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Disease management system and method

2008-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Abstract
One aspect of the invention is directed to a system and method for automated knowledge-based, long-term patient disease management. Disease management is directed to the continuing medical care of a patient who has been diagnosed with a specified health problem called a disease. The system performs disease management in a fully automated manner, using periodic interactive dialogs with the patient to obtain health state measurements from the patient, to evaluate and assess the progress of the patient's disease, to review and adjust therapy to optimal levels, and to give the patient medical advice for administering treatment and handling symptom flare-ups and acute episodes of the disease. One goal of the disease management system is to promote patient health in an automated manner that reduces costly medical intervention. Various features of the system are specifically designed to accumulate and use patient-specific information, so that disease management can be tailored to each...

Patent number: 6234964
Filing date: Mar 13, 1998
Issue date: May 22, 2001
Inventor: Edwin C. Iliff
Assignee: First Opinion Corporation

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A computerized disease management method, comprising:

providing at least one interactive dialog to a patient via a computer so as to elicit current health conditions of the patient;

automatically assessing the current health conditions of the patient through the interactive dialog with the patient, wherein the patient has been previously diagnosed with a particular disease; and

automatically optimizing a disease therapy based on the health assessment, which is indicative of a progression of the disease over time, of the patient.

2. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising scheduling a reenter time for the patient.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the reenter time is a regularly scheduled time.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the reenter time is different from the regularly scheduled time.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the acts are repeatedly performed over time.

6. A computerized disease management method, comprising:

retrieving a patient medical record, corresponding to a particular patient having a previously diagnosed medical disease, from a memory;

assessing the health of the patient, comprising:

automatically asking questions of the patient;

automatically receiving answers from the patient so as to obtain health data;

automatically storing the obtained health data into the patient medical record;

automatically selecting a specific health parameter corresponding to a portion of the patient medical record;

automatically calculating changes from prior disease management sessions in the patient's health state as indicated by the health parameter, the calculated changes being indicative of a progression of the disease over time;

automatically comparing the health state changes against disease specific changes for the medical disease; and

automatically outputting data indicative of adjusting a disease therapy for the particular patient based on the obtained health data and the comparison.

7. The method defined in claim 6, additionally comprising:

establishing a current disease management session;

determining if the particular patient having the previously diagnosed medical disease has previously registered for a disease management session; and

registering the patient and initializing the patient medical record in the electronic medical database if the patient has not previously registered for a disease management session.

8. The method defined in claim 6, wherein the obtained health data involves subjective health measurements, objective health measurements, and side effects with respect to the patient.

9. The method defined in claim 6, wherein the patient medical record is stored in an electronic medical database.

10. The method defined in claim 6, additionally comprising statistically analyzing the obtained health data, wherein the analyzing comprises:

providing a subjective health measurement in corresponding to the particular patient;

providing an objective health measurement in corresponding to the particular patient; and

calculating a metric based on the subjective health measurement and the objective health measurement, wherein the metric may be used to adjust the disease therapy.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the acts are repeatedly performed over time.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein a plurality of metrics are statistically analyzed.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the metric is a ratio.

14. The method of claim 10, additionally comprising adjusting the disease therapy for the patient based on the metric.

15. The method defined in claim 6, wherein adjusting the disease therapy minimizes medical side effects for the patient.

16. The method of claim 6, additionally comprising scheduling a next disease management session for the particular patient.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the next disease management session for the particular patient is at a regularly scheduled time.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the next disease management session for the particular patient is at a time that is different than the regularly scheduled time.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the acts are repeatedly performed over time.

20. The method of claim 6, wherein the disease therapy is adjusted for the particular patient if a threshold is reached during the comparing.

21. The method of claim 6, wherein a medical recommendation for the particular patient is made if a threshold is reached.

22. The method of claim 6, wherein the health parameter is a plurality of health parameters including an objective parameter.

23. The method of claim 6, wherein the health parameter is a plurality of health parameters including a subjective parameter.

24. The method of claim 6, wherein adjusting the disease therapy comprises:

determining the availability of objective health measurements and subjective health measurements for the particular patient having the previously diagnosed medical disease; and

adjusting therapy for the patient based on available objective health measurements, or adjusting therapy for the patient based on unavailable objective health measurements and available subjective health measurements.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the questions relate to objective health measurements.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the questions relate to subjective health measurements.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the subjective health measurements include measurements of side effects relating to the patient's therapy.

28. The method of claim 6, wherein the obtained health data includes a patient's subjective perception of pain.

29. The method of claim 28, additionally comprising encoding the patient's subjective perception of pain into a pain code.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the pain code comprises subcodes representative of provocative, quality, region, severity and timing of the pain.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the pain code is stored in the patient medical record.

32. The method of claim 29, additionally comprising identifying the patient's medical disease by indexing a database of diseases with the pain code.

33. The method of claim 6, wherein adjusting the disease therapy comprises:

providing a therapeutic alterations permission level corresponding to the particular patient having the previously diagnosed medical disease;

automatically determining a therapy adjustment for the patient; and

recommending the therapy adjustment to the patient as allowed by the therapy alterations permission level.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the therapy adjustment comprises starting a new therapy.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the therapy adjustment comprises discontinuing an existing therapy.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the therapy adjustment comprises adding a new therapy to an existing therapy.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein the determining the therapy adjustment is limited by the therapeutic alterations permission level.

38. The method of claim 6, wherein automatically asking questions of the patient comprises:

setting a preview mode for a disease management medical script comprising a plurality of questions;

asking a one of the plurality of questions in the script related to the health of the particular patient;

allowing the patient to receive information relating to the consequence of having answered the question; and

resetting the medical script as if the question had not been answered.

39. The method of claim 6, wherein automatically asking questions of the patient comprises:

providing a plurality of health parameters;

asking a selected question from a disease management medical script comprising a plurality of questions;

waiting a preset time for a response to the question; and

performing an action based on the health parameters after the preset time expires with no response.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the health parameters include information in the patient medical record.

41. The method of claim 6, wherein assessing the health of the patient further comprises:

filtering any significant symptoms of the particular patient having the previously diagnosed medical disease;

obtaining and storing initial health measurements from the patient if the patient has not been previously assessed; and

obtaining and storing subsequent health measurements from the patient if the patient has been previously assessed.

42. The method of claim 6, wherein assessing the health of the patient further comprises:

determining a severity of a significant symptom obtained from the particular patient having the previously diagnosed medical disease;

continuing assessing the health of the patient if the severity level is sufficiently low; and

taking a predetermined action if the severity level is sufficiently high.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the predetermined action is referral to a physician.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein the predetermined action is transfer to a diagnostic process.

45. A computerized disease management system, comprising:

a computerized device having a data storage;

a patient medical record stored in the data storage, the patient medical record corresponding to a particular patient having a diagnosed medical disease; and

a disease management program executing on the computerized device, the program configured to assess the current health conditions of the patient, store health data in the patient medical record based on the health assessment, and automatically output data indicative of adjusting a disease therapy for the particular patient based on the stored health data, which is indicative of a progression of the disease over time.

46. The system defined in claim 45, wherein the health assessment includes computer code configured to:

automatically ask questions of the patient;

automatically receive answers from the patient so as to obtain the health data;

automatically select a specific health parameter corresponding to a portion of the patient medical record;

automatically calculate changes from prior disease management sessions in the patient's health state as indicated by the health parameter; and

automatically compare the health state changes against disease specific changes for the medical disease.

47. The system defined in claim 45, wherein the computerized device executes computer code configured to:

establish a current disease management session;

determine if the particular patient having the diagnosed medical disease has previously registered for a disease management session; and

register the patient and initialize the patient medical record in the data storage if the patient has not previously registered for a disease management session.

48. The system defined in claim 45, wherein the data storage includes an electronic medical database.

49. A computerized disease management method, comprising:

providing a database of disease-specific changes over time for a plurality of diseases;

providing at least one interactive dialog to a patient via a computer so as to elicit current health conditions of the patient;

automatically assessing the current health conditions of the patient through the interactive dialog with the patient, wherein the patient has been previously diagnosed with a particular disease; and

automatically optimizing a disease therapy based on a comparison of the health assessment of the patient and the database, which are indicative of a progression of the disease over time.

50. The method of claim 49, additionally comprising scheduling a time for a new interactive dialog with the patient.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the acts are repeatedly performed over time.

52. The method of claim 50, wherein the time is a regularly scheduled time.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the time is different from the regularly scheduled time.

54. A computerized disease management system, comprising:

a computerized device having a data storage;

a database of disease-specific changes over time for a plurality of diseases;

a patient medical record stored in the data storage, the patient medical record corresponding to a particular patient having a diagnosed medical disease; and

a disease management program executing on the computerized device, the program configured to assess the current health conditions of the patient, store health data in the patient medical record based on the health assessment, and automatically output data indicative of adjusting a disease therapy for the particular patient based on the stored health data and functions of the database, which are indicative of a progression of the disease over time.

55. The system defined in claim 54, wherein the health assessment includes computer code configured to:

automatically ask questions of the patient;

automatically receive answers from the patient so as to obtain the health data;

automatically select a specific health parameter corresponding to a portion of the patient medical record;

automatically calculate changes from prior disease management sessions in the patient's health state as indicated by the health parameter; and

automatically compare the health state changes against the disease specific changes for the medical disease.

56. The system defined in claim 54, wherein the computerized device executes computer code configured to:

establish a current disease management session;

determine if the particular patient having the diagnosed medical disease has previously registered for a disease management session; and

register the patient and initialize the patient medical record in the data storage if the patient has not previously registered for a disease management session.

57. The system defined in claim 54, wherein the data storage includes an electronic medical database.

58. A computerized disease management method, comprising:

retrieving a patient medical record, corresponding to a particular patient having a previously diagnosed medical disease, from a memory;

assessing the health of the patient, comprising:

automatically asking questions of the patient, comprising:

providing a plurality of groups of questions indicative of assessing the health of the patient, each group being related to a linguistic level of understanding;

identifying the linguistic level of understanding of the particular patient;

selecting one of the question groups based on the identified linguistic level; and

asking a question of the patient from the selected group;

automatically receiving answers from the patient so as to obtain health data;

automatically storing the obtained health data into the patient medical record;

automatically selecting a specific health parameter corresponding to a portion of the patient medical record;

automatically comparing the health state changes against disease specific changes for the medical disease; and

automatically outputting data indicative of adjusting a disease therapy for the particular patient based on the obtained health data and the comparison.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the method additionally comprises modifying a sensitivity factor based on the identified linguistic level, wherein the disease therapy adjustment depends on the sensitivity factor.

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System for predicting future health

2008-12-06T23:58:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A computer-based system is disclosed for predicting future health of individuals comprising:

Patent number: 6059724
Filing date: Feb 14, 1997
Issue date: May 9, 2000
Inventors: T. Colin Campell, Ronald W. Helms, Lisa Tomasko
Assignees: BioSignal, Inc.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A computer-based system for predicting future health of individuals comprising:

(a) a computer comprising a processor containing a database of longitudinally-acquired biomarker values from individual members of a test population, subpopulation D of said members being identified as having acquired a specified biological condition within a specified time period or age interval and a subpopulation D being identified as not having acquired the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age interval; and

(b) a computer program that includes steps for:

(1) selecting from said biomarkers a subset of biomarkers for discriminating between members belonging to the subpopulations D and D, wherein the subset of biomarkers is selected based on distributions of the biomarker values of the individual members of the test population; and

(2) using the distributions of the selected biomarkers to develop a statistical procedure that is capable of being used for:

(i) classifying members of the test population as belonging within a subpopulation PD having a prescribed high probability of acquiring the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age interval or as belonging within a subpopulation PD having a prescribed low probability of acquiring the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age interval; or

(ii) estimating quantitatively, for a member of the test population, the probability of acquiring the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age internal;

wherein changes in said longitudinally-acquired biomarker values are used to develop said statistical procedure.

2. The computer-based system of claim 1 wherein the statistical procedure comprises a discriminant function utilizing estimated mean vectors and estimated covariance matrices of the distributions of biomarker values within the subpopulations D and D.

3. The computer-based system of claim 2 wherein estimates of parameters of the distributions of the selected biomarkers are obtained by fitting a general linear mixed model to the biomarker data from the test population.

4. The computer-based system of claim 2 wherein:

(a) the estimated mean vectors are modeled as vector-valued functions of expected-value parameters or values of covariates; or

(b) the estimated covariance matrices are modeled as matrix-valued functions of covariance parameters or values of covariates.

5. The computer-based system of claim 4 wherein estimates of parameters of the distributions of the selected biomarkers are obtained by fitting a general linear mixed model to the biomarker data from the test population.

6. The computer-based system of claim 4 wherein an estimated mean vector or probability incorporates an estimate of the realized value of a random subject effect vector for a member being classified or of a member for whom a probability is estimated.

7. The computer-based system of claim 6 wherein estimates of parameters of the distributions of the selected biomarkers are obtained by fitting a general linear mixed model to the biomarker data from the test population.

8. A method of predicting an individual's health comprising:

collecting a plurality of biomarker values from an individual, wherein at least one of said biomarker values is obtained by physically measuring the biomarker value; and

applying a statistical procedure to said plurality of biomarker values so as:

(i) to classify said individual as having a prescribed high probability of acquiring a specified biological condition within a specified time period or age interval or as having a prescribed low probability of acquiring the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age interval; or

(ii) to estimate quantitatively for said individual the probability of acquiring the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age interval;

wherein said statistical procedure is based on:

(1) collecting a database of longitudinally-acquired biomarker values from individual members of a test population, subpopulation D of said members being identified as having acquired the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age interval and a subpopulation D being identified as not having acquired the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age interval;

(2) selecting from said biomarkers a subset of biomarkers for discriminating between members belonging to the subpopulations D and D, wherein the subset of biomarker is selected based on distributions of the biomarker values of the individual members of the test population; and

(3) using the distributions of the selected biomarkers to develop said statistical procedure;

wherein changes in said longitudinally-acquired biomarkers values are used to develop said statistical procedure.

9. The method according to claim 8 wherein at least one of said biomarker values is obtained from a biological sample.

10. The method according to claim 9 wherein said biological sample is a serum or urine sample.

11. A computer-based system for predicting an individual's future health comprising:

(a) a computer comprising a processor containing a plurality of biomarker values from an individual; and

(b) a computer program that includes steps for applying a statistical procedure to said plurality of biomarker values so as:

(ii) to estimate quantitatively for said individual the probability of acquiring the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age interval;

wherein said statistical procedure is based on:

(2) selecting from said biomarkers a subset of biomarkers for discriminating between members belonging to the subpopulations D and D, wherein the subset of biomarkers is selected based on distributions of the biomarker values of the individual members of the test population; and

(3) using the distributions of the selected biomarkers to develop said statistical procedure;

wherein changes in said longitudinally-acquired biomarker values are used to develop said statistical procedure.

12. The computer-based system of claim 11 wherein the plurality of biomarker values from said individual includes longitudinally-acquired biomarker values.

13. The computer-based system of claim 11 wherein the specified biological condition is death due to a specified underlying cause of death within the specified time period or age interval.

14. The computer-based system of claim 11 wherein the specified biological condition is a specified morbidity within the specified time period or age interval.

15. The computer-based system of claim 11 wherein the specified time period is a period of at least two years.

16. The computer-based system of claim 11 wherein the specified time period is a period of at least three years.

17. A method for assessing an individual's future risk of death from specified underlying causes of death comprising:

collecting a plurality of biomarker values from an individual, wherein at least one of said biomarker values is obtained by physically measuring the biomarker value; and

applying a statistical procedure to said plurality of biomarker values so as to determine whether said individual is classified as having a prescribed high probability of dying, within a specified time period or age interval, from any one of the underlying causes of death that account in the aggregate for at least 60% of all deaths in a test population over the specified time period or age interval.

18. A method for assessing an individual's evidence of good health comprising:

collecting a plurality of biomarker values from an individual, wherein at least one of said biomarker values is obtained by physically measuring the biomarker value; and

applying a statistical procedure to said plurality of biomarker values so as to determine whether said individual is classified as having a prescribed high probability of not dying, within a specified time period or age interval, from any one of the underlying causes of death that account in the aggregate for at least 60% of all deaths in a test population over the specified time period or age interval.

19. A computer-based system for assessing an individual's future risk of death from a specified underlying cause of death comprising:

(a) a computer comprising a processor containing a plurality of biomarker values from an individual; and

(b) a computer program that includes steps for applying a statistical procedure to said plurality of biomarker values so as to determine whether said individual is classified as having a prescribed high probability of dying, within a specified time period or age interval, from any one of the underlying causes of death that account in the aggregate for at least 60% of all deaths in a test population over the specified time period or age interval.

20. A computer-based system for assessing an individual's evidence of good health comprising:

(a) a computer comprising a processor containing a plurality of biomarker values from an individual; and

(b) a computer program that includes steps for applying a statistical procedure to said plurality of biomarker values so as to determine whether said individual is classified as having a prescribed high probability of not dying, within a specified time period or age interval, from any one of the underlying causes of death that account in the aggregate for at least 60% of all deaths in a test population over the specified time period or age interval.

21. An apparatus for assessing an individual's risk of future health problems comprising:

(a) a stooge device for storing a plurality of biomarker values from an individual; and

(b) a processor coupled to the storage device and programmed:

1) to receive from the storage device said plurality of biomarker values; and

2) to apply a statistical procedure to said plurality of biomarker values so as:

(i) to classify said individual as belonging within a subpopulation PD having a prescribed high probability of acquiring a specified biological condition within a specified time period or age interval or as belonging within a subpopulation PD having a prescribed low probability of acquiring the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age interval; or

(ii) to estimate quantitatively the probability for said individual acquiring the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age interval;

wherein said statistical procedure is based on:

(3) using the distributions of the selected biomarkers to develop said statistical procedure;

wherein changes in said longitudinally-acquired biomarker values are used to develop said statistical procedure.

22. A method of predicting an individual's health comprising:

collecting a plurality of biomarker values from an individual, wherein at least one of said biomarker values is obtained by physically measuring the biomarker value; and

applying a multivariate statistical procedure to said plurality of biomarker values so as to provide a statistically-based quantitative probability of said individual acquiring a specified morbidity or suffering a mortality with a specified underlying cause of death within a specified time period or age interval, wherein said multivariate statistical procedure is based on comparing said individual's plurality of biomarker values with a longitudinally-acquired database, wherein said database includes biomarker values from individual members of a test population, a subpopulation D of said members being identified as having acquired the specified morbidity or suffering the mortality with the specified underlying cause of death within the specified time period or age interval and a subpopulation D being identified as not having acquired the specified morbidity or suffering the mortality with the specified underlying cause of death within the specified time period or age interval;

wherein changes in the longitudinally-acquired biomarker values to develop said statistical procedure.

23. The method according to claim 22 wherein said method includes the step of selecting a subset of biomarkers having discriminatory power for discriminating between said members identified as having acquired the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age interval and said members identified as not having acquired the specified biological condition within the specified time period or age interval.

24. The method according to claim 23 wherein the biomarkers in said subset provide a statistically significant contribution to the discriminatory power of said subset of biomarkers when used in combination with the other biomarkers in said subset.

25. The method according to claim 24 wherein said statistically significant contribution to the discriminatory power is established based on selecting the biomarkers in said subset by evaluating distributions of said longitudinally-acquired biomarker values.

26. The method according to claim 24 wherein said statistically significant contribution to the discriminatory power is established based on evaluating ratios or longitudinally-observed changes in the ratios of an individual's biomarker values.

27. The method according to claim 26 wherein the evaluation step comprises assessing whether longitudinal trends in said longitudinally-acquired biomarkers values are statistically correlated with acquisition of the specified biological condition.

28. The method according to claim 22 wherein said database comprises longitudinally-acquired biomarker values and at least one of said longitudinally-acquired biomarker values is obtained by physically measuring the biomarker value.

29. A computer-based system for predicting the future health of individuals comprising:

(a) a computer comprising a processor containing:

(i) a plurality of biomarker values from an individual; and

(ii) a longitudinally-acquired database, wherein said database includes biomarker values from individual members of a test population, subpopulation D of said members being identified as having acquired a specified morbidity or suffering a mortality with a specified underlying cause of death within a specified time period or age interval and a subpopulation D being identified as not having acquired the specified morbidity or suffering a mortality with the specified underlying cause of death within the specified time period or age interval; and

(b) a computer program that includes steps for applying a multivariate statistical procedure to compare said individual's plurality of biomarker values with said longitudinally-acquired database so as to provide a statistically-based quantitative probability for said individual acquiring the specified morbidity or suffering a mortality with the specified underlying cause of death within the specified time period or age interval;

wherein changes in the longitudinally-acquired biomarker values are used to develop said statistical procedure.

