U.S. patent application number 11/455484 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for medical information jewelry.
Invention is credited to Gayle Finer Talbott, William John Talbott.
Application Number | 20080016738 11/455484 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38830244 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080016738 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Talbott; Gayle Finer ; et
al. |
January 24, 2008 |
Medical information jewelry
Abstract
An exemplary embodiment includes a solid state memory chip
contained in or attached to various items of jewelry to be worn on
the body of the user. The chip contains extensive medical
information about the user, as well as contact and address
information, and medical insurance information. The information on
the microchip would be accessed by its contacts or by a small USB
plug on the jewelry and connected to the memory chip inside. The
jewelry would also contain on its surface a medical alert symbol.
If the wearer of the jewelry is injured or has a medical emergency,
the emergency medical technicians would recognize the medical alert
symbol and would see the computer cable plug or open the chip
container, and would plug in a computer or other device which could
quickly read the medical information stored on the microchip.
Inventors: |
Talbott; Gayle Finer;
(Centennial, CO) ; Talbott; William John;
(Centennial, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Henry L. Smith, Jr.
9273 Cornell Circle
Highlands Ranch
CO
80130-4141
US
|
Family ID: |
38830244 |
Appl. No.: |
11/455484 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/633 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 5/0023
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
40/633 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/00 20060101
A44C005/00 |
Claims
1. A device for storing medical or other personal information about
a user comprising: (a) a flash solid-state memory chip containing
medical or other personal information of the user, (b) an openable
and closable chip envelope comprised of metal, strong plastic, or
other durable material and adapted to contain the chip, (c) an item
of jewelry means attached to, or comprising, the chip envelope, and
adapted to be worn on or about the body of the user, and (d) a
caduceus or other widely recognized medical alert symbol on the
chip envelope and having a position and size designed to attract
the attention of a medical services provider, whereby, in an
emergency or other situation, a medical services provider is likely
to recognize the medical alert symbol and open chip envelope and
remove the chip and connect it to a personal computer or its
equivalent readout means for information readout, or the user may
connect it to a personal computer or equivalent readout means for
information readout.
2. A device for storing medical or other personal information about
a user comprising: (a) a flash solid-state memory chip containing
medical or other personal information of the user, (b) an openable
and closable chip envelope comprised of metal, strong plastic, or
other durable material and adapted to contain the chip, (c) an item
of jewelry attached to, or comprising, the chip envelope, and
adapted to be worn on or about the body of the user, and (d) a
caduceus or other widely recognized medical alert symbol on the
chip envelope and having a position and size designed to attract
the attention of a medical services provider, whereby, in an
emergency or other situation, a medical services provider is likely
to recognize the medical alert symbol and open the chip envelope
and remove the chip and connect it to a personal computer or its
equivalent readout means for information readout, or the user may
connect it to a personal computer or equivalent readout means for
information readout, and wherein the item of jewelry is an item
selected from the group consisting of: a slider with slider tabs
for engaging a necklace, bracelet or similar elongate jewelry item;
a pendant with a pendant loop for attachment to a chain, bracelet
or necklace; a dog tag; a watch or watchband; a charm; a rigid
bracelet; a chain bracelet with hinged clasp containing the chip; a
mesh bracelet with hinged section containing the chip; a stretchy
mesh bracelet; a hospital wrist or ankle band; a ring; a shell
bracelet; a pin; a one-piece chain; ankle bracelets; hair
accessories; eyeglasses; earrings; belt buckles; belly button
rings; eyeglasses straps; strings or bead holders, or other jewelry
means.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a shell
bracelet comprised of two meshing or mating shells secured by one
or more retaining pins, and wherein the closed shells contain the
chip which is provided with a USB port.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein the item of jewelry is a shell
bracelet comprised of two meshing or mating shells secured by one
or more retaining pins, and wherein the closed shells contain the
chip which is provided with a USB port.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a slider
with slider tabs for engaging a necklace, bracelet, or similar
elongate jewelry item.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a pendant
with a pendant loop for attachment to a chain, bracelet, or
necklace.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a dog
tag.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a watch or
watchband.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a
charm.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a rigid
bracelet.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a chain
bracelet with hinged clasp containing the chip.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a mesh
bracelet with hinged section containing the chip.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a
stretchy mesh bracelet.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a
hospital wrist or ankle band.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a
ring.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a shell
bracelet.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a
pin.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a
one-piece chain.
