to one or more electrical connectors of the disposable part 203 when secured together. For example, with reference to Figures 2L through 2N, the hub 206 can include one or more conductor pins 253, 254 disposed proximate to an underside of the hub 206 such that the conductor pins 253, 254 can contact the conductor strips 244, 245, respectively, when mated with the dock 204. Contact between the pins 253, 254 and the strips 244, 245 enables transmission of information and / or electrical signals from the disposable device 203 to the reusable device 205. As discussed above, contact between the conductor strip 244 and the conductor pin 253 enables transmission of electrical signals between the dock 204 and the processor 207 of the reusable device 205. Contact between the conductive strips 245 and the conductive pins 254 allows for the transmission of information between the memory of the dock 204 (eg, the memory of the flexible circuit 225 ) and the memory 208 of the reusable device 205 .

[0101] The reusable portion 205 can be configured so that the conductive pins 253, 254 do not contact a flat surface when the lower portion of the reusable portion 205 is placed on the flat surface. This advantageously minimizes the risk of the reusable portion 205, or portions thereof, being “shorted” and / or damaged when a high voltage is introduced to the flat surface. For example, when the defibrillator is used on a patient and the lower portion of the reusable portion 205 is placed on the patient's surface, the reusable portion 205 can be configured so that the conductive pins 253, 254 are spaced away from the surface. Referring to FIG. 2L , the hub 206, e.g., the lower frame 257 of the hub 206, can include one or more bumps 291, 293 that protrude outward from the surface of the hub 206. The one or more bumps 291, 293 can include cavities sized and / or shaped to receive portions of the conductive pins 253, 254. The number of bumps 291, 293 can correspond to the number of conductive pins 253, 254. For example, the hub 206 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more bumps 291 and / or 293. In some variations, the hub 206 includes a bump 293 that includes two cavities, each sized and / or shaped to receive a different one of the two conductive pins 253. In some variations, the height of the bumps 291, 293 (measured from the underside of the hub 206) is greater than the extension of the conductive pins 253, 254 through the cavities of the bumps 291, 293. This prevents the tips of the conductive pins 253, 254 from contacting the surface on which the reusable portion 206 is disposed. Additionally or alternatively, the hub 206 may include one or more stubs 295 extending outward from a lower surface of the hub 206 (e.g., a surface of the lower frame 257 of the hub 206). For example, the hub 206 may include one, two, three, four, or more stubs 295. As another example, the hub 206 may include two stubs 295 disposed outward of the plurality of bumps 291 (FIGS. 2L to 2M). The one or more stubs 295 may be aligned with one another along the lower surface of the hub 206.The one or more stubs 295 can have a height (measured from the underside of the hub 206) that is greater than the extension of the conductive pins 253, 254 beyond the underside of the hub. This can prevent the tips of the conductive pins 253, 254 from contacting the surface on which the reusable portion 206 is placed. Additionally or alternatively, as discussed below, the hub 206 can include a housing 297. The housing 297 can extend beyond the underside of the hub 206 a distance that is greater than the extension of the conductive pins 253, 254 beyond the underside. This can prevent the tips of the conductive 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 (e.g., a flat surface), the one or more stubs 295 and the housing 297 contact the surface, and the conductive pins 253, 254 do not contact the surface. The housing 297, stubs 295, bumps 291, 293, and / or other portions of the hub 206 may include materials that minimize or inhibit electrical conductivity. For example, the housing 297, stubs 295, bumps 291, 293, and / or other portions of the hub 206 may include boron nitride.

[0102] 2O through 2P show exploded perspective views of hub 206 of reusable device 205. Hub 206 (also referred to herein as a "cover") may include an upper frame 256 and a lower frame 257. Hub 206 may further include one or more resistors 258, a circuit board 259, conductive pins 253, 254, one or more temperature sensors 209a, 209b, 209c, 209d, a housing 297, a flexible circuit 299, and a cable exit 250. Bumps 291 and / or 293 of lower frame 257 may include cavities 263 and / or 264. Cavities 263, 264 may be sized and / or shaped to receive conductive pins 253 and 254, respectively. The cavities 263, 264 may be dimensioned and sized to form a watertight seal when the conductive pins 253, 254 are received by the cavities 263, 264.

[0103] The hub 206 may include a recess 261. The recess 261 may be formed, for example, in the lower frame 257. The recess 261 may be recessed from an upper surface of the lower frame 257 (FIG. 2O) and may extend outward (e.g., downward) from a lower surface of the lower frame 257 (FIG. 2P). The recess 261 may include an opening 260 formed at an end or bottom of the recess 261. The recess 261 may be shaped, sized, and / or positioned relative to the upper and / or lower surfaces of the hub 206 such that the recess 235 of the dock 204 (FIG. 2F) can receive the recess 261 when the dock 204 is mated to the hub 206. As described in more detail below, the recess 261 may receive a housing 297 that can house the temperature sensor 209a. As discussed below, the housing 297 can extend through at least a portion of the recess 235 of the dock 204 adjacent the recess 261 and the openings 258 and / or 232 so as to be able to contact the substrate 230.

[0104] 2Q shows an exploded view of a portion of the assembly shown in FIGS. 2O through 2P. As discussed above, the reusable portion 205 can include one or more temperature sensors 209 that can be used to measure the patient's body temperature (e.g., through the skin) and / or the ambient temperature inside or outside the reusable portion 205. For example, the hub 206 can include a temperature sensor 209a and one or more temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d. As shown, the temperature sensors 209a, 209b, 209c, and 209d can be coupled to a flexible circuit 299, which can be coupled to a circuit board 259. Thus, data from the one or more temperature sensors 209a, 209b, 209c, and 209d can be transmitted to the circuit board 259. The temperature sensor 209a can be positioned adjacent to and / or in close proximity to a different side of the circuit board 259 from the temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d. As shown, the temperature sensor 209a can be coupled to an end of the flexible circuit 299. The temperature sensor 209a can be configured to be positioned near the patient's skin when the reusable portion 205 is mated with the disposable portion 203. As discussed above, the hub 206 can include a housing 297. The housing 297 can be configured to receive the temperature sensor 209a. The temperature sensor 209a can be secured to a portion of the housing 297 with a pad 269. The pad 269 can be configured to adhere the temperature sensor 209a to a portion of the housing. The pad 269 can include a thermally conductive material.

[0105] As discussed elsewhere herein, the housing 297 can extend through a portion of the lower frame 257 and / or the dock 204 of the disposable part 203 and contact a substrate of the dock that can contact the patient's skin. In such a configuration, the housing 297 can provide thermal communication between the patient's skin and the temperature sensor 209a housed within the housing 297. The housing 297 can include a material that provides thermal conduction but minimizes or inhibits electrical conduction. This advantageously allows the housing 297 to facilitate thermal communication between the patient's skin and the temperature sensor 209a while simultaneously minimizing or eliminating damage and / or interference that may result from electrical interference. By way of example, the housing 297 can include a plastic coated with and / or containing boron nitride.

[0106] In addition to temperature sensor 209a, reusable portion 205 can include one or more of temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d. Temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d can be coupled to flexible circuit 299 and positioned remotely from temperature sensor 209a. One or more of temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d can be used to detect the temperature within the interior of reusable portion 205 (e.g., the interior of hub 206). For example, temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d can detect the temperature adjacent and / or proximate to circuit board 259 and / or resistor 258. In some cases, the temperature data measured by temperature sensor 209a can be affected by the temperature within the interior of reusable portion 205. Advantageously, by incorporating temperature sensor 209a with one or more temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d, processor 207 can more accurately determine the patient's core body temperature. For example, processor 207 can utilize temperature data from one or more of temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d to adjust the temperature data received from temperature sensor 209a to more accurately determine the patient's body temperature. When hub 206 includes two or more temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d, temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d can be spaced apart from one another to collect temperature data at various locations within hub 206.

[0107] The circuit board 259 may include a processor 207 and a memory 208. The circuit board 259 is operatively coupled to the external electrode 112, the internal electrode 211, and one or more temperature sensors 209a, 209b, 209c, 209d to receive electrocardiogram and temperature data. The hub 206 may include one or more resistors 258 coupled to the circuit board 259 and / or the conductive pins 253. The hub 206 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more resistors 258. The number of resistors 258 may correspond to the number of conductive pins 253 and / or the total number of external and internal electrodes 112, 211. The resistors 258 may be disposed between the circuit board 259 and the conductive pins 253. Resistor 258 can prevent or reduce damage to circuit board 259 (or other components of reusable device 205) from short circuits or arcs that may occur when high voltage is accidentally and / or suddenly introduced through conductive pins 253, for example, when reusable device 205 is placed on or near a patient during defibrillator use. For example, resistor 258 can be a high-capacity, low-resistance resistor that passes electrical signals associated with the user's heart's electrical activity but blocks high voltage from passing through circuit board 259 and / or other components of the reusable device. Resistor 258 can be soldered directly to circuit board 259 and / or conductive pins 253. In FIGS. 2O and 2Q, hub 206 can include one or more walls 268 configured to separate each of one or more resistors 258. For example, hub 206 can include one fewer wall 268 than the number of resistors 258. Wall 268 can advantageously isolate portions of resistors 258 from one another.

[0108] The reusable portion 205 can include a heat sink configured to transfer heat generated by the reusable portion 205 or portions thereof to an ambient environment outside the reusable portion 205, thereby facilitating temperature regulation within the reusable portion 205. For example, with reference to FIG. 2O , the hub 206 of the reusable portion 205 can include a heat sink 279 disposed on or near a top surface of the hub 206. The heat sink 279 can advantageously transfer heat generated by one or more circuit boards 259, flexible circuit 299, temperature sensors 209 a, 209 b, 209 c, 209 d, resistor 258, and / or other components to an ambient environment outside the hub 206. The heat sink 279 can be a metallic element.

[0109] FIG. 2R shows a top perspective view of the hub 206 and the dock 204, illustrating how the hub 206 and the dock 204 can be coupled (e.g., removably coupled). The dock 204 can be removably secured to the hub 206 via engagement between the mechanical connector portions 217, 218, 252, and 251, as discussed above. Securing the dock 204 and the hub 206 in this manner allows the conductive pins 253 and 254 (see FIGS. 2L through 2M) of the hub 206 to engage with the pin supports 219 and 220, respectively. As discussed above, the conductive strips 244 and 245 of the flexible circuit 225 can be supported by the pin supports 219 and 220. Thus, securing the dock 204 and the hub 206 in this manner allows the conductive strips 244 and 245 to contact the conductive pins 253 and 254 of the hub 206. Contact between the conductive strips 244, 245 and the conductor pins 253, 254 allows electrical signals and / or information to be transmitted from the dock 204 of the disposable device 203 to the hub 206 of the reusable device 205. Furthermore, when the dock 204 and hub 206 are so secured, the housing 297 (FIGS. 2L-2M) and the recess 235 can be aligned (FIG. 2R). The recess 235 can be sized and / or shaped to receive the housing 297 and / or the recess 261. When so secured, the housing 297 can be contacted with one of the substrates of the laminate structure 221, as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0110] 2S shows a cross-sectional view of the ECG device 110 placed on a patient, illustrating the relative position of the temperature sensor 209a with respect to the patient's skin. FIG. 2S shows, among other things, the circuit board 259, the flexible circuit 299, the recess 261, the housing 297, the pad 269, the temperature sensor 209a, and one or more optional temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d. As shown, the temperature sensor 209a may be secured and / or positioned on the bottom of the pad 269 and the housing 297. In this regard, the temperature sensor 209a may be in indirect contact with the patient's skin via one or more substrates of the pad 269, the housing 297, and the dock 204.

[0111] FIG. 2T shows a cross-sectional view of the ECG device 110 placed on a patient, illustrating the relative position of the internal electrode 211 with respect to the patient's skin. FIG. 2T shows, among other things, the internal electrode 211, the flexible circuit 225, the conductive strip 244, the pin support 219, the conductive pin 253, and the resistor 258. As shown, the conductive pin 253 can contact and / or depress the pin support 219 when the reusable and disposable parts 205 and 203 are mated. Also as shown, the internal electrode 211 can be in indirect contact with the patient's skin. For example, a substrate 231 can be positioned between the internal electrode 211 and the patient's skin. As discussed above, the substrate patch 231 can facilitate the transfer of electrical signals from the patient's heart to the internal electrode 211.

[0112] FIG. 2U shows a block diagram illustrating a method 270 for determining a patient's physiological parameters using the ECG device 110. In step 271, the reusable device 205 establishes a connection with the disposable device 203. This can occur when the reusable device is mechanically coupled to the disposable device. The connection between the reusable device 205 and the disposable device 203 can be established through contact between the conductive pins 253, 254 and the conductive strips 244, 245 supported by the pin supports 219, 220. The contact between the conductive pins 253, 254 and the conductive strips 244, 245 can occur when the hub 206 of the reusable device 205 is removably attached to the dock 204 of the disposable device 203. In step 272, the reusable device 205 can provide power to the disposable device 203. The power provided by the reusable device 205 can be supplied to the external and internal electrodes 112, 211 to collect electrocardiogram data. In some variations, the disposable part 203 does not include a power source and relies entirely on the reusable device 205 to collect electrocardiogram data.

[0113] 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 external electrodes 112 and / or the internal electrodes 211 can be transmitted to the reusable device 205. The raw ECG data can be transmitted via the flexible circuit 225 as discussed above. The raw ECG data can be transmitted from the disposable device 203 to the reusable device 205 automatically or manually in response to user input. The raw ECG data can be transmitted continuously or with a predetermined delay.

[0114] At step 276, the reusable device 205 can collect raw temperature data. The raw temperature data can be collected by temperature sensor 209a. The raw temperature data can be collected simultaneously or asynchronously from 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. The raw temperature data can be collected from temperature sensor 209a simultaneously or non-simultaneously with temperature data collected from one or more of temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d. As discussed above, the processor 207 of the reusable part 205 can determine the patient's temperature based on at least a comparison of the temperature data from temperature sensor 209a and one or more of temperature sensors 209b, 209c, and 209d.

