U.S. patent application number 13/777752 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-04 for defibrillator with utility light.
This patent application is currently assigned to Physio-Control, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Fred W. Chapman, Micha Coleman, Jil Cruz, Benjamin A. Flugstad, Mark Frank. Invention is credited to Fred W. Chapman, Micha Coleman, Jil Cruz, Benjamin A. Flugstad, Mark Frank.
Application Number | 20130172951 13/777752 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45818428 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130172951 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frank; Mark ; et
al. |
July 4, 2013 |
DEFIBRILLATOR WITH UTILITY LIGHT
Abstract
Embodiments of the present concept are directed to external
defibrillators that include a utility light for use by one or more
rescuers using the defibrillator. In one implementation, an
external defibrillator has a housing, an energy storage module for
storing an electrical charge, a defibrillation port for guiding the
stored electrical charge to a person, and a processor for
determining when to guide the electrical charge. The defibrillator
also includes a user interface that includes a screen showing
indications by light, and a separate utility light coupled to the
housing via a light-coupling structure. The utility light is
structured to generate and cast a beam of light with a beam
divergence angle of no more than 160 degrees in order to illuminate
a certain point of the local environment. This illumination
capability may help rescuers reach a person in need of medical
attention and apply medical assistance to the person.
Inventors: |
Frank; Mark; (Dresden,
DE) ; Cruz; Jil; (Issaquah, WA) ; Coleman;
Micha; (Woodinville, WA) ; Flugstad; Benjamin A.;
(Port Ludlow, WA) ; Chapman; Fred W.; (Renton,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Frank; Mark
Cruz; Jil
Coleman; Micha
Flugstad; Benjamin A.
Chapman; Fred W. |
Dresden
Issaquah
Woodinville
Port Ludlow
Renton |
WA
WA
WA
WA |
DE
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Physio-Control, Inc.
Redmond
WA
|
Family ID: |
45818428 |
Appl. No.: |
13/777752 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13087229 |
Apr 14, 2011 |
8386034 |
|
|
13777752 |
|
|
|
|
61385499 |
Sep 22, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
607/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/3904 20170801;
A61N 1/3621 20130101; A61N 1/39044 20170801 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/5 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/362 20060101
A61N001/362 |
Claims
1. An external defibrillator for use in a local environment with an
ambient light level, the external defibrillator comprising: a
housing having a light-coupling structure; an energy storage module
in the housing for storing an electrical charge; a defibrillation
port for guiding, via at least one electrode coupled to the energy
storage module, the stored electrical charge to a person; a
processor for determining when to guide the electrical charge; a
user interface that includes a screen showing indications by light;
and a utility light distinct from the screen for illuminating a
certain point of the local environment, the utility light coupled
to the housing by being received matingly with the light-coupling
structure and structured to generate and cast a beam of light at
the certain point with a beam divergence angle of no more than 160
degrees, wherein the user interface is configured to allow a
rescuer to adjust a characteristic of the beam, and wherein the
light-coupling structure includes at least a partially flexible
connector for coupling the utility light to the housing.
2. The external defibrillator of claim 1, in which the utility
light is fixed to the housing via the light coupling structure.
3. The external defibrillator of claim 2, in which the
light-coupling structure allows a direction of the beam to change
relative to the housing.
4. The external defibrillator of claim 1, in which the housing
defines a well for receiving therein a removable battery, and the
utility light is structured to be at least partially inserted in
the well.
5. The external defibrillator of claim 1, further comprising a
retraction device structured to retract at least a portion of the
flexible connector into the housing.
6. The external defibrillator of claim 1, in which the flexible
connector is structured to retain its position after having been
moved by a rescuer.
7. The external defibrillator of claim 1, in which the utility
light is removable from the housing.
8. The external defibrillator of claim 7, in which the
light-coupling structure includes a dedicated port for connecting
the removable utility light.
9. The external defibrillator of claim 8, in which the removable
utility light includes a dedicated power source and is operable
after having been removed from the housing of the external
defibrillator.
10. The external defibrillator of claim 8, further comprising: a
power source for powering the screen, and in which the removable
utility light is powered from the power source.
11. The external defibrillator of claim 1, further comprising a
switch on the housing to operate the utility light, the switch
structured to be activated by a rescuer.
12. The external defibrillator of claim 11, further comprising a
carrying handle in which the switch is positioned adjacent to
handle and is controllable by a rescuer's carrying hand.
13. The external defibrillator of claim 1, further comprising an
ambient light sensor configured to detect the ambient light level
of the local environment, and in which the processor is configured
to control the illumination of the utility light according to the
detected ambient light levels.
14. The external defibrillator of claim 1, in which the utility
light is configured to provide spectral filtering of a broadband
light source.
15. The external defibrillator of claim 1, in which the wavelength
of the light illuminating the certain point of the local
environment is adjustable.
16. The external defibrillator of claim 1, in which the utility
light includes at least one of a brightness control, a focusing
control, or a beam divergence control.