19. The device of claim 14, further comprising a slot for an
identification slip about the user.
20. A method for storing, or displaying, medical or other personal
information of a user in an object adapted to be worn on or about
the body of the user, comprising the steps of: (a) storing such
information on a flash solid-state memory chip using a personal
computer or similar device, (b) inserting the chip into the chip
envelope of claim 1, (c) removing the chip from the chip envelope,
and (d) connecting the chip to a personal computer or its
equivalent readout means for displaying the information.
21. The device of claim 1, wherein the memory chip has crucial
medical information listed first or highlighted by type size, color
or other similar attention-getting information display means.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising, in step (a),
listing crucial medical information first in the display, or
highlighting the crucial medical information by type size, color or
similar attention-getting information display means.
23. The device of claim 1, further comprising a miniature radio
transmitter connected to the chip for transmitting the information
on the chip to an information display device.
24. The device of claim 2, further comprising a miniature radio
transmitter connected to the chip for transmitting the information
on the chip to an information display device.
25. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of connecting the chip
to the personal computer or its equivalent is done by transmitting
the information by a miniature radio transmitter connected to the
chip.
26. The device of claim 1, wherein the chip contains graphical
displays of medical information comprising one or more items
selected from the group consisting of: X-rays, finger prints, MRI
images, CAT scans, EKG's, EEG's, mammograms, sonograms, or similar
graphical medical information displays.
27. The device of claim 2, wherein the chip contains graphical
displays of medical information comprising one or more items
selected from the group consisting of: X-rays, finger prints, MRI
images, CAT scans, EKG's, EEG's, mammograms, sonograms, or similar
graphical medical information displays.
28. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of
transmitting the information on the chip by radio, cell phone,
email, fax or similar electronic transmission method to other
medical service providers.
29. The method of claim 20, wherein the readout means equivalent to
a personal computer is a PalmPilot.TM. or BlackBerry.TM. or similar
hand-sized electronic device.
30. A device for storing medical or other personal information
about a user comprising: (a) a flash solid-state memory chip
containing medical or other personal information of the user, (b)
an openable and closable chip envelope comprising a shell bracelet
comprised of metal, strong plastic, or other durable material and
adapted to contain the chip, and (c) a caduceus or other widely
recognized medical alert symbol on the chip envelope and having a
position and size designed to attract the attention of a medical
services provider, whereby, in an emergency or other situation, a
medical services provider is likely to recognize the medical alert
symbol and open chip envelope and remove the chip and connect it to
a personal computer or equivalent readout means for information
readout, or the user may connect it to a personal computer or
equivalent readout means for information readout.
31. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is an ankle
bracelet.
32. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a hair
accessory.
33. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is
eyeglasses.
34. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is an
earring.
35. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry a belt
buckle.
36. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a belly
button ring.
37. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is an
eyeglasses strap.
38. The device of claim 1, wherein the item of jewelry is a string
or bead holder.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] One very useful embodiment of the Invention relates to the
following field, although the Invention may also relate to other
fields. The Invention may have various embodiments. The field
includes apparatus and methods for storing medical and related
information about a person on a small, portable electronic device
which can be carried in various ways, including in or attached to
jewelry, by a person so that in an emergency the information can be
read from the device quickly.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] Typical of the art related to the more widely useful
embodiments of the present Invention are the following patents. The
following examples of related art and its limitations are
illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related
art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon study of
the specification and drawings of this application. Other
embodiments of the Invention may relate to other arts.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,845,063, Jan. 18, 2005 to Mitchell discloses
an emergency voice bracelet for disclosing emergency medical
information. U.S. Pat. No. 5,877,742, Mar. 2, 1999 to Klink
discloses a medical information bracelet with an LCD screen for
displaying medical information in a scrolling manner.