30. An apparatus for assessing an individuals's an risk off future health problems comprising:

(a) a storage device for storing a plurality of biomarker values from an individual; and

(b) a processor coupled to said storage device, said processor being programmed to receive from said storage device said plurality of biomarker values and apply a multivariate statistical procedure comparing said plurality of biomarker values with a longitudinally-acquired database, wherein said database includes biomarker values from individual members of a test population, subpopulation D of said members being identified as having acquired a specified morbidity or suffering a mortality with a specified underlying cause of death within a specified time period or age interval, and a subpopulation D being identified as not having acquired the specified morbidity or suffering a mortality with the specified underlying cause of death within the specified time period or age interval, so as to provide a statistically-based quantitative probability for said individual acquiring the specified morbidity or suffering a mortality with the specified underlying cause of death within the specified time period or age interval;

wherein changes in the longitudinally-acquired biomarker values are used to develop said statistical procedure.

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Conveyor tray system for entrails

2008-12-06T23:35:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A conveyor tray system for carrying entrails from carcasses on a kill floor and having a plurality of separate trays units, each tray unit being capable of receiving a set of entrails from a carcass moving on a conveyor system, said plurality of trays being carried on a separate continuous closed loop carriage system, and being power operated whereby they move continuously around said carriage system, in synchronism with the movement of the conveyor system for carcasses and wherein said trays are movably mounted on said carriage system whereby they may be moved towards or away from carcasses on the rail, whereby said trays may be positioned for reception of entrails from a carcass at the appropriate position for a particular carcass, and then may be returned to a suitable position for inspection. There is preferably provided means for tipping the trays for acceptance or rejection of their contents respectively, and including a sterilization station where each tray is finally...

Patent number: 4090275
Filing date: Dec 15, 1976
Issue date: May 23, 1978
Inventors: Olaf V. Jorgensen, Knud Simonsen
Primary Examiner: Paul J. Hirsch

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An entrail conveyor system for use on a kill floor having carcass rail means for carrying carcasses thereacross, said entrail conveyor system comprising;

working platform means of adjacent to one side of said carcass rail means;

entrail tray means;

conveyor means for moving said tray means along a predetermined path, on the opposite side of said carcass rail means, and,

power operated movable support means for carrying said tray means on said conveyor means and operable for extending said tray means away from said conveyor means towards said working platform means, and for retracting said tray means away from said working platform means back to said conveyor means.

2. The entrail conveyor system as claimed in claim 1 including hoist means connected with said tray means for raising and lowering the same relative to said conveyor means.

3. An entrail conveyor system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conveyor means comprises a closed loop continuous conveyor, carrying said tray means around a continuous closed loop path, a portion of said closed loop path being adapted to be located along side a portion of said carcass rail means whereby, for a portion of said path, said tray means, and carcasses on said rail means move along essentially parallel adjacent paths, said tray means being thereafter moved away from said carcass rail means and returning thereto around the remainder of said path.

4. An entrail conveyor system as claimed in claim 3 including a plurality of treatment stations around said closed loop path, located away from said carcass rail means, for subjecting entrails carried on said tray means to a plurality of different treatments.

5. An entrail conveyor system as claimed in claim 4 including tray washing means adjacent to said closed loop path of said conveyor means, said tray means being passed successively through said tray washing means.

6. An entrail conveyor system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conveyor means includes a plurality of upright support members, each of said support members being linked together whereby they move along said predetermined path in unison.

7. An entrail conveyor system as claimed in claim 6 wherein said tray support means are attached to said upright support members, said tray means being mounted on said tray support means, said tray support means being operable to be extended away from said upright support members, and to be retracted thereto whereby to move said tray means towards or away from carcasses on said carcass rail means.

8. An entrail conveyor system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said tray means are movably mounted on said movable support means, and incuding power operated tilting means for tilting said tray means relative to said support means.

9. An entrail conveyor system as claimed in claim 6 including trolley means movably mounted on said upright support members, and movable vertically upwardly and downwardly, and wherein said tray means are mounted on said trolley means, whereby said tray means may be moved upwardly and downwardly relative to said carcasses.

10. An entrail conveyor system as claimed in claim 3 including movable working platform means for supporting an operator adjacent said carcasses on said rail means, and, reciprocal platform carriage means for moving said working platform to and fro along a horizontal reciprocal path adjacent said carcasses, whereby said operator may move in unison with a carcass moving along said rail means while working thereon and may return along the same path, in the opposite direction to carcasses moving on said rail, independently of movement of said tray means.

11. An entrail conveyor system as claimed in claim 10 wherein said working platform means is also movable upwardly and downwardly independently of said tray means whereby an operator may be placed at the most suitable working height for a particular carcass.

12. An entrail conveyor system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said movable support means are operable to move said tray means upwardly and downwardly towards and away from said carcasses independently of said platform means.

13. An entrail conveyor system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said movable support means are operable to move said tray means outwardly and inwardly towards and away from said carcasses independently of said platform means.

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Hierarchical biological modelling system and method

2008-12-06T23:34:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A hierarchical biological modelling system and method provides integrated levels of information synthesized from multiple sources. An executable model of a biological system is developed from information and structures based on the multiple sources. The model is balanced to ensure that it matches the information and structures. Once the model is created and balanced it can be used to provide insight into phenomena at the cellular, or subcellular level, as well as phenomena at the patient, organ and system levels. From this information clinical trials can be emulated, biologic targets for drug development can be identified and subcellular phenomena over time can be observed. The model provides an integrated view of a multi-variable biological system.

Patent number: 5657255
Filing date: Apr 14, 1995
Issue date: Aug 12, 1997
Inventors: Pamela K. Fink, Kenneth S. Kornman
Assignees: Medical Science Systems, Inc.
Primary Examiner: Leigh Marie Garbowski

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An interactive computer-implemented system for modelling a dynamic multi-variable biological system from the cellular, or subcellular, to the human or patient population level, wherein the biological system is controlled by a plurality of interrelated biologic processes defining functions occurring within the biological system, comprising:

one or more levels, each level comprising one or more distinct linkable entities representing biologic processes, and each level having a respective level of biologic complexity; and

a human interface for interacting with said one or more levels to create an executable model of the dynamic multi-variable biological system.

2. The interactive computer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein said one or more levels comprise two or more levels having links between said levels for navigating information between said levels during execution of the model.

3. The interactive computer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein said one or more levels comprises two or more levels having links between levels for providing model information to the human interface.

4. The interactive computer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein said entities comprise interactive graphical entities.

5. The interactive computer-implemented system of claim 4, wherein said interactive graphical entities synthesize information for use by other graphical entities on the same level.

6. The interactive computer-implemented system of claim 4, wherein said interactive graphical entities synthesize information for use by other graphical entities on other levels.

7. The interactive computer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein said human interface includes:

an input mechanism for altering information used by the model.

8. The interactive computer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein said human interface includes:

an output mechanism for viewing information from the model.

9. A method of creating an executable computer-implemented model for modelling a dynamic multi-variable biological system from the cellular, or subcellular, to the human or patient population level, wherein the biological system is controlled by a plurality of interrelated biologic processes defining functions occurring within the biological system, comprising:

(a) creating at least one knowledge diagram and a reference biologic pattern from one or more sources of information related to biological phenomena, said knowledge diagram defining the biological system by including one or more linkable entities representing distinct biological processes;

(b) developing an executable interactive model based on said knowledge diagram;

(c) executing said interactive model to ensure that the interactive model is behaving in a desirable and appropriate manner;

(d) checking said interactive model against the reference biologic pattern;

(e) if said checking indicates inconsistency with the reference biologic pattern, modifying said executable interactive model and repeating steps (c) and (d); and

(f) if said checking indicates consistency with the reference biologic pattern, using said executable interactive model.

10. The method of creating an executable computer-implemented model according to claim 9, wherein said step of developing an executable interactive model includes the step of creating one or more executable levels, each level comprising one or more linkable entities representing a biologic process from said reference biologic pattern, and each level having a respective level of complexity.

11. The method of creating an executable computer-implemented model according to claim 9, wherein said step of creating a reference biologic pattern includes developing knowledge diagrams representing biologic processes.

12. The method of creating an executable computer-implemented model according to claim 9, wherein said step of developing an executable interactive model includes the step of linking two or more models representing different biologic systems.

13. The method of creating an executable computer-implemented model according to claim 9, further including the step of applying said executable interactive model to develop clinical trials.

14. The method of creating an executable computer-implemented model according to claim 9, further including the step of applying said executable interactive model to develop drugs.

15. A method for designing clinical trials, comprising the steps of:

developing an interactive computer-implemented system for modelling a dynamic multi-variable biological system from the cellular, or subcellular, to the human or patient population level, wherein the biological system is controlled by a plurality of interrelated biologic processes defining functions occurring within the biological system, wherein said computer-implemented system includes one or more levels, each level comprising one or more distinct linkable entities representing biologic processes, and each level having a respective level of complexity, and a human interface for interacting with said one or more levels; and

applying said interactive computer-implemented system to design clinical trials, wherein said interactive computer-implemented system considers various patient and treatment characteristics to identify patients that would benefit from specific treatments.

16. A method for use in drug development, comprising the steps of:

applying said interactive computer-implemented system to drug development, wherein said interactive computer-implemented system considers the effects of a drug on biologic processes to identify appropriate applications for the drug.

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Diagnostic device for gas turbine ignition system

2008-12-06T23:33:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A device for diagnosing the state of health of an ignition system is provided, where the system includes at least one spark producing channel comprising an exciter, output circuit and igniter plug. The device provides a diagnosis of the state of health for both the exciter and igniter plug by monitoring the high energy pulses at the output of the exciter. By monitoring the ignition system at an intermediate point in the system such as the output of the exciter, the sensor and electronics of the device may be completely contained within the electronic environment of the exciter, thereby avoiding any need for attaching sensors at the output of the system adjacent to the igniter plug in order to diagnose the plug's state of health. As an alternative to the device being built into the ignition system, it can be incorporated into automatic test equipment that produces high energy pulses for delivery to an igniter plug to be tested. The device is capable of diagnosing failure of either...

Patent number: 5155437
Filing date: Jul 26, 1990
Issue date: Oct 13, 1992
Inventor: John R. Frus
Assignee: Unison Industries Limited Partnership
Primary Examiner: Jose M. Solis

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for monitoring the operation of an ignition system for a turbine engine comprising a first igniter plug and a first exciter, where the first exciter provides a series of high energy pulses to the first igniter plug for igniting the fuel of the turbine engine, the apparatus comprising:

a first detector for detecting persistent voltage levels for the high energy pulses that are less than a predetermined value representing a nominal minimum voltage generated by the first exciter when it is healthy;

a second detector for detecting persistent discharging of the high energy pulses at a rate much less than a predetermined rate representing a nominal minimum rate of discharge for the first igniter plug when it is healthy; and

a diagnostic output means responsive to the first and second detectors for indicating 1) failure of the first exciter when the first detector detects the voltages of the high energy signals persistently failing to exceed the predetermined value and 2) failure of the first igniter plug when the second detector detects the discharge rates of the high energy pulses persistently failing to exceed the predetermined rate.

2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 for monitoring the operation of an ignition system wherein the system includes a second igniter plug and a second exciter for the gas turbine engine, where the second exciter provides a series of high energy pulses to the second igniter plug for igniting the fuel of the turbine engine, the apparatus comprising:

a third detector for detecting persistent voltage levels for the high energy pulses that are less than a predetermined value representing a nominal minimum voltage generated by the second exciter when it is healthy;

a fourth detector for detecting persistent discharging of the high energy pulse at a rate much less than a predetermined rate representing a nominal minimum rate of discharge for the second igniter plug when it is healthy; and

said diagnostic output means being responsive to both the first and second detectors of the first igniter plug and first exciter and the third and fourth detectors of the second igniter plug and second exciter for providing an output that indicates the state of health of the first and second exciters and each of the first and second igniter plugs.

3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the diagnostic output means includes at least one output line providing an indication of the health of the system, the first state indicating the system is operating normally, the second state indicating the first igniter plug has failed, the third state indicating the second igniter plug has failed and the fourth state indicating that at least one of the first and second exciters is not operating normally or both the first and second igniter plugs have failed or exciter and monitor power has failed.

4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the high energy pulses are detected at a node of a voltage divider network positioned between the first igniter plug and first exciter, where the network provides a discharge path for the high energy pulse when the igniter plug fails.

5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of the first and second detectors includes a circuit for integrating a power source signal and a switch for shunting energy away from a capacitor of the integrating circuit in response to each of the high energy pulses.

6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the diagnostic output means includes an intermediate output that is an ANDed connection of the outputs of the first and third detectors and the first and second output lines each being an ANDed connection of the intermediate output and the output of one of the second and fourth detectors.

7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the diagnostic output means includes a preference circuit that provides for reporting only the failure of the exciter in response to the near simultaneous presence of signals from both the first and second detectors, thereby preventing the upstream failure of the exciter from causing false reporting of failure of the igniter.

8. An apparatus for monitoring the operation of an ignition system for a turbine engine comprising a first igniter plug and a first exciter, where the first exciter provides a series of high energy pulses to the first igniter plug for igniting the fuel of the turbine engine, the apparatus comprising:

a first detector for detecting voltage levels for the high energy pulses that are less than a predetermined value representing a nominal minimum voltage generated by the first exciter when it is healthy;

a second detector responsive to the first detector for detecting a persistent condition of voltage levels for the high energy pulses that are less than the predetermined value and providing a signal indicative thereof; and

diagnostic means responsive to the signal of the second detector for reporting failure of the exciter.

9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8 including:

a third detector for detecting the discharging of the high energy pulses at a rate much less than a predetermined rate representing a nominal minimum rate of discharge for the first igniter plug when it is healthy;

a fourth detector responsive to the third detector for detecting a persistent condition of discharge rates for the high energy pulses that are less than the predetermined value and providing a signal indicative thereof; and

said diagnostic means being responsive to the signal of the fourth detector for reporting failure of the igniter plug.

10. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein the diagnostic means includes a preference circuit that provides for reporting only the failure of the exciter in response to the near simultaneous presence of signals from both the second and fourth detectors, thereby preventing the upstream failure of the exciter from falsely reporting the failure of the igniter.

11. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the first detector comprises a comparator for comparing the amplitude of the high energy pulses with a reference voltage corresponding to the predetermined value representing the nominal minimum voltage generated by the first exciter when it is healthy and the second detector comprises a circuit for integrating a power source signal and a switch for shunting energy away from a capacitor of the circuit in response to an output of the comparator.

12. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9 including:

a fifth detector responsive to the third detector for detecting non-persistent conditions of discharge rates for the high energy pulses that are less than the predetermined value and providing a signal indicative thereof; and

said diagnostic means being responsive to the signal of the fifth detector for reporting impending failure of the igniter plug.

13. An apparatus for monitoring the operation of an ignition system for a gas turbine engine comprising a first igniter plug and a first exciter, where the first exciter provides a series of high energy pulses to the first igniter plug for igniting the fuel of the turbine engine, the apparatus comprising:

a first detector for detecting the discharging of the high energy pulses at a rate much less than a predetermined rate representing a nominal minimum rate of discharge for the first igniter plug when it is healthy;

a second detector responsive to the first detector for detecting persistent and non-persistent conditions of discharge rates for the high energy pulses that are less than the predetermined value and providing signals indicative of each condition; and

diagnostic means responsive to the signals for reporting 1) impending failure of the igniter plug in response to the presence of the non-persistent condition and 2) failure of the igniter plug in response to the presence of the persistent condition.

14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13 including:

a third detector for detecting voltage levels for the high energy pulses that are less than a predetermined value representing a nominal minimum voltage generated by the first exciter when it is healthy;

a fourth detector responsive to the third detector for detecting a persistent condition of voltage levels for the high energy pulses that are less than the predetermined value and providing a signal indicative thereof; and

the diagnostic means including means responsive to the signal of the fourth detector for reporting failure of the exciter.

15. A method of monitoring an ignition system for igniting fuel in a turbine engine, the system comprising a first exciter for generating a series of high energy pulses and delivering the pulses to a first igniter plug for producing a series of sparks across a gap of the first igniter plug such that an initial view of the sparks in the series ignites the fuel and the remaining sparks in the series re-ignite the fuel if a flame-out occurs, the method comprising the sequential steps of:

detecting persistent voltage values for the high energy pulses in the series that are less than a value representing a nominal minimum voltage generated by the first exciter when it is healthy and in response thereto providing an indication that the exciter has failed; and

detecting persistent discharge rates of the high energy pulses in the series that are much less than a rate representing a nominal minimum rate of discharge for the first igniter plug when it is healthy and in response thereto providing an indication that the igniter plug has failed.

16. A method of monitoring an ignition system as set forth in claim 15 including the step of:

processing the indications of the state of health of each of the exciter and igniter plug to provide at least one diagnostic signal indicating when the system requires servicing.

17. A method of monitoring an ignition system for igniting fuel in a turbine engine as set forth in claim 15, the system including a second exciter for generating a series of high energy pulses and delivering the pulses to a second igniter plug for producing a series of sparks across a gap of the second igniter plug, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting persistent voltage values for the high energy pulses in the series that are less than a value representing a nominal minimum voltage generated by the second exciter when it is healthy and in response thereto providing an indication that the second exciter has failed; and

detecting persistent discharge rates of the high energy pulses in the series that are much less than a rate representing a nominal minimum rate of discharge for the second igniter plug when it is healthy and in response thereto providing an indication that the second igniter plug has failed.

18. A method of monitoring an ignition system as set forth in claim 17 including the step of:

processing the indications of the state of health of each of the first and second exciters and igniter plugs to provide at least one diagnostic signal indicating when the system requires servicing.

19. A method of diagnosing the state of health of an igniter plug connected to a remaining portion of an ignition system for a turbine engine by way of an output connector, the method employing a transportable diagnostic test equipment, which includes an exciter for generating a series of high energy pulses, the method comprising the steps of:

disconnecting an input of the igniter plug from the output connector of the ignition system without removing the igniter plug from its engine mounting;

attaching the diagnostic test equipment to the input of the igniter plug;

supplying the series of high energy pulses to the igniter plug by way of the diagnostic test equipment;

detecting persistent voltage values for the high energy pluses in the series that are less than a value representing a nominal minimum voltage generated by the exciter when it is healthy and in response thereto indicating that the exciter has failed; and

detecting persistent discharge rates of the high energy pulses in the series that are mush less than a rate representing a nominal minimum rate of discharge for the igniter plug when it is healthy and in response thereto, and in the absence of an indication that the exciter has failed, indicating that the igniter plug has failed.

20. A method of diagnosing the state of health of an igniter plug for an ignition system of a turbine engine, the method employing a transportable diagnostic test equipment which includes an exciter for generating a series of high energy pulses, the method comprising the steps of:

removing the igniter plug from the environment of the ignition system;

attaching the plug to the transportable diagnostic test equipment;

supplying the series of high energy pulses to the igniter plug by way of the diagnostic test equipment;

detecting persistent voltage values for the high energy pulses in the series that are less than a value representing a nominal minimum voltage generated by the exciter when it is healthy and in response thereto indicating that the exciter has failed; and

detecting persistent discharge rates of the high energy pulses in the series that are much less than a rate representing a nominal minimum rate of discharge for the igniter plug when it is healthy and in response thereto, and in the absence of an indication that the exciter has failed, indicating that the igniter plug has failed.

21. An ignition system having the ability to diagnose the state of health of an igniter plug of the system by monitoring an ignition waveform generated at a location in the system electrically remote from a high energy pulse at the igniter plug and environmentally isolated from the plug, the ignition system comprising:

means for generating a series of the high energy pulses for initiating spark events at the igniter plug;

a cable for communicating the high energy pulses to the plug;

a series of the ignition waveforms created within the generating means in connection with the generation of the series of high energy pulses, where each of the waveforms is associated with one of the high energy pulses;

a first device for monitoring the series of waveforms and detecting abnormalities in the waveform; and

a second device for diagnosing the state of health of the igniter plug in response to repeated detection of the abnormalities in the series of waveforms created by the generation of the series of high energy pulses.

22. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the at least one output line of the diagnostic output means includes first and second output lines that provide a binary encoded indication of the four states of health of the system.

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Health potential summary and incentive system

2008-12-06T23:32:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A health potential study and summary makes use of a multiple-page, relatively comprehensive, questionnaire for the individual, an analysis of answers to the questionnaire in readable summary form and an abbreviated life-style resume of the analysis coupled with a visually graphic portrayal of health potential on a graduated scale. The questionnaire is divided into different categories of health affecting subjects arranged so that answers in the form of yes, no, unanswered, or degree rated against a specified rate scale, are placed in a score box adjacent the question. The questionnaire includes an actual food intake diary for a specified period of days and an exercise report. The analysis and appropriate comments are presented in printed form for the respective categories in a manner comparing ideal conditions against actual conditions of the individual where prevailing conditions are picked from the score boxes and commentary and recommendations selected from a data bank according...

