2250 results about "Telemetry Equipment" patented technology

A telemetry system and method for providing spatial positioning information from within a patient's body are disclosed. The system includes at least one implantable telemetry unit which includes (a) at least one first transducer being for converting a power signal received from outside the body, into electrical power for powering the at least one implantable telemetry unit; (b) at least one second transducer being for receiving a positioning field signal being received from outside the body; and (c) at least one third transducer being for transmitting a locating signal transmittable outside the body in response to the positioning field signal.

A spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system includes multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) which channels can provide concurrent, but unique stimulation fields, permitting virtual electrodes to be realized. The SCS system includes a replenishable power source (e.g., rechargeable battery), that may be recharged using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery can be used to charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. An included bi-directional telemetry link in the system informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery. Other processing circuitry in the IPG allows electrode impedance measurements to be made. Further circuitry in the external battery charger can provide alignment detection for the coil pairs.

An electronic system includes a reader and a remotely powered and remotely interrogated sensor transponder. The sensor transponder includes a coil or an antenna, a switched reactance circuit, a processor, and a sensor. The sensor transponder receives power radiated from the reader to the coil or antenna. The sensor uses the power for sensing. The sensor transponder is capable of processing sensor data in the processor and transmitting the sensor data to the reader using the switched reactance circuit. In one embodiment, the receiver coil or antenna is part of a resonant tank circuit which includes an impedance matching circuit. The impedance matching circuit is connected to the receiver coil or antenna to provide greater current to the sensor or other power-using device than would be available to the sensor or other power-using device if the sensor or other power-using device were connected between the first and second end. The impedance matching circuit can be two or more taps to the coil or antenna.

A medical system includes a body-contacting signal source adapted to transmit an oscillatory signal though a body to a transducer of a device implanted therein. A detector that is coupled to the transducer, upon detection of a response of the transducer to the signal, activates a radio-frequency (RF) telemetry component of the device.

An implantable infusion pump possesses operational functionality that is, at least in part, controlled by software operating in two processor ICs which are configured to perform some different and some duplicate functions. The pump exchanges messages with an external device via telemetry. Each processor controls a different part of the drug infusion mechanism such that both processors must agree on the appropriateness of drug delivery for infusion to occur. Delivery accumulators are incremented and decremented with delivery requests and with deliveries made. When accumulated amounts reach or exceed, quantized deliverable amounts, infusion is made to occur. The accumulators are capable of being incremented by two or more independent types of delivery requests. Operational modes of the infusion device are changed automatically in view of various system errors that are trapped, various system alarm conditions that are detected, and when excess periods of time lapse between pump and external device interactions.

An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.

A system and method for monitoring patient variables in a wireless manner via a patient worn monitoring device is disclosed. The patient monitoring device is wearable and connects to a variety of sensors with at least one microphone for voice communications. The device connects to a wireless network and thence to the Internet for transmitting data to a Host for access by a medical care provider. The medical care provider communicates with the patient-wearable device via the Internet and the wireless network to send instructions to the patient-wearable monitoring unit and to communicate via voice with the patient. The medical care provider can also flexibly reconfigure the device to change collection parameters. When an alarm limit is exceeded as detected by the sensors, the data are transmitted to the Host computer for use by the medical care provider, thereby allowing full mobility to the patient wearing the device.

A system, method and program are disclosed for achieving rapid bit synchronization in low power medical device systems. Messages are transmitted via telemetry between a medical device and a communication device. The synchronization scheme uses a portion of a unique preamble bit pattern to identify the communication device allowing for economical communications with a minimum expenditure of energy. A special set of preamble bit patterns are utilized for their unique synchronization properties making them particularly suited for rapid bit synchronization. These unique preamble bit patterns further provide simplification to the preamble error detection logic.

A wireless, programmable system for medical monitoring includes a base unit and a plurality of individual wireless, remotely programmable biosensor transceivers. The base unit manages the transceivers by issuing registration, configuration, data acquisition, and transmission commands using wireless techniques. Physiologic data from the wireless transceivers is demultiplexed and supplied via a standard interface to a conventional monitor for display. Initialization, configuration, registration, and management routines for the wireless transceivers and the base unit are also described.

Systems and methods for communicating with an implant within a patient's body using acoustic telemetry includes an external communications device attachable to the patient's skin. The device includes an acoustic transducer for transmitting acoustic signals into the patient's body and / or for receiving acoustic signals from the implant. The device includes a battery for providing electrical energy to operate the device, a processor for extracting data from acoustic signals received from the implant, and memory for storing the data. The device may include an interface for communicating with a recorder or computer, e.g., to transfer data from the implant and / or to receive instructions for controlling the implant. The device is secured to the patient's skin for controlling, monitoring, or otherwise communicating with the implant, while allowing the patient to remain mobile.