17. The external defibrillator of claim 1, in which the user
interface is configured to display an operating mode of the utility
light.
18. The external defibrillator of claim 1, further comprising a
timing circuit configured to deactivate the utility light when a
predetermined time limit of illumination is reached.
19. The external defibrillator of claim 1, in which the processor
is configured to control the utility light to signal a rescuer by
modulating the beam of light.
20. The external defibrillator of claim 19, in which the beam of
light is modulated in conjunction with signals from the user
interface.
21. An external defibrillator for use in a local environment with
an ambient light level, the external defibrillator comprising: a
housing having a light-coupling structure; an energy storage module
in the housing for storing an electrical charge; a defibrillation
port for guiding, via at least one electrode coupled to the energy
storage module, the stored electrical charge to a person; a
processor for determining when to guide the electrical charge; a
user interface that includes a screen showing indications by light;
and a utility light distinct from the screen for illuminating a
certain point of the local environment, the utility light coupled
to the housing by being received matingly with the light-coupling
structure and structured to generate and cast a beam of light at
the certain point with a beam divergence angle of no more than 160
degrees, wherein the user interface is configured to allow a
rescuer to adjust a characteristic of the beam, and wherein the
utility light is removable from the housing.
22. A method comprising: bringing within a rescue environment a
defibrillator that stores an electrical charge, includes a screen
showing indications by light, and also includes a light-coupling
structure, the defibrillator having a utility light matingly
received with the light-coupling structure and distinct from the
screen; activating a switch to provide power to the utility light
so as to generate a beam of light with a beam divergence angle of
no more than 160 degrees, in which activating the switch includes
receiving a user input to activate the utility light; directing the
utility light so as to cast the beam towards a certain point of the
environment, in which directing the utility light towards the
certain point includes manipulating a partially flexible connector
of the light-coupling structure to position a beam generated by the
utility light at the certain point; if it is otherwise indicated by
the defibrillator, using the defibrillator to deliver the charge to
treat a patient in the environment; illuminating a pathway to the
rescue environment with the utility light; and detaching the
utility light from the external defibrillator.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/087,229, filed Apr. 14, 2011, which issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 8,386,034 on Feb. 26, 2013, and also claims
priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/385,499, filed on Sep. 22, 2010, the disclosures of which are
hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
FIELD
[0002] This invention generally relates to external
defibrillators.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In humans, the heart beats to sustain life. In normal
operation, it pumps blood through the various parts of the body.
More particularly, the various chamber of the heart contract and
expand in a periodic and coordinated fashion, which causes the
blood to be pumped regularly. More specifically, the right atrium
sends deoxygenated blood into the right ventricle. The right
ventricle pumps the blood to the lungs, where it becomes
oxygenated, and from where it returns to the left atrium. The left
atrium pumps the oxygenated blood to the left ventricle. The left
ventricle, then, expels the blood, forcing it to circulate to the
various parts of the body.
[0004] The heart chambers pump because of the heart's electrical
control system. More particularly, the sinoatrial (SA) node
generates an electrical impulse, which generates further electrical
signals. These further signals cause the above-described
contractions of the various chambers in the heart, in the correct
sequence. The electrical pattern created by the sinoatrial (SA)
node is called a sinus rhythm.
[0005] Sometimes, however, the electrical control system of the
heart malfunctions, which can cause the heart to beat irregularly,
or not at all. The cardiac rhythm is then generally called an
arrhythmia. Arrhythmias may be caused by electrical activity from
locations in the heart other than the SA node. Some types of
arrhythmia may result in inadequate blood flow, thus reducing the
amount of blood pumped to the various parts of the body. Some
arrhythmias may even result in a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). In a
SCA, the heart fails to pump blood effectively, and, if not
treated, death can occur. In fact, it is estimated that SCA results
in more than 250,000 deaths per year in the United States alone.
Further, a SCA may result from a condition other than an
arrhythmia.
[0006] One type of arrhythmia associated with SCA is known as
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF). VF is a type of malfunction where
the ventricles make rapid, uncoordinated movements, instead of the
normal contractions. When that happens, the heart does not pump
enough blood to deliver enough oxygen to the vital organs. The
person's condition will deteriorate rapidly and, if not reversed in
time, they will die soon, e.g. within ten minutes.
[0007] Ventricular Fibrillation can often be reversed using a
life-saving device called a defibrillator. A defibrillator, if
applied properly, can administer an electrical shock to the heart.
The shock may terminate the VF, thus giving the heart the
opportunity to resume pumping blood. If VF is not terminated, the
shock may be repeated, often at escalating energies.
[0008] A challenge with defibrillation is that the electrical shock
must be administered very soon after the onset of VF. There is not
much time: the survival rate of persons suffering from VF decreases
by about 10% for each minute the administration of a defibrillation
shock is delayed. After about 10 minutes the rate of survival for
SCA victims averages less than 2%.