[0115] A caregiver may be able to configure the ECG device 110 to determine which physiological data to collect in different situations. The ECG device 110 can be configured to collect and process temperature-related physiological data in certain predetermined situations. For example, the ECG device 110 can be configured to measure a patient's temperature when it detects an ECG signal associated with irregular cardiac activity and / or a physical condition. For example, the ECG device 110 can be configured to measure a patient's temperature when a variation 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 a patient when a temperature measurement exceeds or falls below a threshold that may indicate an abnormal condition. Other types of information associated with different patient parameters and / or conditions can be used to trigger the ECG device 110 to collect ECG and / or temperature data.

[0116] 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 may transmit the physiological parameters to other patient monitoring systems and / or devices via wires or various wireless communication protocols.

[0117] In some variations, the ECG device 110 is waterproof or water resistant. For example, the reusable device 205 and / or the disposable device 203 can be configured to prevent water from entering the reusable device 205 and / or the disposable device 203 when secured together. This can minimize or prevent damage to the reusable device 205 and / or the disposable device 203 and / or their components (such as the temperature sensor 209, the internal electrode 211, and / or the circuit board 259).

[0118] The division of the ECG device 110 into separable reusable and disposable portions 205, 203 provides many advantages over conventional ECG devices. For example, such division allows one portion of the ECG device 110 (e.g., the reusable portion 205) to be reused after use of the device 200 with a given patient, and allows another portion of the device 200 (e.g., the disposable portion 203) to be disposed of after such use. As discussed above, by removably securing to the disposable portion 203, the reusable portion 205 can avoid contact with any part of the patient during use. The disposable portion 203 can be secured to the patient and provide a platform to which the reusable portion 205 can be attached. Such a division allows more expensive and / or fragile components, such as circuit board 259, flexible circuit 299, and temperature sensors 209a, 209b, 209c, and 209d, among others, to be housed within reusable portion 205, while less expensive and / or more durable components (such as electrodes 112, cable 114, laminate structure 221, and dock 204, among others) are housed within disposable portion 203. This division allows disposable portion 203 to be secured to the patient independently of reusable portion 205. This can be advantageous when reusable portion 205 is connected to other physiological monitoring devices (such as blood pressure cuff 120 and / or patient monitor 130 via cable 105) and securing reusable portion 205 and disposable portion 203 to the patient simultaneously may be difficult (e.g., due to the presence of various cables in the patient's environment). In such circumstances, such separation allows a caregiver to secure the disposable portion 203 (e.g., electrodes 112 and dock 204) to the patient, and following such securement, the caregiver can secure the reusable portion 205 to the 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, the disposable portion 203 does not collect electrical signals responsive to the patient's cardiac activity until the reusable portion 205 is secured to the disposable portion 203.

[0119] FIG. 3A illustrates another embodiment of an ECG device 310 (also referred to herein as an “ECG sensor”). The ECG device 310 can be attached to different parts of the patient 111, such as the patient's chest, back, arm, leg, neck, head, or other part 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 can be transmitted to other monitoring systems or devices via wires or various wireless communication protocols. For example, as discussed above, the ECG device 310 can interact with various other physiological devices and / or systems, such as a blood pressure monitor (e.g., sphygmomanometer 120) and / or patient monitor 120 discussed herein. All portions of the above description referring to the ECG device 110 and FIGS. 1A-1D can apply to the ECG device 310.

[0120] The ECG device 310 may have the functionality and / or computational capabilities to calculate physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate, precise body temperature values, etc., among others) using raw physiological data (e.g., raw temperature data responsive to the patient's cardiac activity, raw ECG data, among others). In this regard, the ECG device 310 may transmit raw, unprocessed electrical signals or physiological data and / or processed and calculated physiological parameters to other patient monitoring devices and / or systems (e.g., blood pressure meter 120 and / or patient monitor 130) as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0121] 3A-3D , an ECG device 310 may 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”). The disposable portion 303 may include a dock 304 (also referred to herein as a “base”), one or more external electrodes 312, and one or more cables 314. The one or more external electrodes 312 may be coupled to the dock 304 via the one or more cables 314. The one or more external electrodes 312 and / or cables 314 may be identical to the one or more external electrodes 112 and / or cables 114 described with respect to the ECG device 110. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components will not be repeated.

[0122] 3C shows a perspective view of a reusable device 305. The reusable device 305 may include a hub 306 (also referred to herein as a "cover"), a cable 105, and / or a connector 105a. 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 105a. Additionally or alternatively, the hub 306 may transmit electrical signals wirelessly to other devices and / or systems. For example, the hub 306 may include a wireless transmitter or transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit electrical signals (e.g., signals related to a patient's temperature and / or cardiac activity) using different types of wireless communication technologies, such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, near-field communication (NFC®), etc. In some variations, the reusable device 305 does not include a cable or connector.

[0123] The hub 306 can be of various shapes and / or sizes. For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the hub 306 can be rectangular in shape and / or have rounded edges and / or corners. The hub 306 can be shaped to mate with the dock 304. For example, the hub 306 can be sized and / or shaped to facilitate mechanical and / or electrical mating with the dock 304. The mating of the hub 306 with the dock 304 is described in more detail below.

[0124] 3D shows a schematic diagram of an ECG device 310. As discussed above, the ECG device 310 can include a disposable device 303 and a reusable device 305. The disposable device 303 can connect to one or more external electrodes 312 and detect and transmit electrical signals from the patient 111 via a cable 314. The dock 304 can receive electrical signals from the external electrodes 312 (e.g., via a flexible circuit 325) and then transmit them to the reusable device 305. The external electrodes 312 can be positioned in various locations relative to where the dock 304 is positioned. For example, the dock 304 can be positioned near, adjacent to, and / or on the patient's heart, and the external electrodes 312 can be positioned in various locations on the patient's chest.

[0125] The external electrodes 312 may be similar to or identical to the external electrodes 112 of the ECG device 110 and may be color-matched and / or include graphics or visualizations to advantageously assist a caregiver in properly positioning and / or securing the electrodes 312 to a patient's body part to collect accurate ECG data. Accordingly, the discussion above with reference to Figures 2A-2B and 4D and the ECG device 110 is equally applicable to the external electrodes 312 of the ECG device 310 and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0126] The disposable device 303 can include one or more external electrodes 312. For example, the disposable device 303 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more external electrodes 312. As shown in Figures 3A-3B, the disposable device 303 can include four external electrodes 312. As another example, the disposable device 303 can include two external electrodes 312.

[0127] The dock 304 of the disposable device 303 can include one or more internal electrodes 311. For example, the dock 304 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more internal electrodes 311. As another example, as shown in Figures 3F through 3G, the dock 304 can include two internal electrodes 311. As another example, the dock 304 can include one internal electrode 311.

[0128] The total number of electrodes (including both external and internal electrodes) can be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or more than 12 electrodes. For example, the disposable device 303 can include four external electrodes 312, four cables 314, and two internal electrodes 311; in another example, the disposable device 303 can include two external electrodes 312, two cables 314, and two internal electrodes 311; in another example, the disposable device 303 can include two external electrodes 312, two cables 314, and one internal electrode 311. In yet another example, the disposable device 303 can include four external electrodes 312, four cables 314, and no internal electrode 311. In yet another example, the disposable device 303 can include one external electrode 312, one cable 314, and one internal electrode 311. In yet another example, the disposable device 303 can include two external electrodes 312, two cables 314, and no internal electrode 311. Various combinations of internal and external electrodes 311, 312 are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The number of external electrodes 312 coupled to the dock 304 of the disposable device 303 and the number of internal electrodes 311 housed within the dock 304 can vary in various examples of the disposable device 303 of the ECG device 310.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 3D , the reusable device 305 of the ECG device 310 can include a processor 307, a memory 308, a temperature sensor 309, and / or a motion sensor 310. The memory 308 can be an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or the like. The memory 308 can store various types of physiological data (raw and / or processed) related to the patient 111. For example, the memory 308 can store raw and / or processed physiological data related to the patient's body temperature and cardiac electrical activity. The data related to cardiac electrical activity can represent cardiac rhythm and / or activity. As described further below, the memory 308 can be utilized in combination with memory on the disposable device 303 to, among other things, enable verification of whether the disposable device 303 is a certified product. For example, the disposable device 303 may include a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, and / or DRAM that can be read by the reusable portion 305 to enable the reusable portion 305 to verify whether the disposable device 303 is a certified product.

[0130] As discussed above, the reusable device 305 may include a motion sensor 310. The motion sensor 310 may be identical to the motion sensor 210 of the ECG device 110. Therefore, the discussion above regarding the motion sensor 110 of the ECG device 110 is equally applicable and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0131] As discussed above, the reusable device 305 may include a temperature sensor 309. The temperature sensor 309 may measure the body temperature of the patient 111 at and / or near the location where the ECG device 310 is located. The temperature sensor 309 may measure the temperature of the patient's 111 skin. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor 309 may measure the ambient temperature, e.g., the temperature outside the reusable device 305 and / or the temperature inside the reusable device 305 (e.g., at or near a circuit board of the reusable device 305). Temperature data collected from the patient 111 by the temperature sensor 309 may be used to determine the core body temperature of the patient 111. The temperature sensor 309 may be in electronic communication with the processor 307 and may transmit the 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 may be varied to facilitate thermal communication between the user's skin and the temperature sensor 309, as discussed in more detail below.

[0132] The processor 307 can receive raw temperature data from the temperature sensor 309. Additionally, the processor 307 can receive raw ECG data from the disposable device 303. For example, the processor 307 can 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 can receive raw ECG data from the disposable device 303 via contact between the conductive strips 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, the processor 307 can perform data processing to calculate physiological parameters corresponding to the body temperature and / or ECG. The physiological parameters can be stored in the memory 308 or transmitted to a different sensor system, a patient monitoring system, or the like. For example, the physiological parameters can be transmitted to the blood pressure monitor 120 and / or the patient monitor 130. The data stored in memory 308 may be stored for a predetermined period of time and then transmitted to other, different sensor systems or patient monitoring systems or devices if ECG device 310 is connected (wired or wirelessly) to such other systems or devices. If desired, raw temperature data and raw ECG data may be stored in memory 308 prior to data processing by processor 307. Processor 307 may periodically retrieve the raw temperature and / or ECG data and process and / or transmit the raw data in bulk. Alternatively, processor 307 may automatically (e.g., continuously) retrieve the raw data from memory 308 as it receives raw ECG and temperature data from memory 308.

[0133] 3E shows a top perspective view of the dock 304 of the disposable device 303. The dock 304 (also referred to herein as the "base") may include a body 316 and a laminate structure 321. The 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 the body 316, and an opening 323 in the wall 355. The wall 355 may extend along and / or around a portion of the body 316 and / or may have a height that varies along the length of the wall 355.

[0134] The dock 304 of the disposable part 303 can include one or more mechanical connector portions configured to secure (e.g., removably secure) to one or more mechanical connector portions of the hub 306 of the reusable part 305. For example, the body 316 can include one or both of the mechanical connector portions 317 and 318. The mechanical connector portion 317 can be, for example, a clip that can be configured to bend and / or flex. As described in more detail below, the clip 317 can include a protrusion 340 that can extend in a direction toward the mechanical connector portion 318 (see FIG. 3H ). The mechanical connector portion 318 can extend outward from a portion of the body 316. For example, the mechanical connector portion 318 can extend above the height of the wall 355. The mechanical connector portion 318 can include one or more protrusions 341 that can extend in a direction toward the mechanical connector portion 317 (see FIG. 3H ). The mechanical connector portions 317, 318 can assist in coupling between the dock 304 and the hub 306. For example, the mechanical connector portions 317, 318 can engage with corresponding mechanical connector portions of the hub 306 to hold the hub 306 in place. For example, as discussed below, the mechanical connector portions 317, 318 can be removably secured within grooves 351, 352 of the hub 306. The interaction of the mechanical connector portions 317, 318 with the corresponding mechanical connector portions of the hub 306 can advantageously maintain electrical communication between the dock 304 and the hub 306. The dock 304 of the disposable part 303 can include one, two, three, or four or more mechanical connector portions, and / or the hub 306 can include one, two, three, or four or more mechanical connector portions.

[0135] The mechanical connector portions 317, 318 can extend upward from the outer edge of the body 316 and / or adjacent or proximate to the wall 355, as shown in FIG. 3E. The mechanical connector portions 317, 318 can be positioned opposite each other (see FIGS. 3E and 3H). In some variations, the dock 304 includes fewer than two mechanical connector portions or more than two mechanical connector portions. For example, in some variations, the dock 304 includes only one of the mechanical connector portions 317, 318.

[0136] The pin supports 319, 320 of the dock 304 of the disposable part 303 can support and / or operably position multiple electrical connectors of the disposable part 303. For example, the pin supports 319, 320 can support and / or operably position conductive strips 344, 345 of the flexible circuit 325 of the dock 304. The pin supports 319, 320 can extend through openings or slits formed in the top surface of the body 316. For example, as described below, the body 316 can include an upper frame 324 having one or more slits 336 and / or openings 337, and a lower frame 327 that can include one or more pin supports 319, 320. The one or more pin supports 319, 320 can extend from the lower frame 327 through the slits 336 and openings 337 (respectively) in the upper frame 324 when the body 316 is assembled. The slits 336 and / or openings 337 formed in the upper surface of the body 316 can be rectangular or generally rectangular in shape. The pin supports 319, 320 can be arcuate and / or include an upward portion, an apex, and a downward portion. The upper portions of the pin supports 319, 320 can extend upward at a predetermined angle relative to and / or beyond the upper surface of the body 316 (e.g., the surface of the upper frame 324 and / or lower frame 327) at a predetermined location. The upper portions of the pin supports 319, 320 can terminate at an apex, from which the lower portions of the pin supports 319, 320 can extend downward toward the upper surface of the body 316 at another predetermined angle. Such a configuration of the pin supports 319, 320 allows them to function like a spring when a downward force is applied to the pin supports 319, 320. If desired, the pin supports 319, 320 may not have a downward portion. The pin supports 319, 320 may be flexible and / or resilient.

[0137] The pin supports 319 can correspond to and / or associate with electrical connectors on the disposable part 303. For example, the pin supports 319 can correspond to and / or associate with conductive strips 344 of the flexible circuit 325 (see FIGS. 3F and 3I) that carry electronic signals associated with one or more external electrodes 312 and / or one or more internal electrodes 311. For example, as shown in FIG. 3E, the dock 304 can have six pin supports 319 that operably position and / or support six conductive strips 344 of the flexible circuit 325 that carry electronic signals from four external electrodes 312 (via cables 314) and two internal electrodes 311.