Patent number: 4464122
Filing date: Dec 2, 1982
Issue date: Aug 7, 1984
Inventors: Berkeley Fuller, Linda Soll, Margretta Obrecht, Gary Poole, Edward F. Campbell, Jr., Margaret Parsons, Valerie P. P. Chun, David R. Shearer, Thomas M. Cashman

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. The method of preparing a health potential analysis for a human subject by use of imprinted material and a data bank, said method comprising establishing a plurality of categories of health related information, preparing a questionnaire comprising a set of information inquiries for each category wherein the inquiries are subject to score box responses of the character of yes, no, unanswered, or answered by a character according to a graduated scale, subjecting the questionnaire to responses by the human subject and preserving the responses thereto, storing in the data bank an inventory of health implementing commentary and recommendations, preparing a set of instructions to direct commands to the data bank wherein the instructions are keyed to the score box responses, preparing an analysis in the form of a multiple part health potential summary report having for a first part a series of preprinted recommendations respecting health practice for the respective categories and for a second part spaces to accept information, preparing a life-style resume document on which is depicted sets of visually accented read-out displays at visually adjacent locations for showing respectively recommended health practice, moderately exceptional health practice and high-risk health practice for said categories, and feeding commands to the data bank to effect a print-out of subject directed commentary and recommendations on respective spaces of said second part of the summary report at locations visually adjacent related preprinted recommendations.

2. A method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 1 including establishing as said categories a nutrition category, an exercise category, an alcohol, tobacco and drug consumption category, and a stress category.

3. A method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 2 including cross-correlating in said instructions responses from a multiple number of said categories on the questionnaire.

4. A method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 2 including establishing in said nutrition category a set of inquiries directed to actual daily food intake.

5. A method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 4 wherein said daily food intake covers more than two days in a weekly sequence.

6. A method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 2 including establishing in said nutrition category a set of inquiries directed to food frequency intake.

7. A method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 2 including establishing a medical records category in the questionnaire.

8. A method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 1 including establishing a health potential age category in the health potential summary report.

9. A method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 8 including supplying recommendations and commentary for said health potential age category comprising information respecting appraised health age and achievable health age compared with actual age.

10. A method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 9 including showing ages in numerical time intervals in said visually accented read-out displays.

11. A method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 1 including showing said visually accented read-out displays as windowed block representations.

12. A method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 11 including showing said visually accented read-out displays in respectively different colors.

13. A method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 1 wherein said graduated scale is a numerical scale.

14. The method of preparing a health potential analysis according to claim 1 including imprinting on said life-style resume document at the corresponding set of said visually accented read-out displays, a separate abbreviated resume of the commentary and recommendations arranged according to a graduated scale.

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Positive fertility testing and reproductive health system

2008-12-06T23:16:00.000-08:00

Abstract
This Invention relates to a fertility analysis and reproductive health system that is applicable to both female and male mammals. In particular the Invention is a portable, handheld, integrated unit which can be manufactured out of plastic. The unit can be disposable for hygienic purposes, or cleaned or sterilized for repeated use as desired. The present Invention has numerous aspects. These aspects include: (1) A unique, immediate testing methodology employing any and all female fluids or secretions called Positive Fertility Testing, "PFT"; (2) The creation of a plastic, completely integrated, portable, self-contained and self-focusing Examination System which relies on a visual reference system making it language independent; (3) A Test Area Section with replaceable slides where different, specific wavelengths of light are employed; (4) The embodiment of compound test areas so that multiple Positive Fertility Tests may be conducted...

Patent number: 5837197
Filing date: Dec 22, 1995
Issue date: Nov 17, 1998
Inventors: Karen Pamela Orell Porrazzo, Edward Michael Porrazzo
Assignees: Personal Fertility Technologies, Inc.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for diagnosing mammalian reproduction states utilizing mammalian fluids comprising;

a. a testing area section including mammalian fluid sample containment means having at least a first fluid receptacle and a second fluid receptacle spaced along said testing area section from said first fluid holder;

b. a viewing section having optical means for magnifying an image of said sample containment means; and

c. means for selectively aligning said magnification means with said first and second fluid receptacles to observe the crystalline state of said fluid sample at said first and second fluid receptacles following evaporation of at least a portion of said fluid sample.

2. The device of claim 1 which further comprises means for removably supporting said first and second fluid receptacles to said testing area section.

3. The device of claim 1 in which said optical means comprises a borosilicate glass spheroid.

4. The device of claims 1 which additionally comprises illumination means for controlling light transmission through said first and second fluid receptacles.

5. The device of claims 4 in which said illumination means comprises forming said first and second fluid receptacles of a material capable of modifying light having wavelengths between 100 manometers and 2000 manometers.

6. The device of claim 5 which additionally comprises battery power means and a source of electromagnetic radiation to transmit electromagnetic radiation to said first and second receptacles.

7. The device of claim 1 which additionally comprises photographic means for obtaining images of said fluid sample following evaporation of at least a portion of said fluid sample from said first and second receptacles.

8. The device of claim 7 which additionally comprises memory means for storing said images obtained by said photographic means.

9. The device of claim 8 which additionally comprises means for retrieving said stored images.

10. The device of claim 1 in which said means for selectively aligning said magnification means with said first and second fluid receptacles, includes said testing area section and said viewing section being rotatable relative to one another to effect focusing of said optical means relative to said sample containment means.

11. The device of claim 10, in which said testing area section is a flexible body.

12. The device of claim 10 in which said viewing section is a flexible body.

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Health monitoring system

2008-12-06T23:14:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A health monitoring system which tracks the state of health of a patient and compiles a chronological health history of the patient uses a multiparametric monitor which periodically and automatically measures and records a plurality of physiological data from sensors in contact with the patient's body. The data collected is not specifically related to a particular medical condition but, instead, provides the information necessary to derive patterns which are characteristic of healthy patients as well as those who are ill. The data collected is periodically uploaded to a database in which it is stored along with similar health histories for other patients. The monitor is preferably self-contained in a chest strap which is located on the patient's torso, and makes use of a controller which controls sampling of the desired data and storage of the data to a local memory device pending uploading to the database. The more voluminous data...

Patent number: 5778882
Filing date: Feb 24, 1995
Issue date: Jul 14, 1998
Inventors: Stephen A. Raymond, Geoffrey E. Gordon, Daniel B. Singer
Assignee: Brigham and Women's Hospital

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A personal health tracker comprising:

a portable, multiparametric physiological monitoring device which periodically and automatically measures and records from a subject a plurality of different physiological data pertinent to a plurality of different physiological systems, said different physiological data being collected as an ensemble of measurements taken over time, said ensemble of measurements not being directed to any particular medical condition of the subject but being indicative of a variety of trends in the subject's health such as to describe a general state of health of the subject;

a time base which tracks the time of recording of the physiological data;

a data storage unit in which the physiological data is stored with reference to the time base such as to provide a chronological health history of the subject which covers a period of time that includes time periods during which the subject is in substantially good health and those during which the subject is subject to adverse medical conditions; and

a data logger which collects subjective data from the subject regarding the subject's psychological condition, the data logger comprising an electronic data collection device that allows data input by the subject and provides data prompts to the subject to selectively elicit particular information. the data prompts including an interactive graphical display with a depiction of a human body. various regions of which include data input means which allow the subject to provide a data input by designating one of said regions as being associated with a particular symptom.

2. A personal health tracker according to claim 1 wherein the subjective data collected by the data logger is stored in said data storage unit.

3. A personal health tracker according to claim 1 wherein the data logger comprises a controller which runs a predetermined data collection program.

4. A personal health tracker according to claim 1 wherein the data logger comprises a hand-held electronic data input device.

5. A personal health tracker according to claim 1 wherein the data gathered by the data logger is stored in the data storage unit and is chronologically aligned with the physiological data as part of said health history of the subject.

6. A personal health tracker according to claim 1 further comprising a message receiving means by which the subject may view messages directed to the data logger from the data storage unit.

7. A personal health tracker according to claim 1 further comprising a message storage means by which the subject may create messages and store them in the data storage unit.

8. A personal health tracker according to claim 1 further comprising a tactile input device on which the subject may write and the subject's writing is detected, said tactile input device storing a bitmapped representation of the detected writing for transfer to the data storage device.

9. A personal health tracker comprising:

a portable, multiparametric monitoring device which provides a periodic measuring and recording of a plurality of different physiological data from a subject;

a time base which tracks the time of recording of the physiological data;

a data storage unit in which the physiological data is stored with reference to the time base such as to provide a chronological health history of the subject;

a power saving controller which controls distribution of power to intermittently energize and de-energize elements of the monitor and reduce overall power consumption of the health tracker, the controller initiating said periodic measuring of physiological data and energizing said elements of the monitor just prior to each occurrence of said periodic measuring;

a crystal-based oscillator an output signal of which is used by the controller in determining when to initiate said periodic measuring of physiological data; and

an RC oscillator used by the controller in performing data processing functions. the RC oscillator being intermittently de-energized by the controller with other elements of the monitor.

10. A personal health tracker according to claim 9 wherein the crystal-based oscillator is not de-energized by the controller.

11. A personal health tracker comprising:

a portable, multiparametric monitoring device which provides a continous periodic and automatic measuring and recording of a plurality of different physiological data from a subject;

a time base which tracks the time of recording of the physiological data;

a data storage unit in which the physiological data is stored with reference to the time base such as to provide a chronological health history of the subject;

a controller which controls said measuring and recording of physiological data by the monitor, said measuring and recording including the controller initiating periodic sampling of physiological parameters of the subject and initiating transfer and processing of the sampled physiological data;

a crystal-based oscillator an output signal of which is used by the controller as a time reference for said initiating of the periodic sampling; and

an RC-based oscillator an output signal of which is used by the controller as a time reference for processing of the sampled physiological data.

12. A personal health tracker according to claim 11 wherein the controller is a power saving controller which intermittently energizes and de-energizes components of the monitor to reduce the overall power consumption of the health tracker.

13. A personal health tracker according to claim 12 wherein the crystal-based oscillator is not de-energized by the controller.

14. A personal health tracker according to claim 13 where the RC-based oscillator is energized and de-energized by the controller.

15. A method of tracking a medical subject's state of health, the method comprising:

periodically and automatically measuring and recording a plurality of different physiological data from a subject with a portable, multiparametric physiological monitoring device, said different physiological data being pertinent to a plurality of different physiological systems and being collected as an ensemble of measurements taken over time, said ensemble of measurements not being directed to any particular medical condition of the subject but being indicative of a variety of trends in the subject's health such as to describe a general state of health of the subject;

tracking the time of recording of the physiological data with a time base;

storing the physiological data in a data storage unit with reference to the time base such as to provide a chronological health history of the subject which covers a period of time that includes time periods during which the subject is in substantially good health and those during which the subject is subject to adverse medical conditions; and

collecting subjective data from the subject with a subjective data logger, said data logger being a data input device which records data input thereto by the subject and transfers the recorded data to the data storage unit, the data logger providing data prompts to the subject to selectively elicit particular information from the subject, the data prompts including an interactive graphical display with a depiction of a human body, various regions of which include data input means which allow the subject to provide a data input by designating one of said regions as being associated with a particular symptom.

16. A method according to claim 15 wherein collecting the subjective data comprises collecting the subjective data with a hand-held electronic data input device.

17. A method according to claim 15 wherein storing the subjective data in the data storage unit comprises chronologically aligning the subjective data with the physiological data in the data storage unit as part of said health history of the subject.

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Medicine administering inhaling device

2008-11-29T18:04:00.000-08:00

Abstract
An inhaler type medicine administering device comprises a generally cylindrical inhaling piece including a holder accommodating section located at one side of the inhaling piece, and an inhaling mouth located at the other side of the inhaling piece. A generally cylindrical capsule holder is disposed in the holder accommodating section and formed with a capsule accommodating hole which opens at one end of the capsule holder. A capsule is to be disposed in the capsule accommodating hole. First and second pin insertion holes are formed in the capsule holder and the inhaling piece and respectively located to be connected with axially opposite sections of the capsule accommodating hole. Each pin insertion hole extends generally in a diametrical direction of the inhaling piece and the capsule holder. An air flow passage is axially formed at at least one of an inner peripheral surface of the inhaling piece and an outer peripheral surface of the capsule holder. The first and second...

Patent number: 5647349
Filing date: May 31, 1996
Issue date: Jul 15, 1997
Inventors: Hisatomo Ohki, Shigemi Nakamura, Kazunori Ishizeki, Akira Yanagawa
Assignees: Unisia Jecs Corporation, Dott Limited Company
Primary Examiner: V. Srivastava

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A medicine administering device comprising:

a generally cylindrical inhaling piece including a hold accommodating section located at a first side of said inhaling piece, and an inhaling mouth located at a second side of said inhaling piece, the second side being axially opposite to said first side;

a generally cylindrical capsule holder disposed in said holder accommodating section and formed with a capsule accommodating hole which opens at a first end of said capsule holder, said capsule accommodating hole adapted for receipt of a capsule,

means defining first and second pin insertion holes which are formed in said capsule holder and said inhaling piece and respectively located to be connected with axially opposite sections of said capsule accommodating hole, each pin insertion hole extending generally in a diametrical direction of said inhaling piece and said capsule holder;

means defining an air flow passage which is axially formed at at least one of an inner peripheral surface of said inhaling piece and an outer peripheral surface of said capsule holder, said first and second pin insertion holes being communicated with each other through said air flow passage; and

a perforator having first and second pins which are to be inserted respectively into said first and second pin insertion holes to form holes in the capsule which holes are in communication with said air flow passage.

2. A medicine administering device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for forming first and second air flow paths when air is sucked through said inhaling mouth;

said first air flow path including said first pin insertion hole in said capsule holder, said air flow passage, said second pin insertion hole in said capsule holder, and an inside of said inhaling piece;

said second air flow path including said first pin insertion hole, said air flow passage, and the inside of said inhaling mouth.

3. A medicine administering device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air flow passage defining means includes means defining a first groove formed axially at the inner peripheral surface of said inhaling piece, and means defining a second groove formed axially at the outer peripheral surface of said capsule holder, said second groove facing said first groove.

4. A medicine administering device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means defining an auxiliary air flow passage formed axially at at least one of the inner peripheral surface of said inhaling piece and the outer peripheral surface of said capsule holder, said auxiliary air flow passage being formed separate from said first and second pin insertion holes to generate air flow through said auxiliary air flow passage when air is sucked through said inhaling mouth.

5. A medicine administering device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inhaling mouth has an inner peripheral surface which gradually increases in diameter in a direction away from said holder accommodating section.

6. A medicine administering device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means by which said inhaling mouth is detachably attached to said holder accommodating section.

7. A medicine administering device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a capsule ejector including an ejecting rod movably disposed in and extending through a through-hole formed at a second end of said capsule holder, and a capsule pushing section connected to said ejecting rod and located in the capsule accommodating hole.

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Medicine vial labeler

2008-11-29T18:03:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A medicine vial labeler includes a dispenser for printing and dispensing pressure sensitive labels and a label applicator assembly including a rotary drum and a pair of positioning arms. The positioning arms are shiftable from a release position to a holding position for positioning a vial in rotary contact with the drum in order to receive a label in the nip therebetween applying the label to the vial upon rotation of the drum. The positioning arms include a plurality of rollers of different diameters configured and spaced for holding and positioning vials of different diameters in rotary contact with the drum.

Patent number: 5798020
Filing date: Jun 23, 1997
Issue date: Aug 25, 1998
Inventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Ronald A. Leonard, Lawrence E. Guerra, Keith W. Kudera
Assignees: Scriptpro, LLC

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A labeler apparatus for applying a label to a cylindrically shaped object, the label presenting a label face and an opposed adhesive face with adhesive thereon, said apparatus comprising:

label dispensing means for dispensing a label from a source thereof and including a selectively actuatable rotatable drum positioned for receiving dispensed labels, the label presenting a leading edge and a trailing edge as dispensed; and

holding means for holding an object to be labeled in rotary contact with said drum for receiving the leading edge of the label in the nip between the object and said drum with the adhesive face in contact with the object in order to apply the label to the object upon rotation of said drum and rotation the object in response,

said holding means including

first and second holding arms having respective inboard and outboard ends and being pivotally coupled adjacent said respective inboard ends,

first pivot means pivotally coupling said first arm between said ends thereof with a support base, and second pivot means, spaced from said first pivot means, pivotally coupling said second arm between said ends thereof with said support base,

a plurality of rollers coupled with said arms, and

actuator means coupled with said arms adjacent said inboard ends thereof for selectively pivoting said arms about said respective first and second pivot means between a release position in which said arms are pivoted away from one another, and a holding position in which said arms are pivoted toward one another and toward said drum,

said rollers being configured and positioned for holding objects of different diameters in rotary contact with said drum when in said holding position.

2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, said label dispensing means including means for dispensing a plurality of labels in sequence.

3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2, said labels being pressure sensitive labels supplied on a carrier sheet, said dispensing means including means for dispensing the labels in sequence from the carrier sheet.

4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further including a printer for printing each label before dispensing.

5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including a conveyor between said holding means and drum configured for presenting an object therebetween for labeling and for carrying away an object after labeling.

6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, said arms presenting a substantially linear configuration when in said release position.

7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, said first and second pivot means presenting an axis therebetween, said actuator means including means for shifting said inboard ends transverse to said axis.

8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, said first arm presenting a pair of said rollers spaced from one another and presenting different diameters, said second arm presenting one of said rollers.

9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, said actuator means including a solenoid.

10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, the object being a medicine vial.

11. A labeler apparatus for applying a label to a cylindrically shaped medicine vial, the label presenting a label face and an opposed adhesive face with adhesive thereon, said apparatus comprising:

label dispensing means for receiving a label from a source thereof, printing the label with the prescription associated with the contents of a vial to be labeled, and dispensing the label for application to the vial, the label presenting a leading edge and a trailing edge as dispensed; and

label applicator means, including a selectively actuatable rotatable drum and holding means spaced therefrom for holding a vial in rotary contact with said drum for labeling and subsequent release, for positioning the label in the nip between the vial and said drum and then actuating said drum to rotate and thereby to rotate the vial until the label has been applied to the vial,

said holding means including

first and second holding arms having respective inboard and outboard ends and being pivotally coupled adjacent said respective inboard ends,

first and second, spaced rollers presenting different diameters coupled with said first arm outboard of said first pivot means and a third roller coupled with said second arm outboard of said second pivot means, and

actuator means coupled with said arms adjacent said inboard ends thereof for selectively shifting said inboard ends in a direction transverse to the axis between said first and second pivot means for pivoting said arms about said respective first and second pivot means between a release position in which said arms are pivoted away from one another, and a holding position in which said arms are pivoted toward one another and toward said drum,

said rollers being configured and positioned for holding vials of different diameters in rotary contact with said drum for labeling when in said holding position; and

conveyor means for conveying a vial to be labeled into a labeling position between said arms and said drum and for conveying the vial after labeling from said labeling position.

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Timed medicine dispenser

2008-11-29T18:02:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A timing mechanism for dispensing medicine on a timed basis for a patient to remind the patient to take the medication. The device comprises a dispensing wheel having a plurality of medication storage compartments, which are labeled to indicate various times of the day and days of the week to receive the medicine. The timing device comprises an electric motor which drives a gear adapted to turn a transfer gear which in turn rotates a driven gear to move the compartmented dispensing wheel one compartment per time period to dispense medicine into a hopper for use.

Patent number: 4207992
Filing date: May 26, 1978
Issue date: Jun 17, 1980
Inventor: John H. Brown

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A medication dispensing device for dispensing medication at timed intervals over a predetermined period of time, comprising: a cabinet; a hopper supported within said cabinet; a shaft rotatably supported in said cabinet; a dispensing wheel rotatably supported by said shaft having a plurality of compartments with each compartment having an opening on the outer edge of the wheel; means to rotate said shaft one revolution per the predetermined period of time; a driven gear for rotating said dispensing wheel positioned around said shaft; a driving gear secured to said shaft having teeth spaced about its periphery by intervals sufficient for the opening of each compartment to be registered with an opening into the hopper at each timed interval; a transfer gear rotatably secured in said cabinet, a portion of the transfer gear positioned to engage said driven gear and another portion of the transfer gear positioned to engage the teeth of the driving gear at the timed intervals which rotates said dispensing wheel and register a compartment with the hopper and thereby dispense medication at the timed intervals over the predetermined period of time.

2. The combination called for in claim 1 wherein said cabinet comprises; an enclosure having a side with an opening therein; and a transparent door secured over said opening to allow viewing of medication in the dispensing wheel.

3. The combination called for in claim 2 wherein the side of the enclosure which includes the opening is disposed at an angular position to allow viewing of the medication.

4. The combination called for in claim 1 wherein said dispensing wheel comprises: a disc concentrically supported about said shaft; and a plurality of radially extending partitions extending outwardly from said shaft for forming said compartments.

5. The combination called for in claim 1 wherein said dispensing wheel is disposed at an angle to the cabinet bottom to facilitate viewing of medication.

6. The combination called for in claim 1 wherein said means to drive said shaft comprises: an electric motor supported in said cabinet.

7. The combination called for in claim 1 wherein said driving gear has four teeth equally spaced about one-half its periphery for rotating the transfer gear at the timed intervals.

8. The combination called for in claim 1 with the addition of: a shield disposed within said cabinet adjacent to said dispensing wheel adapted to prevent medication from falling out of said compartments.

9. The combination called for in claim 8 wherein said hopper is formed in the bottom portion of the front wall of said cabinet and is communicating with an opening formed in said shield such that as a compartment passes the opening in the shield the medication from the compartment falls into the hopper.