[0009] The challenge of defibrillating early after the onset of VF
is being met in a number of ways. First, for some people who are
considered to be at a higher risk of VF or other heart arrythmias,
an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) can be implanted
surgically. An ICD can monitor the person's heart, and administer
an electrical shock as needed. As such, an ICD reduces the need to
have the higher-risk person be monitored constantly by medical
personnel.
[0010] Regardless, VF can occur unpredictably, even to a person who
is not considered at risk. As such, VF can be experienced by many
people who lack the benefit of ICD therapy. When VF occurs to a
person who does not have an ICD, they collapse, because blood flow
has stopped. They should receive therapy quickly.
[0011] For a VF victim without an ICD, a different type of
defibrillator can be used, which is called an external
defibrillator. External defibrillators have been made portable, so
they can be brought to a potential VF victim quickly enough to
revive them.
[0012] While some external defibrillators are used in environments
with bright lighting, such as in a hospital, many environments
where external defibrillators are used in rescue situations have
poor lighting conditions. With low light conditions, navigating
around the environment, and also possibly operation and use of the
defibrillator and related implements can be difficult. Separate
flashlights or headlights can be used in some situations, but
require that the rescuer locate and bring another, separate device.
Additionally, many separate flashlights require the use of one of
the rescuer's hands for optimal operation, which makes certain
rescue procedures difficult to perform because of the limited use
of the hand holding the flashlight. Further, in some rescue
situations, lighting conditions can be unknown or change
unexpectedly.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0013] The present description gives instances of medical devices,
systems, and methods, the use of which may help overcome problems
and limitations of the prior art.
[0014] In particular, embodiments of the present concept are
directed to external defibrillators that include a utility light
for use by one or more rescuers carrying, and also possibly using
the defibrillator and related implements.
[0015] In some embodiments, an external defibrillator that is
structured for use in a local environment with an ambient light
level includes a housing having a light-coupling structure. An
energy storage module is included in the housing for storing an
electrical charge, and a defibrillation port is used for guiding
the stored electrical charge to a person via one or more electrodes
coupled to the energy storage module. The external defibrillator
also includes a processor for determining when to guide the
electrical charge and a user interface that includes a screen
showing indications by light. To illuminate a certain point of the
local environment, the external defibrillator also includes a
utility light distinct from the screen. The utility light is
coupled to the housing by being received matingly with the
light-coupling structure and structured to generate and cast a beam
of light at the certain point with a beam divergence angle of no
more than 160 degrees.
[0016] In other embodiments, a method is disclosed to illuminate a
certain point of a rescue environment. The method includes bringing
a defibrillator that stores an electrical charge within a rescue
environment. The defibrillator includes a screen showing
indications by light, a light-coupling structure, and a utility
light matingly received with the light-coupling structure and
distinct from the screen. The method also includes activating a
switch to provide power to the utility light so as to generate a
beam of light with a beam divergence angle of no more than 160
degrees and directing the utility light so as to cast the beam
towards a certain point of the environment. If it is otherwise
indicated by the defibrillator, the method also includes using the
defibrillator to deliver the charge to treat a patient in the
environment.
[0017] An advantage over the prior art is that the utility light of
the external defibrillator can provide a rescuer with the ability
to illuminate certain points of a rescue environment without having
to rely on a separate lighting device that can be forgotten or
difficult to operate in a rescue situation. In addition, the
utility light of the defibrillator may be controlled to provide
communications to a rescuer or other user.
[0018] These and other features and advantages of this description
will become more readily apparent from the following Detailed
Description, which proceeds with reference to the drawings, in
which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a scene where an external
defibrillator is used to save the life of a person according to
embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a table listing two main types of the external
defibrillator shown in FIG. 1, and who they might be used by.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing components of an external
defibrillator, such as the one shown in FIG. 1, which is made
according to embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator with a
utility light according to embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator with a
fixed utility light according to embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator with a
positionable utility light mounting system according to
embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator with a
retractable utility light according to embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator with a
removable utility light according to embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator with a
user interface and utility light according to embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator with
a utility light having a filter according to embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for illustrating methods of
illuminating a certain point of a rescue environment according to
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] As has been mentioned, the present description is about
medical devices, systems, and methods for illuminating a rescue
environment with a utility light connected to an external
defibrillator.
[0031] Embodiments are now described in more detail.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a defibrillation scene. A person 82
is lying on their back. Person 82 could be a patient in a hospital,
or someone found unconscious, and then turned to be on their back.
Person 82 is experiencing a condition in their heart 85, which
could be Ventricular Fibrillation (VF).
[0033] A portable external defibrillator 100 has been brought close
to person 82. At least two defibrillation electrodes 104, 108 are
usually provided with external defibrillator 100, and are sometimes
called electrodes 104, 108. Electrodes 104, 108 are coupled with
external defibrillator 100 via respective electrode leads 105, 109.
A rescuer (not shown) has attached electrodes 104, 108 to the skin
of person 82. Defibrillator 100 is administering, via electrodes
104, 108, a brief, strong electric pulse 111 through the body of
person 82. Pulse 111, also known as a defibrillation shock, goes
also through heart 85, in an attempt to restart it, for saving the
life of person 82.