[0138] Similar to pin support 319, pin support 320 can correspond to and / or associate with an electrical connector on the disposable part 303. For example, pin support 320 can correspond to and / or associate with conductive strip 345 on flexible circuit 325 (see FIGS. 3F and 3I) that enables transmission of electronic signals and / or information between dock 304 and memory 308 of hub 306. Flexible circuit 325 can include and / or be coupled to memory (such as PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, and / or DRAM memory) on disposable part 303 configured to store information related to the disposable part 303. Conductive strip 345 on flexible circuit 325 can be coupled to such memory. Advantageously, pin support 320 can support and / or operably position conductive strip 345 to contact conductive pins (such as conductive pin 354) on hub 306, thereby enabling hub 306 to determine whether dock 304 is a certified product.

[0139] As discussed above, the dock 304 may include one or more openings 323 in a portion of the body 316 configured to allow portions of the cables 314 to enter the interior of the dock 304. The body 316 may include one or more openings 323 in the wall 355. The dock 304 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more openings 323. The openings 323 may be sized and / or shaped to receive portions of the cables 314 coupled to the external electrodes 312. The openings 323 may be formed in a side of the body 316. For example, as shown in FIG. 3E , the openings 323 may be formed in the front (or “end”) of the body 316. Alternatively, the openings 323 may be formed in different sides or portions of the body 316. The number of openings 323 corresponds to the number of external electrodes 312 and / or the number of cables 314 coupled to the dock 304. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B , the dock 304 of the disposable device 303 can include four external electrodes 312. While FIG. 3E shows four openings 323, four cables 314, and four external electrodes 312, a different number of electrodes 312, openings 323, and / or cables 314 can be implemented in the disposable part 303. The openings 323 can be sized to closely fit the cables 314. Such a configuration can be advantageous because it can make the dock 304 water-resistant and / or waterproof. Additionally or alternatively, such a configuration can help maintain the integrity of the connection between the cables 314 and the openings 323. For example, a close fit between the openings 323 and the portion of the cable 314 can reduce the likelihood that the other end of the cable 314 connecting to the flexible circuit 325 (e.g., the conductive strip 343) will be inadvertently or intentionally pulled, resulting in the end of the cable 314 being severed.

[0140] 3F and 3G show exploded perspective views of the dock 304 of the disposable part 303. The dock 304 may include an upper frame 324, a flexible circuit 325, one or more internal electrodes 311, a substrate 328, a substrate 329, a lower frame 327, one or more adhesives 322, a substrate 330, and a substrate 331. Advantageously, the components shown in FIGS. 3F and 3G can be placed on top of each other without folding, thereby improving the efficiency of the manufacturing process for the ECG device 310. The upper and lower frames 324, 327 may together form and / or define the body 316, discussed above with reference to FIG. 3E. Additionally, the upper frame 324 may include a wall 355, also discussed above.

[0141] The upper frame 324 can be coupled to the lower frame 327 such that the upper frame 324 sits on top of the lower frame 327. The upper frame 324 can include a recess 335 formed in an upper surface of the upper frame 324. The recess 335 can include an opening 338 (see FIGS. 3F-3G) formed in a lower portion of the recess 335.

[0142] The lower frame 327 may include an opening 332 and one or more openings 333. The opening 332 in the lower frame 327 may correspond to and / or align with the recess 335 in the upper frame 324 when the upper frame 324 is positioned. In the lower frame 327, the opening 332 receives the recess 335, which extends through and / or below the opening 332. As discussed below, this has the advantage of allowing portions of the reusable device 305 and the temperature sensor 309 to be positioned closer to the substrates 330 and / or 331, thereby increasing thermal communication between the user's skin and the temperature sensor 309.

[0143] As discussed above, the dock 304 may include pin supports 319, 320. In Figure 3F, the pin supports 319, 320 may be formed on the lower frame 327. The upper frame 324 may include slits 336 and / or openings 337 that may receive the pin supports 319, 320, respectively, of the lower frame 327. When the upper frame 324 is positioned on top of the lower frame 327, the pin supports 319, 320 may extend through and / or over the slits 336 and / or openings 337 of the upper frame 324.

[0144] The flexible circuit 325 can be disposed and / or positioned between the upper frame 324 and the lower frame 327 (see FIGS. 3F-3G). For example, the flexible circuit 325 can be sandwiched between the upper frame 324 and the lower frame 327 during assembly. The lower frame 327 can operably position the flexible circuit 325 and / or portions thereof to facilitate electrical communication between the flexible circuit 325 and a circuit board or flexible circuit of the reusable part 305 when the reusable part 305 is secured to the disposable part 303. For example, the pin supports 319 of the lower frame 327 can operably position the conductive strips 344 of the flexible circuit 325 such that the conductive strips 344 contact the conductor pins 353 of the reusable part 305. Additionally or alternatively, the pin supports 320 of the lower frame 327 may operatively position the conductive strips 345 of the flexible circuit 325 such that the conductive strips 345 contact the conductor pins 354 of the reusable part 305 when the reusable part 205 and disposable part 303 are mated. Such contact enables the flexible circuit 325 to transmit information and / or physiological data between the disposable device 303 and the reusable device 305. Further details of the flexible circuit 325 are described below.

[0145] 3F, the inner electrode 311 can be at least partially disposed and / or positioned between the upper frame 324 and the lower frame 327. The inner electrode 311 can be removably coupled to the flexible circuit 325. The inner electrode 311 can be disposed within an opening 333, and the opening 333 can be sized to receive the inner electrode 311 (and / or a portion thereof).

[0146] As discussed above, the dock 304 of the disposable part 303 can include a laminated structure 321. Also, as discussed, the laminated structure 321 can include one or more substrates, such as substrates 328, 329, 330, and / or 331. For example, the substrate 328 can be a foam membrane or a ring configured to surround the upper and / or lower frames 324, 327 when the dock 304 is assembled. The substrate 328 can include openings of a size and / or shape that match the size and / or shape of the perimeter of the upper and / or lower frames 324, 327 (see FIGS. 3F through 3G). The substrates 329, 330, 331 can be made of materials that can provide thermal and / or electrical insulation, or conductivity. The substrates 328, 329, 330, 331 can be made of different materials or the same material. The substrates 329 and / or 330 can be, for example, polyethylene (PE) film.

[0147] 3F-3G, adhesive 322 can be applied to the underside of lower frame 327 to adhere lower frame 327 to substrate 330. Substrate 330 can be adhered to substrate 331. One or more openings 334 can be formed on substrate 330. Substrate 330 can include one, two, three, four, or more openings 334. The number of openings 334 can correspond to the number of internal electrodes 311. The openings 334 can be dimensioned to receive one or more internal electrodes 311. Substrate 330 can provide electrical isolation between dock 304 and patient 111, for example, in areas outside and / or surrounding openings 334. The openings 334 allow internal electrodes 311 to collect raw ECG data without the electrical impedance or isolation provided by substrate 330.

[0148] The substrate 331 may provide thermal and / or electrical conductivity between the dock 304 and the patient 11. The substrate 331 may be the only substrate between the internal electrode 311 and the patient 111. The openings 333 in the lower frame 327 and the openings 334 in the substrate 330 advantageously allow the internal electrode 311 to measure electrocardiogram data from the patient 111 without unwanted electrical resistance and / or impedance. The substrate 331 may include, for example, a hydrogel.

[0149] FIG. 3H shows a side view of the dock 304 of the disposable part 303. As discussed above, the dock 304 can include one or both of the mechanical connector portions 317, 318. The mechanical connector portions 317, 318 can include protrusions 340, 341, respectively. The protrusions 340, 341 can be located at the free (e.g., cantilevered) ends of the mechanical connector portions 317, 318, such as the ends opposite the ends connected to a portion of the dock 304 (e.g., the body 316). The protrusions 340, 341 can engage with grooves 352, 351 in the hub 306 (see FIGS. 3J to 3K) to removably secure the hub 306 to the dock 304. When the hub 306 is mated with the dock 304, the hub 306 can be at least partially disposed between the mechanical connector portions 317, 318. The engagement between the protrusions 340 , 341 and the grooves 352 , 351 can prevent the hub 306 from moving horizontally and / or vertically while mated with the dock 304 .

[0150] FIG. 3I shows a top view of the flexible circuit 325. The flexible circuit 325 can include multiple conductive surfaces and / or strips. For example, the flexible circuit 325 can include conductor strips 343, 344, 345, and / or 346. The conductor 343 can be electrically connected to a cable 314 that itself connects to the outer electrode 312. In this regard, the conductor strip 343 can receive an electrical signal from the outer electrode 312 via the cable 314. The cable 314 can be soldered to the corresponding conductive strip 343. The conductor strip 346 (also referred to herein as a "conductive ring") can be formed around and / or within the opening 347, as shown in FIG. 3I. The conductive ring 346 can contact the inner electrode 311 and receive an electrical signal from the inner electrode 311. The opening 347 receives the top of the internal electrode 311 and forms contact between the conductive strip 346 and the internal electrode 311 , thereby allowing the flexible circuit 325 to receive ECG data from the internal electrode 311 .

[0151] The conductive strip 345 can establish electrical communication between the dock 304 and the memory 308 of the reusable device 305. The conductive strip 345 of the flexible circuit 325 can be disposed adjacent to (e.g., on) the pin support 320. The pin support 320, which supports the conductive strip 345, can be oriented such that conductive pins 354 (see FIG. 3L) of the hub 306 contact the conductive strip 345 when the hub 306 is mated with the dock 304. The memory 308 of the reusable device 305 can be coupled to the conductive pins 354 such that contact between the conductive strip 345 and the conductive pins 354 can transmit electrical signals and / or information from the disposable device 303 to the memory 308 of the reusable device 305. Advantageously, the conductive strip 345 can be utilized to enable verification of whether the disposable part 303 is a certified product. For example, if the reusable portion 305 electronically and / or mechanically mates with the disposable portion 303 and contact is made between the conductive strip 345 and the conductor pin 354, the reusable portion 305 can determine whether the disposable portion 303 is a certified product by analyzing information contained within the memory of the flexible circuit 325 of the disposable portion 303. As discussed above, the memory of the flexible circuit 325 can be PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, and / or DRAM memory configured to store information. Such a determination can prevent damage to the reusable device 305 that could occur if an uncertified product were secured thereto. Such a determination can additionally or alternatively ensure proper functioning of the reusable device 305.

[0152] The conductive strip 344 can be in electronic communication with the conductive strips 343, 346 to receive electrocardiogram data from the external electrode 312 and the internal electrode 311. The conductive strip 344 of the flexible circuit 325 can be disposed on the pin support 319. The pin support 319 supporting the conductive strip 344 can be oriented so that the conductive pins 353 (see FIG. 3L) of the hub 306 can contact the conductive strip 344 when the hub 306 is mated with the dock 304. Contact between the conductive strip 344 and the conductive pins 353 enables transmission of electronic signals from the disposable device 303 to the processor 307 of the reusable device 305. The processor 307 of the reusable device 305 can couple to the conductive pins 353 and receive electronic signals from the disposable device 303 via the conductive strip 344. The number of conductive strips 344 can correspond to the total number of conductive strips 343, 346. Each of the conductor strips 343 and 346 may be associated with a different one of the conductor strips 344 of the flexible circuit 325 .

[0153] 3J through 3L show various perspective views of the hub 306 of the reusable portion 305. As shown, the hub 306 can include a cable exit (also referred to herein as an "output connector port") 350, one or more mechanical connector portions, among other components described in detail below. The one or more mechanical connector portions enable the reusable portion 305 to mate with the disposable portion 303. The one or more mechanical connector portions can be, for example, grooves 351 and 352. The grooves 351 and 352 can be formed on the same or different sides of the hub 306. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3J and 3K, the grooves 351 and 352 can be located on opposite ends of the hub 306. As discussed above, the grooves 351 and 352 can interact with protrusions 340 and 341, respectively, on the mechanical connector portions 317 and 318 to removably secure the dock 304 and the hub 306. Grooves 351, 352 can be sized and / or shaped to engage protrusions 340, 341, respectively. For example, mechanical connector portions 317, 318 can snap into and / or into grooves 351, 352 to engage protrusions 340, 341 with grooves 351, 352.

[0154] The reusable part 305 can include one or more electrical connectors configured to connect to one or more electrical connectors of the disposable part 303 when secured together. For example, referring to FIG. 3L , the hub 306 can include one or more conductor pins 353, 354 disposed proximate a lower surface of the hub 306 such that the conductor pins 353, 354 can contact the conductor strips 344, 345, respectively, when mated with the dock 304. Contact between the pins 353, 354 and the strips 344, 345 enables transmission of information and / or electrical signals from the disposable part 303 to the reusable part 305. As discussed above, contact between the conductor strip 344 and the conductor pin 353 enables transmission of electrical signals between the dock 304 and the processor 307 of the reusable part 305. Contact between the conductive strips 345 and the conductive pins 354 allows for the transmission of information between the memory of the dock 304 (eg, the memory of the flexible circuit 325 ) and the memory 308 of the reusable part 305 .

[0155] The hub 306 may include a recess 361. The recess 361 may be formed, for example, in the lower frame 357. The recess 361 may be recessed from the upper surface of the lower frame 357 ( FIGS. 3L and 3N ) and may extend outward (e.g., downward) from the lower surface of the lower frame 357. The recess 361 may include an opening 360 formed at an end or bottom of the recess 361. The recess 361 may be shaped, sized, and / or positioned in the lower surface of the hub 306 such that the recess 335 of the dock 304 ( FIG. 3E ) can receive the recess 361 when the dock 304 is coupled to the hub 306. The recess 361 may receive and / or house a temperature sensor 309. The temperature sensor 309 may be positioned at the bottom of the recess 361 and / or a predetermined distance from the opening 360. As described below, recess 361 can extend through an opening in dock 304 and contact substrate 330 and / or 331. Recess 361 in dock 304 can include a material that provides thermal conduction but minimizes or inhibits electrical conduction. This advantageously allows recess 361 to facilitate thermal communication between the patient's skin and temperature sensor 309 while simultaneously minimizing or eliminating damage and / or interference that may result from electrical interference. By way of example, recess 361 can include a plastic coated with and / or containing boron nitride.