SUMMARY
[0004] One of the more widely useful embodiments of the present
Invention may be summarized as follows. This embodiment is
exemplary only. Other embodiments will become apparent to those
skilled in the art upon study of the specification and drawings of
this application. Other embodiments of the Invention may relate to
other arts and have usefulness in those arts. An exemplary
embodiment includes a solid state memory chip contained in or
attached to various items of jewelry means to be worn on the body
of the owner. A multitude of jewelry means could be used including,
but not limited to, bracelets, necklaces, "dog tags", a slider with
slider tabs for engaging a necklace, bracelet or similar elongate
jewelry item; a pendant with a pendant loop for attachment to a
chain, bracelet or necklace; a watch or watchband; a charm; a rigid
bracelet; a chain bracelet with hinged clasp containing the chip; a
mesh bracelet with hinged section containing the chip; a stretchy
mesh bracelet; a hospital wrist or ankle band; a ring; a shell
bracelet; a pin; a one-piece chain. The chip contains extensive
medical information about the owner, as well as contact and address
information, and medical insurance information. The information on
the microchip would be accessed by a small USB or similar computer
cable plug on the jewelry and connected to the memory chip inside,
or via a small radio transmitter and external scanner, or by
removing the chip from its container and inserting it into an
adapter with matching electrical contacts. The jewelry would also
contain on its surface a medical alert symbol such as the caduceus,
the universally recognized symbol of physicians. If the wearer of
the jewelry is injured or has and medical emergency, the emergency
medical technicians ("EMT's") or other medical service providers
would recognize the medical alert symbol and would see the computer
cable plug, and would plug in a computer or other device which
could quickly read the medical information stored on the microchip.
The Invention includes material components and the process for
using them.
PURPOSES AND ADVANTAGES
[0005] The purposes and advantages of the more widely useful
embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited
to, the following, and may include other purposes and advantages in
different fields of use not listed herein:
[0006] 1. To enable detailed medical information to be stored on a
very small device on the person of the user.
[0007] 2. To enable medical personnel to recognize the device and
quickly read out medical information on the user, who may be
unconscious.
[0008] 3. To enable quick and very accurate transfer of the user's
medical information to EMT's on the scene of an emergency, and to
more distant doctors and hospitals by email or wired or wireless
transmission.
[0009] 4. To reduce the likelihood of medical errors and to speed
up treatment by quick furnishing of medical information on the user
in the hospital, doctor's office or emergency scene or
elsewhere.
[0010] 5. To reduce the time required to fill out forms at a
doctor's office or hospital, or before surgery.
[0011] 6. To provide instant access to insurance information and
insurance company contact information.
[0012] 7. To provide a system which may be used in other countries
and which may have medical information in multiple languages.
[0013] 8. To provide a device which may also include a last letter
to loved ones, information about will location, and dental records
to confirm the identity of a damaged body.
[0014] 9. To provide information about metal in the user's body,
including X-rays and doctors' certifications, to facilitate passage
through airport X-ray machines and magnetometers.
[0015] 10. To provide information about next of kin in the case of
death or for medical decisions for an unconscious user.
[0016] 11. To provide a method of storing all manner of personally
useful information of the user on a small easily portable device
which can always be with the user.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0017] 1 small memory chip
[0018] 2 large memory chip
[0019] 3 chip envelope
[0020] 4 medical alert symbol
[0021] 5 envelope lid
[0022] 6 slider tabs
[0023] 7 pendant loop
[0024] 8 dog tag hole
[0025] 9 charm loop
[0026] 10 small chip insert area
[0027] 11 hinge
[0028] 12 watch
[0029] 13 watch band
[0030] 14 rigid bracelet
[0031] 15 chain bracelet
[0032] 16 clasp
[0033] 17 mesh bracelet
[0034] 18 solid bracelet
[0035] 19 hospital band
[0036] 20 identification slip slot
[0037] 21 ring
[0038] 22 shell bracelet
[0039] 23 chip with USB port
[0040] 24 chip contacts
[0041] 25 USB port
[0042] 26 meshing shells
[0043] 27 retaining pin
[0044] 28 pin tacks
[0045] 29 one piece chain
[0046] 30 dog tag
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] This Brief Description and the Detailed Description Of The
Drawings cover only some embodiments of the Invention, and other
embodiments will be clear to those skilled in the art from the
description, drawings, and Alternative and Additional Embodiments,
etc. The Drawings are illustrative and not limiting.