10. The combination called for in claim 1 wherein said means to drive said shaft comprises: a spring wound motor supported in said cabinet.

11. The combination called for in claim 1 wherein said means to drive said shaft is adapted to be reset before rotating said shaft for dispensing more medication.

12. A medication dispensing device for dispensing medication at timed intervals over a predetermined period of time, comprising: a cabinet having a bottom, a front wall with a portion of the wall angularly disposed, an opening through the angularly disposed portion of the front wall, and a transparent door secured to the front wall to cover said opening while permitting viewing of the medication within said cabinet; a hopper formed in the front bottom portion of said cabinet to permit access to the dispensed medication; a dispensing wheel having a disc and a plurality of radially extending partitions forming compartments to receive the medication to be dispensed at each timed interval, each compartment being open on the outer edge of the disc; a shield adapted to prevent the medication from falling out of the compartments having an opening disposed in the shield so that as a compartment passes the opening the medication falls into the hopper; a shaft concentrically supporting the disc of said dispensing wheel rotatably supported in said cabinet; means to rotate said shaft one revolution per the predetermined period of time and adapted to reset before rotating said shaft; a driving gear secured to said shaft having four teeth equally spaced about one-half the periphery of the driving gear; a segmented transfer gear for engaging the teeth on said driving gear rotatably secured adjacent to said driving gear; a driven gear secured to said dispensing wheel and rotatably positioned around said shaft, said driven gear engaging said transfer gear such that rotation of said transfer gear at the timed intervals causes said driven gear and dispensing wheel to rotate which dispenses medication from the compartments into the hopper at the timed intervals over the predetermined period of time.

13. The combination called for in claim 12, wherein said means to drive said shaft comprises an electricmotor supported in said cabinet.

14. The combination called for in claim 13, wherein said means to drive said shaft comprises a spring motor supported in said cabinet.

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Medicine reminder and storage device

2008-11-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A portable electronic alarm device containing a plurality of compartments for storing a limited supply of medications and indicating when a medicine should be taken according to a predetermined schedule. The device also records the times that alarms sound and the times that they were acknowledged. The user can review the recorded times to determine compliance with the schedule. Additionally, a base station is provided to support the device, store larger supplies of medicine, and provide amplified alarms.

Patent number: 5289157
Filing date: Dec 23, 1991
Issue date: Feb 22, 1994
Inventors: Arthur G. Rudick, Michael Mahle
Assignees: Vitafit International, Inc.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for indicating when medicine should be taken, comprising:

clock means for providing a clock time of day;

alarm setting means for setting at least one alarm time of day for at least one medicine;

alarm means for activating an alarm when said clock time of day is the same as at least one alarm time of day;

acknowledgment means for indicating when a medicine has been taken in response to an alarm; and

recording means for storing said clock time of day when said alarm was activated and said clock time of day when said acknowledgment in response to an alarm occurred.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said alarm setting means includes means for setting at least one alarm for a plurality of medicines.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said alarm means includes indicator means for indicating which of said plurality of medicines should be taken.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one compartment means for holding a plurality of doses of medicine.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is portable.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

display means for displaying the times stored in said recording means when alarms were activated and when said acknowledgments occurred.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said alarm means includes a visual alarm.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said alarm means includes an audio alarm.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

non-acknowledgment means for indicating when an acknowledgment has not occurred; and

wherein said recording means includes means for storing said non-acknowledgment of an alarm.

10. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:

support means for holding said apparatus, wherein said support means also includes storage means for holding medicine bottles.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said support means includes second alarm means for activating a second alarm upon activation of said first alarm means.

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Medicine bottle cap having dosage means

2008-11-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A medicine bottle unit having a closure for indicating dosage and other information which changes automatically as the closure is rotated on the bottle of the unit. The closure includes an outer cap and an inner member within the cap. The cap and inner member have cooperable indicia thereon. The inner member moves with the cap as the cap is rotated in one direction on the bottle. However, the cap moves relative to the bottle and the inner member when the cap is rotated in the opposite direction on the bottle, thus assuring a change in the information represented by the indicia on the cap and the indicator on the inner member, or by indicia on the inner member visible through a hole in the cap. Several embodiments of medicine bottle unit are disclosed.

Patent number: 4753189
Filing date: Oct 6, 1986
Issue date: Jun 28, 1988
Inventors: Gary J. Mastman, Sheldon Wiley, Brian S. Santo
Assignees: Gary J. Mastman, Sheldon Wiley
Primary Examiner: Thomas B. Will

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A medicine bottle unit comprising: a bottle having an open top; and a closure for the open top thereof, the closure including a hollow cap and an inner member within the cap, said cap being rotatable in opposite directions relative to the bottle to open and close the bottle, said cap and said inner member having relatively shiftable indicia thereon, the inner member having first means for holding it in a fixed position on the bottle as the cap is rotated in one direction relative to the bottle, the inner member having second means permitting it to be movable with the cap as the cap rotates relative to the bottle in the opposite direction, the bottle having a first boss and the cap having a second boss cooperating with the first boss to releasably hold the cap on the bottle, said bosses being movable out of engagement with each other as the cap rotates relative to the bottle permit removal of the cap and inner member from the bottle, said first means engaging the boss of the bottle to prevent rotation of the inner member relative to the bottle as said cap is rotated in said one direction relative to the bottle.

2. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the inner member has an outer periphery, said second means including a projection extending laterally of said outer periphery, the cap having a skirt with an axially extending peripheral groove on the inner surface of the cap for removably receiving the projecting on the inner member, said groove and projection cooperating with each other to prevent rotation of the inner member relative to the cap when the cap is rotated in said one direction on the bottle and to allow movement of the inner member relative to the cap when the cap is rotated in the opposite direction on the bottle.

3. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the projection is wedge-shaped, the groove having a shape complemental to the projection.

4. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 3, wherein the inner member has an outer peripheral wall, said wall having the projection thereon and being yieldable to allow the projection of the inner member to move out of the groove of the cap as the cap and inner member move relative to each other.

5. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cap has a top, said top having an lower surface, said inner member having an upper surface adjacent to the lower surface of the top, one of the surfaces having a plurality of saw-tooth groove, the other surface having a projection removably received within any one of the grooves, said projection defining said second means.

6. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the runner member has an annular, transversely U-shaped part, the outer margin of the part being in sealing relationship to said bottle when the closure is on the bottle.

7. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the inner member has an outer periphery, there being a number of spaced projections extending laterally of said outer periphery and defining said second means, the cap having a number of spaced inner peripheral grooves for removably receiving the adjacent projections on the inner member, said grooves and projections cooperating to prevent rotation of the cap relative to the inner member when the cap is rotated in said one direction on the bottle and to allow relative movement of the cap and inner member when the cap rotates in the opposite direction on the bottle.

8. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 7, wherein each projection is wedge-shaped, the groove having a shape complemental to the projections.

9. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 8, wherein the inner member has an outer peripheral wall, said wall having said projection thereon being yieldable to allow the projections of the inner member to move out of the grooves of the cap as the cap and inner member move relative to each other.

10. A medicine bottle unit comprising: a bottle having an upper margin, an open top and a closure for the top, said closure including a hollow cap and an inner member within the cap, the bottle having a number of circumferentially spaced first bosses on the upper margin thereof, said cap having an inner peripheral surface with a number of circumferentially spaced second bosses thereon, each second boss being movable into engagement with and beneath a respective one of said first bosses to releasably interconnect the cap and the bottle as the cap is moved in a first direction relative to the bottle, the cap having a number of circumferentially spaced grooves in the inner peripheral surface thereof, said inner member having an outer peripheral surface, there being a number of lateral projections on said outer peripheral surface of the inner member, the projection being removably receivable within the grooves of the cap, said grooves and projections defining a clutch permitting rotation of the cap relative to the inner member when the cap rotates in said first direction relative to the bottle and permitting rotation of the cap and inner member together when the cap is rotated in the opposite direction relative to the bottle, said inner member having means engageable with at least one of said first bosses of the bottle for preventing rotation of the inner member relative to the bottle when the cap is rotated in said first direction, said cap having a hole in the top thereof, said inner member having a mounting part rotatably receivable in the hole, there being relatively shiftable indicia on the cap and inner member.

11. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 10, wherein the hole through the cap is centrally located therein.

12. A medicine bottle as set forth in claim 10, wherein the hole is off-center relative to the axis of the cap.

13. A medicine bottle as set forth in claim 11, wherein the inner member having a rivet like central part coupled to the cap and providing a bearing permitting rotation of the inner member relative to the cap.

14. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 10, wherein the grooves extend axially of the central axis of the cap.

15. A medicine bottle as set forth in claim 10, wherein the grooves and projections are transversely wedged-shaped.

16. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 13, wherein the inner member has an outer, axially extending wall, the projections being on the outer surface of said outer wall, said outer wall being yieldably coupled to the remaining part of the inner member to allow the projections to move out of the grooves as the cap and inner member move relative to each other.

17. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 10, wherein the preventing means comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced legs on the outer periphery of the inner member, at least one of said legs engaging at least one of said first bosses on said bottle to prevent rotation of the inner member on the bottle when said cap is rotated in said first direction relative to the bottle.

18. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 17, wherein each first projection has an axially extending surface near the open top of the bottle, each leg having an axially extending edge engageable with the bearing surface of the adjacent first boss.

19. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 17, wherein each leg extends inwardly at an acute angle from the outer periphery of the inner member.

20. A medicine bottle unit as set forth in claim 17, wherein the inner end of each leg is transversely V-shaped.

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Vacuum operated medicine dispenser

2008-11-29T17:59:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A vacuum operated system for individually dispensing items of oral solid medicine from bulk storage to a user, where the medicine is dispensed under computer control, and the quantity and type of medicine is selected in advance by the user. The invention includes medicine dispensing equipment and a computer that provides a user interface. A plurality of storage containers arranged in a rotatable carousel or a rectilinear array may contain various pharmaceutical articles, or various types, dosages, ages, and lot numbers of medicines. The storage containers may be easily refilled by inserting modular refill cartridges into the storage containers. After a user enters certain data into the computer, the invention aligns a universal vacuum probe with the storage container that contains the desired items. The universal vacuum probe is lowered to the desired storage container and engaged with a container probe that is exclusive to that storage container. After a vacuum source creates...

Patent number: 5480062
Filing date: Jan 30, 1995
Issue date: Jan 2, 1996
Inventors: Lisa W. Rogers, Thomas L. Kraft, John F. Berry, Scott A. Kelley, John A. Thompson, III, Clifford D. Ober, Michael C. Kuchar, Robert R. Mayer, Jr., Van W. Hoskins, Vincent C. Weido, Mark G. Henckel
Assignees: KVM Technologies, Inc.
Primary Examiner: Dean A. Reichard

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An oral solids medicine storage apparatus for use in an automatic medicine dispensing machine, comprising:

a storage container including a floor configured to channel oral solids to a retrieval location within the storage container from which the solids can be retrieved;

a container probe having a probe tip, wherein the container probe is selectively advanceable into the storage container to permit the probe tip to contact an item of oral solids; and

a refill cartridge engageable with the storage container to permit one or more items of oral solids contained in the refill cartridge to be selectively advanced into the storage container for retrieval by the container probe.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the refill cartridge is positioned such that one or more items of oral solid medicine contained in the refill cartridge may be selectively advanced into the retrieval location by gravity.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the refill cartridge includes a moveable partition to permit items of oral solids to advance from the refill cartridge into the storage container.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the refill cartridge comprises:

a body to store items of oral solids, said body including one or more lower lips for sealingly engaging with a storage container;

a partition having an end groove defined therein;

a retaining knob formed on an inner surface of the refill cartridge so as to be adjacent to the end groove when the partition is in a closed position; and

wherein the body of the refill cartridge includes an actuation tab formed on its outer surface proximate the retaining knob, and wherein the body includes one or more thinned sections adjacent to the actuation tab such that application of pressure to the actuation tab disforms the thinned sections to advance the partition from its closed position into an opened state to selectively advance one or more items of oral solids from the body into the storage container for retrieval by the container probe.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the refill cartridge comprises:

a body to store items of oral solids; and

a partition including a protruding flange, wherein application of pressure to the flange pivots the partition from a closed position into an opened state that selectively advances one or more items of oral solids from the body into the storage container for retrieval by the container probe.

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Medicine dispensing baby bottle

2008-11-29T17:58:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A medicine dispensing apparatus outwardly resembles a traditional nursing bottle assembly. The bottle has an internal but open ended receptacle to hold medicine, and the nipple has an integral tube to connect the receptacle to a nipple outlet hole to dispense the medicine. Simultaneous dispensing of the medicine along with the liquid inside the bottle is obtained. A syringe fits inside the receptacle and allows regulated dispensing of medicine.

Patent number: 5244122
Filing date: Dec 12, 1991
Issue date: Sep 14, 1993
Inventor: Lynne M. Botts
Primary Examiner: J. A. Kaufman

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A liquid and medicine dispensing apparatus for infants comprising:

a bottle having an open end,

a nipple mounted on the open end of said bottle, said nipple having at least two discharge holes,

a medicine tube disposed within said nipple and connected to one of said holes,

a medicine receptacle disposed within said bottle and removably connected to said tube for dispensing medicine through said one hole,

said receptacle being smaller than the inside dimension of said bottle to define a liquid reservoir in said bottle for receiving a liquid,

said other discharge hole operably communicating with said liquid reservoir; and

said nipple permitting said liquid and medicine to be dispensed into an infant's mouth simultaneously.

2. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1, the medicine tube is integral with the nipple.

3. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the receptacle is integral with the bottle.

4. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bottle has a closed bottom defining an inlet port in the receptacle, further comprising a ventilated plug fitting into the bottom of the bottle for sealing the inlet port of the receptacle to contain the contents of the receptacle.

5. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1, the receptacle including graduations thereon for measuring the quantity of liquid to be dispensed from the receptacle.

6. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a syringe assembly comprising a syringe barrel and a plunger slidably mounted inside the barrel, said syringe barrel being formed to fit within the receptacle for dispensing a substance from the syringe barrel into the nipple tube and out said tube discharge hole.

7. The dispensing apparatus of claim 6 wherein the receptacle and syringe barrel are both cylindrical, said receptacle further having one end of smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter of one end of said syringe barrel to allow said barrel end to fit securely inside the receptacle end when the syringe assembly is placed inside the receptacle.

8. A liquid and medicine dispenser for infants comprising:

a bottle having a bottom end and an open top end;

a medicine syringe including a barrel member and a plunger;

a syringe receptacle disposed within said bottle and having bottom and top ends, said receptacle extending inside said bottle from the bottom of the bottle towards the open bottle top, the bottom end of said receptacle defining a port in the bottle bottom and said bottle bottom being otherwise closed while leaving the receptacle bottom end open at said port to receive said medicine syringe within said receptacle,

a nipple having at least two discharge holes,

a medicine tube integrally formed within said nipple and integrally connected at one end to one of said holes, said tube formed at another end to receive the top end of said receptacle for dispensing medicine from said syringe through said one hole,

said receptacle being smaller than the inside dimension of said bottle such that a liquid reservoir is formed within said bottle outside said receptacle,

said other discharge hole operably communicating with said liquid reservoir; and

securing means for securing said nipple to the open end of the bottle,

whereby when the nipple is secured to the bottle, the medicine tube operably connects with the receptacle, and medicine can be dispensed from said syringe through one of said discharge holes in said nipple simultaneously with dispensing of said liquid through another of said discharge holes from said reservoir into the infant's mouth.

9. The dispenser of claim 8 wherein said syringe is removably from said receptacle for introduction of liquid into said receptacle and further comprising a ventilated plug fitting into the bottom of the bottle for sealing the open port in the bottom end of the receptacle to contain the liquid contents of the receptacle.

10. A medicine dispenser for simultaneously dispensing medicine and a separate liquid to infants, and comprising:

a bottle,

a receptacle within the bottle;

an opening in the bottom of the bottle into the receptacle;

a medicine syringe disposed in said receptacle,

said receptacle having a forward end;

a nipple for operable connection to said bottle and having at least two discharge openings, a first opening for passing medicine from said receptacle to an infant and a second opening communicating with the interior of said bottle outside said receptacle for passing liquid therein to an infant separately from but simultaneously with said medicine;

a tube integral with said nipple communicating with said first opening and extending rearwardly to the forward end of said receptacle;

said tube operably connected to said receptacle; and

said syringe having a forward end sealed to said receptacle such that medicine expressed from said syringe enters said tube and is dispensed to an infant through said first discharge opening independently from said liquid but simultaneously therewith.

11. A dispenser for dispensing medicine and a liquid simultaneously through a nipple means to an infant, said dispenser comprising:

a bottle having an outer wall a closed bottom and an open top end for receiving a nipple means;

an inner medicine receptacle extending inside the bottle outer wall from said closed bottom toward said open top end;

a syringe;

a port in the bottle bottom defining an opening in the receptacle for introducing said syringe into the receptacle;

said receptacle being disposed within said bottle;

a liquid reservoir defined within said bottle outside said receptacle; and

one end of said receptacle having means for operably connecting said receptacle with a nipple means to dispense the medicine from the syringe to an infant free of any liquid within said reservoir prior to discharge;

whereby when the bottle is connected with nipple means, medicine and a liquid can be dispensed to an infant simultaneously through the nipple means.

12. In combination, a baby bottle, medicine dispenser and nipple for use in dispensing medicine and a liquid simultaneously into an infant's mouth, and comprising:

a bottle having an opening;

a nipple adapted to be connected to said opening;

at least two discharge holes in said nipple;

a medicine dispenser within said bottle;

a medicine tube disposed within said nipple, one end of said tube connected to one of the discharge holes, the other end releasably connected to said medicine dispenser within said bottle; and

said other discharge hole in said nipple operably communicating with an interior of said nipple outside said tube and said dispenser;

whereby separate medicine and liquid can be dispensed from said nipple through respective ones of said two discharge holes simultaneously.

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Medicine vial adaptor for needleless injector

2008-11-29T17:57:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A disposable plastic adaptor connects a medicine vial to a needleless injector. It includes a hollow, generally cylindrical body member having a top end and a bottom end, with a wall dividing said hollow body into a generally cylindrical top end cavity and bottom end cavity. The bottom end cavity is adapted to slide over the top end of a medicine vial and the cavity wall includes a plurality of detents which prevent removal of the adaptor from the vial. The top end cavity is adapted to be twist connected to the end of a needleless injector. A fluid connector member is mounted within the body member and it comprises a sharp tipped probe extending axially downwardly within the bottom end cavity and an axial projection with a concave end face extending axially upwardly within the top end cavity. An axial bore extends through the fluid connector member to flow connect the concave end face and the probe tip. This probe, preferably in the form of a hollow needle, is adapted to penetrate...

Patent number: 4883483
Filing date: Apr 14, 1988
Issue date: Nov 28, 1989
Inventor: Istvan Lindmayer
Assignee: Advanced Medical Technologies Inc.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A disposable plastic adaptor for connecting a medicine vial to a needleless injector comprising

a hollow, generally cylindrical body member having a top end and a bottom end,

a wall dividing said hollow body into a generally cylindrical top end cavity and bottom end cavity, said bottom end cavity being adapted to slide over the top end of a medicine vial, said cavity wall including a plurality of detents which prevent removal of the adaptor from the vial, and said top end cavity being adapted to be twist connected to the end of a needleless injector and a fluid connector member mounted within said body member composing a sharp tipped, hollow probe extending axially downwardly within said bottom and cavity and an axial projection with a concave and face extending axially upwardly within said top end cavity and an axial bore extending through said fluid connector member to flow connect said concave end face and the probe tip, said probe being adapted to penetrate the top of a medicine vial and said concave end face being adapted to provide fluid tight seal with the convex end of a cylindrical medicine reservoir within said needleless injector, and

a protective cap member for protecting said top end cavity when the adaptor is not connected to a needleless injector, said protective cap comprising an end portion adapted to snugly close the top end of said adaptor and having an inner cylindrical projection extending axially from the end portion, said cylindrical projection having at the end thereof remote from said cap end portion a cylindrical skit with convex end face recessed within said skirt, said convex end face being adapted to provide a fluid tight seal with the concave end face of said top end cavity axial projection and said skirt being adapted to protect said convex end face.

2. A disposable adaptor according to claim 1 wherein said hollow probe is a hollow needle.

3. A disposable adaptor according to claim 1 wherein said top cavity is threaded to mate with a threaded projection on the needleless injector.

4. A disposable adaptor according to claim 1 wherein said top cavity has a bayonet connector to mate with bayonet connector on a projection on the needleless injector.

5. A disposable adaptor according to claim 1 wherein said detents are flexible teeth inclined inwardly and upwardly from the bottom end of the cavity wall.