[0034] Defibrillator 100 can be one of different types, each with
different sets of features and capabilities. The set of
capabilities of defibrillator 100 is determined by planning who
would use it, and what training they would be likely to have.
Examples are now described.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a table listing two main types of external
defibrillators, and who they are primarily intended to be used by.
A first type of defibrillator 100 is generally called a
defibrillator-monitor, because it is typically formed as a single
unit in combination with a patient monitor. A defibrillator-monitor
is sometimes called monitor-defibrillator. A defibrillator-monitor
is intended to be used by persons in the medical professions, such
as doctors, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, etc.
Such a defibrillator-monitor is intended to be used in a
pre-hospital or hospital scenario.
[0036] As a defibrillator, the device can be one of different
varieties, or even versatile enough to be able to switch among
different modes that individually correspond to the varieties. One
variety is that of an automated defibrillator, which can determine
whether a shock is needed and, if so, charge to a predetermined
energy level and instruct the user to administer the shock. Another
variety is that of a manual defibrillator, where the user
determines the need and controls administering the shock.
[0037] As a patient monitor, the device has features additional to
what is minimally needed for mere operation as a defibrillator.
These features can be for monitoring physiological indicators of a
person in an emergency scenario. These physiological indicators are
typically monitored as signals. For example, these signals can
include a person's full ECG (electrocardiogram) signals, or
impedance between two electrodes. Additionally, these signals can
be about the person's temperature, non-invasive blood pressure
(NIBP), arterial oxygen saturation/pulse oximetry (SpO2), the
concentration or partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the
respiratory gases, which is also known as capnography, and so on.
These signals can be further stored and/or transmitted as patient
data.
[0038] A second type of external defibrillator 100 is generally
called an AED, which stands for "Automated External Defibrillator".
An AED typically makes the shock/no shock determination by itself,
automatically. Indeed, it can sense enough physiological conditions
of the person 82 via only the shown defibrillation electrodes 104,
108 of FIG. 1. In its present embodiments, an AED can either
administer the shock automatically, or instruct the user to do so,
e.g. by pushing a button. Being of a much simpler construction, an
AED typically costs much less than a defibrillator-monitor. As
such, it makes sense for a hospital, for example, to deploy AEDs at
its various floors, in case the more expensive
defibrillator-monitor is more critically being deployed at an
Intensive Care Unit, and so on.
[0039] AEDs, however, can also be used by people who are not in the
medical profession. More particularly, an AED can be used by many
professional first responders, such as policemen, firemen, etc.
Even a person with only first-aid training can use one. And AEDs
increasingly can supply instructions to whoever is using them.
[0040] AEDs are thus particularly useful, because it is so critical
to respond quickly, when a person suffers from VF. Indeed, the
people who will first reach the VF sufferer may not be in the
medical professions.
[0041] Increasing awareness has resulted in AEDs being deployed in
public or semi-public spaces, so that even a member of the public
can use one, if they have obtained first aid and CPR/AED training
on their own initiative. This way, defibrillation can be
administered soon enough after the onset of VF, to hopefully be
effective in rescuing the person.
[0042] There are additional types of external defibrillators, which
are not listed in FIG. 2. For example, a hybrid defibrillator can
have aspects of an AED, and also of a defibrillator-monitor. A
usual such aspect is additional ECG monitoring capability.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing components of an external
defibrillator 300 made according to embodiments. These components
can be, for example, in external defibrillator 100 of FIG. 1. Plus,
these components of FIG. 3 can be provided in a housing 301, which
is also known as casing 301.
[0044] External defibrillator 300 is intended for use by a user
380, who would be the rescuer. Defibrillator 300 typically includes
a defibrillation port 310, such as a socket in housing 301.
Defibrillation port 310 includes nodes 314, 318. Defibrillation
electrodes 304, 308, which can be similar to electrodes 104, 108,
can be plugged in defibrillation port 310, so as to make electrical
contact with nodes 314, 318, respectively. It is also possible that
electrodes can be connected continuously to defibrillation port
310, etc. Either way, defibrillation port 310 can be used for
guiding via electrodes to person 82 an electrical charge that has
been stored in defibrillator 300, as will be seen later in this
document.
[0045] If defibrillator 300 is actually a defibrillator-monitor, as
was described with reference to FIG. 2, then it will typically also
have an ECG port 319 in housing 301, for plugging in ECG leads 309.
ECG leads 309 can help sense an ECG signal, e.g. a 12-lead signal,
or from a different number of leads. Moreover, a
defibrillator-monitor could have additional ports (not shown), and
an other component 325 for the above described additional features,
such as patient signals.
[0046] Defibrillator 300 also includes a measurement circuit 320.
Measurement circuit 320 receives physiological signals from ECG
port 319, and also from other ports, if provided. These
physiological signals are sensed, and information about them is
rendered by circuit 320 as data, or other signals, etc.