[0048] FIGS. 1a, b, and c and 2a, b, and c show front, back and
side views of the small and large memory chips.
[0049] FIG. 3 shows the chip envelope closed, and FIG. 4 shows the
chip envelope open.
[0050] FIG. 5a and b show the chip envelope front and back with
slider tabs for attachment to a necklace.
[0051] FIGS. 6a and 6b show the padlock style pendant opened and
closed.
[0052] FIGS. 7a and 7b show the front and back of the dog tag style
with chip envelope attached to the back.
[0053] FIGS. 8a shows an add-on envelope for a watch band in
position, and FIG. 8b shows the back of the envelope. FIG. 9 shows
the watch with envelope integrally attached to the watch band. The
watch and chip could be in the same case.
[0054] FIGS. 10a and 10b show the front and back of the charm
version.
[0055] FIG. 11a shows a chain charm bracelet. FIG. 11b shows a
solid charm bracelet with screw-on ends. Both are for attachment to
the charm version of the Invention.
[0056] FIG. 12a shows a rigid bracelet, or cuff bracelet, with chip
envelope on the back; while
[0057] FIG. 12b shows the top of the rigid bracelet with the
medical alert symbol.
[0058] FIG. 13 shows a man's chain bracelet with hinged clasp
containing chip.
[0059] FIG. 14 shows a mesh bracelet with hinged section for
chip.
[0060] FIG. 15a shows a solid bracelet with sliding envelope, and
15b shows the back of slider tabs on envelope.
[0061] FIG. 16 shows a stretchy mesh bracelet with fixed
envelope.
[0062] FIG. 17 shows a hospital band with envelope.
[0063] FIGS. 18a and 18b show side and top views of a ring with
envelope.
[0064] FIG. 19a shows an openable shell bracelet containing the
chip inside (not shown), and
[0065] FIG. 19b shows the chip with USB port inside, and FIG. 19c
shows the opened bracelet and the chip.
[0066] FIG. 20a and b show the front and back of the pin version of
the Invention.
[0067] FIG. 21 shows a one-piece chain attached at two ends to the
chip envelope.
[0068] FIG. 22 shows, just for illustration, a typical template for
medical information, although other templates containing more or
less medical or personal or contact information could be used.
Critical medical information, such as allergies, could be
highlighted on the template by color or other highlighting means
known to those skilled in the art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0069] The preceding section describes the overall nature of the
drawings, and the following descriptions add details about the
Figures if needed. Details and techniques of mechanically attaching
the chip envelope 3 to various items of jewelry, and the mechanics
of jewelry operation are well known to those skilled in the jewelry
art, and this Application does not claim those techniques. The chip
envelope 3 could be made of various metals, including durable
precious metals used in jewelry.
[0070] In FIG. 1 the typical dimensions of the mini SD chip would
be about 20.times.22.times.29 millimeters. FIG. 2 shows the
removable mini SD chip and its larger holder with dimensions about
2.times.24.times.32 millimeters. FIGS. 1a and 2a show the
electrical chip contacts 24. FIG. 2a shows the small chip insert
area 10. A small memory chip can be inserted into and make
electrical contact with, some models of the large memory chip 2.
FIG. 3 and several similar Figures show the basic structure of the
chip envelope 3 and the envelope lid 5 which are attached to each
other by hinge 11. Medical alert symbol 4 is also shown. FIG. 4
shows the small memory chip I inside the chip envelope 3. FIG. 5b
shows slider tabs 6 on the back of slider envelope 3 which may
engage a necklace or similar elongated jewelry object. FIG. 6b
shows the pendant envelope 3 with the chip I inside it. Pendant
loop 7 is also shown. FIG. 7a shows the pendant envelope 3 attached
to the back of dog tag 30 containing dog tag hole 8. FIG. 7b is a
front view of the dog tag version. FIGS. 8b and 9b show the chip
envelope 3 which may be attached to watch band 13 either as an
add-on as in FIG. 8a, or as an integral part of the watch band in
FIG. 9a. FIGS. 10a shows the front of the chip envelope 3 in the
charm version, and 10b shows the back. Both show charm loop 9 for
attachment to a bracelet or necklace, etc. FIG. 11a shows a chain
charm bracelet and FIG. 11b shows a solid charm bracelet with
screw-on ends for use with the charm version. FIG. 12a shows a
rigid bracelet 14 with the chip envelope 3 attached to the inside
or back. FIG. 12b is an enlarged version of a portion of the front
of rigid bracelet 14 with the medical alert symbol 4. FIG. 13 shows
a man's chain bracelet 15 with hinged clasp 11 and 16 containing
small memory chip 1. FIG. 14 shows a mesh bracelet 17 with hinged
chip envelope for chip inside (not shown)
[0071] FIG. 15a shows a solid bracelet 18 with sliding envelope 3.
