Harold Marty Hoffman

US Patent:

60685948, May 30, 2000

Filed:

Jul 28, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/901145

Inventors:

David E. Schloemer - Shawnee KS
Jack B. Sippel - Overland Park KS
Ronald A. Spero - Kansas City MO
Harold K. Hoffman - Overland Park KS

Assignee:

Nellcor, Incorporated - Pleasanton CA

International Classification:

A61B 500

US Classification:

600300

Abstract:

This invention provides apparatus for collecting parameter disturbance information from each connected apparatus which can disturb measuring vital signs, and broadcasting a message regarding the disturbance and a coordinating clock signal to all apparatus. Connected sensors susceptible to parameter disturbances identify them from the message and suppress their audible alarm during an interval given in the message. This eliminates false audible alarms caused by such disturbances. The disturbance interval can be extended for later disturbances unless it is a new source or disturbance type and the alarm is already suppressed. A brickwall timer limits the total maximum suppressed interval to a safe maximum. A recovery timer allows a sensor to recover from a parameter disturbance before responding to a subsequent one.

US Patent:

56513674, Jul 29, 1997

Filed:

Jul 19, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/504399

Inventors:

David E. Schloemer - Shawnee KS
Jack B. Sippel - Overland Park KS
Ronald A. Spero - Kansas City MO
Harold K. Hoffman - Overland Park KS

Assignee:

Nellcor Incorporated - Pleasanton CA

International Classification:

A61B 502

US Classification:

128670

Abstract:

This invention provides apparatus for collecting parameter disturbance information from each connected apparatus which can disturb measuring vital signs, and broadcasting a message regarding the disturbance and a coordinating clock signal to all apparatus. Connected sensors susceptible to parameter disturbances identify them from the message and suppress their audible alarm during an interval given in the message. This eliminates false audible alarms caused by such disturbances. The disturbance interval can be extended for later disturbances unless it is a new source or disturbance type and the alarm is already suppressed. A brickwall timer limits the total maximum suppressed interval to a safe maximum. A recovery timer allows a sensor to recover from a parameter disturbance before responding to a subsequent one.