[0156] 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 an upper frame 356 and a lower frame 357. The hub 306 may further include one or more resistors 358, a circuit board 359, conductive pins 353 and 354, a temperature sensor 309, and a cable exit 350. The lower frame 357 may include an opening 363 and / or an opening 364 (also referred to herein as a "cavity"). The openings 363, 364 extend through the lower frame 357 and may receive the conductive pins 353 and 354, respectively. The openings 363, 364 may be dimensioned and sized such that a watertight seal is formed when the conductive pins 353, 354 are received by the openings 363, 364.

[0157] The circuit board 359 may include a processor 307 and a memory 308. The circuit board 359 is operatively coupled to the external electrodes 312, the internal electrodes 311, and the temperature sensor 309 to receive electrocardiogram and temperature data. The hub 306 may include one or more resistors 358 coupled to the circuit board 359 and / or the conductive pins 353. The hub 306 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more resistors 358. The number of resistors 358 may correspond to the number of conductive pins 353 and / or the total number of external and internal electrodes 312, 311. The resistors 358 may be disposed between the circuit board 359 and the conductive pins 353. Resistor 358 can prevent or reduce damage to circuit board 359 (or other components of reusable device 305) from short circuits or arcs that may be caused when high voltage is accidentally and / or suddenly introduced through conductive pins 353, for example, when reusable device 305 is placed on or near a patient during defibrillator use. For example, resistor 358 can be a high-capacity, low-resistance resistor that passes electronic signals related to the electrical activity of a user's heart but blocks high voltage from passing through circuit board 359 and / or other components of the reusable device. Resistor 358 can be soldered directly to circuit board 359 and / or conductive pins 353. In FIG. 3M , hub 306 can include one or more walls 368 configured to separate each of one or more resistors 368.

[0158] FIG. 3O shows a top perspective view of the hub 306 and the dock 304, illustrating how the hub 306 and the dock 304 can be coupled (e.g., removably coupled). The dock 304 can be removably secured to the hub 306 via engagement between mechanical connector portions 317, 318, 352, and 351, as discussed above. Securing the dock 304 and the hub 306 in this manner allows the conductive pins 353 and 354 (see FIG. 3L) of the hub 306 to engage with the pin supports 319 and 320 (see FIG. 3E), respectively. As discussed above, the conductive strips 344 and 345 of the flexible circuit 325 can be supported by the pin supports 319 and 320. Thus, securing the dock 304 and the hub 306 in this manner allows the conductive strips 344 and 345 to contact the conductive pins 353 and 354 of the hub 306. Contact between the conductive strips 344, 345 and the conductor pins 353, 354 can transmit electronic signals and / or information from the dock 304 of the disposable device 303 to the hub 306 of the reusable device 305. Furthermore, when the dock 304 and hub 306 are so secured, the recess 335 and the recess 361 can be aligned (see FIGS. 3N-3O). The recess 335 can be sized and / or shaped to receive the recess 361. By aligning the opening 360 (see FIG. 3N) in the recess 361 and the opening 338 (see FIGS. 3F-3G) in the recess 335, the openings 360, 338 can define an open space and / or area below the temperature sensor 309. In such a configuration, the recess 261 can contact the substrate 334 when the reusable and disposable parts 305, 303 are mated. The openings 338, 360 can be aligned vertically, for example.

[0159] 3P and 3Q show cross-sectional views of an ECG device 310 placed on a patient's skin, showing the relative positions of the temperature sensor 309 and internal electrode 311, respectively, with respect to the patient's skin.

[0160] The temperature sensor 309 can be positioned a distance D1 from the outer surface of the patient's skin. Distance D1 can be equal to the distance between the bottom of the temperature sensor 309 and the underside of the substrate 331, for example. In this regard, the temperature sensor 309 may not be in direct contact with the patient's skin. The opening 360 in the recess 361 (see FIG. 3N) and the opening 338 in the recess 335 can enable the temperature sensor 309 to collect body temperature data from the patient.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 3Q, the internal electrode 311 can be positioned a distance D2 from the outer surface of the patient's skin. Distance D2 can be equal to the distance between the bottom of the internal electrode 311 and the underside of the substrate 331. In this regard, the internal electrode 311 is not in direct contact with the patient's skin. For example, the substrate 331 can be positioned between the internal electrode 311 and the patient's skin. The substrate 331 can include a conductive material that facilitates the transfer of electrical signals from the patient's heart to the internal electrode 311. The laminate structure 321 can include a release liner similar to or identical to the release liner 239 discussed above with reference to the ECG device 110 and FIGS. 2F-2G.

[0162] Distance D2 and distance D1 may be the same or different. For example, D2 may be smaller than D1. In another example, D2 may be larger than D1.

[0163] FIG. 3R shows a block diagram illustrating a method 370 for determining a patient's physiological parameters using an ECG device 310. In step 371, the reusable device 305 establishes a connection with the disposable device 303. This can occur when the reusable device is mechanically coupled to the disposable device. The connection between the reusable device 305 and the disposable device 303 can be established through contact between the conductive pins 353, 354 and the conductive strips 344, 345 supported by the pin supports 319, 320, as discussed above. Contact between the conductive pins 353, 354 and the conductive strips 344, 345 can occur when the hub 306 of the reusable device 305 is attached to the dock 304 of the disposable device 303. In step 372, the reusable device 305 can provide power to the disposable device 303. The power provided by the reusable device 305 can be supplied to the external and internal electrodes 312, 311 to collect electrocardiogram data. In some variations, the disposable portion 303 does not include a power source and relies entirely on the reusable device 305 to collect electrocardiogram data.

[0164] 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 external electrodes 312 and / or internal electrodes 311 can be transmitted to the reusable device 305. The raw ECG data can be transmitted via the flexible circuit 325 as discussed above. The raw ECG data can be transmitted from the disposable device 303 to the reusable device 305 automatically or manually in response to user input. The raw ECG data can be transmitted continuously or with a predetermined delay.

[0165] At step 376, the reusable device 305 may collect raw temperature data. The raw temperature data may be collected by the temperature sensor 309. The raw temperature data may be collected simultaneously or asynchronously from 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.

[0166] A caregiver may be able to configure the ECG device 310 to determine which physiological data to collect in different situations. The ECG device 310 can be configured to collect and process temperature-related physiological data in certain predetermined situations. For example, the ECG device 310 can be configured to measure a patient's temperature when it detects an ECG signal associated with irregular cardiac activity and / or a physical condition. For example, the ECG device 310 can be configured to measure a patient's temperature when a variation 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 a patient when a temperature measurement exceeds or falls below a threshold that may indicate an abnormal condition. Other types of information associated with different patient parameters and / or conditions can be used to trigger the ECG device 310 to collect ECG and / or temperature data.

[0167] At 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 may transmit the physiological parameters to other patient monitoring systems and / or devices via wires or various wireless communication protocols.

[0168] In some variations, the ECG device 310 is waterproof or water resistant. For example, the reusable device 305 and / or the disposable device 303 can be configured to prevent water from entering the reusable device 305 and / or the disposable device 303 when secured together. This can minimize or prevent damage to the reusable device 305 and / or the disposable device 303 and / or their components (such as the temperature sensor 309, the internal electrodes 311, and / or the circuit board 359).

[0169] In some variations, other portions of the ECG device 310 include a material that provides thermal conductivity but minimizes or prevents electrical conduction, such as boron nitride. For example, portions of the dock 304 and / or hub 306 can be made of plastic that is coated with boron nitride. In some variations, portions of the ECG device 310 (e.g., the dock 304 and / or the hub 306) include a material that provides thermal isolation. For example, the dock 304 and the hub 306 can be manufactured using coated fiberglass.

[0170] (ECG package) 4A through 4C illustrate a diagram of a packaging device 400 (also referred to herein as an "ECG packaging device") that can be used to secure and / or package a portion 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 FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate an ECG device 110 or a portion thereof, it should be understood that an ECG device 310 or a portion thereof (e.g., the disposable portion 303) can be secured to and / or interact with the packaging device 400 in a similar or identical manner. Thus, what is described below with respect to the disposable device 203 of the ECG device 110 is equally applicable to the disposable device 303 of the ECG device 310.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 4A , a packaging device 400 can include a body placement indicator portion 410 and one or more disposable device securement portions, such as a dock securement portion 420 and / or an electrode securement portion 440. The packaging device 400 can include an opening 450 extending along an interior of a portion of the packaging device 400, allowing the device 400 to bend and / or flex, for example, as shown in FIG. 4C . The opening 450 can extend along a centerline axis 470 of the device 400, as shown. In such a configuration, bending the device 400 as shown in FIG. 4C can split the device 400 in half and cause it to stand upright and / or partially stand upright. As shown, one half can include the body placement indicator portion 410 and / or the dock securement portion 420, and the other half can include the electrode securement portion 440.

[0172] The dock securing portion 420 can be configured to secure (e.g., removably secure) the dock 204 of the disposable device 203. The dock securing portion 420 can include an alignment indicator 422 and one or more prongs 424, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more than 6 prongs 424. As an example, the dock securing portion 420 can include two prongs 424 positioned opposite each other around the alignment indicator 422 (see FIG. 4A ). The one or more prongs 424 can be formed from and / or integral with other portions of the device 400. The one or more prongs 424 can be bendable and / or resilient. The one or more prongs 424 can be configured to bend away from the surface 401 of the device 400 so that a portion of the dock 204 can be secured between the prongs 424 and the surface 401 of the device 400. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, one or more prongs 424 can be configured to bend while moving away from surface 401 by an amount equal to or greater than the thickness of laminate structure 211 of dock 204, which may include one or more substrates as discussed above.

[0173] The electrode securing portion 440 can be configured to secure (e.g., removably secure) one or more electrodes 112 to the disposable portion 203 of the ECG device 110. The electrode securing portion 440 can include one or more placement indicators 442 configured to indicate the placement of the one or more electrodes 112. Each of the one or more placement indicators 442 can include a unique graphic and / or label that indicates the placement of a particular one of the one or more electrodes 112 (see FIG. 4A ). For example, each of the one or more placement indicators 442 can include a graphic and / or label that corresponds to the graphic and / or label on the respective electrode 112, as shown in FIG. 4D and discussed above.

[0174] The electrode fixation portion 440 can include one or more prongs 444, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, 7, or 8 or more prongs 444. The electrode fixation portion 440 can include one or more pairs of prongs 444, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 or more pairs of prongs 444. The one or more prongs 444 can be formed from and / or integral with other portions of the device 400. The one or more prongs 444 can be bendable and / or resilient. The one or more prongs 444 can be configured to bend away from the surface 401 of the device 400 so that a portion of the electrode 112 can be fixed between the prong 444 and the surface 401 of the device 400. 4B, one or more prongs 444 can be configured to bend away from the surface 401 a distance dimensioned to accommodate the thickness of the electrode 112 (e.g., the thickness of the laminate 221 of the electrode 112). The number of prongs 444 can correspond to the number of electrodes 112 on the disposable part 203 of the ECG device 110. For example, the electrode fixation portion 440 can include a pair of prongs 444 for each electrode 112 on the disposable device 203, with each electrode 112 being fixed by two prongs 444. Each prong 444 of a pair can be positioned opposite each other around the positioning indicator 442 (see FIG. 4A).

[0175] The packaging device 400 may include one or more features capable of holding and / or securing a portion of the cable 114 of the disposable portion 203 of the ECG device 110. For example, the device 400 may include one or more cable securing prongs 446 that may be configured to bend away from the surface 401 of the device 400 to at least partially receive and / or secure a portion of the cable 114 between the prongs 446 and the surface 401 of the device 400. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B , the one or more prongs 446 may be configured to bend away from the surface 401 by an amount equal to or greater than a dimension (e.g., diameter) of the cable 114. The one or more prongs 446 may be formed from and / or integral with other portions of the device 400. The one or more prongs 446 may be bendable and / or resilient. The one or more prongs 446 may be disposed on the electrode securing portion 440. For example, one or more prongs 446 can be positioned adjacent to and / or between one or more prongs 444. Such a configuration advantageously allows a portion of the cable 114 to be secured within one or more prongs 446 when one or more electrodes 112 are secured by one or more prongs 444 (see FIGS. 4A-4C ). The device 400 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve or more cable-securing prongs 446 or groups of cable-securing prongs 446. For example, the device 400 can include a group of prongs 446 for each number of electrodes 112. For example, the device 400 can include two, three, or four prongs 446 for each number of electrodes 112. In some variations, one or more of the prongs 446 in each group are oriented opposite an adjacent prong 446 to reduce or prevent inadvertent removal of a portion of the cable 114 (see Figures 4A to 4C).

[0176] In addition to or as an alternative to the one or more cable securing prongs 446, the device 400 may include one or more notches 452 sized and / or shaped to receive and / or secure a portion of the cable 114. For example, the device 400 may include one, two, three, four, or more notches 452. The number of notches 452 may correspond to the number of cables 114 and / or electrodes 112. The notches 452 may be disposed adjacent to the opening 450, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B . The notches 452 may include a channel and an opening disposed at the end of the channel. The channel may have a size and / or shape smaller than the cross-section of the cable 114, and the opening may have a cross-section sized and / or shaped to match the cross-section of the cable 114. Such a configuration allows the portion of the cable 114 to be at least partially retained within the opening without moving through the channel and out of the notch 452. The portion of the device 400 adjacent the channel of the notch 452 may be bent to allow a portion of the cable 114 to be placed into and / or through the opening of the notch 452 .

[0177] The device 400 may include a body placement indicator portion 410 that may include a visual representation of the body and one or more body placement indicators that may indicate a proposed placement on the body of each of the one or more electrodes 112 and / or dock 204. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A , the body placement indicator portion 410 may include one or more electrode body placement indicators 474 that may correspond to different specific electrodes 112 and placement indicators 442. Additionally or alternatively, the body placement indicator portion 410 may include a dock body placement indicator 472 that may correspond to placement indicator 422. The one or more electrode body placement indicators 474 and the dock body placement indicator 472 may advantageously serve to quickly instruct a caregiver regarding the proper placement of the dock 204 and electrodes 112. Additionally, the device 400 may include placement order indicators 460, 462, 464, 466, 468 that may indicate the order in which each component of the disposable part 203 should be placed and / or secured to the patient.

[0178] While Figures 4A through 4D show the packaging device 400 configured to secure a disposable part 203 including four electrodes 112 and four cables 114, the packaging device 400 can be differently configured to secure other numbers of electrodes 112 and cables 114. For example, as shown in Figure 4E, the packaging device 400 can be configured to secure a disposable part 203 having two electrodes 112 and two cables 114. For example, the device 400 can include two placement indicators 442, two pairs of prongs 444, one or more prongs 446 for each cable 114, two notches 452, two electrode body placement indicators 474, a dock body placement indicator 472, and one or more placement order indicators 460, 462, 464.