FIG. 15b shows the back of envelope 3 with slide tabs 6 to engage
the bracelet. FIG. 16 shows a stretchy mesh bracelet 17 with fixed
envelope 3. FIG. 17 shows the hospital in-patient version of a band
19 typically made of clear durable and reusable plastic. The
identification slip slot 20 holds a slip of paper with patient and
doctor information. The chip envelope 3 may have a Velcro closure
(not shown). FIG. 18 shows a ring 21 with chip envelope 3
permanently attached. FIG. 19a shows an openable shell bracelet 22
containing a chip inside (not shown). The meshing shells 26 and
retaining pin 27 are shown. The retaining pin can extend through a
hole in the outer and inner shells, thus securing the shells
together. FIG. 19b shows the meshed shells 26 with a chip with USB
port 23 inside. FIG. 19c shows the opened shells 26 and the chip
with USB port 23 and USB port 25 FIG. 20a shows the front of a
jewelry pin version of chip envelope 3 with two pin tacks 28 which
are inserted through a garment and secured inside the garment by
standard pin tack clamps, not shown. FIG. 21 could represent either
a bracelet or necklace depending on its size. It shows a one-piece
chain 29 attached at two ends to the chip envelope 3. FIG. 22 is
one possible chip template for medical and personal
information.
Description--Preferred Embodiment
[0072] The following embodiment of the Invention is the embodiment
presently preferred by the Inventors, but over time other
embodiments and uses may become preferred to those skilled in the
art. Throughout this Application the preferred embodiment will
generally be referred to as "E-MOM", meaning Emergency Medical on
Microchip.
[0073] E-MOM is typically a small, square, flat, thin-as-a-coin,
memory chip (see E-MOM memory description). The chip itself will be
held in a piece of E-MOM jewelry. There will be initial designs
that will be sold in drugstores, supermarkets, a doctor's office as
well as the web or a hospital gift shop. The basic model will be a
small, silver, square envelope. It can be worn as a pendant or a
charm on a bracelet. The second will be a small silver square
envelope similar to the pendent but to be worn as a pin. Both men
and women will be able to wear these items.
[0074] E-MOM will have potentially unlimited variations of jewelry
designs. There will be custom pieces that can be ordered over the
Internet or through a catalog. Some of the jewelry designs will
include a watch, a cuff bracelet, slides, charms for bracelet or
necklace, several different styles of lockets, and as technology
advances, perhaps even rings.
[0075] E-MOM jewelry will be made from gold, silver, platinum, as
well as less expensive materials as required. All will have the
option to add precious and semi-precious stones. One-of-a-kind
pieces can be produced for buyers. The jewelry will be user
friendly, unique and stylish. E-MOM jewelry will have the E-mom
logo and medical caduceus making it immediately recognizable to
medical professionals and first responders.
[0076] The E-MOM chip information can be filled out, and changed,
by the individual owners in the privacy of their own homes. If they
do not have their own personal computer, the chip information can
be completed at a local library, an office supply store, an
Internet cafe or a physician's office.
[0077] The E-MOM may, or may not, have a tracking system, social
security numbers, government affiliation or monthly fees. People
will be able to change information on the E-MOM as their
information changes. E-MOM will have an embedded format for
information, a template that, once filled out, can be saved to be
viewed later.