A wireless local area network (WLAN) system comprises multiple access points that are distributed throughout a medical facility to provide wireless access to a hardwired network. The access points implement multiple WLAN protocols, including a realtime protocol for realtime patient monitoring (telemetry) and a standard WLAN protocol (such as IEEE 802.11 within an ISM band) for providing general-purpose wireless access. Some or all of the access points preferably implement both WLAN protocols such that the different WLANs and wireless device types share network access resources. Some or all of the access points may also include RF location-tracking modules which may be used to track locations of patients, hospital personnel, capital equipment, and / or disposable medical supplies. Also disclosed are an antenna design which may be used with the access points to improve reception (particularly for patient monitoring), and a TDMA timeslot rotation method for avoiding lockstep interference between access points that operate on the same channel.

A system and method for providing pulsed electrical stimulation to one or both vagus nerve(s) of a patient to provide therapy for obesity, eating disorders, neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The electrical pulses can be provided either unilaterally or bilaterally (left and right vagus nerves) and can be supra-diaphramatic or be sub-diaphramatic. The system comprising implantable stimulator, lead(s), an external stimulator, and a programmer. The implantable stimulator, comprising a pulse generator module, and a stimulus-receiver module which is used in conjunction with an external stimulator. Control circuitry ensures selective operation of one of the modules of the implanted stimulator, at a time. Further, the external stimulator comprises a telemetry module for remotely activating (or de-activating) programs over the internet, to arrive at the optimal program for each patient. Once the optimal “dose” is titrated using the external stimulator, the implanted pulse generator can then be programmed to similar parameters. The external stimulator in conjunction with the implanted stimulus-receiver can override the implanted pulse generator module, to provide extra dose of therapy, and also to conserve the implanted battery. The external stimulator is networked to other computers. Using the networking, a physician situated remotely can monitor and program the devices, as well as, automatically generate invoicing. In one embodiment, the external stimulator also comprises GPS circuitry for locating patient.

The invention is a portable gait analyzer comprising of at least one independent rear foot motion collection unit, at least one independent lower shank motion collection unit, plantar pressure collection unit, at least one processing and display unit, and a soft casing unit. A plurality of accelerometers, rate sensors, force sensor resistors, and pressure sensors provide for the acquisition of acceleration signals, angular velocity signals, foot force signals, and foot pressure signals to be processed. At least one central processing unit, a plurality of memory components, input / output components and ports, telemetry components, calibration components, liquid crystal displays components for the processing and outputting of three dimensional acceleration, angular velocity, tilt, and position. The rearfoot motion collection unit and lower shank motion collection unit interact with the processing and display unit to calculate rear foot kinematic data crucial to identify the motions of pronation and supination. The plantar pressure collection unit interacts with the processing and display unit to calculate plantar pressure data crucial to identify the center of pressure line and excessive and abnormal loads on the sole of the foot. These factors of rear-foot kinematics and plantar pressure lead to gait style identification.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for wirelessly powering and / or communicating with microchip devices used for the controlled exposure and release of reservoir contents, such as drugs, reagents, and sensors. In one embodiment, the system includes (1) a microchip device comprising a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs containing reservoir contents for release or exposure; and (2) a rechargeable or on-demand power source comprising a local component which can wirelessly receive power from a remote transmitter wherein the received power can be used, directly or following transduction, to activate said release or exposure of the reservoir contents. In another embodiment, the system comprises (1) a microchip device comprising a substrate a plurality of reservoirs containing reservoir contents for release or exposure; and (2) a telemetry system for the wireless transfer of data between the microchip device and a remote controller.

An implantable medical device includes a radio-frequency (RF) telemetry circuit and a power connection module through which the RF telemetry circuit is connected to an energy source such as a battery. The power connection module connects power from the energy source to at least one portion of the RF telemetry circuit when a user initiates an RF telemetry session. After the RF telemetry session is completed, the power connection module shuts off the at least one portion of the RF telemetry circuit. Power-on examples include a wireless telemetry activation signal received by a low power radio receiver in the implantable device, a physical motion detected by an activity sensor in the implantable device, an activation of an inductive telemetry circuit in the implantable device, a magnetic field detected by a magnetic field detector in the implantable device, and / or a telemetry activation signal detected by a sensing circuit included in the implantable device. Power-off examples include a wireless termination signal received by the implantable device, a delay timeout following the RF telemetry session, and / or a signal received by an inductive telemetry circuit in the implantable device.