[0047] If defibrillator 300 is actually an AED, it may lack ECG
port 319. Measurement circuit 320 can obtain physiological signals
through nodes 314, 318 instead, when defibrillation electrodes 304,
308 are attached to person 82. In these cases, a person's ECG
signal can be sensed as a voltage difference between electrodes
304, 308. Plus, impedance between electrodes 304, 308 can be sensed
for detecting, among other things, whether these electrodes 304,
308 have been inadvertently disconnected from the person.
[0048] Defibrillator 300 also includes a processor 330. Processor
330 may be implemented in any number of ways. Such ways include, by
way of example and not of limitation, digital and/or analog
processors such as microprocessors and digital-signal processors
(DSPs); controllers such as microcontrollers; software running in a
machine; programmable circuits such as Field Programmable Gate
Arrays (FPGAs), Field-Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAAs),
Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Application Specific Integrated
Circuits (ASICs), any combination of one or more of these, and so
on.
[0049] Processor 330 can be considered to have a number of modules.
One such module can be a detection module 332, which senses outputs
of measurement circuit 320. Detection module 332 can include a VF
detector. Thus, the person's sensed ECG can be used to determine
whether the person is experiencing VF.
[0050] Another such module in processor 330 can be an advice module
334, which arrives at advice based on outputs of detection module
332. Advice module 334 can include a Shock Advisory Algorithm,
implement decision rules, and so on. The advice can be to shock, to
not shock, to administer other forms of therapy, and so on. If the
advice is to shock, some external defibrillator embodiments merely
report that to the user, and prompt them to do it. Other
embodiments further execute the advice, by administering the shock.
If the advice is to administer CPR, defibrillator 300 may further
issue prompts for it, and so on.
[0051] Processor 330 can include additional modules, such as module
336, for other functions. In addition, if other component 325 is
indeed provided, it may be operated in part by processor 330,
etc.
[0052] Defibrillator 300 optionally further includes a memory 338,
which can work together with processor 330. Memory 338 may be
implemented in any number of ways. Such ways include, by way of
example and not of limitation, nonvolatile memories (NVM),
read-only memories (ROM), random access memories (RAM), any
combination of these, and so on. Memory 338, if provided, can
include programs for processor 330, and so on. The programs can be
operational for the inherent needs of processor 330, and can also
include protocols and ways that decisions can be made by advice
module 334. In addition, memory 338 can store prompts for user 380,
etc. Moreover, memory 338 can store patient data.
[0053] Defibrillator 300 may also include a power source 340. To
enable portability of defibrillator 300, power source 340 typically
includes a battery. Such a battery is typically implemented as a
battery pack, which can be rechargeable or not. Sometimes, a
combination is used, of rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery
packs. Other embodiments of power source 340 can include AC power
override, for where AC power will be available, and so on. In some
embodiments, power source 340 is controlled by processor 330.
[0054] Defibrillator 300 additionally includes an energy storage
module 350. Module 350 is where some electrical energy is stored,
when preparing it for sudden discharge to administer a shock.
Module 350 can be charged from power source 340 to the right amount
of energy, as controlled by processor 330. In typical
implementations, module 350 includes one or more capacitors 352,
and so on.
[0055] Defibrillator 300 moreover includes a discharge circuit 355.
Circuit 355 can be controlled to permit the energy stored in module
350 to be discharged to nodes 314, 318, and thus also to
defibrillation electrodes 304, 308. Circuit 355 can include one or
more switches 357. Those can be made in a number of ways, such as
by an H-bridge, and so on.
[0056] Defibrillator 300 further includes a user interface 370 for
user 380. User interface 370 can be made in any number of ways. For
example, interface 370 may include a screen, to display what is
detected and measured, provide visual feedback to the rescuer for
their resuscitation attempts, and so on. Interface 370 may also
include a speaker, to issue voice prompts, etc. Interface 370 may
additionally include various controls, such as pushbuttons,
keyboards, and so on. In addition, discharge circuit 355 can be
controlled by processor 330, or directly by user 380 via user
interface 370, and so on.
[0057] Defibrillator 300 can optionally include other components.
For example, a communication module 390 may be provided for
communicating with other machines. Such communication can be
performed wirelessly, or via wire, or by infrared communication,
and so on. This way, data can be communicated, such as patient
data, incident information, therapy attempted, CPR performance, and
so on.
[0058] Defibrillator 300 may also include a utility light, such as
illustrated by other component 325, which is structured to
illuminate a certain point in a rescue environment or other areas
around the defibrillator as needed by a rescuer or user. The
utility light 325 may cast a beam of light at the certain point
with a beam divergence angle of, for example, no more than 160
degrees so that the utility light can be directed at the certain
point of interest.
[0059] Illuminating a particular area with a utility light 325 that
is included with an external defibrillator 300 may include a
variety of advantages over the prior art such as providing a
rescuer 380 with the ability to illuminate certain points of a
rescue environment without having to rely on a separate lighting
device that can be forgotten or difficult to operate in a rescue
situation. In addition, the utility light 325 of the defibrillator
300 may be controlled to provide communications to a rescuer 380 or
other user.