[0179] (blood pressure monitor) 5A through 5AA illustrate various views and embodiments of a blood pressure monitor 120 (also referred to herein as a "blood pressure device" and a "blood pressure monitoring device"). Although the device 120 is referred to herein as a "blood pressure monitor" or a "blood pressure device," the device 120 may measure and / or monitor other parameters in addition to or as an alternative to blood pressure. For example, the blood pressure device 120 may measure and / or monitor the concentration or partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the patient's exhaled breath. As another example, as described above, the blood pressure monitor 120 may include an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope for measuring motion data. The blood pressure monitor 120 may be, for example, a non-invasive blood pressure monitor and may have features and / or functionality as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 12 through 14E.

[0180] 5A through 5H show various views of a blood pressure monitor 120. The blood pressure monitor 120 can include a housing 502. As shown in FIGS. 1A through 1B, 5C through 5D, and 5F and further described below, the blood pressure monitor 120 can be configured to be secured to the arm of the patient 111, for example, by securing to a blood pressure cuff 121. The blood pressure cuff 121 can be secured to the arm of the patient 111 in a wraparound and / or other manner, and the blood pressure monitor 120 can be secured to the blood pressure cuff 121, for example, via a securement between one or more ports of the blood pressure monitor 120 and one or more prongs of the blood pressure cuff 121, as described further below. The blood pressure monitor 120 can be configured to connect to the cuff 121 and inflate and / or deflate the cuff 121, as described in more detail below. As will be described in more detail below, the blood pressure monitor 120 can supply air to the cuff 121 to inflate it to a pressure level high enough to occlude the aorta. As the air is slowly released from the cuff 121, blood pressure can be estimated by the blood pressure monitor 120, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 12 through 14E.

[0181] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and 5A, the blood pressure monitor 120 can be connected to one or more physiological sensors and / or monitors, such as the ECG device 110 and / or patient monitor 130, each of which is described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the cable 105 and connector 105a can be connected to the connector port 516 of the blood pressure monitor 120 (see FIGS. 1A-1B and 5A) and to the ECG device 110 (see FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A). Additionally or alternatively, the cable 107 can be connected to the connector port 514 of the blood pressure monitor 120 (see FIGS. 1A-1B and 5A) and to the patient monitor 130 (see FIGS. 1A-1B and 8A). For example, the cable 107 and connector 107a can be connected to the female connector port 832 of the patient monitor 130 (see FIGS. 8A and 8I). In some variations, cable 107 is permanently secured to sphygmomanometer 120 at connector port 514. For example, the end of cable 107 can be permanently wired to a circuit board of sphygmomanometer 120, rather than being removably secured like connectors 105a and / or 107a. As previously described, sphygmomanometer 120 can include a bypass bus that can pass physiological data received from ECG device 110 to patient monitor 130 without processing. For example, the bypass bus of sphygmomanometer 120 can pass physiological data received by connector port 516 via cable 105 and connector 105a to connector port 514, via cable 107 and connector 107a, and further via connector port 433 to patient monitor 130 without data processing.

[0182] The sphygmomanometer 120 may include various electronic components that enable the sphygmomanometer 120 to perform its physiological measurement and / or monitoring functions, while the cuff 121 (FIG. 5I) may include few or no electronic components and / or functions. For example, in some cases, the only electronic components in the cuff 121 are those that provide and / or are related to near-field communication (NFC) for the sphygmomanometer 120, as described in more detail below. In some cases, the sphygmomanometer 120 and / or cuff 121 may be configured such that the sphygmomanometer 120 does not come into contact with the patient when the cuff 121 and sphygmomanometer 120 are secured to the patient. Such a configuration may allow the sphygmomanometer 120 to be "reusable" and the cuff 121 to be "disposable." In some variations, the sphygmomanometer 120 includes a label portion 521, for example, on the top surface of the sphygmomanometer 120 (FIGS. 5A-5B).

[0183] As described in more detail below, the sphygmomanometer 120 and cuff 121 can include various features that allow for removable fastening. Such removable fastening advantageously allows the cuff 121 to remain attached to the patient 111 while the sphygmomanometer 120 is removed from the patient 111 and / or cuff 121. This is particularly useful when the housing needs to be temporarily removed for inspection or repair. This also allows a caregiver to clean the cuff 121 and / or the area of ​​the patient 111 proximate to the cuff 121 without risking damage to the sphygmomanometer 120 (or its various components).

[0184] 5B through 5H show various views of the sphygmomanometer 120. As shown, the sphygmomanometer 120 (and / or 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. While this disclosure refers to "ends" or "sides," such terms are not intended to be limiting but rather are used merely for convenience in distinguishing particular features of the sphygmomanometer 120. Thus, while the term "ends" is used to refer to the first and second ends 510, 512, it should be understood that such ends 510, 512 may represent "sides" of the sphygmomanometer 120.

[0185] The connector port 516 can extend from the first end 510 and can be connected to a connector and / or cable, such as the connector 105a and the cable 105, as discussed above. The connector port 516 can protrude outward from a portion of the first end 510. The connector port 516 can have a width and / or height that is smaller than the width and / or height of the first end 510. The first end 510 can additionally or alternatively include a connector port 514, which can be spaced apart from the connector port 516. As also discussed above, the connector port 514 can be connected to the cable 107. As also discussed above, one end of the cable 107 can be permanently fixed to the sphygmomanometer 120 via the connector port 514. For example, one end of the cable 107 can be wired to a circuit board of the sphygmomanometer 120. The connector port 514 can protrude outward from the first end 510. The connector port 514 can protrude outward from the first end 510 a greater distance than the connector port 516 (see FIGS. 5C-5D). The connector port 514 can have a circular cross-section, a conical cross-section, and / or a cross-section of the same or different shapes or a combination of shapes. The connector port 514 can have a cross-section that tapers (or decreases) from a first end of the connector port 514 that connects to the first end 510 to a second end of the connector port 514 opposite the first end of the connector. The connector port 514 can increase in cross-sectional area at the second end of the connector port 514 (see FIGS. 5C-5D). The connector port 516 can be located in the center of the first end 510. The connector port 514 can be located on either side of the connector port 516 along the first end 510. As described in more detail below, blood pressure monitor 120 can include one or more ports that can provide fluid communication between the interior of housing 502 and the bladder of cuff 121. For example, blood pressure monitor 120 can include one or both of ports 570, 572 (FIG. 5D), each of which is described in more detail below.

[0186] 5I through 5M show various views of the cuff 121 with and without the sphygmomanometer 120 attached. As shown, the cuff 121 can include a first portion 540 and a second portion 542. The second portion 542 can have a tapered or partially tapered edge, as shown. The cuff 121 can have a width W1 and a length L1 (see FIG. 5L). The width W1 can extend between the sides 545 and 547. The length L1 can extend between the ends 541 and 543. The width W1 can be less than the length L1. The first portion 540 can include an attachment portion 544 configured to secure to the attachment portion of the second portion 542, which can be on an opposite surface of the cuff 121 from the attachment portion 544. For example, the attachment portion 544 may include a hook-and-loop fastener that can be removably secured to a hook-and-loop fastener of the attachment portion of the second portion 542. The first portion 540 of the cuff 121 may include a bladder layer (also referred to herein as a "bladder"), such as bladder layer 543 (see FIG. 5X), which may be configured to contact the patient when the cuff 121 is secured to the patient. The bladder 543 may be configured to inflate and deflate, as discussed further elsewhere herein. The cuff 121 may include a securement portion, for example, at the first portion 540, that can facilitate removable securement of the sphygmomanometer 120. For example, the cuff 121 may include one or more prongs that can be secured to a portion of the sphygmomanometer 120. For example, the cuff 121 may include one or both of prongs 550, 552 that can be configured to be received within and / or secured to one or more ports (e.g., ports 570, 572) of the sphygmomanometer 120. The prongs 550, 552 may be spaced apart from one another. The prongs 550, 552 may be equally spaced from the end 541 and / or the end 543 of the cuff 121.The prong 550 can be spaced a first distance from the first side 545 of the cuff 121, and the prong 552 can be spaced a second distance from the second side 547 of the cuff 121, and the first and second distances so described can be equal. The prong 550 can be spaced a first distance from the first side 545 of the cuff 121, and the prong 552 can be spaced a second distance from the first side 545 of the cuff 121, and the first and second distances so described can be unequal. The prong 550 can be spaced a first distance from the second side 547 of the cuff 121, and the prong 552 can be spaced a second distance from the second side 547 of the cuff 121, and the first and second distances so described can be equal. The width W1 of the cuff 121, the spacing and / or placement of the prongs 550, 552, and / or the width and / or length of the sphygmomanometer 120 can be configured such that when the sphygmomanometer 120 is secured to the cuff 121 (e.g., by securing the prongs 550, 552 within the ports 570, 572 of the sphygmomanometer 120), the sphygmomanometer 120 is positioned within the width W1 of the cuff 121 (e.g., with the ends of the sphygmomanometer 120 positioned at or inside the sides 545, 547 and spaced apart from the sides 545, 547) (see Figures 5L to 5M).

[0187] Advantageously, the spacing and / or positioning of prongs 550, 552 relative to each other and / or ends 541, 543 and / or sides 545, 547 can be configured to cause device 120 to be symmetrically positioned across width W1 of cuff 121, regardless of whether device 120 and / or cuff 121 are secured to, for example, patient 111's arm in a first orientation (e.g., FIG. 5L) or a second orientation (e.g., FIG. 5M). Such first and second orientations can be inverse or opposite to each other (see FIGS. 5L through 5M). The spacing and / or positioning of prongs 550, 552 relative to each other and / or ends 541, 543 and / or sides 545, 547 can be configured to cause device 120 to be symmetrically positioned across width W1, regardless of whether prong 550 is secured to port 570 or port 572 and / or whether prong 552 is secured to port 570 or port 572. 1A-1B, the cuff 121 and blood pressure monitor 120 can be advantageously positioned symmetrically when secured to either the right or left arm of the patient 111. Additionally, the incorporation of both prongs 550, 552 can provide increased stability when secured to ports 570, 572 of the device 120. As described in more detail below, the prongs 550, 552 can include fluid passageways that are in fluid communication with the bladder 543 of the cuff 121.

[0188] 5N-5O illustrate an optional support 560 that can be secured to other portions of the cuff 121 during assembly. If the cuff 121 includes such a support 560, the support 560 can include prongs 550, 552. The prongs 550, 552 can include fluid passageways 550a, 552a that can extend the length of the prongs 550, 552 and a base 554 of the support 560 (see FIG. 5O). The support 560 can include one or more bumps 553 extending from an underside of the base 554 of the support 560. The one or more bumps 553 can be positioned around the fluid passageways 550a, 552a, as shown in FIG. 5O. For example, the support 560 can include one, two, three, four, or more bumps 553 extending from an underside of the base 554 of the support 560. The one or more bumps 553 can be spaced apart relative to the fluid passageways 550a, 552a. Such bumps 553 can advantageously help ensure that the bladder 543 does not cover the fluid passageways 550a, 552a (see FIG. 5X) when the sphygmomanometer 120 is used with the cuff 121. For example, the one or more bumps 553 can space the surface of the bladder 543 from the fluid passageways 550a, 552a and provide a gap between the ends of the fluid passageways 550a, 552a at the surface of the body 554. The support 560 can be welded to a portion of the cuff 121 so that only the prongs 550, 552 are visible, as shown in FIGS. 5I-5J.

[0189] The sphygmomanometer 120 and cuff 121 may include near-field communication (NFC) structure and / or functionality that may enable the sphygmomanometer 120 to, among other things, verify that the cuff 121 is an approved product, transfer information and / or data to the cuff 121 for storage, determine the size of the particular cuff 121 to which the sphygmomanometer 120 is attached, and / or determine the lifespan of the cuff 121. For example, in some cases, after the sphygmomanometer 120 detects via NFC the size of the attached cuff 121 (as described below), the sphygmomanometer 120 determines a particular inflation rate and / or profile specific to that particular cuff 121. For example, such a particular inflation rate and / or profile may be different for a smaller cuff 121 (e.g., for an infant or neonatal patient) than for a larger cuff 121 (e.g., for an adult). The sphygmomanometer 120 may include an NFC reader that transmits radio frequencies, and the cuff 121 may include an NFC tag (e.g., in the form of a sticker or label) that can be attached to a portion or an inner portion of the cuff 121. For example, the sphygmomanometer 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 can be attached to a portion or an inner portion of the cuff 121. The RFID tag may be disposed on the outer surface of the cuff 121, for example, near the prongs 550 and 552. Alternatively, the RFID tag may be disposed within the inner portion of the cuff 121. For example, if the cuff 121 includes a support 560, the RFID tag may be disposed within a recess 548 (see FIGS. 5J and 5N) of the support 560. The recess 548 may be disposed near the prongs 550 and 552, for example, between the prongs 550 and 552. 5J, the cuff 121 may include a placement indicator 546 that may be configured to indicate proper placement of the sphygmomanometer 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 sphygmomanometer 120 (e.g., the circumference of the sphygmomanometer 120).

[0190] The sphygmomanometer 120 (e.g., the housing 502) may include one or more intake ports that can provide fluid communication with ambient air outside the housing 502. As discussed elsewhere herein, the sphygmomanometer 120 may also include one or more pumps 522 that can create suction to draw ambient air into and / or through such intake ports of the housing 502. Such intake ports may be located in various locations on the housing 502, such as, for example, on the sides, ends, and / or top or bottom surfaces of the housing 502. The housing 502 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, or more intake ports. For example, the housing 502 may include an intake port located along one of the sides 513, 515 and / or ends 510, 512.

[0191] 5P through 5Q show a cross section of sphygmomanometer 120. 5P through 5R further show an air intake 580 of sphygmomanometer 120. Air intake 580 can be configured so that air entering and / or exiting interior 588 of sphygmomanometer 120 travels a non-linear path. As discussed below, this can advantageously inhibit liquids from entering interior 588, which could cause damage to internal components of sphygmomanometer 120.