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Vacuum operated medicine dispenser

2008-11-29T17:56:00.000-08:00

Patent number: 5405048
Filing date: Dec 6, 1993
Issue date: Apr 11, 1995
Inventors: Lisa W. Rogers, Thomas L. Kraft, John F. Berry, Scott A. Kelley, John A. Thompson, III, Clifford D. Ober, Michael C. Kuchar, Robert R. Mayer, Jr., Van W. Hoskins, Vincent C. Weido, Mark G. Henckel
Assignees: KVM Technologies, Inc.
Primary Examiner: Dean A. Reichard

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for dispensing oral solid medicine, comprising:

a vacuum operated probe to retrieve an item of oral solid medicine from a bulk of such items, including a probe tip;

a vacuum generator to generate suction within the probe; and

a detector for measuring a condition of air downstream of the probe tip to determine whether the probe has retrieved a single item of oral solid medicine.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detector measures pressure downstream of the probe tip.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the probe tip comprises a flexible material.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the probe tip comprises a rigid material.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the probe includes a probe shaft and the tip comprises an end of the probe shaft.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the probe includes a probe shaft and the probe tip comprises an attachment to the probe shaft to prevent items of oral solid medicine from being sucked into the probe shaft.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detector determines that a single item of oral solid medicine has been retrieved by the probe by detecting a predetermined vacuum pressure level downstream of the probe tip.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detector determines that a single item of oral solid medicine has been retrieved by the probe by detecting a change in vacuum pressure downstream of the probe tip.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detector measures airflow generated by the vacuum generator downstream of the probe tip.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detector determines that a single item of oral solid medicine has been retrieved by the probe by detecting a predetermined airflow through the probe.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detector determines that a single item of oral solid medicine has been retrieved by the probe by detecting a change in airflow through the probe.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of storage containers for storing oral solid medicine in bulk form; and

a positioning mechanism to vary positions of the probe and the storage containers relative to each other such that one of the storage containers is aligned with the probe.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the probe includes a universal vacuum probe engageable with one of a plurality of detachable container probes, each container probe being associated with a different storage container.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further including a seal to protect contents of the storage container when the container probe is not engaged with the universal vacuum probe.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the seal comprises a cap integral to the container probe to sealingly engage the storage container and limit the extent of the container probe's entry into the storage container.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the seal comprises a plug integral to the container probe and one or more retaining rings affixed to the storage container.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the plug may be urged through the retaining rings into the storage container.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a rotatable carousel for mounting the storage containers, wherein the positioning mechanism operates to rotate the carousel with respect to the probe.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising an array for mounting the storage containers, wherein the positioning mechanism includes a linear positioning system for moving the probe relative to the storage containers.

20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each storage container is provided with a machine readable identifying code.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a code reader for reading the identifying code of a selected storage container.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the identifying code comprises a bar code and the code reader comprises a bar code reader.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein each storage container includes a silicon memory that contains an electrical representation of the identifying code of the corresponding storage container, and the code reader comprises a circuit for retrieving the electrical representations from the silicon memory.

24. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a modular refill cartridge for storing items of oral solid medicine, wherein the refill cartridge is sized to slidably engage any one of the storage containers.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein each modular refill cartridge includes a partition to permit items of oral solid medicine to pass into a storage container to which the refill cartridge is engaged.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising an opener for selectively opening the partition of a refill cartridge that is adjacent the opener.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the partition includes a protruding flange, and the partition may be opened by engaging a cam with the flange and moving the flange with the cam.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein:

each partition has an end groove defined therein, and the partition is pivotable from a closed position into an opened state to selectively advance one or more items of oral solid medicine from the refill cartridge into a location in the storage container for retrieval by the probe; and

wherein the refill cartridge includes:

a retaining knob formed on an inner surface of the refill cartridge so as to be adjacent to the end groove when the partition is in its closed position,

an actuation tab formed on an outer surface of the refill cartridge proximate the retaining knob, wherein the refill cartridge has defined therein one or more thinned sections adjacent to the actuation tab; and

wherein the partition may be advanced from its closed position into an opened state by applying pressure to the actuation tab to disform the thinned sections.

29. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a user interface, comprising:

a display to provide one or more messages to a user; and

an input device to receive input data from the user.

30. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a computing device to perform steps comprising:

(1) receiving from the user a selection of a type and a quantity of medicine;

(2) operating the positioning mechanism to align the probe with a storage container that holds the selected medicine; and

(3) directing the probe to retrieve the selected quantity of medicine from the storage container.

31. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each storage container includes a configuration to direct items of oral solid medicine to a pickup area.

32. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each storage container includes an inclined floor to direct items of oral solid medicine to a pickup area.

33. A method for dispensing oral solid medicine, comprising the steps of:

(a) generating vacuum pressure in a vacuum operated probe that includes a probe tip;

(b) advancing the probe tip into a region containing items of oral solid medicine;

(d) monitoring a condition of air downstream of the probe tip to determine whether the probe has retrieved a single item of oral solid medicine.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the step of monitoring comprises a step of measuring a vacuum pressure level downstream of the probe tip.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the step of monitoring comprises a step of measuring airflow downstream of the probe tip.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein steps (a)-(c) comprise steps of aligning a universal vacuum probe with a desired storage container that holds a desired type of medicine, and detachably engaging the vacuum operated probe with a container probe that is exclusively associated with the desired storage container, creating a vacuum within the container probe and retrieving an item of oral solid medicine with the container probe.

37. A method for dispensing medicine, comprising steps of:

(a) receiving input data including a type of medicine desired;

(b) aligning a universal vacuum probe with a desired storage container that holds the desired type of medicine, wherein the storage container includes a probe tip;

(c) detachably engaging the universal vacuum probe with a container probe, the container probe being exclusively associated with the desired storage container;

(d) generating vacuum pressure in the container probe, and retrieving medicine with the container probe;

(e) monitoring a condition of air downstream of the probe tip to determine whether the container probe has retrieved a single item of medicine;

(f) dropping the retrieved medicine in a predetermined position if the container probe has retrieved a single item of medicine; and

(g) replacing the probe tip to a location associated with the desired storage container.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein step (c) comprises a step of lowering a socket of the universal vacuum probe over a head of the container probe and rotating the socket about the head.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein step (c) comprises steps of:

(1) lowering a socket of the universal vacuum probe over a head of the container probe,

(2) pressing the socket against the head and rotating the socket relative to the head to engage one or more guide pins of the socket with one or more curved channels of the head, and

(3) maintaining the socket and the head in a locked condition by means of a resilient member interposed between the socket and the head.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein step (c) comprises steps of:

(1) lowering a socket of the universal vacuum probe over a head of the counter probe,

(2) pressing the socket against the head and rotating the socket relative to the head to engage one or more guide pins of the head with one or more curved channels of the socket, and

(3) maintaining the socket and the head in a locked condition by means of a resilient member interposed between the socket and the head.

41. The method of claim 37, wherein step (c) comprises steps of engaging a fork of the universal vacuum probe with a neck of the container probe.

42. The method of claim 37, wherein step (e) comprises a step of measuring vacuum pressure downstream of the probe tip to determine whether the container probe has retrieved a single item of medicine.

43. The method of claim 37, wherein step (e) comprises a step of measuring airflow downstream of the probe tip to determine whether the container probe has retrieved a single item of medicine.

44. The method of claim 37, wherein steps (d) through (f) are repeated to sequentially retrieve a desired quantity of medicine.

45. The method of claim 37, wherein steps (b) through (f) are repeated to sequentially retrieve a desired quantity and type of medicine.

46. The method of claim 37, wherein step (b) comprises a step of rotating a carousel that houses multiple storage containers.

47. The method of claim 37, wherein step (b) comprises a step of operating a linear positioning system to move the universal vacuum probe.

48. The method of claim 37, wherein step (b) includes a step of utilizing a code reader to determine whether the universal vacuum probe is aligned with the desired storage container.

49. The method of claim 37, wherein dropping the retrieved medicine in step (f) is accomplished by reducing vacuum pressure to a selected level.

50. The method of claim 37, wherein the predetermined position in step (f) comprises an open envelope.

51. The method of claim 37, wherein the predetermined position in step (f) comprises a cup.

52. The method of claim 50, further comprising steps of

(1) closing the open envelope; and

(2) transporting the closed envelope to a selected location for retrieval by a user.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the envelope includes a flap and a body and step (1) comprises steps of:

(1) folding the flap against the body; and

(2) applying crimping across a selected portion of the folded flap and the underlying body.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the selected portion comprises the full width of the envelope.

55. The method of claim 53, wherein the selected portion comprises regions adjacent to edges of the envelope.

56. The method of claim 52, wherein step (2) comprises steps of:

(1) rotating a rotatable carousel containing multiple portable envelope-organizing totes to selectively position a desired tote;

(2) advancing the closed envelope into the desired tote;

(3) rotating the rotatable carousel to make the desired tote accessible to a user; and

(4) unlocking a carousel door to permit user access to the desired tote.

57. A method for dispensing oral solid medicine, comprising steps of:

(a) receiving input data including a desired type of oral solid medicine;

(b) accessing an envelope supply housing to remove an envelope having a flap and a body, and feeding the envelope into a printer;

(d) transporting the envelope into a loading position and opening the envelope with suction devices;

(e) engaging a universal vacuum probe with a container probe sealingly connected to a storage container that houses the desired type of oral solid medicine;

(f) generating vacuum pressure in the probes;

(g) retrieving an item of oral solid medicine with the container probe;

(h) monitoring a condition of air within one of the probes to determine whether the container probe has retrieved a single item of oral solid medicine;

(i) disconnecting the container probe from the storage container, and positioning a probe tip of the container probe over the envelope;

(j) reducing vacuum pressure to deposit the retrieved item of oral solid medicine into the envelope;

(k) folding the envelope's flap against its body;

(l) sealing a selected portion of the envelope; and

(m) placing the sealed envelope into a selected location for retrieval by a user.

58. An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of different types of objects, one at a time, comprising:

a plurality of storage containers;

a vacuum operated probe to retrieve one or more objects from one of the storage containers, wherein the probe includes a probe tip;

a positioning mechanism to vary the position of the probe and the storage containers relative to each other;

a measuring device to measure a condition of air downstream of the probe tip to verify that a single object has been retrieved by the probe and to provide a representative electrical output signal; and

a computer functionally connected to the measuring device and positioning mechanism, programmed to perform steps comprising:

1) receiving user input from an interface, wherein the user input includes a selection of a desired type of medicine;

2) operating the positioning mechanism to change relative positions of the probe and the storage containers until a desired storage container holding the desired type of medicine is accessible by the probe;

3) initiating a vacuum source to create a vacuum within the probe;

4) moving the probe inside the desired storage container; and

5) obtaining the electrical output signal from the measuring device, and selectively removing the probe in response to the output signal.

59. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising a code reader for reading a unique code provided by a storage container that is presently accessible by the probe, wherein each storage container provides one such unique code.

60. An apparatus for automatically retrieving an individual medicine directly from a random arrangement of medicine held in storage containers, comprising:

a probe including a universal vacuum probe, a container probe, and a probe tip at an end of said container probe;

a vacuum source in airtight communication with the probe tip;

alignment means for aligning the probe tip above a selected one of said storage containers; and

probe moving means for bringing the probe tip into a preselected region of said selected storage container and in vacuum contact with one or more items of medicine and then retrieving one item of said medicine and depositing said medicine in a receptacle, and means for assuring only one item of medicine is deposited in said receptacle.

61. An apparatus for dispensing oral solid medicine, comprising:

a plurality of storage containers for storing items of oral solid medicine in bulk form;

a plurality of detachable container probes, each container probe being exclusively associated with a different storage container;

a universal vacuum probe to retrieve a selected container probe and utilize the retrieved container probe to individually retrieve items of oral solid medicine from the storage container associated with the selected container probe; and

a positioning mechanism to vary the position of the universal vacuum probe and the storage containers relative to each other such that one of the storage containers is aligned with the universal vacuum probe.

62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein each container probe comprises:

a container probe head;

a cap to sealingly engage a storage container and prevent the cap and the head from entering the storage container;

a hollow probe shaft sealingly coupled to the head and the cap; and

a probe tip that is accessible to a current storage container when the cap is engaged with that storage container.

63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the probe tip comprises a flexible material.

64. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the probe tip comprises a rigid material.

65. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the probe tip comprises an end of the probe shaft.

66. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the probe tip comprises an attachment to the probe shaft to prevent items of oral solid medicine from being sucked into the container probe.

67. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the universal vacuum probe includes a socket sized to singly and sealingly engage one of the container probe heads at any given time.

68. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the universal vacuum probe socket includes one or more guide pins and each container probe head includes one or more curved channels sized to receive the guide pins to lockingly engage the socket and the container probe head.

69. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein each container probe head includes one or more guide pins and the universal vacuum probe socket includes one or more curved channels sized to receive the guide pins to lockingly engage the socket and the head.

70. The apparatus of claim 61, further including a modular refill cartridge for storing items of oral solid medicine, wherein the refill cartridge is sized to slidably engage any one of the storage containers.

71. The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising a rotatable carousel for housing the storage containers, wherein the positioning mechanism operates to rotate the carousel with respect to the universal vacuum probe.

72. The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising a rectilinear array for housing the storage containers, wherein the positioning mechanism operates to move the universal vacuum probe with respect to the storage containers.

73. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein each refill cartridge includes a machine readable identifying code.

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Intravenous administration system for dry medicine

2008-11-29T17:55:00.000-08:00

Abstract
The system of this invention provides a method and apparatus for the sterile intravenous administration of dry medicine. Such a system can include standard IV set components such as a source of liquid, means to inject liquid into a human vein, means forming a passageway between the source of liquid and said injection means, a valve to control the flow of liquid through the passageway, and a cartridge-like dry medicine package adapted for use with the system. Such a package can include conduit means adapted to perforate and communicate with the passageway, means forming a cell for dry, particulate medicine with portions forming a liquid-pervious barrier to the dry medicine and an air vent with an air-pervious, liquid barrier. The perforating conduit means is in communication with the liquid-pervious barrier portion of the cell so that, upon perforation of the passageway means by the perforating conduit means below the source of liquid, the cell fills with liquid, the medicine...

Patent number: 4465471
Filing date: Jul 26, 1982
Issue date: Aug 14, 1984
Inventors: Dale C. Harris, William W. Hargrove
Assignee: Eli Lilly and Company
Primary Examiner: Michelle N. Lester

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for the sterile intravenous administration of dry medicine comprising:

a source of liquid,

means to inject liquid into a human vein,

means forming an injection passageway between the source of liquid and the injection means,

a receptacle forming a socket and a receptacle passageway between the source of liquid and the means forming an injection passageway,

a valve to control the flow of liquid through the injection passageway, and

a cartridge-like package adapted for use with the system and including conduit means adapted to perforate and communicate with the injection passageway, means forming a cell for dry, particulate medicine with a liquid-pervious barrier to the dry medicine at one end and an air vent with an air-pervious, liquid barrier, the perforating conduit means being in communication with said one end of the cell whereby, upon perforation of the passageway means by the perforating conduit means below the source of liquid, the cell fills with liquid, the medicine is placed in solution in the liquid, and the medicine solution flows into the vein,

the perforating conduit means of the cartridge-like package being adapted to engage the socket of said receptacle, to close the receptacle passageway and to provide two channels for liquid, one channel leading from said source of liquid to the cartridge cell and the other channel leading from the cartridge cell to the means forming an injection passageway to said injection means.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said receptacle is adapted at one end to pierce the source of liquid and adapted at the opposite end to receive removably the means forming an injection passageway to said injection means.

3. A method of administration of dry medicine intravenously in liquid solution comprising:

enclosing a dry, particulate medicine in a sterile package that is open to atmospheric pressure behind a liquid-pervious barrier to the dry medicine,

placing the sterile package in communication with a source of liquid and a passageway for said liquid to the vein of a patient, said package being entirely below the level of liquid in the source,

admitting the liquid into the package and maintaining the package full of liquid under the influence of the fluid pressure of the system and dissolving the dry medicine within the package to form a medicine solution, the liquid being admitted into the package through one conduit and the medicine solution passing outwardly to the passageway through a second conduit, both conduits being formed in a single needle on the package, said needle intercepting flow of liquid from the liquid source to the vein so that all liquid from the source passes through said package, and

allowing the solution of medicine and liquid to pass continuously through the barrier and from the package into the passageway while providing a continuous flow of replacement liquid into the package until the medicine solution is exhausted from the package.

4. The method of claim 3 including the step of providing a continuous flow of liquid that is parallel and additive to the flow of medicine solution from the package.

5. A package adapted for the sterile intravenous administration of dry medicine in solution, comprising perforating conduit means forming at least two passageways, means forming a first cell for dry, particulate medicine and a second cell in communication with the passageways of the perforating conduit means, and a liquid-pervious barrier to the dry, particulate medicine separating the first and second cells, the means forming the cells also forming an air vent and having two portions, the perforating conduit means being formed in one portion in communication with the second cell of the package, and the dry medicine being carried by the other portion, the barrier being carried in a gasket held between said first portion and second portion to form thereby the two cells, the gasket forming two openings and a sealing surface between the two openings that engages the one portion, the gasket defining in part the second cell of the package, the air vent being formed in the one portion opposite the perforating conduit means and in communication with one of the openings of gasket so that upon the introduction of liquid to the package air is expelled from the first and second cells through the air vent.

6. A system for the intravenous administration of dry medicine, comprising

a dry medicine package including perforating conduit means forming at least two passageways, means forming a cell for dry, particulate medicine in communication with the passageways of the perforating conduit means, and a liquid-pervious barrier to the dry, particulate medicine separating the perforating conduit means and the cell, said means forming the cell also forming an air vent, and

a receptacle for said dry medicine package adapted at its ends for insertion into a intravenous administration system, said receptacle forming a socket and a passageway through the socket generally along its central axis, said socket being sealed by an elastomeric stopper,

said perforating conduit means being adapted to perforate said stopper and to mate said socket, substantially closing and sealing the receptacle passageway and positioning the passageways of the perforating conduit means in communication with receptacle passageway above and below, respectively, the socket.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein cell-forming means has two portions and forms two cells, the perforating conduit means is formed in one portion in communication with the second cell of the package, and the dry medicine is carried by the other portion with the barrier carried in a gasket between said first portion and second portion to form thereby the two cells.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the gasket forms two openings and a sealing surface between the two openings that engages the one portion and defines in part the second cell of the package, and the air vent is formed in the one portion opposite the perforating conduit means and in communication with one of the openings of gasket so that upon the introduction of liquid to the package air is expelled from the first and second cells through the air vent.

9. The system of claim 6 wherein the means forming a cell of dry particulate medicine forms a key on its outer surface, and the receptacle forms a slot on its outer surface, and said cartridge key may be engaged in the receptacle slot to retain the position of the cartridge in the receptacle upon insertion.

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Medicine dispenser for home health care

2008-11-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A medicine dispenser includes a container having a lid and a removable compartmentalized tray which can be positioned upon an interior container ledge and held within the container interior immediately beneath the lid when closed. The tray includes a series of apertures dimensioned and positioned on the periphery of the tray to interact with a corresponding series of pegs positioned on the ledge. This arrangement permits only a properly encoded tray to be positioned within the container interior. The lid is provided a plurality of spring-loaded, hinged tray compartment covers aligned directly over corresponding tray compartments, which can be selectively opened and shut to expose the contents of any desired tray compartment. The medicine dispenser is further provided a microprocessor within the container interior which, together with a control button on the lid, controls the operation of an audible and visual alarm, as well as the automatic opening of selected compartment covers.

Patent number: 4717042
Filing date: May 28, 1986
Issue date: Jan 5, 1988
Inventor: John T. McLaughlin
Assignee: Pyxis Corporation

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A medicine dispenser, comprising:

a box-like container having a lid hinged along one upper edge thereof, which lid can be locked shut to deny unwarranted access to the interior of the container, the container providing an interior peripheral ledge spaced to lie near the lid when closed, the ledge providing means for supporting a tray or the like immediately beneath the lid when closed, the lid having a plurality of apertures therethrough;

means for manually encoding the tray supporting means to prevent the accidental positioning of an unintended tray within the container, the manually encoding means including a plurality of peg-receiving openings through the interior peripheral ledge of the container, and at least one peg manually insertable and removable from the peg-receiving openings, the at least one peg having a head extending above the upper surface of the interior peripheral ledge;

a medicine tray dimensioned for placement within the container, the medicine tray including at least one aperture therethrough dimensioned and positioned to permit the head of the at least one peg to fit within and through the at least one aperture when the medicine tray is positioned within the container and the lid is shut, the medicine tray further including a plurality of compartments, each of the compartments being positioned immediately beneath a respective one of the plurality of lid apertures when the lid is closed;

a plurality of compartment covers attached to the lid adjacent respective ones of the plurality of lid apertures, each of the compartment covers capable of being shut and opened with respect to the lid to selectively permit access to respective ones of the compartments, the plurality of compartment covers being spring loaded to automatically open when a latch means included on the lid is activated to selectively release the compartment covers, the latch means including a plurality of trigger solenoids positioned, respectively, adjacent respective ones of the plurality of lid apertures opposite the attachment points of the associated compartment cover;

an interior container compartment for housing power and controlling means for the medicine dispenser;

means for connecting the power and controlling means to the lid;

an audible alarm mounted on the lid and electronically coupled with the power and controlling means;

a manually actuable control button mounted on the lid and electronically coupled with the power and controlling means; and

a liquid crystal display positioned to be observable through the lid, which display is further electronically coupled with the power and controlling means.