[0078] The E-MOM packaging will typically have the chip, USB
adapter, jewelry and detailed instructions. All personal computers,
laptops, BlackBerries.TM., Palm Pilots.TM., (or future hardware)
are equipped with either a USB port or a slot for a mini SD flash
memory chip.
[0079] Emergency Medical Technicians ("EMT's") or First Responders
will be trained to recognize the E-MOM logo and caduceus or another
medical alert symbol, and they will be equipped with a UBS
connector, allowing them to access the E-MOM information regarding
the patient. The E-MOM information can then be transmitted via
e-mail or wireless methods to a hospital. Medical professionals in
a hospital can then review the E-MOM data prior to the patient's
arrival. This advance information will allow the hospital to
prepare for any special needs, allergies, blood type, preexisting
conditions, medications etc. Finally, the emergency room will have
critical contact information allowing staff to quickly reach the
patient's next of kin and personal physician.
[0080] Doctors' offices can use the E-MOM to maintain patients'
information. Patients will no longer need to repeatedly fill out
the same patient information data sheet visit after visit. They
will be able to simply hand their E-MOM to the medical office
personnel. The office staff member can then insert the E-MOM into
the office computer and print the information. After the doctor
visit, they can update any pertinent information onto the E-MOM
with back-up on the doctor office computer. Doctor offices will be
able to update E-MOM data after each visit, thus insuring it is
current and accurate for the next doctor office visit or in case of
emergency. In the case of patients with multiple doctors, all
information would be timely and accurate, thus eliminating the need
for time consuming and expensive chart transfer. E-MOM will save
doctors' time as well as patients' time. The Invention can be used
to transfer prescription information from the prescribing doctor to
a pharmacy. Doctors will have backup information on their office
computers of the Invention is lost or damaged.
[0081] For medical procedures and surgeries, the E-MOM can be used
for a complete patient history rather than having the patient fill
out a new patient history prior to every surgery or procedure.
Patients will no longer need to be at the hospital two hours before
the surgery to fill out lengthy paperwork. In addition, while
patients are in the hospital, they can wear their E-MOM on a
bracelet rather than a standard flimsy paper information bracelet
common to hospitals. There will be a special design for in-patient
use made of clear Lucite or similar durable plastic with a slot for
the E-MOM chip and a place for the patient's name. The E-MOM will
streamline in-patient care by allowing doctors and nurses to make
notes and transfer patient information on laptop computers and palm
pilots. The E-MOM can be removed from the patient's bracelet and
inserted into a PalmPilot.TM. or laptop for doctors to update notes
and instructions, thus eliminating the need to decipher doctors'
notoriously poor handwriting.
[0082] Insurance companies will benefit from the E-MOM due to more
complete and accurate and up-to-date information. The individuals
will not have to repeat the same information for every insurance
coverage they apply for. The E-MOM will store all of the holder's
insurance information for quick and easy reference.
[0083] Nursing homes can use the E-MOM to keep track of patients'
information, medication, medical conditions, etc. In the case of
psychosis, Alzheimer's syndrome, or dementia, the E-MOM can be used
to identify the lost patients and help get them back to where they
belong. In addition, soldiers can use E-MOM for identification and
medical information.
[0084] Information that can be stored on the E-MOM chip includes,
but is not limited to: [0085] Name [0086] Address and phone numbers
[0087] Photo ID [0088] Contact information for next of kin [0089]
Primary care physician name address and phone number [0090] Medical
specialists [0091] Finger prints [0092] Date of birth [0093] Eye
color [0094] Contact lenses (if colored) [0095] Glasses
prescription [0096] Blood type [0097] Allergies [0098] Medications
(dosage and frequency) [0099] Procedures, dates, outcomes [0100]
Surgeries, dates, outcomes [0101] Family medical history [0102]
X-rays [0103] Diabetes conditions [0104] MRI's [0105] CAT scans
[0106] EKG's [0107] EEG's [0108] Sonograms [0109] Pacemaker,
history, models [0110] Problems with breathing tube if any [0111]
X-Rays for airport metal detectors and X-rays [0112] Power of
attorney for children. [0113] Social history [0114] Alzheimer's
syndrome information [0115] Do not resuscitate requests [0116]
Living wills [0117] Letters to loved ones [0118] Dental X-rays
[0119] Heart stents [0120] Pain pumps [0121] Chemotherapy--kind,
period, course. [0122] AIDS protocols [0123] Skin cancer, moles
(possible photograph for time period comparison) [0124] Mammograms
[0125] Hearing aids [0126] Dentures [0127] Insurance information
(medical/dental/auto) [0128] Vaccination history [0129] Childhood
illnesses [0130] Colonoscopy
[0131] Critical information from the above list could be
highlighted in color or by other highlighting means such as being
listed first, placed in large type size or other attention-getting
information display means known to those skilled in the art.