A network based medical telemetry system that uses, to the greatest extent possible, standard hardware and software components. The system allows clinicians using computers anywhere in a large hospital to view physiologic data from patients of the hospital. Each patient is fitted with a set of sensors that measure physiologic properties of the patient (e.g., EKG sensors). The sensors are connected to a transmitter that relays the physiologic data to a central server. The central server comprises a WEB server that supplies basic patient data such as the patient's name and medical history. The central server also comprises a waveform server which supplies the physiologic data, in real-time or near real-time. Workstation, used by a clinician receives the basic patient data from the Web server and the physiologic data from the waveform server, and produces a combined display. The combined display is continuously updated, showing, for example, the patient's EKG.

A combination of sensors, including solid-state gyros and force-sensitive resistors, are mounted in an insole suitable for insertion into a shoe. Data from the sensors is recorded by an in situ Programmable Interface Controller (PIC), logged into on-board EEPROM / Flash memory and relayed to a base station computer via a miniature telemetry transmitter triggered by RFID tagging. Software then uses this data to compute the cadence and ankle power of the subject, as well as other parameters, in order to analyze and assess the gait and activity of the subject.

A system for delivering a fluid to a patient includes a remote controller and an infusion pump. The infusion pump includes a dispenser for dispensing the fluid. An operationally-independent RF telemetry portion is configured to receive an RF data signal from the remote controller. An operationally-independent processing portion is configured to process the RF data signal received by the operationally-independent RF telemetry portion, and control the dispenser in accordance with the RF data signal received by the operationally-independent RF telemetry portion.

Apparatus and methods for making intraoperative orthopedic measurements are provided. Using telemetry devices attached to a patient, relative measurements of the positions and orientations of the patient's bones may be determined. Using the relative measurements of the positions and orientations of the patient's bones, a differential measurement may be determined in connection with the orthopedic medical procedure.

An implantable medical system for implantation within the body of a patient is provided. The system includes an implanted device having an implant casing and a long range telemetry sub-system housed therein. The system also includes an implantable lead operationally coupled to the implanted device and an antenna coupled to the implant casing to extend therefrom. The antenna is operationally coupled to the long-range telemetry sub-system to enable wireless bi-directional communication between the long range telemetry sub-system and predetermined external equipment disposed outside the body of the patient.

Systems and methods provide intrabody communication using acoustic telemetry. The system includes a first or control implant including a first acoustic transducer, and a second implant including a switch and a second acoustic transducer coupled to the switch. The second acoustic transducer receives acoustic signals from the first acoustic transducer for closing the switch to activate the second implant. The second implant may include a sensor for measuring a physiological parameter that is transmitted using acoustic signals including the physiological data to the first implant. For example, the second implant may measure pressure in the patient's heart that may be used by the first implant to control a pacemaker. Alternatively, the second implant may blood sugar concentration that may be used by the first implant to control an insulin pump. Alternatively, the first implant may store and transfer the data to an external device for monitoring the patient.

A telemetry method and apparatus using pressure sensing elements remotely located from associated pick-up, and processing units for the sensing and monitoring of pressure within an environment. This includes remote pressure sensing apparatus incorporating a magnetically-driven resonator being hermetically-sealed within an encapsulating shell or diaphragm and associated new method of sensing pressure. The resonant structure of the magnetically-driven resonator is suitable for measuring quantities convertible to changes in mechanical stress or mass. The resonant structure can be integrated into pressure sensors, adsorbed mass sensors, strain sensors, and the like. The apparatus and method provide information by utilizing, or listening for, the residence frequency of the oscillating resonator. The resonant structure listening frequencies of greatest interest are those at the mechanical structure's fundamental or harmonic resonant frequency. The apparatus is operable within a wide range of environments for remote one-time, random, periodic, or continuous / on-going monitoring of a particular fluid environment. Applications include biomedical applications such as measuring intraocular pressure, blood pressure, and intracranial pressure sensing.

Active diagnosis of current operating and potential fault conditions in the operation of the vehicle is implemented using a diagnostic controller interoperating with an on-board vehicle control system as installed within a vehicle. The diagnostic controller supports autonomous execution of diagnostic tests initiated dependent on the operational state of the vehicle. The control system includes a diagnostics control manager that autonomously selects test routines for execution at defined operational states, including in-service operational states, a monitor, responsive to sensor data retrieved in real-time from the on-board vehicle control system, operative to detect a current instance of the in-service operational state of the vehicle, and a diagnostic test scheduler operative to initiate execution of the diagnostic test routine upon detection of the current instance of the in-service operational state of the vehicle.