[0060] Components sometimes similar to those of FIG. 3 are
described in the remainder of this document. In some of the
embodiments, similar components are named and numbered similarly as
well.
[0061] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator 400
with a utility light 425 according to embodiments. The
defibrillator 400 may be used in a local environment 401 with an
ambient light level. The local environment 401 may be a rescue
environment where a patient or person 482 is in need of medical
assistance. Alternatively, the local environment 401 may be a
pathway on the way to a rescue environment. For example, a rescuer
may have to enter an unfamiliar darkened building and search for a
person in need of medical assistance. Worse, they may have to climb
an unlit stairway. Although these examples of a local environment
401 are provided to show example contexts in which the
defibrillator 401 may be used, the local environment generally
refers to the immediate area around the defibrillator.
[0062] The defibrillator 400 includes a housing 405 encompassing an
energy storage module 450 used for storing an electrical charge. A
defibrillation port 410 on the housing 405 is coupled to the energy
storage module 450, and is used for guiding the stored electrical
charge to a person 482 via at least one electrode 304, 308 (FIG.
3). The defibrillator 400 also includes a processor 430, which is
used, among other things, for determining when to guide the
electrical charge to the person 482. A user interface 470 having a
screen showing indications by light is also included in the
defibrillator 400. These components of the defibrillator 400 may be
analogous to the similarly labeled components described above with
reference to FIG. 3.
[0063] The housing 405 of the defibrillator 400 includes a
light-coupling structure 426, which is used to matingly receive a
utility light 425 distinct from the screen of the user interface
470. The utility light 425 is used for illuminating a certain point
445 of the local environment 401 by generating and casting a beam
of light 477 at the certain point with a beam divergence angle 478
of no more than 160 degrees. The beam divergence meaning that, the
beam's light intensity at 160/2=80 degrees in any direction from
the centerline of the beam 477 is less than half of the beam's
light intensity at the centerline.
[0064] The defibrillator 400 having a utility light 425 may be
implemented in any number of ways. For example, the utility light
425 may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), xenon
bulbs, halogen bulbs, incandescent bulbs, or any other light
sources capable of illuminating a desired area in a darkened local
environment 401.
[0065] In addition to illuminating point 445 of local environment
401, the utility light 425 may perform various other functions. For
example, in some embodiments, the processor 430 is configured to
control the utility light to signal a rescuer by modulating the
beam of light 477. Modulating the beam of the light 477 may attract
the attention of the rescuer to an issue that needs attention. The
issue can be specific to the light itself, such as an impending
malfunction if it flickers in a certain way. Or it can be a general
issue, in which case the light can attract attention to, say, a
message being shown in a screen of user interface 470. For example,
a measurement circuit 320 (FIG. 3) of the defibrillator 400 may
detect that the electrical charges being guided to the person 482
are not working as anticipated due to an incorrect placement of the
electrodes 304, 308 (FIG. 3) on the person. The modulating beam of
light 477 from the utility light 425 may therefore be used to
attract the attention of the rescuer. In addition, the beam of
light 477 may be modulated in conjunction with signals from the
user interface 470. Here, the modulated beam of light 477 may
attract the attention of the rescuer while the user interface 470
may specify the type of issue that needs attention and instructions
on how to resolve the issue.
[0066] In some embodiments, the user interface 470 is configured to
display an operating mode of the utility light 425. For example, if
the utility light 425 has adjustable brightness modes, the user
interface 470 may indicate the current light level of the utility
light 425. Additionally, the user interface 470 may be configured
to allow a rescuer to adjust a characteristic of the beam of light
477. For example, the user interface 470 may include a button or
switch to allow a user to operate the utility light 425, such as
selecting a light level to use.
[0067] In some embodiments, the wavelength of the light beam 477 is
adjustable. Adjusting the wavelength of the light beam may be used
by a rescuer to visually emphasize different features of the local
environment 401. For example, adjusting the wavelength of the light
beam 477 from visible light wavelengths to infra-red light
wavelengths may be used as an aid with night vision goggles, used
to detect temperatures of objects in the local environment 401,
used in spectroscopy, or in other uses. The utility light 425 may
include a light source that is capable of varying the wavelength of
the light beam 477, or multiple light sources may be included in
the utility light. The adjustability of the light beam wavelength
may be shown on and/or controlled at the user interface 470.
[0068] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator 500
with a fixed utility light 525 according to embodiments. Here, the
utility light 525 is fixed to the housing 505 of the external
defibrillator 500 via the light-coupling structure 426 (FIG. 4).
This may be implemented in any number of ways. One way that the
light-coupling structure 426 can be implemented in order to fix the
utility light 525 to the housing 505 is by having the structure
include a bolt attachment system where the fasteners are used to
attach the utility light in a particular orientation to the
defibrillator housing. This attachment system may be used to
retrofit existing defibrillator units 500 with a utility light
525.