Entering, Storing and Retrieving Information Using E-MOM
[0132] The Invention will be very user friendly so that the user
with only basic computer skills could program medical information
into the device, and change it at will, with no professional
assistance. Data can be entered onto the E-MOM memory chip from
virtually any application software source. This would include, but
is not limited to, all of the Microsoft.TM. Office products like
Excel.TM., Word.TM., and PowerPoint.TM.. The E-MOM template is
currently set up for data to be entered using Microsoft Word.TM..
Anyone with Microsoft Word software on their computer can enter
data into E-MOM, including patients, doctors and staff. In
addition, pictures in the form of X-rays, EEG's or EKG's can be
stored on E-MOM. Once these pictures are digitized and stored on a
computer's hard drive, they can be saved directly onto the e-MOM
chip. This also includes scanned images of graphical displays of
medical information such as X-rays and other items in the preceding
list. Typically the images are stored as "jpg" image documents.
After data is entered into E-MOM and saved, it is automatically
stored and readily retrieved by using the same software originally
used to enter the data. For example, a person's medical history is
entered into a Microsoft Word document. Therefore, Microsoft Word
is used to access the original information to read or update. The
entry and storage of such medical information on the microchip, and
its retrieval and display on a computer, as well as changing such
information, are all well-known to those skilled in the art. In
summary, the E-MOM memory chip can be used to enter, store and
retrieve any digitized data that can be input from any common
application software source.
E-MOM Flash Memory
[0133] E-MOM stores information on a flash memory device. Flash
memory is used for easy and fast information storage in portable
devices like digital cameras, picture cell phones and video game
consoles. Flash memory is non-volatile, which means that it does
not need power to maintain the information stored in the chip.
Flash memory is a solid state storage device with no moving parts;
everything is electronic. Flash memory chips range widely in
information storage capacity from kilobytes to hundreds of
megabytes each. There are a number of flash memory manufacturers,
including but not limited to SanDisk, Samsung, lomega, Memorex,
JMTek, Kingston and Lexar. All types of digitized data can be
entered, accessed and stored on flash memory devices. This includes
letters, symbols, numbers and pictures. SanDisk chips are available
from SanDisk Corporation 601 McCarthy Boulevard, Milpitas, Calif.
95035.
E-MOM Flash Memory Specifications
[0134] E-MOM currently uses a 128 MB mini SD flash memory chip, but
similar larger chips could be used to store more information.
[0135] Characteristics of the 128 MB mini SD flash memory chip
include the following:
[0136] High data transfer rate for fast download and copy
[0137] Highly Durable: Store, erase and reuse
[0138] Designed to withstand rugged weather
[0139] Security level complies with SDMI portable device
requirements
[0140] Works with existing SD card slots by using an adapter
Adapters used with E-MOM
[0141] If a computer has a slot sized to accept a mini SD flash
memory chip, no adapters are required to enter, access, or store
information on the E-MOM chip. However, many computers have a
larger slot to accommodate a full sized SD card. E-MOM comes with a
full sized SD adapter that the mini SD flash memory chip fits into.
Computers that can accommodate the full sized SD card can directly
use this adapter for entering, accessing and recording information
on the E-MOM mini SD flash memory chip. For computers that have
only a USB port, USB adapters can be purchased that can either
accommodate a mini SD flash memory chip or the full sized SD card
with the E-MOM mini SD chip inserted into it.
[0142] The physical specifications for the full sized SD adapter
card are as follows:
[0143] Length: 32 mm
[0144] Width: 24 mm
[0145] Height: 2.1 mm
[0146] Weight: 2.0 grams max
[0147] The physical specifications for different USB adapters vary,
but do not constrain using E-MOM.
