초록 ▼

This invention relates generally to patient monitoring systems and more particularly concerns devices and systems used to monitor bed patients in hospital or other care-giving environments. In accordance with a first aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a pressure sensitive mat which h

This invention relates generally to patient monitoring systems and more particularly concerns devices and systems used to monitor bed patients in hospital or other care-giving environments. In accordance with a first aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a pressure sensitive mat which has been completely sealed around its exterior edges. The interior of the mat is kept in communication with the atmosphere by way of a section of flexible tubing which encloses the attached electrical line. One end of the tubing is sealed inside of the mat and the other end is open to the atmosphere, thereby providing a passageway for air to reach the interior of the mat. This arrangement, however, protects the interior of the mat from exposure to fluids near the perimeter of the mat and allows the mat-portion of the invention to be completely submersed without adverse effect, if that should become necessary.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A device for use with an electronic patient monitor and for detecting a presence or an absence of a patient, comprising:(a) a pressure sensitive binary switch, said binary switch having an upper member and a lower member being joined together along a common perimeter, said upper and said lower me

1. A device for use with an electronic patient monitor and for detecting a presence or an absence of a patient, comprising:(a) a pressure sensitive binary switch, said binary switch having an upper member and a lower member being joined together along a common perimeter, said upper and said lower members together defining an interior of said binary switch and said binary switch being responsive to at least two conditions; (b) an electrical line in electrical communication with said interior of said binary switch, said electrical line being for the transmission of said response of said binary switch to said electronic patient monitor, and, said electrical line penetrating said perimeter of said binary switch between said upper and lower members; and, (c) a breathing tube, said breathing tube having a first terminus and a second terminus, said first terminus being in fluid communication with said interior of said binary switch and said second terminus being in fluid communication with the atmosphere, wherein said breathing tube enters said binary switch between said upper member and said lower member, and, wherein said perimeter of said binary switch is substantially sealed except where said breathing tube and said electrical line enter said interior of said binary switch.