[0192] The housing 502 may include an opening 581 in a portion of the first end 512 of the housing 502. As shown in FIG. 5H, the opening 581 may include a slit having a width greater than its 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 spaced apart from the first end 512 (or an outer wall defined by the first end 512). With reference to FIGS. 5Q-5R, the inner wall 582 may partition (e.g., "divide") the interior 588 of the housing 502 into a first portion 588a and a second portion 588b. As shown, the first portion 588a may be proximate to the first end 512 and / or the wall defined by the opening 581. The first portion 588a may be in fluid communication with the outer surroundings of the housing 502 via the opening 581. The inner wall 582 may include an opening 583. The opening 583 can provide fluid communication between the first and second portions 588a, 588b. The opening 583 can include a square, rectangular, or circular shape, among others. The opening 583 can include a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners (see FIG. 5P).

[0193] 5R, opening 581 can be positioned a distance D1 from the bottom of housing 502. An upper portion 583a of opening 583 can be positioned a distance D3 from the bottom of housing 502, and a lower portion 583b of opening 583 can be positioned a distance D2 from the bottom of housing 502. As shown, housing 502 can have a height H1.

[0194] The air inlet 580 can be defined (or “formed”) by an opening 581. If the housing 502 includes an interior wall 582, the air inlet 580 can be defined (or “formed”) by the openings 581 and 583. Furthermore, the arrangement of the openings 581, 583 relative to the bottom of the housing 502 can be selected so that the flow path of air into and out of the interior 588 (e.g., the second portion 588b) is not straight. For example, the openings 581 and 583 can be misaligned with one another. As another example, the distance D1 can be different (e.g., smaller) than one or both of the distances D2, D3 and / or different (e.g., smaller) than the distance between an axis extending through the center of the opening 583 and the bottom of the housing 502. Such a configuration can advantageously inhibit (e.g., prevent) liquids that could damage the internal components of the sphygmomanometer 120 from entering the interior 588. At the same time, this configuration still allows air to enter and exit the interior 588 (eg, second portion 588b).

[0195] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 5P through 5R, the housing 502 may include an inner wall 586. The inner wall 586 may extend from a lower inner surface of the housing 502. The inner wall 586 may extend upward from the lower inner surface (e.g., toward an upper inner surface of the housing 502) and may partially define a first portion 588a of the interior 588. The inner wall 586 may have a tip or end disposed a distance D4 from the lower portion of the housing 502 (see FIG. 5R). The distance D4 may be different from the distance D1, the distance D2, and / or the distance D3. For example, the distance D4 may be greater than the distance D1, the distance D2, and / or the distance D3. The inner wall 586 may extend such that the tip or end of the inner wall 586 is disposed (perpendicularly) between the upper and lower portions 583a, 583b of the opening 583. For example, the distance D4 may be greater than the distance D2 but less than the distance D3.

[0196] In some variations, housing 502 includes a wall 587 proximate opening 581, which may extend from a bottom surface or portion of housing 502 toward a top surface or portion of housing 502. A tip or end of wall 587 may be taller (e.g., vertically) than the height of opening 581, with reference to the view shown in FIG. 5R. Housing 502 may include a notch 589 extending along a portion of the width of opening 581 (e.g., along first end 512) that can accommodate wall 587 so that air can flow through opening 581, over and / or around wall 587, and into first portion 588a of interior 588.

[0197] The air inlet 580 can be defined (or "formed") by an opening 581 in the first end 512 and an opening 583 in the interior wall 582. Additionally, the air inlet 580 can be defined by one or both of the interior walls 582, 586, a wall 587, and / or a notch 589. Such a configuration can create a non-linear air flow path to the interior 588. For example, such a configuration can create a tortuous, serpentine, and / or snake-like air flow path to the interior 588. As discussed below, this can advantageously allow air to enter and exit the interior 588, while inhibiting or preventing liquid from entering the interior 588 of the sphygmomanometer 120.

[0198] The housing 502 can be formed from multiple components. For example, with reference to FIGS. 5S through 5T, the housing 502 can be formed from an upper portion 502a and a lower portion 502b. During assembly, a membrane or gasket 502c can be disposed between portions of the upper and lower portions 502a, 502b to provide a seal, for example, to prevent liquid from entering the interior 588 of the housing 502. As shown, the interior wall 582 and / or the opening 583 can be formed from the upper portion 502a. Also shown, the interior walls 586 and / or 587 can be formed from the lower portion 502b. With reference to FIGS. 5R through 5S, the interior wall 582 can be formed from a portion of the upper portion 502a, the gasket 502c, and a portion of the lower portion 502b to seal the first interior portion 588a from the second interior portion 588b except for the opening 583 (e.g., air and / or liquid cannot pass around the gasket 502c). Opening 581 can be formed by a gap between a portion of upper portion 502a and a portion of lower portion 502b (see FIGS. 5H and 5R). Ports 570, 572 can be formed from lower portion 502b (see FIGS. 5S to 5T). For example, ports 570, 572 can extend upward from a lower inner surface of housing 502 (e.g., lower portion 502b) toward an upper inner surface of housing 502 (e.g., upper portion 502a).

[0199] Figures 5U through 5V show the sphygmomanometer 120 with a top portion removed (e.g., top portion 502a removed) to better illustrate the internal components of the sphygmomanometer 120. Figures 5W through 5X show cross-sectional views of the sphygmomanometer 120 taken along a line through ports 570 and 572. Figure 5V is the same as Figure 5U, except that it removes the top portion 520c of the manifold 520 (described below), the pump 522, and the flexible circuit 524 of the sphygmomanometer 120. The sphygmomanometer 120 may include one or more pumps 522, a manifold 520, one or more release valves 526, and ports 570 and 572. As described in more detail below, the one or more ports 572, when receiving and securing prongs 550 and 552 therein, allow fluid communication between the interior of the housing (e.g., the manifold 520) and the interior 549 of the bladder 543 of the cuff 121. As described elsewhere herein, the prongs 550 , 552 may include fluid passageways 550 a , 552 a that may be in fluid communication with the interior 549 of the bladder 543 of the cuff 121 .

[0200] The one or more pumps 522 can generate suction to draw ambient air into and / or through an inlet in the housing 502, such as inlet 580 described above. The one or more pumps 522 can pump air into the manifold 520 (e.g., via inlet 520a). Advantageously, including multiple pumps in the sphygmomanometer 120 can reduce the height of the device 120 (e.g., the housing 502) while providing the same pumping capacity. One or more release valves 526 can allow air to escape from the manifold 520, for example, into the interior 588 of the housing 502.

[0201] The manifold 520 may include an opening 520d that may allow fluid communication between one of the fluid passages 550a, 552a of one of the prongs 550, 552 and the interior of the manifold 520 when one of the prongs 550, 552 is secured within the port 572. The sphygmomanometer 120 may include a valve configured to open and close the opening 520d to allow or prevent such fluid communication. For example, the sphygmomanometer 120 may include a valve 530 disposed within the manifold 520 proximate the opening 520d. With reference to FIGS. 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 531c. The stem 531 may be sized and / or shaped to fit within and / or via the biasing member 533. The stem 531 may include a cross-pattern shape or another shape. The base 531b can be circular. The head 531c can have a cylindrical shape and can have one or more openings 531e and one opening 531f. For example, the head 531c can have one, two, three, or four or more openings 531e. The one or more openings 531e can be arranged around an axis extending along the height of the valve 530 (e.g., around an axis extending along the length of the stem 531a). The opening 531f can be aligned with an axis extending along the length of the valve 531. For example, the axis extending through the center of the opening 531f can be parallel to the axis through the stem 531a and / or the height of the valve 530 or the body 531. The opening 531f can be oriented perpendicular to the opening 531e. For example, the axis extending through the center of the opening 531e can be perpendicular to the axis extending through the center of the opening 531f. The body 531 may include a recess 531 d sized and / or shaped to receive the sealing ring 532 .As described in more detail below, the valve 530 can 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 prongs 550, 552, and / or the interior 549 of the bladder 543 of the cuff 121.

[0202] The valve 530 can be configured to move to open or close a flow path through the opening 520d of the manifold 520. FIG. 5W shows a cross section of the sphygmomanometer 120 when the valve 530 is in a first position covering the opening 520d. FIG. 5X shows the cross section of FIG. 5W with the cuff 121 secured to the sphygmomanometer 120 via securing the prongs 550 and 552 within the ports 572 and 570, respectively. FIG. 5X also shows the valve 530 in a second position where the valve 530 does not cover or block the opening 520d. The sphygmomanometer 120 can be configured such that the valve 530 is in the second position unless and / or until one of the prongs 550 and 552 is secured within the port 572. 5W through 5X consecutively, when one of the prongs 550, 552 is secured within the port 572, the valve 530 can be moved (e.g., "pushed") from a first position (FIG. 5W) to a second position (FIG. 5X). As discussed above, the valve 530 can include one or more openings 531e and 531f. When the valve 530 is in the first position (FIG. 5W), the opening 531e can be occluded. For example, when the valve 530 is in the first position (FIG. 5W), the opening 531e can be obstructed or prevented from communicating with the interior of the manifold 520. When the valve 530 is in the second position (FIG. 5X), the opening 531e allows fluid communication with the interior of the manifold 520. In such a second position, air can flow through the openings 531e, 531f, and the fluid passageway 550a into the interior 549 of the bladder 543 of the cuff 121. Furthermore, in such a second position, air can flow in the opposite direction, for example, from interior 549 of bladder 543 of cuff 121 through fluid passageway 550a, opening 531f, opening 531e to the interior of manifold 520.

[0203] As described above, the valve 530 may include a sealing ring 532. When the valve 530 is in a first position (FIG. 5W), the sealing ring 532 may contact the surface of the manifold 520 around the opening 520d. Additionally, when the valve 530 is in a second position (FIG. 5X), the sealing ring 532 may be spaced apart from the surface of the manifold 520 around the opening 520a. Each of the ports 572, 570 may include a sealing ring 572a, 570a that can be received by the recessed portions 550b, 552b of the prongs 550, 552 (see FIGS. 5W through 5X and 5N). The recesses 550b, 552b of the prongs 550, 552 may include annular recesses around the peripheries of the prongs 550, 552.

[0204] In some cases, only one of the ports 572, 570 of the sphygmomanometer 120 is configured to allow fluid communication between the interior of the housing 502 (e.g., the interior of the manifold 520) and the fluid passages 550a, 552a of the prongs 550, 552 when the port 572, 570 receives and / or secures the prongs 550, 552. For example, with reference to FIGS. 5V through 5X, the sphygmomanometer 120 can include both ports 570 and 572, but only the port 572 is configured to allow such fluid communication. The sphygmomanometer 120 can include a cap 523 (FIGS. 5V and 5Y) secured to the end of the port 570. In such cases, the port 570 does not allow fluid communication but may advantageously provide a more stable and / or more secure fit with the 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 Figures 5L or 5M, one of the prongs 550, 552 can be secured within the port 572 to allow fluid communication between the interior 549 of the bladder 543 and the interior 588 of the housing 502. Furthermore, regardless of the orientations described above, the other of the two prongs 550, 552 that is not secured within the port 572 can be secured within the port 570 to provide stability to the blood pressure monitor 120 on the cuff 121.

[0205] As described further below with reference to FIGS. 12 through 14E, the sphygmomanometer 120 may include one or more pressure transducers configured to detect air pressure within the cuff 121. The sphygmomanometer 120 may include, for example, one or two pressure transducers. The pressure transducers may be coupled to and / or disposed proximate to the circuit board 521. The pressure transducers may be disposed adjacent to and / or proximate to the manifold 520 of the sphygmomanometer 120. For example, the manifold 520 may include one or more openings in a lower portion 520b of the manifold 520 that are disposed proximate to or adjacent to the pressure transducers. In some cases, it may be beneficial to separate or partially separate such openings in the manifold 520 from other portions of the manifold 520 and / or other portions of the sphygmomanometer 120. For example, it may be beneficial to partially separate such openings from an inlet 520a that may be in fluid communication with a pump 522. The sphygmomanometer 120 may include one or more towers 527 that extend around an opening in the lower portion 520b of the manifold 520 and / or extend upward from the lower portion 520b of the manifold 520. The towers 527 may be hollow. The towers 527 may be, for example, cylindrical. The towers 527 may extend upward from the lower portion 520b of the manifold 520 to the upper portion 520c of the manifold 520 (see FIG. 5U). The towers 527 may include a notch 527a that may provide fluid communication between the interior of the tower 527 and the manifold 520. The notch 527a may be sized and / or shaped to provide an air flow path beyond a portion of the end of the tower 527 (e.g., the top end of the tower 527) so that air can flow from the tower 527 into the manifold 520 and vice versa. Advantageously, tower 527 can help isolate or partially isolate the opening in lower portion 520b and the flow path to the pressure transducer from inlet 520a of pump 520a, which may have large fluctuations in air flow and / or pressure gradients that may interfere with the ability of the pressure transducer to function and / or operate properly or efficiently, for example.

[0206] The sphygmomanometer 120 may include one or more light-emitting diode (LED) indicators that can indicate the status of the sphygmomanometer 120, such as, for example, that the sphygmomanometer 120 is in an operational ("on") mode. The LED indicators may be coupled to a side of the circuit board 521, for example, the side facing "up" in the orientation shown in FIG. 5V and / or the top 502a of the housing 502 of the sphygmomanometer 120. In FIG. 5V, the sphygmomanometer 120 may include a light pipe or tube 593 that surrounds and / or circles the LED indicator. The light tube 593 may focus and / or direct light emitted from the LED indicator toward an upper portion of the sphygmomanometer 120, such as the top 502a of the housing 502 of the monitor 120. In some variations, the sphygmomanometer 120 (e.g., the top 502a) is transparent, allowing light from the LED indicator to be viewed from outside the housing 502. The light tube 593 may be opaque, e.g., unclear. In some variations, the housing 502 includes an opening in its top (such as top 502a) that aligns with the light tube 593 (such as the axis of the light tube 592) to allow light from the LED indicator to pass through so that it is visible from the top.

[0207] 6A through 6Z show various views and embodiments of a blood pressure monitor assembly 600 that also includes an alternative blood pressure monitor 602 and cradle 604. While the device 602 is referred to herein as a "blood pressure monitor" or "blood pressure device," the 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 the concentration or partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the patient's exhaled breath. The blood pressure monitor 602 may have features and / or functionality as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 12 through 14E.