A wireless power transmission system includes, a transmit antenna which in operation produces a wireless field, an amplifier coupled to the transmit antenna, a load sensing circuit coupled to the amplifier and a controller coupled to the load sensing circuit. A monitoring device has one or more sensors and a unique user ID. The one or more sensors acquire user information selected from of at least one of, a user's activities, behaviors and habit information. The monitoring device includes an ID circuitry. A communication interface receives information about the unique user ID when the load sensing circuit indicates the monitoring device is within the wireless field. The indication is created using at least a change in power consumption.

An in-vehicle device data communicates with Internet based data processing resources for the purpose of transacting e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business. The in-vehicle device and the Internet based data processing resources can effectuate a wide variety of e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business including accessing auto part databases, warranty, customer, and other remote databases. In addition, e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business transactions can include vehicle security and vehicle service management, data communicating Internet based radio, audio, MP3, MPEG, video, and other types of data. Furthermore, e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business transactions can include interactive advertising, promotional offers, coupons, and supporting other remote data communications.The in-vehicle device can also include functionality for remote monitoring of vehicle performance, data communicating and accessing remote Internet based content and data, and effectuating adjustments and control of vehicle operation. Remote monitoring and control of vehicle operation can be by way of an Internet based data processing resource and can include engine control system programming and setting adjustment, vehicle monitoring, and transmission of vehicle telemetry and metric data. Vehicle telemetry and metric data can include global positioning system (GPS) data, vehicle operational data, engine performance data, and other vehicle data.The in-vehicle device can also wirelessly data communicate with a communication interface device (COM device) or an Internet appliance. Such COM devices or Internet appliances can data communicate wirelessly with an in-vehicle device and simultaneously data communicate in a wired or wireless mode of operation to Internet based data processing resources, and to other data processing resources.

A medical monitoring system that brings the hospital-campus telemetry experience to the patient home. This system is designed to enable effective step-down patient care in the home setting while providing the patient with the freedom to go anywhere and remain “logically” tethered to the system. The system achieves this by being distributed in nature, globally accessible, highly scalable, with near real-time concurrent reporting and analysis of multiple physiological parameters, and making this information real-time accessible to healthcare practitioners.

A health monitoring garment which employs a means of conducting electricity from the surface of the skin, through the fibres of a fabric to another fabric which is removably attached to it and contains a microprocessor, telemetry and a power source to monitor and transmit EKG data of a person wearing the clothing, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Removability enables tile garment to be washed and the electronics to be kept separate from the washing and tumble drying process. The same system can be used in reverse to effect cardiac pacing or defibrillation or to deliver other forms of electronically conveyed healing such as tissue repair.

A measurement and communication system for use with a tubular string, comprises a tubular string having a plurality of self-powered, autonomous telemetry stations disposed at predetermined locations along the tubular string. Each autonomous telemetry station is adapted to receive at least one first signal and transmit at least one second signal related to the at least one first signal. Power is extracted from potential energy sources proximate each autonomous telemetry station. A method of communicating information along a tubular string comprises, disposing an autonomous telemetry station at predetermined locations along the tubular string. A preferred transmission path is autonomously determined at each of the autonomous telemetry stations. Information is transmitted along the tubular string according to the autonomously determined preferred path.

Systems and methods for collecting sports data are disclosed, which include measuring, at one or more sensor modules mounted, affixed, or embedded on at least one sports participant, data corresponding to identification, movement, position, or condition of the at least one sports participant; broadcasting, from one or more telemetry modules mounted, affixed, or embedded on the at least one sports participant, signals carrying the data corresponding to identification, movement, position, or condition of the at least one sports participant; measuring, at one or more sensor modules mounted, affixed, or embedded in a sports object, data corresponding to identification, movement, position, or condition of the sports object; and broadcasting, from one or more telemetry modules mounted, affixed, or embedded on the sports object, signals carrying the data corresponding to identification, movement, position, or condition of the sports object. The systems and methods also include receiving the signals from the telemetry modules mounted, affixed, or embedded on the at least one sports participant and the telemetry modules mounted, affixed, or embedded on the sports object; and processing the received signals to calculate position information or movement information of a sports object or a sports participant in relation to a playing surface of a sports event.