[0069] In some embodiments, the utility light 525 may be fixed so
that it is oriented at a downward angle when the defibrillator is
carried by its handle 506. This may help illuminate a darkened
pathway in front of a rescuer when the defibrillator is being
carried to a patient, or help search for a patient in a darkened
area. The external defibrillator 500 may also include a switch 560
on the housing 505 to operate the utility light, where the switch
is structured to be activated by a rescuer. As discussed above, the
switch 560 may be located on, or be part of, a user interface 470
(FIG. 4). In other embodiments, the defibrillator 500 includes a
carrying handle 506 in which the switch 560 is positioned adjacent
to the handle and is controllable by a rescuer's carrying hand.
These embodiments provide for one-handed operation of the utility
light 525 while the defibrillator 500 is being carried. The switch
560 may allow a user to turn the utility light 525 on or off, as
well as providing a selection for a light level or a dimmer
control. For example, a button switch 560 may be pressed once to
turn on to an initial light level, be pressed again for a second
light level, be pressed a third time for a third light level, and
be pressed again to be powered off.
[0070] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator 600
with a positionable utility light mounting system 626 attached to a
housing 605 of the defibrillator according to embodiments. As shown
in FIG. 6, the coupling structure 626 is a positionable mounting
system that allows an attached utility light 625 to be oriented in
a variety of directions relative to the housing 605 of the
defibrillator 600. As the dashed lines show in FIG. 6, the utility
light 625 may be directed up and down relative to the housing 605.
In addition, the coupling structure 626 may allow the utility light
to be directing in a variety of horizontal directions relative to
the housing 605. In some embodiments, the coupling structure 626
may include a ball-in-socket joint that allows the utility light to
be moved with three degrees of freedom.
[0071] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator 700
with a retractable utility light 725 attached to a housing 705
according to embodiments. The defibrillator 700 has a light
coupling structure that includes at least a partially flexible
connector 780 for coupling the utility light 725 to the housing
705.
[0072] In some embodiments, the flexible connector 780 is
structured to retain its position after having been moved by a
rescuer. Here, the rescuer may set the defibrillator 700 in a
particular location, orient the utility light 725 to illuminate a
desired area of the local environment 701, and then leave the
defibrillator while the desired area remains illuminated. Hence,
the rescuer can use both hands in administering medical attention
or performing another action while having the utility light 725
illuminating a constant area in the local environment 701.
[0073] The external defibrillator 700 may also include a retraction
device 790 structured to retract at least a portion of the flexible
connector 780 into the housing 705. Here, when the utility light
725 is not in use, the flexible connector 780 can be stowed in the
housing 705 so that the utility light does not become tangled with
other equipment or get in the way when it is not needed.
[0074] The defibrillator 700 may also include a processor 730 and
an ambient light sensor 738 configured to detect the ambient light
level of the local environment 701. Additionally, the processor 730
may be configured to control the illumination of the utility light
725 according to the detected ambient light levels. Here, the
processor 730 may increase the light level of the utility light 725
as the ambient light sensor 738 detects lower light levels in the
local environment 701. Alternatively, the processor 730 may simply
switch on the utility light 725 when the measured ambient light
level drops below a predefined threshold.
[0075] In some embodiments, the utility light 725 includes at least
one of a brightness control, a focusing control, or a beam
divergence control (grouped together and labeled as focus control
727 in FIG. 7). These controls may allow a user or rescuer to
adjust the beam of light from the utility light 725 from a broad
spotlight to a narrow pin light. One way this may be accomplished
is by having a rotatable bezel around the utility light 725 that
moves a reflector dish longitudinally up or down relative to a bulb
in the utility light.
[0076] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator 800
with a removable utility light 825 according to embodiments. Here,
the utility light 825 is configured to be removable from a housing
805 of the defibrillator 800. The utility light 825 may include a
dedicated power source 875 so that it is operable after having been
removed from the housing 805 of the external defibrillator 800.
This dedicated power source 875 may be automatically recharged from
an internal power source 340 (FIG. 3) of the defibrillator 800 when
the utility light 825 is connected to the housing 805 of the
defibrillator. The internal power source 340 may power the screen
of the user interface 470 (FIG. 4) and other components in the
defibrillator as described above. In other embodiments, the
internal power source 340 of the defibrillator 800 may power the
removable utility light 825 as well via a wire or cord.
[0077] The light coupling structure of the defibrillator may
include a dedicated port 885 for connecting the removable light
825. This dedicated port 885 may include an electrical connector
that supplies power to the dedicated power source 875 from the
internal power source 340 (FIG. 3) or another power source when the
utility light 825 is connected to the port. In some embodiments,
the port may include a well defined in the housing 805 for
receiving therein a removable battery, where the utility light 825
is structured to be at least partially inserted in the well.
[0078] The removable utility light 825 may also include a clip 872
to attach the utility light to variety of objects. For example, the
clip 872 may be structured to clip on to a hat or headband of a
rescuer so that it can operate as a head lamp to illuminate objects
in the direction the rescuer is facing.