2. A medicine dispenser, comprising:

a container having a lid which can be locked shut to deny unwarranted access to the interior of the container, the container providing means for supporting a tray or the like immediately beneath the lid when closed, the lid having a plurality of apertures therethrough;

means for manually encoding the tray supporting means to prevent the accidental positioning of an unintended tray within the container, the manually encoding means including a plurality of peg-receiving opening through an upper surface of the tray supporting means, and at least one peg manually insertable and removable from the peg-receiving openings, the at least one peg having a head extending above the tray supporting means upper surface;

a medicine tray dimensioned for placement within the container, the medicine tray including at least one aperture therethrough dimensioned and positioned to permit the head of the at least one peg to fit within and through the at least one aperture when the medicine tray is positioned within the container and the lid is shut, the medicine tray further including a plurality of compartment for holding medicine, each of the compartments being positioned immediately beneath a respective one of the plurality of lid apertures when the lid is closed; and

a plurality of compartment covers attached to the lid adjacent respective ones of the plurality of lid apertures, each of the compartment covers being capable of shutting and opening with respect to the lid to selectively permit access to respective ones of the compartments for holding medicine.

3. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 2, wherein the container is box-like, and the lid is hinged along one upper edge thereof.

4. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 2, wherein the tray supporting means includes an interior peripheral ledge attached to the interior of the container and spaced to lie near the lid when closed, so that only a peripheral lip of the medicine tray can fit between the ledge and the lid.

5. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 4, wherein the peg-receiving openings extend through the interior peripheral ledge.

6. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 2, including a compartment within the interior of the container for housing power and controlling means.

7. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 6, including means for connecting the power and controlling means with the lid.

8. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 7, including an audible alarm mounted on the lid and electronically coupled with the power and controlling means.

9. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 7, including a manually actuable control button mounted on the lid and electronically coupled with the power and controlling means.

10. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 7, wherein a visual alarm is positioned to be observable through the lid and is electronically coupled to the power and controlling means.

11. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 10, wherein the visual alarm includes a liquid crystal display.

12. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 2, wherein the plurality of compartment covers are spring loaded to automatically open when a latch means included on the lid is activated to selectively release the compartment covers.

13. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 12, wherein the latch means includes a plurality of trigger solenoids positioned, respectively, adjacent individual ones of the plurality of lid apertures and opposite the attachment points of the associated compartment covers.

14. A medicine dispenser, comprising:

a container having a lid which can be shut to completely enclose the interior of the container, the container providing means for supporting a tray or the like immediately beneath the lid when closed, the lid having a plurality of apertures therethrough;

means for manually encoding the tray supporting means to prevent the accidental positioning of an unintended tray within the container;

a medicine tray dimensioned for placement within the container, the medicine tray including a plurality of compartments for holding medicine, and means encoded into the tray, which encoded means interacts with the means for manually encoding the tray supporting means to permit the tray to be positioned and held securely immediately beneath the lid when closed; and

15. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 14, including means for locking the lid shut against the remainder of the container to deny unwarranted access to the interior of the container.

16. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 14, wherein the manually encoding means includes a plurality of peg-receiving openings through an upper surface of the tray supporting means, and at least one peg manually insertable and removable from the peg-receiving openings, the at least one peg having a head extending above the tray supporting means upper surface.

17. A medicine dispenser as set forth in claim 16, wherein the means encoded into the tray includes at least one aperture through the medicine tray which is dimensioned and positioned to permit the head of the at least one peg to fit within and through the at least one aperture when the medicine tray is positioned within the container and the lid is shut.

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Portable medicine cabinet with timer

2008-11-29T17:51:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A portable medicine cabinet with timer for private use by an individual taking several different medicines and which may be carried from the home to the office or the like so as to assure that an individual does not either become confused and forget to take doses of certain prescribed medicines, or take doses of the prescribed medicine too often so as to endanger his health. The disclosed apparatus comprises a cabinet having a plurality of freely accessible compartments therein and time computer means into which a plurality of predetermined time intervals for taking a dose of the respective medicines may be entered. An indicator means is electrically connected to the time computer means and indicates the predetermined time intervals and which of the medicines should be removed from its respective compartment.

Patent number: 4275384
Filing date: Jun 4, 1979
Issue date: Jun 23, 1981
Inventors: Thurmond A. Hicks, Brenda G. Hicks

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A portable apparatus for private use by an individual taking several different medicines, said apparatus being adapted for storing a plurality of different medicine bottles and indicating at certain predetermined times that a dose of each medicine should be taken, comprising:

a cabinet defining a plurality of open-ended, freely accessible cylindrical compartments, each of said compartments being adapted for receiving a bottle of medicine and having a hinged door pivotally secured to said cabinet for closing said compartment and securing the bottle of medicine therein;

time computer means contained within said cabinet for determining the time for taking a dosage of each of the respective medicines, said time computer means having entry means for entering a plurality of predetermined time intervals for taking a dose of each of said respective medicines contained within said respective compartments and means for providing output signals at said predetermined time intervals; and

a signal light positioned adjacent each of said compartments so as to be clearly visible when energized by said output signals and being electrically connected to said time computer means for indicating upon receipt of said output signals the respective medicine which should be removed and a prescribed dose thereof taken;

whereby an individual who is taking several different medicines which require that prescribed doses be taken at different times can assure that he does not become confused and forget to take certain doses or take the prescribed doses too often and endanger his health.

2. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said time computer means includes a first light emitting diode readout screen for displaying the time and a second light emitting diode readout screen designating the digital number of the particular compartment containing the medicine to be taken when the output signal relating to said compartment is generated by said time computer means.

3. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said time computer means includes means for clearing the plurality of predetermined time intervals entered into said time computer means.

4. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 including an electronic buzzer which emits an electronic tone when energized by said output signals.

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Medicine packing apparatus

2008-11-29T17:49:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A medicine packing apparatus includes medicine storage shelves for storing a large number of medicine containers having medicines contained therein, and a comparatively small number of medicine feeders on each of which one of the large number of medicine containers is set for feeding medicine in a quantity conforming to a prescription. Store location memory means and set location memory means are provided which respectively memorize data on the store location of each individual medicine in the storage shelves and data on set location of the medicine in the feeders. If a medicine container corresponding to a prescription is not present in the set location, a search is made in the storage shelves, and then the searched location of the medicine is indicated accordingly. When a medicine container taken out from the storage shelves is set on one of the feeders, an identification device provided on the medicine container is read by a reader, and data...

Patent number: 5671592
Filing date: Aug 31, 1995
Issue date: Sep 30, 1997
Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Takaaki Murakami, Kunihiko Kano
Assignees: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A medicine packing apparatus comprising:

medicine storage shelves for storing a large number of medicine containers each having a medicine contained therein;

a relatively small number of medicine feed means on each of which one of the medicine containers is set for feeding a medicine in a quantity conforming to a prescription;

packing means for packing the medicine fed from the medicine feed means by one dose;

identification means provided for each of the medicine containers;

read means for reading medicine data from the identification means of the medicine container set on the medicine feed means;

set location memory means for memorizing the set location for the medicine container on the basis of the medicine data read by the read means; and

set location search means for searching, on the basis of the set location data for each medicine memorized in the set location memory means, the medicine feed means on which a medicine container for the medicine corresponding to the prescription is set.

2. A medicine packing apparatus comprising:

medicine storage shelves for storing a large number of medicine containers each having a medicine contained therein;

a relatively small number of medicine feed means on each of which one of the medicine containers is set for feeding a medicine in a quantity conforming to a prescription;

medicine distributing means for annularly uniformly distributing the medicine fed from the medicine feed means over a distributing board and then dividing the medicine by one dose to discharge the same;

packing means for packing the medicine discharged from the medicine distributing means by one dose;

identification means provided for each of the medicine containers;

read means for reading medicine data from the identification means of the medicine container set on the medicine feed means;

set location memory means for memorizing the set location for the medicine container on the basis of the medicine data read by the read means; and

3. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

store location memory means for memorizing a store location fixed for each medicine container in the medicine storage shelves;

store location search means for searching the store location for the medicine corresponding to the prescription on the basis of the store location data memorized in the store location memory means; and

store location indicator means for indicating the store location for the medicine searched by the store location search means.

4. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

read means for reading medicine data from the identification means of the medicine container stored in each store location of the medicine storage shelves;

store location memory means for memorizing a store location for each medicine container on the basis of medicine data read by the read means;

store location indicator means for indicating the store location for the medicine searched by the store location search means.

5. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:

proper set location memory means for memorizing a proper set location fixed for each medicine container in the medicine feed means;

proper location search means for searching the proper set location for the medicine corresponding to the prescription on the basis of the proper location data memorized in the proper set location memory means; and

proper set location indicator means for indicating the proper set location for the medicine searched by the proper location search means.

6. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein the proper set location memory means memorize the proper set location fixed for each medicine container in such a condition that the medicine which is likely to bounce when dropped is set at a lower location, and that the medicine which is less likely to bounce when dropped is set at a higher location.

7. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the packing means performs packing of the medicine corresponding to the prescription at a packing velocity set in consideration of the set location for the medicine and attributes of the medicine including bouncing and rolling characteristics.

8. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, further comprising:

proper set location memory means for memorizing a proper set location fixed for each medicine container in the medicine feed means;

proper set location indicator means for indicating the proper set location for the medicine searched by the proper location search means.

9. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in claim 4, further comprising:

proper set location memory means for memorizing a proper set location fixed for each medicine container in the medicine feed means;

proper set location indicator means for indicating the proper set location for the medicine searched by the proper location search means.

10. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the proper set location memory means memorize the proper set location fixed for each medicine container in such a condition that the medicine which is likely to bounce when dropped is set at a lower location, and that the medicine which is less likely to bounce when dropped is set at a higher location.

11. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein the proper set location memory means memorize the proper set location fixed for each medicine container in such a condition that the medicine which is likely to bounce when dropped is set at a lower location, and that the medicine which is less likely to bounce when dropped is set at a higher location.

12. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein the packing means performs packing of the medicine corresponding to the prescription at a packing velocity set in consideration of the set location for the medicine and attributes of the medicine including bouncing and rolling characteristics.

13. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein the packing means performs packing of the medicine corresponding to the prescription at a packing velocity set in consideration of the set location for the medicine and attributes of the medicine including bouncing and rolling characteristics.

14. A medicine packing apparatus comprising:

medicine storage shelves for storing a large number of medicine containers each having a medicine contained therein;

a plurality of hoppers for receiving a medicine dispensed according to a prescription data;

medicine distributing means for annularly uniformly distributing the medicine fed from the hoppers on a distributing board and then dividing the medicine by one dose to discharge the same;

packing means for packing the medicine discharged from the medicine distributing means by one dose;

identification means provided for each of the medicine containers;

read means for reading the medicine data from the identification means of the medicine taken out from the medicine storage shelves; and

medicine check means for checking the medicine by comparing the medicine data read by the read means with the prescription data.

15. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in claim 14, further comprising:

store location memory means for memorizing a store location fixed for each medicine container in the medicine storage shelves;

store location indicator means for indicating the store location for the medicine searched by the store location search means.

16. A medicine packing apparatus as set forth in claim 14, further comprising:

read means for reading medicine data from the identification means of the medicine container stored in each store location of the medicine storage shelves;

store location memory means for memorizing a store location for each medicine container on the basis of medicine data read by the read means;

store location indicator means for indicating the store location for the medicine searched by the store location search means.

17. A medicine delivery apparatus comprising:

medicine storage shelves for storing a large number of medicine containers each having a medicine contained therein;

a relatively small number of medicine delivery means on each of which one of the medicine containers is set for delivering a medicine in a quantity conforming to a prescription;

identification means provided for each of the medicine containers;

read means for reading medicine data from the identification means of the medicine container set on the medicine delivery means;

set location memory means for memorizing the set location for the medicine container on the basis of the medicine data read by the read means; and

set location search means for searching, on the basis of the set location data for each medicine memorized in the set location memory means, the medicine delivery means on which a medicine container for the medicine corresponding to the prescription is set.

18. A medicine delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 17, further comprising:

store location memory means for memorizing a store location fixed for each medicine container in the medicine storage shelves;

store location indicator means for indicating the store location for the medicine searched by the store location search means.

19. A medicine delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 17, further comprising:

read means for reading medicine data from the identification means of the medicine container stored in each store location of the medicine storage shelves;

store location memory means for memorizing the store location for each medicine container on the basis of medicine data read by the read means;

store location search means for searching the store location for the medicine corresponding to the prescription on the basis of the store location data memorizing in the store location memory means; and

store location indicator means for indicating the store location for the medicine searched by the store location search means.

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Medicine vial link for needleless syringes

2008-11-29T17:48:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A link for use between a needleless syringe and a liquid medicine vial may be used equally well with both Luer lock and slip tip syringes. An adapter flange forms both an anchor for a conventional Luer lock and a receiving receptacle for a conventional slip tip syringe. The bottom end of the receiving receptacle is capped with a cylindrical sieve providing multiple fluid flow paths. The vial end of the link is formed with a pocket for collecting fluid when the vial is inverted. Two separate versions are provided, with one having a flip-top cap flush with the top of the medicine vial and the other having a twist-off top extending above the top of the vial. An outer jacket, surrounding the vial top is an optional variation on either version and provides for resealing of multiple dose vials. A valve automatically seals the vial to protect against loss of fluid and contamination of remaining fluid within the vial, in the event that the vial is overturned.

Patent number: 5620434
Filing date: Jul 10, 1995
Issue date: Apr 15, 1997
Inventor: Seth K. Brony
Primary Examiner: Bruce Snow

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adapter link for providing sealed fluid medicament communication between a medicine vial having an opening for access and a needleless medication dispensing syringe having a conical nozzle tip, said adapter link comprising:

a resilient, tubular, generally cylindrical body member having a smooth outer surface for tightly fitting the inside of the opening formed in the medicine vial, and an outer periphery;

an upstanding annular portion formed in said body portion, having an upper rim around said outer periphery;

means defining a smooth central aperture formed in said upstanding annular portion, for sealably receiving said conical nozzle tip of said syringe, said aperture formed as a blind bore extending partially through said body member; and

a valve disposed within said body member, having automatically operating means for maintaining said blind bore closed, and for opening said valve responsive to insertion of the conical nozzle tip of the syringe into said aperture formed in said body member, wherein said upper rim on said upstanding annular portion of said body is expanded radially when the conical nozzle tip of the syringe is received in said blind bore, said valve comprising a hollow valve body having a plurality of holes extending only radially through said hollow valve body and a floor closing the bottom of said hollow valve body, whereby said valve serves as a sieve for filtering fluid.

2. The adapter link of claim 1, said valve including a spring for maintaining said valve closed.

3. The adapter link of claim 1, further comprising flip-off top means for sealing said blind bore and substantially displacing air from most of said blind bore when said flip-off top means is inserted in said blind bore, wherein said flip-off top means lies substantially flush with the access opening formed in the medicine vial.

4. The adapter link of claim 1, further comprising twist-off top means for sealing said blind bore and substantially displacing air from most of said blind bore when said twist-off top means is inserted in said blind bore, wherein said twist-off top means lies substantially above the access opening formed in the medicine vial.

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Medicine vial adaptor for needleless injector

2008-11-29T17:45:00.000-08:00

Patent number: 4662878
Filing date: Nov 13, 1985
Issue date: May 5, 1987
Inventor: Istvan Lindmayer
Assignee: Patents Unlimited Ltd.
Primary Examiner: Sherri E. Vinyard

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A disposable plastic adaptor for connecting a medicine vial to a needleless injector comprising

a hollow, generally cylindrical body member having a top end and a bottom end,

a wall dividing said hollow body into a generally cylindrical top end cavity and bottom end cavity, said bottom end cavity being adapted to slide over the top end of a medicine vial, said cavity wall including a plurality of detents which prevent removal of the adaptor from the vial, and said top end cavity being adapted to be twist connected to the end of a needleless injector and a fluid connector member mounted within said body member comprising a sharp tipped, hollow probe extending axially downwardly within said bottom end cavity and an axial projection with a cancave end face extending axially upwardly within said top end cavity and an axial bore extending through said fluid connector member to flow connect said concave end face and the probe tip, said probe being adapted to penetrate the top of a medicine vial and said concave end face being adapted to provide a fluid tight seal with the convex end of a cylindrical medicine reservoir within said needleless injector, and

a protective cap member for protecting said top end cavity when the adaptor is not connected to a needleless injector, said protective cap comprising an end portion adapted to snuggly close the top end of said adaptor and having an inner cylindrical projection extending axially from the end portion, said cylindrical projection having at the end thereof remote from said cap end portion a cylindrical skirt with a convex end face recessed within said skirt, said convex end face being adapted to provide a fluid tight seal with the concave end face of said top end cavity axial projection and said skirt being adapted to protect said convex end face, and flexible connector means for retaining the protective cap in association with the cylindrical body member.

2. A disposable adaptor according to claim 1 wherein said hollow probe is a hollow needle.

3. A disposable adaptor according to claim 1 wherein said top cavity is threaded to mate with a threaded projection on the needleless injector.

4. A disposable adaptor according to claim 1 wherein said top cavity has a bayonet connector to mate with bayonet connector on a projection on the needleless injector.

5. A disposable adaptor according to claim 1 wherein said detents are flexible teeth inclined inwardly and upwardly from the bottom end of the cavity wall.

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Medical devices incorporating sim alloy elements

2008-11-29T17:43:00.000-08:00

Abstract
Medical devices which are currently proposed to use elements made from shape memory alloys may be improved by the use of stress-induced martensite alloy elments instead. The use of stress-induced martensite decreases the temperature sensitivity of the devices, thereby making them easier to install and/or remove.

Patent number: 4665906
Filing date: May 21, 1986
Issue date: May 19, 1987
Inventor: James E. Jervis
Assignee: Raychem Corporation
Primary Examiner: C. W. Shedd

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of installing a pseudoelastic shape-memory alloy medical device within a mammalian body, or in such proximity to a mammalian body that the device is substantially at body temperature wherein the pseudoelastic shape-memory alloy medical device displays reversible stress-induced martensite at body temperature, the method comprising:

deforming the medical device into a deformed shape different from a final shape, said deforming occurring by the formation of stress-induced martensite;

restraining the deformed shape of the medical device by the application of a restraining means;

positioning the medical device and restraining means within, or in proximity to, the body;

removing the restraining means;

isothermally transforming the device from the deformed shape into the final shape.

2. A method of installing a medical device within a mammalian body, or in such proximity to a mammalian body that the device is substantially at body temperature, the method comprising:

manufacturing the medical device at least partly from a pseudoelastic shape-memory alloy wherein the pseudoelastic shape-memory alloy medical device displays reversible stress-induced martensite at body temperature;

deforming the medical device into a deformed shape different from a final shape, said deforming occurring by the formation of stress-induced martensite;

restraining the deformed shape of the medical device by the application of a restraining means;

positioning the medical device and restraining means within, or in proximity to the body;

removing the restraining means;

isothermally transforming the device from the deformed shape into the final shape.

3. A medical device assembly for use within a mammalian body or in such proximity to a mammalian body that the medical device is substantially at body temperature, comprising:

a medical device and a restraining means;

said medical device at least partly being made of a pseudoelastic shape-memory alloy displaying reversible, stress-induced martensite at body temperature;

said medical device being deformed by the formation of stress-induced martensite into a shape different from a final shape and then restrained in the deformed shape by said restraining means;

said medical device and said restraining means being positioned in the body whereupon the restraining means is removed and the medical device isothermally transforms from the deformed shape into the final shape.

4. The medical device assembly of claim 3 wherein said medical device comprises a heart valve having a valve body, a sewing cuff and a pseudoelastic shape-memory alloy ring employed to hold the sewing cuff onto the valve body.

5. The medical device assembly of claim 3 wherein said medical device comprises a catheter.

6. The medical device assembly of claim 5 wherein said catheter is a tracheal catheter.

7. The medical device assembly of claim 3 wherein said medical device comprises an intrauterine contraceptive device.

8. The medical device assembly of claim 3 wherein said medical device is a bone plate.

9. The medical device assembly of claim 3 wherein said medical device is a marrow nail.

10. The medical device assembly of claim 3 wherein said medical device is a dental arch wire.

11. The medical device assembly of claim 3 wherein said medical device is a bone staple.

12. The medical device assembly of claim 3 wherein said medical device is a clip.

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Coated implantable medical device

2008-11-29T17:37:00.000-08:00

Abstract
A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material posited on one surface of structure 12; and at least one porous layer 20 posited over the bioactive material layer 18 posited on one surface of structure (12) and the bioactive-material-free surface. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent. The porous layer 20 is comprised of a polymer applied preferably by vapor or plasma deposition and provides a controlled release of the bioactive material. It is particularly preferred that the polymer is a polyamide, parylene or a parylene derivative, which is deposited without solvents, heat or catalysts, merely by condensation of a monomer vapor. Also disclosed is the method of manufacture of the device 10, as well as a method of using it in medical treatments.