Operation of One Embodiment
[0148] See also section above on Preferred Embodiment. The
microchip stores information on a flash memory device, typically a
mini SD flash memory chip, although other chips can be used. The
chip can be programmed by virtually all personal computers sold in
recent years by means of their USB port (for versions of the
invention having a USB connector) or a chip holder/adapter designed
to receive the chip and having a cable with USB connector. The
information template can be programmed onto the chip using
Microsoft Word.TM.. The template consists of protected fields that
cannot be written over and fields that allow the owner or medical
professionals to enter patient information. Once the mini-SD chip
has been programmed, it can be plugged into a variety of electronic
devices which can read the data stored on the chip or enter new
data on the chip. The chip would be compatible with many readout
means including personal computers and many hand-held devices
including BlackBerries.TM., PalmPilots.TM., some newer cell phones
and wireless devices and cameras, all of which can function as
information display devices. The data entered into the chip can
include words, numbers, graphs, pictures, x-rays or virtually any
data that cab be stored on a personal computer. The connection of
the chip to devices and use of the devices to read or store data
are well known to those skilled in the art. The E-MOM computer file
is labeled as such so as to be readily readable.
Tests of One Embodiment
[0149] The Inventors have tested the invention and it works well.
Virtually all personal computers sold over the past five years have
a slot to accommodate the mini SD chip, a full-size SD chip or a
USB port. Based on the computer's configuration, the mini chip the
chip was plugged into the SD adapter that comes with the mini SD
chip, and then the SD adapter was plugged into the USB adapter. The
USB adapter fit directly into the computer, and the mini SD chip
was ready to be programmed. Using Microsoft Word.TM., the template
was programmed into the chip. The template consisted of protected
fields that cannot be written over, and fields that allow
individuals or medical professionals to enter additional patient
information. Once the chip was programmed, it was plugged into a
variety of electronic devices for data to be read from the chip or
for new data to be entered into the chip. The memory chip is
compatible with virtually all personal computers and numerous
handheld devices including BlackBerries.TM., PalmPilots.TM. and
some of the newer cell phones. The memory chip was tested using all
of the above devices. The test included reading information already
on the chip and saving information to the chip. The data entered
onto the chip included words, numbers, graphs, pictures, and
x-rays.
Additional Embodiments
[0150] The memory chip may be in a thin plastic sleeve, or the chip
container may have an internal plastic coating to provide added
protection to the chip. The method of the invention may also
include the step of transmitting information on the chip by radio,
cell phone, email, fax or other electronic transmission to other
medical service providers. Other items of jewelry could include
ankle bracelets, hair accessories, eyeglasses, earrings, belt
buckles, belly button rings, eyeglasses straps, strings or bead
holders, or other jewelry means.
Alternative Embodiments
[0151] An alternative embodiment of the invention may involve
wireless recording of data onto the memory chip and wireless
reading of data from the chip by means of a microcircuit radio
transmitter and receiver attached to the chip and a corresponding
radio transmitter and receiver attached to an adapter which sends
information by cable into and from a computer or similar device.
One method of wireless information would include current "Blink"
technology used for newer credit cards. The details of such
transmitters and receivers are well known to those skilled in the
art and the details of such devices are not claimed as part of the
Invention. An alternative embodiment of the pin in FIG. 20b may
have a safety pin on the back instead of pin tabs 28.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE
[0152] A number of changes are possible to the methods and parts
described above while still remaining within the scope and spirit
of the Invention. The specifics about the form of the Invention
described in this application (including the specifics in the
Summary, Abstract, Preferred Embodiment, Additional Embodiments,
and Alternative Embodiments, etc.) are examples and are not
intended to be limiting in scope. Those skilled in the art will
recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions,
subtractions and sub-combinations thereof, and may discover new
fields of use. The scope of the Invention is to be determined by
the claims and their legal equivalents, not the examples, purposes,
summary, preferred embodiments, alternative or additional
embodiments, operation, tests, etc. given above. It is intended
that the claims are interpreted to include all such modifications,
additions, subtractions, permutations and sub-combinations as are
within their true spirit and scope.
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