[0208] As shown in Figures 6A to 6E, the blood pressure monitor assembly 600 can include a blood pressure monitor 602 and a cradle 604 configured to secure to the blood pressure monitor 602 (and vice versa). The blood pressure monitor assembly 600 can be configured to be secured to the arm of the patient 111. For example, the blood pressure monitor assembly 600 can be secured to a blood pressure cuff (such as the cuff 737 shown in Figure 7V) that is secured to the patient's arm. The blood pressure cuff can wrap around or otherwise be secured to the arm of the patient 111, and the blood pressure monitor assembly 600 can be secured to the blood pressure cuff 737, for example, via a fastening between the cradle 604 and the blood pressure cuff. For example, the cradle 604 can have an adhesive or hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®) on its underside, which can be secured to a portion of the cuff 737.

[0209] The blood pressure monitor assembly 600 can be configured to connect to the cuff 737 (see FIG. 7V) and supply air to the cuff to inflate and / or deflate the cuff 737. For example, the blood pressure monitor assembly 600 can include an air pressure opening or connection point 670 (see FIG. 6F) in the blood pressure device 602 (or the housing of the blood pressure device 602) that can fluidly connect the cuff 737 via the air pressure hose 637 (see FIG. 6A). As will be described in more detail below, the cradle 604 can include one or more ports that can connect and / or facilitate a connection between the air pressure hose 637 and the opening 670 in the blood pressure monitor 602. For example, as will be described in more detail below, the cradle 604 can include an outward-facing port 672a that can connect to the air pressure hose 637 and an inward-facing port 672b that connects to the opening 670 in the blood pressure device 602 (see FIGS. 6A and 6W-6X). The fixation between the outward port 672a and the pneumatic hose 637 can be a snap fit, a press fit, a friction fit, or another type of fixation. Additionally, while FIG. 6A shows the end of the pneumatic hose 637 connecting to the port 672a, the end of the pneumatic hose 637 can be connected to the port 672a via an adapter or other type of intermediate connector. The blood pressure device 602 can supply air to the cuff 737 to inflate the cuff 737 to a pressure level high enough to occlude the aorta. As the air slowly releases from the cuff 737, blood pressure can be estimated by the sphygmomanometer 602, as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 12 through 14E.

[0210] The blood pressure monitor 602 may include a structure and / or feature that covers and / or closes the opening 670 when the blood pressure monitor 602 is not in use to prevent debris and / or liquid from passing through the opening 670 and entering the interior of the blood pressure monitor 602. For example, as shown in FIG. 6N , the blood pressure device 602 may include a cover 679 that can cover and / or seal the opening 670 when the blood pressure device 602 is not in use, thus preventing fluid communication between the ambient air and the interior of the blood pressure device when not in use. For example, the cover 679 may be a flap that can act to seal and / or close the opening 670 when the blood pressure device 602 is not connected to the cradle 604. The flap 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 into the interior of the blood pressure device 602. For example, when the blood pressure device 602 is secured to the cradle 604, the port 672b can at least partially retract the flap into the interior of the blood pressure device 602 such that the port 672b can at least partially enter the interior of the blood pressure device 602 and fluidly communicate with conduits, manifolds, pumps, and / or valves within the blood pressure device 602. As another example, the cover 679 can be rigid and electronically and / or mechanically controlled by a controller and / or processor of the blood pressure device 602. For example, the cover 679 can be a rigid plate that can move from a position that does not cover or only partially covers the opening 670 to a position that covers and / or seals the opening 670. The cover 679 can be sized and / or shaped to match the size and / or shape of the opening 670. In some cases, the blood pressure device 602 can control the operation (e.g., movement) of the cover 679 based on its interaction with the cradle 604.

[0211] As discussed elsewhere herein, the blood pressure device 602 and cradle 604 may include near field communication (NFC) capabilities (e.g., RFID) to, among other things, enable the blood pressure device 602 and / or cradle 604 to verify authentic components, transfer data (e.g., data measured and / or collected by the blood pressure device 602 may be transferred to and / or stored in the cradle 604), determine the size of the cuff to which the cradle 604 is attached, and determine the lifespan of the blood pressure device 602 and / or cradle 604. For example, as described below, the blood pressure device 602 may include an RFID reader that transmits radio frequencies, and the cradle 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 cradle 604. Such NFC structure and functionality may enable the blood pressure device 602 to control the operation of the cover 679 based on its proximity to the cradle 604. When the blood pressure device 602 is sufficiently close to the RFID tag on the cradle 604 and the RFID reader in the blood pressure device 602 receives a confirmation signal from the RFID tag, the blood pressure device 602 can automatically open the cover 679 to reveal the opening 670. For example, the range between the RFID reader and the tag can be selected so that the cover 679 automatically opens when the blood pressure device 602 is brought within a particular distance of the cradle 604. Such distance can be 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 1 foot, 1.5 feet, or 2 feet, or any value therebetween, or any range of values ​​bounded by any combination of these values, although values ​​outside these values ​​or ranges may also be used.

[0212] The blood pressure monitor 602 can 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 is described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the cable 105 and connector 105a can be connected to a connector port 616 of the blood pressure device 602 (see FIG. 6B) and can also be connected to the ECG device 110 (see FIG. 2A). Additionally or alternatively, the cable 107 can be connected and / or coupled (e.g., secured) to a connector port 614 of the blood pressure device 602 (see FIG. 6A) and can also be connected to the patient monitor 130 (see FIG. 8A). For example, the cable 107 and connector 107a can be connected to a female connector port 832 of the patient monitor 130 (see FIGS. 8A and 8I). As mentioned above, the blood pressure monitor 602 can include a bypass bus that can pass 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 can pass physiological data received via connector port 616 via cable 105 and connector 105a to the patient monitor 130 via connector port 614, cable 107 and connector 107a, and then via connector port 833.

[0213] The sphygmomanometer 602 may include various electronic components that enable the sphygmomanometer 602 to perform its physiological measurement and / or monitoring functions, while the cradle 604 may include few or no electronic components and / or functionality. For example, the sphygmomanometer 602 may include various electronic components and / or functionality as described with reference to FIGS. 12 through 14E. As discussed in more detail below, the sphygmomanometer 602 and the cradle 604 may include various features that allow one or both of them to be removably secured to one another. Such removability advantageously allows the cradle 604 to remain attached to the patient 111 and / or the cuff 737 while the sphygmomanometer 602 is removed and separated from the patient 111 and / or the cuff 737. This may be particularly useful when the sphygmomanometer 602 needs to be temporarily removed to charge and / or repair the sphygmomanometer 602. This also allows the caregiver to clean the cradle 604 and / or the area of ​​the patient 111 adjacent to the cradle 604 without risking damage to the sphygmomanometer 602 (or its various components).

[0214] 6A through 6D show various views of the blood pressure monitor assembly 600, with the blood pressure monitor 602 and the cradle 604 in an assembled or secured configuration. As shown and discussed further below, the cradle 604 can 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 cradle 604. For example, a first end of the cradle 604 can be secured to a first end of the blood pressure monitor 602, and / or a second end of the cradle 604 (opposite the first end of the cradle 604) can be secured to a second end of the blood pressure monitor 602 (opposite the first end of the cradle 604). Securement of the sphygmomanometer 602 by the cradle 604 can advantageously prevent movement and / or rotation of the sphygmomanometer 602 relative to the cradle 604 along axes passing through the length, width, and / or height of the sphygmomanometer 602 and / or cradle 604.

[0215] 6F through 6O show various views of the sphygmomanometer 602 of the sphygmomanometer assembly 600. As shown, the sphygmomanometer 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. The first end 610 may include a connector port 616, which may connect to a connector and / or cable, such as connector 105a and cable 105, as discussed above. The terms "end" and "side" used in this disclosure are not intended to be limiting but rather are used merely for convenience in distinguishing particular features of the sphygmomanometer 602. Therefore, it should be understood that the terms "end" of the first and second ends 610 and 612 may also refer to "sides" of the sphygmomanometer 602. The connector port 616 can protrude outward from a surface of the first end 610. The first end 610 can additionally or alternatively include a connector port 614, which can be spaced apart from the connector port 616 along the surface of the first end. Also, as discussed above, the connector port 614 can be connected to the cable 107. The connector port 614 can protrude outward from a surface of the first end 610. The connector port 614 can protrude outward from the first end 610 a greater distance than the connector port 616 (see FIGS. 6L to 6M). The connector port 614 can have a circular cross-section, a conical cross-section, among other shapes. The connector port 614 can have a cross-section that tapers (or decreases) from a first end of the connector port 614 that connects to the first end 610 of the sphygmomanometer 602 to a second end of the connector port 614 opposite the first end of the connector port 614. The connector port 616 can be located in the center of the first end 610. The connector ports 614 can be located on either side of the connector port 616 along the first end 610.

[0216] As discussed above, the sphygmomanometer 602 can include an opening 670 configured to connect to and / or provide air to a pneumatic tube (such as the hose 637). For example, the sphygmomanometer 602 can have the opening 670 at the second end 612 opposite the first end 610 of the housing. The pneumatic opening 670 can be located in the center of the second end 612 or at a different location on the second end 612. Alternatively, the opening 670 can be located in a different portion of the sphygmomanometer 602, for example, on one of the sides 613, 615 of the sphygmomanometer 602.

[0217] The opening 670 can be sized and / or shaped to receive a portion of the cradle 604, as discussed above. For example, as shown in FIG. 6T, the opening 670 can be sized and / or shaped to receive all or a portion of a port 672b extending from the wall 646 of the cradle 604. As described further below, the port 672b can be rigid or non-rigid and can have a length and / or cross-section sized to fit within the opening 670. The sphygmomanometer 602 can be fixed or partially fixed to the cradle 604 via a connection between the port 672b and the opening 670. For example, when the port 672b is received within the opening 670, the port 672b can prevent movement of the sphygmomanometer 602 relative to the cradle 604 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the port 672b and / or an axis parallel to the length between the first and second ends 610, 612 of the sphygmomanometer 602.

[0218] The sphygmomanometer 602 may include one or more features that assist in removably securing the sphygmomanometer 602 to the cradle 604. For example, the housing may include one or more recesses 622 recessed from the surface of the sphygmomanometer 602. The recesses 622 may be located on the top surface 608 of the sphygmomanometer 602 (see FIGS. 6F to 6G). The recesses 622 may be recessed from the top surface 608 by a depth 623 (FIG. 6N) and may extend along the distribution of the top surface 608. The recesses 622 may be located along the top surface 608 near or adjacent to the second end 612. As described further below, the recesses 622 may engage with a lip 646 a of a wall 646 of the cradle 604 and may be sized and / or shaped to receive the lip 646 a. The depth 623 of the recess 622 can be equal to or substantially equal to the thickness of the lip 646a so that when the lip 646a is disposed within the recess 622, the surface of the lip 646a is flush with the area of ​​the top surface 608 of the sphygmomanometer 602 adjacent to the recess 622 (see FIG. 6C ). In FIGS. 6F through 6G, 6J, and 6N, the recess 622 can extend along a portion of the width of the sphygmomanometer 602 and can also extend along a portion of the length of the sphygmomanometer 602. When the width of the sphygmomanometer 602 is the distance between the sides 613 and 615 of the sphygmomanometer 602 (see FIG. 6J ), the recess 622 can extend along a portion of such distance, e.g., the full distance, less than the full distance, half the distance, less than half the distance, among other percentages or ratios of the distance. Additionally or alternatively, if the length of the sphygmomanometer 602 is the distance between the first end 610 and the second end 612, the recess 622 can extend a distance 625 along such length (see FIG. 6P). The distance 625 can be equal to or substantially equal to the length of the lip 646a. The distance 625 can be a portion of the length of the sphygmomanometer 602 between the first end 610 and the second end 612. For example, the distance 625 can be less than 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5%, and other percentages, values, or ranges may be possible.

[0219] Additionally or alternatively, the sphygmomanometer 602 may include one or more latch arm protrusions 618 extending outward from a surface of the sphygmomanometer 602 and configured to engage and / or interact with one or more latch arms 648 of the cradle 604. For example, as shown in at least FIGS. 6H through 6K, the sphygmomanometer 602 may include one or more latch arm protrusions 618 extending or protruding outward from a surface of the first end 610 of the sphygmomanometer 602. The one or more latch arm protrusions 618 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more latch arm protrusions 618. The number of latch arm protrusions 618 on the sphygmomanometer 602 may be equal to the number of latch arms 648 on the cradle 604, and each of the latch arm protrusions 618 may be configured to engage, secure, cooperate, and / or interact with a respective one of the latch arms 648 of the cradle 604. The sphygmomanometer 602 may include a first latch arm protrusion 618 extending from a surface of the first end 610 of the sphygmomanometer 602 and a second latch arm protrusion 618 extending from a surface of the 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 located on opposite sides of the connector port 616 (if the sphygmomanometer 602 includes the connector port 616).

[0220] The one or more latch arm protrusions 618 can have various shapes and / or cross-sections. For example, the one or more latch arm protrusions 618 can have a triangular, square, rectangular, or circular shape, among other shapes. As shown in FIGS. 6L to 6M , the latch arm protrusions 618 have a triangular shape, with the tip of the triangle defining the free end of the protrusion 618 (not connected to the sphygmomanometer 602). The one or more protrusions 618 can have a sloped or tapered configuration that allows them to move or slide past a portion of the latch arm 648 while contacting the portion. The one or more latch arm protrusions 618 can have a shape or cross-section that is sized and / or shaped to correspond to the size and / or shape of the latch arm 648 or a portion thereof. For example, if the free end of the latch arm 648 has a triangular or tapered tip 648a (see FIGS. 6W to 6X), the latch arm protrusion 618 can also have a triangular or tapered tip. In such a configuration in which the shape or cross-section of the latch arm protrusion 618 corresponds to the shape or cross-section of the free end of the latch arm 648, the latch arm protrusion 618 can advantageously engage with and / or be secured to the free end of the latch arm 648. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6C to 6D , when securing an end of the sphygmomanometer 602 (such as the first end 610 of the sphygmomanometer 602) to an end of the cradle 604 (such as the end 640 of the cradle 604), one or more protrusions 618 contact and pass through the tip 648 a of the latch arm 648, such that the tip 648 a at least partially holds the protrusion 618 downward (with respect to a vertical axis in the direction shown in FIGS. 6C to 6D ).