Patent number: 5824049
Filing date: Oct 31, 1996
Issue date: Oct 20, 1998
Inventors: Anthony O. Ragheb, Brian L. Bates, Neal E. Fearnot, Thomas G. Kozma, William D. Voorhees, III
Assignees: MED Institute, Inc.
Primary Examiner: Francis K. Cuddihy

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An implantable vascular device, comprising:

A. a stent structure adapted for introduction into a vascular system of a patient, the stent structure comprising a biocompatible metal;

B. at least one bioactive material posited on one surface of the structure of the stent, thereby defining a bioactive-material-free stent surface on which the at least one bioactive material is not posited; and

C. a porous layer posited over the at least one bioactive material and the bioactive-material-free surface, wherein said porous layer is at least about 5000 .ANG. thick and is adequate to provide for a controlled release of the at least one bioactive material through said porous layer.

2. An implantable medical device (10), comprising,

a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a patient, the structure (12) being comprised of a base material (14);

at least one layer (18) of a bioactive material posited over the structure (12); and

at least one porous layer (20) posited over the at least one bioactive layer (18), comprised of a polymer applied by vapor deposition or plasma deposition, and having for a thickness adequate to provide a controlled release of the at least one bioactive material through said at least one porous layer (20).

3. The device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one porous layer (20) is one polymerized from a catalyst-free monomer vapor.

4. The device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the polymer is a polyimide, parylene, a parylene derivative, poly(ethylene oxide), poly(ethlyene glycol), poly(propylene oxide), silicone, or a polymer of methane, tetrafluoroethylene or tetramethyldisiloxane.

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one porous layer (20) is about 5,000 to 250,000 .ANG. thick.

6. The device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the structure (12) is configured as a vascular stent.

7. The device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the structure (12) is configured as at least one of: a catheter, a wire guide, a cannula, a stent, a vascular or other graft, a cardiac pacemaker lead or lead tip, a cardiac defibrillator lead or lead tip, a heart valve, a pacemaker or portion thereof; an orthopedic device, appliance, implant or replacement, or portion thereof; or a portion of any of these.

8. The device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the base material (14) is biocompatible.

9. The device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the base material (14) of the structure (12) includes at least one of: stainless steel, tantalum, titanium, nitinol, gold, platinum, inconel, iridium, silver, tungsten, or another biocompatible metal, or alloys of any of these; carbon or carbon fiber; cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, silicone, polyethylene teraphthalate, polyurethane, polyamide, polyester, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, polyether sulfone, polycarbonate, polypropylene, high molecular weight polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, or another biocompatible polymeric material, or mixtures or copolymers of these; polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid or copolymers thereof, a polyanhydride, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxy-butyrate valerate or another biodegradable polymer, or mixtures or copolymers of these; a protein, an extracellular matrix component, collagen, fibrin or another biologic agent; or a mixture of any of these.

10. The device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the bioactive material includes at least one of: heparin or another thrombin inhibitor, hirudin, hirulog, argatroban, D-phenylalanyl-L-poly-L-arginyl chloromethyl ketone, or another antithrombogenic agent, or mixtures thereof; urokinase, streptokinase, a tissue plasminogen activator, or another thrombolytic agent, or mixtures thereof; a fibrinolytic agent; a vasospasm inhibitor; a calcium channel blocker, a nitrate, nitric oxide, a nitric oxide promoter or another vasodilator; an antimicrobial agent or antibiotic; aspirin, ticlopdine, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor or another inhibitor of surface glycoprotein receptors, or another antiplatelet agent; colchicine or another antimitotic, or another microtubule inhibitor, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), a retinoid or another antisecretory agent; cytochalasin or another actin inhibitor; or a remodeling inhibitor; deoxyribonucleic acid, an antisense nucleotide or another agent for molecular genetic intervention; methotrexate or another antimetabolite or antiproliferative agent; an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent; dexamethasone, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, dexamethasone acetate or another dexamethasone derivative, or another anti-inflammatory steroid or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent; cyclosporin or another immunosuppressive agent; trapidal (a PDGF antagonist), angiopeptin (a growth hormone antagonist), an anti-growth factor antibody, or another growth factor antagonist; dopamine, bromocriptine mesylate, pergolide mesylate or another dopamine agonist; .sup.60 Co, .sup.192 Ir, .sup.32 P, .sup.111 In, .sup.90 Y, .sup.99m Tc or another radiotherapeutic agent; iodine-containing compounds, barium-containing compounds, gold, tantalum, platinum, tungsten or another heavy metal functioning as a radiopaque agent; a peptide, a protein, an enzyme, an extracellular matrix component, a cellular component or another biologic agent; captopril, enalapril or another angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor; ascorbic acid, alphatocopherol, superoxide dismutase, deferoxamine, a 21-aminosteroid (lasaroid) or another free radical scavenger, iron chelator or antioxidant; a .sup.14 C-, .sup.3 H-, .sup.131 I-, .sup.32 P- or .sup.36 S-radiolabelled form or other radiolabelled form of any of the foregoing; or a mixture of any of these.

11. The device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the structure (12) has a gross surface area, and wherein the at least one layer (18) of bioactive material contains about 1 to 4 mg of the bioactive material per cm.sup.2 of the gross surface area of the structure (12).

12. The device (10) according to claim 2, comprising at least two layers (18 and 22) of different bioactive materials posited over the structure (12).

13. The device (10) according to claim 12, further comprising an additional porous layer (24) of the polymer between each of the at least two layers (18 and 22) of different bioactive materials.

14. The device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the different bioactive materials in the at least two layers (18 and 22) have different solubilities, one of the different bioactive Materials being relatively less soluble and another of the different boactive materials being relatively more soluble, and wherein a first layer (18) contains the more soluble bioactive material and a second layer (22) contains the less soluble bioactive material and is posited above the first layer (18).

15. The device (10) according to claim 14, further comprising an additional porous layer (24) of the polymer between each of the at least two layers (18 and 22) of different bioactive materials.

16. The device (10) according to claim 2, further comprising a connector (26) securing the at least one porous layer (20) to the base material (14) of the structure (12).

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Secure computer support system

2008-11-01T02:53:00.000-07:00

Abstract
A system maintains a first computer using a second computer and a central computer by: receiving a request for maintenance from a first computer; opening first and second secured connections to the first and second computers through the central computer; transferring a request for data from the second computer; storing data and a destination instruction sent from the second computer in a central computer buffer; and forwarding the buffered data to the first computer.

Patent number: 6754707
Filing date: Oct 28, 1999
Issue date: Jun 22, 2004
Inventors: Mark E. Richards, Scott William Dale, Cadir Batista Lee
Assignees: SupportSoft, Inc.
Primary Examiner: Saleh Najjar
Attorney: Fish & Richardson P.C.
Application number: 9/430,665

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method to maintain a first computer using a second computer and a central computer, the method comprising:

receiving at a central computer a request for maintenance from a first computer, the first computer residing inside of a first secured area behind firewalls, proxy servers or private Internet addresses;

establishing a persistent connection between the first computer and the central computer;

the central computer determining for the first computer an appropriate second computer to provide maintenance to the first computer, the second computer residing inside a second secured area behind firewalls, proxy servers or private Internet addresses, and the central computer residing outside the first secured area and residing outside the second secured area;

in response to initiation by the central computer, opening a secure connection between a second computer and the central computer;

transferring, in response to the request for maintenance, a request for data from the second computer to the first computer through the central computer; and

transferring the data from the first computer to the second computer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the central computer is a nexus.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the persistent connection of the first computer remains open without network traffic.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising spawning a process on the first computer iii response to the request from the second computer.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the spawned process collects the data on the first computer in accordance with the request from the second computer.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the request for maintenance spawns a process that executes diagnostic software on the first computer.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the request for maintenance spawns a process that executes repair software on the first computer.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the request for maintenance spawns a process that provides information on configuration, state or screen display of the first computer to the second computer.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the request for maintenance spawns a process that results in the transmission of software to and from the first computer.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the first computer or the second computer reestablishes a connection with the central computer in the case that the connection is interrupted.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising registering the first computer with the central computer to enable the transfer of the request for data from the second computer to the first computer.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

registering the first computer with the central computer;

identifying the first computer with an address; and

using the address, enabling the transfer of the request for data from the second computer to the first computer.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

transferring a request for configuration and maintenance data from the second computer to the first computer through the central computer; and

transferring the configuration and maintenance data from the first computer to the second computer.

14. A system with an apparatus adapted to maintain one or more computers, comprising:

a first computer residing inside a first secured area behind firewalls, proxy servers or private Internet addresses;

a nexus to initiate and support a persistent connection with the first computer in response to receiving a re-guest for maintenance from the first computer, the nexus determining an appropriate second computer to provide maintenance to the first computer, and establishing a secured communication session between the first computer and the second computer,

wherein the second computer resides inside a second secured area behind firewalls, proxy servers or private Internet addresses, and wherein the nexus resides outside of the first secured area and outside the second secured area.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the nexus is a server.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the persistent connection between the first computer and the nexus remains open without network traffic.

17. The system of claim 14, further comprising a module to spawn a process on the first computer in response to a request from the second computer.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the spawned process collects data on the first computer in accordance with the request from the second computer.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the request spawns a process that executes diagnostic software on the first computer.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the request spawns a process that executes repair software on the first computer.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein the request spawns a process that provides information on configuration, state or screen display of the first computer to the second computer.

22. The system of claim 14, wherein the request spawns a process that results in the transmission of software to and from the first computer.

23. The system of claim 14, wherein one of the first computer or the second computer reestablishes a connection with the nexus in the case that the connection is interrupted.

24. The system of claim 14, the first computer being registered with the nexus.

25. The system of claim 17, wherein the spawned process collects configuration and maintenance data on the first computer in accordance with the request from the second computer.

26. A nexus adapted to establish a through connection between a first and second computer, the nexus operable to run:

a registration process operable to register a first computer and save registration information upon receiving a maintenance request from the first computer, the first computer residing inside a first secured area behind firewalls, proxy servers or private Internet addresses;

a first connection process operable to open a persistent connection between the nexus and the first computer;

a second connection process operable to determine for the first computer an appropriate second computer to provide maintenance to the first computer, and establish, upon initiation by the central computer, a secure connection between the second computer and the nexus, the second computer residing outside of the first secured area, inside a second secured area behind firewalls, proxy servers or private Internet addresses, the nexus residing outside the first secured area and the second secured areas;

a third connection process operable to use the registration information to establish a through, persistent connection between the first and second computers.

27. A method to maintain a first computer using a second computer and a central computer, the central computer:

receiving a request for maintenance from a first computer, the first computer residing inside of a first secured area;

establishing a persistent connection between the first computer and the central computer;

determining an appropriate second computer to provide maintenance to the first computer;

opening a secured connection between the central computer and the second computer, the second computer residing outside of the first secured area inside a second secured area and the central computer residing between the first and second secured areas, the first and second secured areas residing behind firewalls, proxy servers or private Internet addresses;

transferring the request for maintenance from the first computer to the second computer and providing a response to the first computer from the second computer.

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Utilities module for proactive maintenance application

2008-11-01T02:50:00.000-07:00

Abstract
Methods and systems of managing proactive maintenance tasks for a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes predicting local loop proactive maintenance tasks, storing local loop proactive maintenance tasks, and searching the tasks using at least one search criteria. The at least one search criteria could include at least one of Proactive Maintenance Application number, Trouble Ticket Number, area code, status, Wire Center, district, manager, and supervisor. The at least one search criteria could also include at least one of technician, date, address, description, technician narrative, disposition code, priority, intermediate status code, work code, authorization, cable, and line pair. The embodiment also permits sorting and editing the local loop proactive maintenance tasks. The tasks may be sorted using at least one sort criteria The at least one sort criteria could include at least one of Proactive Maintenance Application number, Trouble Ticket Number, area code,...

Patent number: 6845148
Filing date: Nov 30, 2000
Issue date: Jan 18, 2005
Inventor: Elizabeth Ann Beamon
Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
Primary Examiner: Quoc Tran
Attorney: Cantor Colburn LLP
Application number: 9/728,195

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks for a telephone system local loop, the method comprising:

storing local loop proactive maintenance tasks;

searching the tasks using at least one search criteria;

permitting deletion of proactive maintenance tasks if said proactive maintenance task has not been sent to a technician dispatch module which dispatches proactive maintenance tasks to technicians;

permitting exclusion of proactive maintenance tasks if said proactive maintenance task has been sent to said technician dispatch module.

2. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 1, further comprising predicting local loop proactive maintenance tasks.

3. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 1, wherein the at least one search criteria includes at least one of Proactive Maintenance Application number, Trouble Ticket Number, area code, status, Wire Center, district, manager, and supervisor.

4. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 1, wherein the at least one search criteria includes at least one of technician date, address, description, technician narrative, disposition code, priority, intermediate status code, work code, authorization, cable, and line pair.

5. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 1, further comprising sorting the tasks using at least one sort criteria.

6. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 5, wherein the sort criteria includes at least one of Proactive Maintenance Application number, Trouble Ticket Number, area code, status, Wire Center, district, manager, and supervisor.

7. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 5, wherein the sort criteria includes at least one or technician, date, address, priority, status code, work code, and authorization.

8. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 1, further comprising editing the local loop proactive maintenance tasks using at least one edit criteria, the edit criteria including at least one of wire center, district, priority, date, work code, manager, supervisor, technician, maintenance center, authorization, address, and work description.

9. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 1, further comprising acquiring cable and line pair information associated with the local loop proactive maintenance tasks.

10. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 1, further comprising generating work order information describing the local loop proactive maintenance tasks.

11. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 1, further comprising dispatching the local loop proactive maintenance tasks.

12. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 1, further comprising adding additional local loop proactive maintenance tasks to the stored tasks.

13. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 1, further comprising communicating with a communications network and acquiring information associated with a loop Maintenance Operating System.

14. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 1, further comprising searching pending proactive maintenance tasks.

15. A method of managing proactive maintenance tasks according to claim 1, further comprising generating summary reports describing the tasks.

16. A system configured for predicting proactive maintenance of a telephone system local loop, the system comprising:

at least one of a Dynamic Network Analyzer module and a Loop Facilities and Control System module, the Dynamic Network Analyzer module communicating with a communications network and acquiring information associated with a Dynamic Network Analyzer, the Loop Facilities and Control System module communicating with the communications network and acquiring information associated with a Loop Facilities and Control System;

a database stored in memory, the database storing the acquired information;

a processor capable of processing information stored in the database and of generating predicted proactive maintenance; and

a Utilities module for managing the predicted proactive maintenance, said managing including;

storing local loop proactive maintenance tasks;

searching the tasks using at least one search criteria;

permitting deletion of proactive maintenance tasks if said proactive maintenance task has not been sent to a technician dispatch module which dispatches proactive maintenance tasks to technicians;

permitting exclusion of proactive maintenance tasks if said proactive maintenance task has been sent to said technician dispatch module.

17. A computer program product for proactively maintaining a telephone system; comprising:

a computer-readable medium; and

a Utilities module stored on the medium, the Utilities module managing local loop proactive maintenance tasks, said managing including;

storing local loop proactive maintenance tasks;

searching the tasks using at least one search criteria;

permitting deletion of proactive maintenance tasks if said proactive maintenance task has not been sent to a technician dispatch module which dispatches proactive maintenance tasks to technicians;

permitting exclusion of proactive maintenance tasks if said proactive maintenance task has been sent to said technician dispatch module.

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Monocular head-mounted display system

2008-11-01T02:47:00.001-07:00

Abstract
A monocular head mounted display system in which a matrix display element is mounted within a housing that is positioned relative to one eye of the user to display information. The display is connected to a video or information source such that the user can view information or images shown on the display. The display can be mounted to a frame so that the user can move the display in and out of the user's filed of view without adjusting the supporting harness that holds the display on the user's head.

Patent number: 6452572
Filing date: Jul 22, 1998
Issue date: Sep 17, 2002
Inventors: John C. C. Fan, Jeffrey Jacobsen, Peter A. Ronzani, Stephen Pombo
Assignee: Kopin Corporation
Primary Examiner: Xiao Wu
Attorneys: Hamilton, Brook, Smith & Reynolds, P.C.
Application number: 9/120,901

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A head-mounted display system comprising:

a support frame;

a monocular display module housing coupled to the support frame, the monocular display module housing having a liquid crystal matrix display mounted within the display housing, a matrix display driver circuit within the display housing, a lens system mounted within the display module housing to couple an image generated by the liquid crystal matrix display to an eye of a user, a backlight to illuminate the display, and a reflector that reflects light from the backlight through a diffuser positioned between the backlight and the matrix display, where the backlight, the display, and the lens system are aligned along a single linear optical axis;

a circuit housing coupled to the support frame and securable to the head of the user, the circuit housing having display circuitry mounted therein that controls the liquid crystal matrix display to generate an image; and

a wireless two-way communications circuit coupled to the support frame, the communications circuit electrically connected to the circuit housing and the communications circuit receiving image data from a remote source.

2. The display system of claim 1 wherein the two-way communications module is a wireless telephone that receives audio and image data and transmitting audio data.

3. The display system of claim 2 further comprising a microphone mounted to the support frame.

4. The display system of claim 1 further comprising a memory module on the support frame.

5. The display system of claim 1 further comprising a camera connected to the two-way communications module to record image data.

6. The display system of claim 1 further comprising a modem on the support frame.

7. The display system of claim 1 further comprising a keyboard electrically connected to the circuit housing.

8. A method of using a monocular display system adjacent the head of a user, the monocular display system having a display housing, a circuit housing and a support frame, comprising:

positioning the display housing along the support frame relative to the first eye or the second eye of the user, where the display housing has an electronic liquid crystal display, a backlight, a reflector, a diffuser, and an optical lens system with the backlight, the diffuser, the liquid crystal display, and the optical lens system aligned along a single linear axis, where the circuit housing is securable to the support frame positioned adjacent to the head of a user, the circuit housing having display circuitry mounted therein that operates the electronic display to generate an image, and where the support frame coupled to the circuit housing holds the display housing, the display housing moveable relative to the support frame and the circuit housing and the display housing movable between a first position adjacent one eye of the user and a second position adjacent a second eye of the user while the circuit housing is secured to the support frame;

receiving image data with a wireless receiver; and

connecting the electronic display, a microphone, and a speaker to a wireless telephone transceiver module, the microphone and speaker coupled to the circuit housing.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising providing a battery mounted to the support frame that provides power to the display.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising providing a camera mounted to the support frame.

11. The method of claim 8 further comprising recording an image memory module mounted to the support frame, the module having a slot that can receive a memory card.

12. The method of claim 8 further comprising rotating the display relative to the support frame.

13. The method of claim 8 further comprising providing a backlight including a red, a green and a blue light source.

14. A method of using a monocular display system adjacent the head of a user, the monocular display system having a display housing, a circuit housing and a support frame, comprising:

receiving image data with a wireless receiver; and

inserting a memory card into a memory interface module on the support frame.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising providing a battery mounted to the support frame that provides power to the display.

16. The system of claim 14 further comprising providing a camera mounted to the support frame.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising recording an image on the memory card.

18. The method of claim 14 further comprising rotating the display relative to the support frame.

19. The method of claim 14 further comprising providing a backlight including a red, a green and a blue light source.

20. The method of claim 14 further comprising coupling light to the display with the reflector.

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Redundant maintenance architecture

2008-11-01T02:29:00.000-07:00

Abstract
A redundant maintenance architecture for general purpose, digital computer systems. The architecture has both redundant maintenance controllers and redundant maintenance interfaces. This invention provides uninterrupted maintenance control over a distributed system despite any single hardware failure. This is accomplished by providing a low level hardware fault detection and correction apparatus which does not require expensive test hardware or software. The low level hardware apparatus detects faults within a primary maintenance controller or interface and transfer control of the maintenance functions of the computer system to a secondary maintenance controller and interface. All of this is accomplished on-the-fly and does not require that the computer system be switched into a test mode or otherwise interrupted from normal operation.

Patent number: 5515501
Filing date: Jan 21, 1994
Issue date: May 7, 1996
Inventors: Paul LaBerge, Larry L. Byers, Greg Wiedenman
Assignee: Unisys Corporation
Primary Examiner: Glenn Snyder

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for detecting and correcting faults within a computer system comprising;

a. a primary maintenance processor;

b. a plurality of primary maintenance interfaces;

c. a plurality of computer modules coupled to said primary maintenance processor via said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces;

d. a secondary maintenance processor;

e. a plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces coupling said plurality of computer modules to said secondary maintenance processor;

f. a decoder coupled to said primary maintenance processor via said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces for decoding a predetermined set of control bits;

g. an Or-Gate coupled to said decoder for polling the outputs of said decoder;

h. a timer coupled to said Or-Gate for timing a predetermined time period wherein said timer expires after the predetermined time period if not reset by said Or-Gate during the predetermined time period; and

i. a lock/clear circuit coupled to said timer for switching control from said primary maintenance processor and said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces to said secondary maintenance processor and said plurality of secondary interfaces when said timer expires.