[0079] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator 900
with a user interface 970 and utility light 925 positioned on a
housing 905 of the defibrillator according to embodiments. Here,
the external defibrillator 900 may also include a timing circuit
995 configured to deactivate the utility light 925 when a
predetermined time limit of illumination is reached. The timing
circuit 995 may prevent the utility light 925 from accidentally
being activated and draining an internal power source 340 (FIG. 3)
of the defibrillator 900. The user interface 970 may include a
switch or feature to override the timing circuit 995 during use of
the utility light 925 to prevent the light from being deactivated
when it is needed. The defibrillator may also include a gyroscope
or other motion sensor to detect when the defibrillator is in use
to prevent the timing circuit 995 from deactivating the utility
light 925.
[0080] Regardless of the particular features of embodiment 900,
beam divergence angle 978 is also shown. Beam divergence angle 978
can be understood to be in two dimensions, or three. In addition,
centerline 979 is also shown.
[0081] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an external defibrillator 1000
with a utility light 1025 having a filter 1029 according to
embodiments. Here, the defibrillator 1000 includes a power supply
socket 1086 that is part of a light-coupling structure on a housing
1005 of the defibrillator 1000. The utility light 1025 is attached
to a flexible connector 1080 that may be connected to the power
supply socket 1086. Here, the utility light 1025 may be removable
from the defibrillator 1000 when not in use. When needed, the
utility light 1025 may be retrieved and the flexible connector 1080
may be inserted into the power supply socket 1086 to provide power
to the utility light. The power supply socket 1086 may be
configured to only provide power to a connected device.
[0082] The utility light 1025 may also have a filter or lens 1029
that is attached to it to modify a beam of light 1077 illuminating
a local environment 1001. The filter 1029 may provide spectral
filtering of a broadband light source in the utility light 1025.
The filter 1029 may also adjust, modify, or limit the wavelength of
the beam of light 1077.
[0083] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for illustrating example methods
according to embodiments. Although this flowchart illustrates a
variety of operations in a particular order, these operations may
be carried out in different orders to achieve similar results in
other method embodiments. In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates a
method of illuminating a certain point of a rescue environment
according to embodiments. The method shown in this illustrated flow
chart may be practiced, for example, by the defibrillator 400 shown
in FIG. 4. According to an operation 1120, a defibrillator that
stores an electrical charge is brought within a rescue environment.
The defibrillator includes a screen showing indications by light
and a light-coupling structure. The defibrillator also includes a
utility light matingly received with the light-coupling structure
that is distinct from the screen.
[0084] According to another operation 1150, a switch is activated
to provide power to the utility light so as to generate a beam of
light with a beam divergence angle of no more than 160 degrees. In
some embodiments, this operation may include receiving a user input
to activate the utility light, such as where this switch is
activated by a rescuer or user. In other embodiments, this
operation may include detecting an ambient light level of the
rescue environment with an ambient light sensor, and receiving an
input from the ambient light sensor when the detected ambient light
level is below a predefined threshold. This operation may be
completed, for example, to illuminate a pathway to the rescue
environment with the utility light.
[0085] According to an optional operation 1130, the utility light
may be detached from the external defibrillator. This operation
1130 may further include clipping or attaching the utility light to
a headband, belt, hat, or other structure.
[0086] According to a next operation 1140, the utility light is
directed so as to cast the beam towards a certain point of the
environment. This operation 1140 may include manipulating a
partially flexible connector of the light-coupling structure to
position a beam generated by the utility light at the certain
point. Alternatively, this operation 1140 may include moving the
light relative to the housing of the defibrillator when the utility
light is connected via a moveable coupling structure.
[0087] According to another optional operation 1160, if it is
otherwise indicated by the defibrillator, the defibrillator may be
used to treat a patient. According to another optional operation
1170, a signal may be received that is to be communicated to the
rescuer. As discussed above, this signal may be an alert regarding
the treatment of the patient, or another type of alert that the
rescuer should be aware of. Here, a next optional operation 1180
modulates the light beam of the utility light in response to the
signal received in operation 1170. The modulated light beam may be
returned to a continuous light beam, or the light may be
deactivated, by the rescuer by operating the user interface of the
defibrillator. In yet another option operation 1190, the switch may
be deactivated to remove power to the utility light when a
predefined time period has elapsed.
[0088] In this description, numerous details have been set forth in
order to provide a thorough understanding. In other instances,
well-known features have not been described in detail in order to
not obscure unnecessarily the description.
[0089] A person skilled in the art will be able to practice the
present invention in view of this description, which is to be taken
as a whole. The specific embodiments as disclosed and illustrated
herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense. Indeed, it
should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that what is
described herein may be modified in numerous ways. Such ways can
include equivalents to what is described herein. In addition, the
invention may be practiced in combination with other systems.
[0090] The following claims define certain combinations and
subcombinations of elements, features, steps, and/or functions,
which are regarded as novel and non-obvious. Additional claims for
other combinations and subcombinations may be presented in this or
a related document.
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