[0221] As discussed above, the sphygmomanometer 602 can be at least partially secured to the cradle 604 via a connection between the port 672b and the pneumatic opening 670. One example of securing the sphygmomanometer 602 to the cradle 604 can involve securing the second end 612 of the sphygmomanometer 602 to the end 642 of the cradle 604 by positioning the opening 670 over and around the port 672b. Positioning the opening 670 over / around the port 672b can allow the second end 612 of the sphygmomanometer 602 to move or slide toward the wall 646 of the end 642 of the cradle 604. Furthermore, as the second end 612 of the sphygmomanometer 602 moves toward the wall 646, the first end 610 of the sphygmomanometer 602 can move toward the end 640 of the cradle 604, causing the first end 610 to contact or approach one or more latch arms 648. Moving the first end 610 of the sphygmomanometer 602 toward the top surface 638 and / or one or more latch arms 648 of the cradle 604 can cause one or more latch arm protrusions 618 of the sphygmomanometer 602 to contact and pass the tips 648a of the latch arms 648 (see FIG. 6D ). Such contact between the one or more latch arm protrusions 648 and the tips 648a of the latch arms 648 can include a snap fit, a friction fit, or a press fit. When the first end 610 of the sphygmomanometer 602 is moved into contact with the top surface 638 of the cradle 604, the latch arm protrusions 618 can be positioned below the tips 648a of the latch arms 648, and the tips 648a can at least partially prevent movement of the latch arm protrusions 618 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the top surface 638 of the cradle 604, e.g., parallel to the axis 603 as shown in FIG. 6D . When sufficient force is applied to the blood pressure monitor 602 and / or cradle 604 in such a direction, the latch arm protrusion 618 moves past (e.g., upwards) the tip 648a of the latch arm 648, allowing the first end 610 of the blood pressure monitor 602 to be removed from the end 640 of the cradle 604.Furthermore, as discussed above, the cradle 604 includes a lip 646a on the wall 646 of the end 642 of the cradle 604 that can engage with the recess 622 of the sphygmomanometer 602, thereby at least partially preventing movement of the sphygmomanometer 602 in a direction parallel to the extension of the wall 646 and / or perpendicular to the top surface 638.

[0222] The lip 646a and recess 622 may function in conjunction with (or as an alternative to) the latch arm 648 and latch arm protrusion 618 and / or the opening 670 and port 672b to releasably secure the sphygmomanometer 602 to the cradle 604. The opening 670 of the second end 612 of the sphygmomanometer 602 may be positioned and / or moved over / around the port 672b to cause the lip 646a to slide or be received within the recess 622. Thus, the sphygmomanometer 602 and cradle 604 may include various features to enable releasable securement.

[0223] The sphygmomanometer 602 and / or cradle 604 may include one or more features to aid ...

Claims

1. 1. An electrocardiogram (ECG) device configured to transmit at least one signal in response to electrical activity of a wearer's heart, comprising: A disposable part, a base configured for placement on a body of a wearer, the base including at least one mechanical connector portion; a plurality of cables and corresponding external ECG electrodes secured to the wearer's body and configured to output one or more signals responsive to the wearer's cardiac electrical activity; a first plurality of electrical connectors, at least some of the first plurality of electrical connectors being associated with one of the plurality of cables; a disposable part including: a reusable part configured to mate mechanically and electrically with the disposable part, a hub including at least one mechanical connector portion configured to removably secure to at least one mechanical connector portion of the base of the disposable part; a second plurality of electrical connectors, each configured to electrically connect with one of the first plurality of electrical connectors of the disposable part; an output connector port configured to transmit at least one signal responsive to the one or more signals output by the external ECG electrodes of the disposable part; a processor; a reusable part including a first temperature sensor that measures temperature through the wearer's skin and a second temperature sensor that measures at least one ambient temperature inside and outside an interior of the hub, the first and second temperature sensors being spaced apart and positioned away from the wearer's skin when the reusable part is mated with the disposable part and the disposable part is positioned on the wearer's body, and the processor is configured to determine the wearer's core body temperature based on signals received from both the first and second temperature sensors.

2. the disposable part further includes a first internal ECG electrode disposed at least partially within the base, the first internal ECG electrode configured to output one or more signals responsive to electrical activity of the wearer's heart, the first internal ECG electrode associated with one of the first plurality of electrical connectors; 10. The ECG device of claim 1, wherein the output connector port is further configured to transmit at least one signal responsive to the one or more signals output by the first internal ECG electrode of the disposable part.

3. 10. The ECG device of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to secure the disposable part to the skin of the wearer's body, and when the base secures the disposable part to the skin of the wearer's body and the reusable part is mechanically and electrically mated with the disposable part, the reusable part does not contact the skin.

4. 4. The ECG device of claim 1, wherein the disposable part further includes a flexible circuit, the 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, and the first plurality of electrical connectors of the disposable part include the second plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit.

5. the flexible circuit of the disposable part further includes at least one additional conductive strip spaced apart from the first and second plurality of conductive strips; 5. The ECG device of claim 4, wherein the reusable part further includes at least one additional electrical connector operably disposed with the hub and electrically connecting with the at least one additional conductive strip of the flexible circuit of the disposable part to enable the reusable part to determine whether the disposable part is a certified product.

6. the disposable part further includes a first internal ECG electrode disposed at least partially within the base, the first internal ECG electrode configured to output one or more signals responsive to electrical activity of the wearer's heart, the first internal ECG electrode associated with one of the first plurality of electrical connectors; the output connector port is further configured to transmit at least one signal responsive to the one or more signals output by the first internal ECG electrode of the disposable part; 6. The ECG device of claim 4, wherein the flexible circuit further includes a first opening and a first conductive ring disposed along the first opening, the first conductive ring configured to electrically connect to a portion of the first internal ECG electrode, and the one of the first plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupled to the first conductive ring.

7. the disposable part further comprises a second internal ECG electrode disposed at least partially within the base and spaced apart from the first internal ECG electrode, the second internal ECG electrode configured to function as a ground electrode, one of the first plurality of electrical connectors associated with the second internal ECG electrode; 7. The ECG device of claim 6, wherein the flexible circuit further includes a second opening and a second conductive ring disposed along the second opening, the second opening being spaced from the first opening, and the second conductive ring configured to electrically connect to a portion of the second internal ECG electrode.

8. 8. The ECG device of claim 4, wherein the base of the disposable part further includes a plurality of pin supports, each of the plurality of pin supports configured such that one of the second plurality of conductive strips of the flexible circuit is positioned in electrical contact with one of the second plurality of electrical connectors of the reusable part when the reusable part is mated with the disposable part.

9. 9. The ECG device of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of pin supports is flexible and not straight.

10. the at least one mechanical connector portion of the hub of the reusable part includes at least one groove; the at least one mechanical connector portion of the base of the disposable part comprises at least one clip configured to be removably secured within the at least one groove of the reusable part; the at least one groove comprises a first groove disposed at a first end of the hub and a second groove disposed at a second end of the hub opposite the first end; 10. The ECG device of claim 1, wherein the at least one clip comprises a first clip disposed at a first end of the base and a second clip disposed at a second end of the base opposite the first end.

11. the base of the disposable part further includes a first opening, and the first temperature sensor is configured to align with the first opening of the disposable part when the reusable part is mated with the disposable part; a bottom portion of the reusable part including a second opening configured to align with the first opening in the base of the disposable part when the reusable part is mated with the disposable part; 2. The ECG device of claim 1, wherein the reusable part further includes a housing, a portion of the housing extending through the second opening in the lower part of the reusable part, and the first temperature sensor disposed within the housing.

12. 12. The ECG device of claim 1 or 11, further comprising a circuit board disposed between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, the circuit board configured such that the first temperature sensor is disposed closer to the wearer's skin than the second temperature sensor when the reusable part is mated with the disposable part.

13. 13. The ECG device of claim 1, wherein the reusable part further comprises a cable connected to the output connector port, wherein neither the disposable part nor the reusable part comprises a power source, and wherein the reusable part is configured to receive power from the cable when the cable is connected to an external power source.

14. 14. The ECG device of claim 1, wherein the reusable part further comprises a motion sensor configured to measure acceleration of the wearer when the reusable part is mated with the disposable part, and wherein the ECG device stops collecting, processing, and / or transmitting physiological data responsive to cardiac activity and / or body temperature data of the wearer when the motion sensor detects movement of the wearer above a threshold.

15. 15. The ECG device of claim 1, wherein the reusable part is configured such that when the reusable part is placed on a flat surface, none of the second plurality of electrical connectors contacts the flat surface.

16. 1. An electrocardiogram (ECG) device for monitoring the electrical activity of a subject's heart, the ECG device comprising: a disposable portion configured to be secured to the subject's skin, the disposable portion comprising: It is a base, a frame including at least one mechanical connector portion; a flexible circuit layer operably disposed by the frame; a first electrode in electrical communication with the flexible circuit layer; a base including one or more substrates coupled to the frame, configured to be secured to the subject, and positioned between the first electrode and the subject's skin when the disposable part is in use; second and third electrodes secured to the subject's skin and configured to output one or more signals responsive to cardiac electrical activity of the subject; a plurality of cables configured to facilitate electrical communication between each of the second and third electrodes and the flexible circuit layer of the base; a disposable portion, wherein the base, the second and third electrodes, and the plurality of cables are integrated into a single structure; and a reusable part configured to removably connect to the disposable part, the reusable part comprising: a housing including an interior and at least one mechanical connector portion configured to be removably secured to the at least one mechanical connector portion of the frame of the base of the disposable part; a circuit board disposed within the interior of the housing; a first temperature sensor coupled to the circuit board and spaced apart from one another, the first temperature sensor measuring a temperature of the subject's skin and the second temperature sensor measuring an ambient temperature inside and / or outside the interior of the housing; a processor coupled to the circuit board and configured to determine a core body temperature of the subject based on one or more signals received from each of the first and second temperature sensors; the base is configured to secure the disposable part to skin on the subject's body, and the reusable part is configured not to contact the skin when the base secures the disposable part to skin on the subject's body and the reusable part is mechanically and electrically mated with the disposable part; an electrocardiogram (ECG) device, wherein when the at least one mechanical connector portion of the reusable and disposable parts are secured together, the flexible circuit layer of the disposable part and the circuit board of the reusable part are in electrical communication with each other, and the reusable part provides power to the disposable part.

17. 17. The electrocardiogram (ECG) device of claim 16, further comprising a fourth electrode, the first and fourth electrodes being operably disposed by the frame of the base.

18. the one or more substrates include a first substrate and a second substrate separate from the first substrate; the first substrate is positioned between the first electrode and the subject's skin when the disposable part is in use; 18. The electrocardiogram (ECG) device of claim 17, wherein the second substrate is located between the fourth electrode and the subject's skin when the disposable part is in use.

19. 20. The electrocardiogram (ECG) device of claim 18, wherein the first and second substrates comprise an electrically and / or thermally conductive hydrogel.

20. the frame of the base of the disposable part further includes a plurality of prongs; the flexible circuit layer of the base of the disposable part includes a plurality of conductive strips, each of the plurality of conductive strips being disposed on one of the plurality of prongs; 19. The electrocardiogram (ECG) device of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the plurality of conductive strips are configured to facilitate electrical communication between the flexible circuit layer of the disposable part and the circuit board of the reusable part.

21. 21. The electrocardiogram (ECG) device of claim 20, wherein the reusable part includes a plurality of electrical connectors configured to contact the plurality of conductive strips of the disposable part when the at least one mechanical connector portion of the reusable part and the disposable part are secured together.

22. 22. The electrocardiogram (ECG) device of any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the frame of the base of the disposable part further comprises an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the first electrode.

23. 23. The electrocardiogram (ECG) device of any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the reusable part is configured to wirelessly transmit at least one of one or more body temperature values ​​determined by the processor and the one or more signals output by the second and third electrodes or physiological data representative of the one or more signals.

24. 1. An electrocardiogram (ECG) device for monitoring the electrical activity of a subject's heart, the ECG device comprising: a disposable portion configured to be secured to the subject's skin, the disposable portion comprising: It is a base, a frame including at least one mechanical connector portion; a flexible circuit layer operably disposed by the frame; a base including one or more substrates coupled to the frame and configured to be secured to the subject's skin; a first electrode and a second electrode secured to the subject's skin and configured to output one or more signals responsive to electrical activity of the subject's heart; a plurality of cables configured to facilitate electrical communication between the first and second electrodes and the flexible circuit layer of the base; a disposable portion, wherein the base, the first and second electrodes, and the plurality of cables are integrated into a single structure; and a reusable part configured to removably connect to the disposable part, the reusable part comprising: a housing including an interior and at least one mechanical connector portion configured to be removably secured to the at least one mechanical connector portion of the frame of the base of the disposable part; a circuit board disposed within the interior of the housing; a first temperature sensor coupled to the circuit board and spaced apart from one another, the first temperature sensor measuring a temperature of the subject's skin and the second temperature sensor measuring an ambient temperature inside and / or outside the interior of the housing; a processor coupled to the circuit board and configured to determine a core body temperature of the subject based on one or more signals received from each of the first and second temperature sensors; the base is configured to secure the disposable part to skin on the subject's body, and the reusable part is configured not to contact the skin when the base secures the disposable part to skin on the subject's body and the reusable part is mechanically and electrically mated with the disposable part; an electrocardiogram (ECG) device, wherein when the at least one mechanical connector portion of the reusable and disposable parts are secured together, the flexible circuit layer of the disposable part and the circuit board of the reusable part are in electrical communication with each other, and the reusable part provides power to the disposable part.

25. 25. The electrocardiogram (ECG) device of claim 24, further comprising a third electrode, the third electrode operably positioned by the frame of the base of the disposable part and in electrical communication with the flexible circuit layer of the base of the disposable part.

26. the frame of the base of the disposable part further includes a plurality of prongs; the flexible circuit layer of the base of the disposable part includes a plurality of conductive strips, each of the plurality of conductive strips being disposed on one of the plurality of prongs; 26. The electrocardiogram (ECG) device of claim 24 or 25, wherein the plurality of conductive strips are configured to facilitate electrical communication between the flexible circuit layer of the disposable part and the circuit board of the reusable part.

27. 25. The electrocardiogram (ECG) device of claim 24, wherein the reusable part includes a plurality of electrical connectors configured to contact the plurality of conductive strips of the disposable part when the at least one mechanical connector portion of the reusable part and the disposable part are secured together.

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