2. An apparatus for detecting and correcting faults within a computer system comprising:

a. a primary maintenance processor;

b. a plurality of primary maintenance interfaces;

c. a plurality of computer modules coupled to said primary maintenance processor via said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces;

d. a secondary maintenance processor;

e. a plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces coupling said plurality of computer modules to said secondary maintenance processor;

f. decoding means coupled to said primary maintenance processor via said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces for decoding a predetermined set of control bits;

g. polling means coupled to said decoding means for polling the outputs of said decoding means;

h. timing means coupled to said polling means for timing a predetermined time period wherein said timing means expires after the predetermined time period if not reset by said polling means during the predetermined time period; and

i. switching means coupled to said timing means and further coupled to said secondary maintenance processor for switching control from said primary maintenance processor and said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces to said secondary maintenance processor and said plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces when said timing means expires.

3. An apparatus for detecting and correcting faults within a computer system comprising:

a. a primary maintenance processor;

b. a plurality of primary maintenance interfaces;

c. a plurality of computer modules having a first processing complex and a second processing complex;

d. said first processing complex coupled to a first power domain and further coupled to said primary maintenance processor via said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces;

e. a secondary maintenance processor;

f. a plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces;

g. said second processing complex coupled to a second power domain and further coupled to said secondary maintenance processor via said plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces;

h. decoding means coupled to said primary maintenance processor via said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces for decoding a predetermined set of control bits;

i. polling means coupled to said decoding means for polling the outputs of said decoding means;

j. a timing means coupled to said polling means for timing a predetermined time period wherein said timing means expires after the predetermined time period if not reset by said polling means during the predetermined time period; and

k. switching means coupled to said timing means for switching control from said primary maintenance processor and said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces to said secondary maintenance processor and said plurality of secondary interfaces when said timing means expires.

4. An apparatus for detecting and correcting faults within a computer system comprising:

a. a primary maintenance processor;

b. a plurality of primary maintenance interfaces;

c. a plurality of computer modules each having a first processing complex and a plurality of second processing complexes;

d. said first processing complex coupled to a first power domain and further coupled to said primary maintenance processor via said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces;

e. a plurality of secondary maintenance processors;

f. a plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces;

g. each particular one of said plurality of second processing complexes coupled to a particular one of a plurality of second power domains and further coupled to a particular one of said plurality of secondary maintenance processors via said plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces;

h. decoding means coupled to said primary maintenance processor via said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces for decoding a predetermined set of control bits;

i. polling means coupled to said decoding means for polling the outputs of said decoding means;

a timing means coupled to said polling means for timing a predetermined time period wherein said timing means expires after the predetermined time period if not reset by said polling means during the predetermined time period; and

k. switching means coupled to said timing means for switching control from said primary maintenance processor and said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces to said one of said plurality of secondary maintenance processors and said plurality of secondary interfaces when said timing means expires.

5. An apparatus having a primary maintenance processor, a plurality of computer modules, and a plurality of primary interfaces coupling the primary maintenance processor to the plurality of computer modules, the improvement comprising:

a. the plurality of computer modules each having a first processing complex and a second processing complex;

b. said first processing complex coupled to said second processing complex via a clock maintenance interface;

c. said first processing complex further coupled to a first power domain, and further coupled to said primary maintenance processor via said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces;

d. a secondary maintenance processor;

e. a plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces;

f. said second processing complex coupled to a second power domain and further coupled to said secondary maintenance processor via said plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces;

g. a first timing clock coupled to said first power domain and a second timing clock coupled to said second power domain;

h. detecting means coupled to the primary maintenance processor for comparing said first timing clock and said second timing clock;

i. service request means coupled to said detecting means for indicating a fault if said first timing clock and said second timing clock do not compare; and

j. switching means coupled to said service request means and further coupled to the primary maintenance processor and said secondary maintenance processor for switching control from the primary maintenance processor and the plurality of primary maintenance interfaces to said secondary maintenance processor and said plurality of secondary interfaces when said service request means indicates said fault.

6. An apparatus having a primary maintenance processor, a plurality of computer modules, and a plurality of primary interfaces coupling the primary maintenance processor to the plurality of computer modules, the improvement comprising:

a. the plurality of computer modules each having a first processing complex and a second processing complex;

b. said first processing complex coupled to said second processing complex via a clock maintenance interface;

c. said first processing complex further coupled to a first power domain, and further coupled to said primary maintenance processor via said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces;

d. a secondary maintenance processor;

e. a plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces;

f. said second processing complex coupled to a second power domain and further coupled to said secondary maintenance processor via said plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces;

g. a first timing clock coupled to said first power domain and a second timing clock coupled to said second power domain;

h. a detecting circuit coupled to the primary maintenance processor for comparing said first timing clock and said second timing clock;

i. a service request circuit coupled to said detecting circuit for indicating a fault if said first timing clock and said second timing clock do not compare; and

j. a switching circuit coupled to said service request circuit and further coupled to the primary maintenance processor and said secondary maintenance processor for switching control from the primary maintenance processor and the plurality of primary maintenance interfaces to said secondary maintenance processor and said plurality of secondary interfaces when said service request circuit indicates said fault.

7. An apparatus having a primary maintenance processor, a plurality of computer modules, and a plurality of primary interfaces coupling the primary maintenance processor to the plurality of computer modules, the improvement comprising:

a. the plurality of computer modules each having a first processing complex and a second processing complex;

b. said first processing complex coupled to said second processing complex via a clock maintenance interface;

c. said first processing complex further coupled to a first power domain, and further coupled to said primary maintenance processor via said plurality of primary maintenance interfaces;

d. a plurality of secondary maintenance processors;

e. a plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces;

f. each particular one of said plurality of second processing complexes coupled to a particular one of a plurality of second power domains and further coupled to a particular one of said plurality of secondary maintenance processors via said plurality of secondary maintenance interfaces;

g. a first timing clock coupled to said first power domain;

h. each particular one of a plurality of second timing clocks coupled to said particular one of said plurality of second power domains;

i. detecting means coupled to the primary maintenance processor for comparing said first timing clock and said particular one of said plurality of second timing clocks;

j. service request means coupled to said detecting means for indicating a fault if said first timing clock and said particular one of said plurality of second timing clocks do not compare; and

k. switching means coupled to said service request means and further coupled to the primary maintenance processor and said particular one of a plurality of secondary maintenance processors for switching control from the primary maintenance processor and the plurality of primary maintenance interfaces to said particular one of a plurality of secondary maintenance processors and said plurality of secondary interfaces when said service request means indicates said fault.

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Maintenance and inspection system for a printing machine

2008-11-01T02:28:00.000-07:00

Abstract
A maintenance and diagnostic system for a printing machine, preferably a sheet-fed offset printing machine, includes a control system having at least one computer and is connected to signal transmitters that are sensors and/or limit switches. The main drive and other drives of the printing machine are activated via the sensors and/or limit switches. The control system is operatively connected to a control-desk computer containing data on print jobs that are carried out. The control system is arranged to provide a diagnostic and inspection system for printing machines to be used for planning necessary maintenance work in advance to the greatest possible extent such that the downtimes of the printing machine required for maintenance work are minimized. The control system includes a maintenance and inspection computer which is operatively connected to the control system and to the control-desk computer. Signals can be recorded by the control system onto the maintenance and inspection...

Patent number: 6244174
Filing date: Jul 19, 1999
Issue date: Jun 12, 2001
Inventors: Heiner Sirowitzki, Martin Schmitt-Kallenbach, Hanns-Otto Haas, Bernd Lindner
Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A maintenance and diagnostic system for a printing machine comprising:

a control system which includes at least one computer, the control system being connected to signal transmitters that transmit signals of sensors that monitor operating elements of the printing machine and being operative to activate a main drive and auxiliary drives of the printing machine, the control system having an operative connection to a control-desk computer containing data for print jobs carried out;

a maintenance and inspection computer having a signal connection to the control system and to the control-desk computer and receiving the signals recorded by the control system and supplied by the main and auxiliary drives and from the signal transmitters, the maintenance and inspection computer using the signals to determine a condition of consumable materials and variables representing the stress on and wear of printing machine operating elements, and based on such conditions, determining times and extent of printing machine maintenance measures necessary to prevent problems or defective conditions from occurring in the future;

a monitoring unit arranged to receive signals from a rotary encoder fitted to the printing machine, and the monitoring unit having a memory in which positions of the printing machine recorded by the rotary encoder are stored in conjunction with signals which are recorded by the monitoring unit and are received from the printing machine operating elements and the signal transmitters; wherein

the memory of the monitoring unit stores the positions of the printing machine recorded by the rotary encoder, the signals from the operating elements and the signal transmitters, in conjunction with the time signals from a clock; and

the positions to which the printing machine is to be moved in relation to specific maintenance measures to be carried out, the positions of the operating elements and signal states from the signal transmitters are stored in the memory of the monitoring unit, and when a corresponding maintenance measure is performed, the monitoring unit evaluates and compares the stored signal states with the signals which are currently recorded, in conjunction with the time from the clock.

2. A maintenance and diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance and inspection computer has a signal connection to an additional computer containing print job information about print jobs planned for the printing machine, and the maintenance and inspection computer determines the times and the extent of the maintenance measures based on the print job information.

3. A maintenance and diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance and inspection computer monitors the maintenance measures to be carried out from the signals which are supplied to the control system from the main and auxiliary drives and the signal transmitters.

4. A maintenance and diagnostic system for printing machines according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance and inspection computer records and processes information which is input manually via the control-desk computer and refers to the maintenance measures carried out.

5. A maintenance and diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit has a signal connection to the control desk computer of the printing machine so as to receive data from the control desk concerning the conditions recorded therein.

6. A maintenance and diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the operations respectively to be performed in relation to a large number of maintenance measures to be carried out are stored in the memory of the monitoring unit, and the operation respectively to be performed is displayed via an indicator device.

7. A maintenance and diagnostics system according to claim 1, wherein the operations respectively to be performed in relation to a large number of maintenance measures to be carried out are stored in the memory of the monitoring unit, and monitoring unit approves an operation based on an operation previously carried out.

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Administrator station for a computer system

2008-11-01T02:26:00.000-07:00

Abstract
An administrator station for administering and maintaining a plurality of computer network and/or communications servers. A low profile clam-shell display and keyboard apparatus, as utilized in a portable notebook computer, is used to replace a rack mounted cathode ray tube video monitor, keyboard and cursor control devices, and an electromechanical switcher. An interface apparatus translates the video output, keyboard and mouse signals of a plurality of computer servers to a format that may be communicated to the administrator station either through a physical connection or by means of wireless communications such as infrared, cellular or spread spectrum radio. When not in use, the administrator station may be stored in a low profile rack panel located in a rack cabinet having a plurality of computer servers mounted therein. Alternatively, the administrator station may be moved from one rack cabinet of computer servers to another. The administrator station may also be comprised...

Patent number: 5913034
Filing date: Aug 27, 1996
Issue date: Jun 15, 1999
Inventor: Tom R. Malcolm
Assignee: Compaq Computer Corp.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for administering and maintaining a plurality of computer servers, each of the plurality of computer servers having a video output, keyboard input and cursor control input, said apparatus comprising:

interface circuits having a plurality of first video inputs, a plurality of first cursor control outputs, and a plurality of first keyboard outputs, the plurality of first video inputs, first cursor control outputs and first keyboard outputs adapted for connection to a plurality of computer server video outputs, cursor control inputs and keyboard inputs, respectively;

a plurality of multiplexers connected to said interface circuits, said plurality of multiplexers comprising;

a plurality of first switches connected to the plurality of first video inputs of said interface circuits and to a first video output, wherein a switch control signal selects which one of the plurality of first video inputs is connected to the first video output;

a plurality of second switches connected to the plurality of first cursor control outputs of said interface circuits and to a first cursor control input, wherein the switch control signal selects which one of the plurality of first cursor control outputs is connected to the first cursor control input;

a plurality of third switches connected to the plurality of first keyboard outputs of said interface circuits and to a first keyboard input, wherein the switch control signal selects which one of the plurality of first keyboard outputs is connected to the first keyboard input;

a computer interface having a second video input connected to the first video output, a second cursor control output connected to the first cursor control input, a second keyboard output connected to the first keyboard input, a switch control output connected to the plurality of first, second and third switches and generating the switch control signal, and a means for communication with a computer,

said computer interface translating signal information between the second video input, second cursor control output, second keyboard output, the switch control output, and the computer communication means;

a computer having a video display, a keyboard, a cursor control device and a means for communication with said computer interface;

said computer video display displaying video information received on the first video output;

said computer keyboard generating keyboard signals on the first keyboard input;

said computer cursor control device generating cursor control signals on the first cursor control input; and

said computer generating the switch control signal for selecting which ones of the plurality of computer server video outputs, cursor control inputs and keyboard inputs, connected through said interface circuits and said plurality of multiplexers, are to be connected to said computer interface which is in communication with said computer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said computer is a portable notebook computer having a keyboard and flat panel video display hinged at a common edge and folding together when not in use.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said computer is a desk top unit and the computer communication means is a wireless radio link.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said computer is a desk top unit and the computer communication means is a telephone modem.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said interface circuits are cables having connectors which match a video output port, a cursor control port and a keyboard port for each of the plurality of computer servers.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of multiplexers and said computer interface is mounted in a rack cabinet containing a plurality of computer servers.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a means for supporting said computer in a rack cabinet containing a plurality of computer servers.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the supporting means is a shelf that stores in the rack cabinet and extends out from the rack cabinet so that said computer is supported thereon.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a portable printer connected to said computer and supported on the shelf.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a part of the shelf is adapted as a flat surface for writing or supporting papers thereon.

11. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a means for mounting and storing said computer in a rack cabinet containing a plurality of computer servers.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said mounting and storage means is a shelf that stores in the rack cabinet and extends out from the rack cabinet with said computer attached thereto.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said computer is removably attached to the shelf.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said mounting and storage means is a pair of rack slides that stores in the rack cabinet and extends out from the rack cabinet with said computer attached thereto.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said mounting and storage means has a handle for moving it in and out of the rack cabinet.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

a latch for holding said mounting and storage means in the rack cabinet when stored therein; and

a means for urging said mounting and storage means out of the rack cabinet when said latch is released;

wherein said urging means is mechanically charged when said mounting and storage means is pushed back into the rack cabinet.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said urging means is a spring.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said urging means is a piston in a cylinder containing a compressible gas.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

a motor driven actuator for moving said shelf in and out of the rack cabinet; and

a control means for causing said motor driven actuator to move the shelf in and out of the rack cabinet.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising limit switches for determining when said shelf is fully in and out of the rack cabinet.

21. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said computer communication means is a hot pluggable connection.

22. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said computer communication means is a wireless infrared data link.

23. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said computer communication means is a wireless radio link.

24. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a touch screen control with the computer video display for selecting menu options on the video display.

25. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising voice selection of menu options on said computer video display.

26. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a second video display for displaying the same information that is on said computer video display.

27. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a graphical user interface is used to display information on said computer video display.

28. A system for administering and maintaining a plurality of computer servers, said system comprising:

a plurality of computer servers mounted in a rack cabinet, each of the plurality of computer servers having a video output, and keyboard and cursor control inputs;

an administrator unit, said administrator unit having a flat panel video display, keyboard, means for cursor control, and a first communications interface, wherein the video display and keyboard are hinged at a common edge and fold together when not in use;

an interface unit, said interface unit having a plurality of video inputs, a plurality of keyboard outputs, a plurality of cursor control outputs, and a second communications interface;

wherein each of the plurality of computer servers has its video output, keyboard input and cursor control input connected to a respective one of the plurality of video inputs, the plurality of keyboard outputs and the plurality of cursor control outputs of said interface unit, whereby said interface unit selects any one of the plurality of computer servers and translates the video output, keyboard input and cursor control input of the selected one of the plurality of computer servers into a data format to be used with said administrator unit over the first and second communications interfaces;

a movable holder attached to the rack cabinet and said administrator unit, wherein said movable holder supports said administrator unit in front of the rack cabinet when in an extended first position and stores said administrator unit in the rack cabinet when in a retracted second position; and

a communications circuit for connecting the first and second communications interfaces together.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein said administrator unit is a portable notebook computer.

30. The system of claim 28, wherein said administrator unit is removably attached to said movable holder.

31. The system of claim 28, wherein said administrator unit is controlled by a software program having a graphical user interface displayed on the flat panel video display of said administrator unit.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein said interface unit is controlled by menu selections of the software program displayed on the flat panel video display of said administrator unit.

33. The system of claim 28, wherein said interface unit is mounted in the rack cabinet.

34. The system of claim 28, further comprising a handle for moving said movable holder in and out of the rack cabinet.

35. The system of claim 28, further comprising:

a latch for holding said movable holder in the rack cabinet when stored therein; and

a means for urging said movable holder out of the rack cabinet when said latch is released;

wherein said urging means is mechanically charged when said movable holder is pushed back into the rack cabinet.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein said urging means is a spring.

37. The system of claim 35, wherein said urging means is a piston in a cylinder containing a compressible gas.

38. The system of claim 28, further comprising:

a motor driven actuator for moving said movable holder in and out of the rack cabinet; and

a control means for causing said motor driven actuator to move said movable holder in and out of the rack cabinet.

39. The system of claim 28, wherein said communications circuit is a hot pluggable connection.

40. The system of claim 28, wherein said communications circuit is a wireless infrared data link.

41. The system of claim 28, wherein said communications circuit is a wireless radio link.

42. The system of claim 28, further comprising a touch screen control on the video display of said administrator unit for selecting menu options thereon.

43. The system of claim 28, further comprising voice selection of menu options on the video display of said administrator unit.

44. A system for administering and maintaining a plurality of computer servers, said system comprising:

a plurality of computer servers mounted in a plurality of rack cabinets, each of the plurality of computer servers having a video output, and keyboard and cursor control inputs;

an administrator unit, said administrator unit having a video display, keyboard, means for cursor control, and a first communications interface;

a plurality of interface units, each of said plurality of interface units having a plurality of video inputs, a plurality of keyboard outputs, a plurality of cursor control outputs, and a second communications interface;

wherein each of the plurality of computer servers mounted in one of the plurality of rack cabinets has its video output, keyboard input and cursor control input connected to a respective one of the plurality of video inputs, the plurality of keyboard outputs and the plurality of cursor control outputs of a one of said plurality of interface units, whereby the one of said plurality of interface units selects any one of the plurality of computer servers in the rack cabinet and translates the video output, keyboard input and cursor control input of the selected one of the plurality of computer servers into a data format to be used with said administrator unit over the first and second communications interfaces; and

a communications circuit for connecting the first and second communications interfaces together.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein some of the plurality of rack cabinets are in locations different from some others of the plurality of rack cabinets.

46. The system of claim 44, wherein said communications circuit is a cellular radio.

47. The system of claim 44, wherein said communications circuit is a spread spectrum radio.

48. The system of claim 44, wherein said communications circuit is a telephone modem.

49. A method for administering and maintaining a plurality of computer servers, said method comprising the steps of:

connecting a multiplexer having video inputs, keyboard outputs and cursor control outputs to video outputs, keyboard inputs and cursor control inputs, respectively, of a plurality of computer servers mounted in a rack cabinet, wherein the multiplexer selects the video output, keyboard input and cursor input for each of the plurality of computer servers,

selecting one of the plurality of computer servers with the multiplexer;

converting the selected video output, keyboard input and cursor input from the selected one of the plurality of computer servers to a bidirectional digital data format that is compatible with a computer used for administration and maintenance of the plurality of computer servers;

communicating the bidirectional digital data format to the administration and maintenance computer;

controlling the selection of the multiplexer with menu screens on a video display of the administration and maintenance computer; and

administering the selected one of the plurality of computer servers with the administration and maintenance computer.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of selecting the one of the plurality of computer servers with the multiplexer is done through a menu on a graphical user interface screen of the administration and maintenance computer.

51. The method of claim 49, further comprising the step of storing the administration and maintenance computer in the rack cabinet.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the step of storing the administration and maintenance computer in the rack cabinet comprise the steps of:

folding a flat panel video display over a keyboard of the administration and maintenance computer so that the computer has a minimal height; and

inserting the computer mounted on a sliding support into the rack cabinet.

53. The method of claim 52, further comprising the step of latching the computer when in the stored position.

54. The method of claim 52, further comprising the step of charging an urging means when the computer is placed into the stored position.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the charged urging means pushes the computer out of the stored position in the rack cabinet and into a working position.

56. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of communicating is done with a hot pluggable connection between the rack cabinet and the computer.

57. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of communicating is done with a wireless infrared beam between the rack cabinet and the computer.

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Monocular portable communication and display system

2008-11-01T02:20:00.000-07:00

Patent number: 5815126
Filing date: May 21, 1996
Issue date: Sep 29, 1998
Inventors: John C. C. Fan, Jeffrey Jacobsen, Peter A. Ronzani, Stephen Pombo
Assignee: Kopin Corporation

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A head-mounted monocular display system comprising:

a monocular display comprising a display housing, a liquid crystal matrix display mounted within the display housing, and an optical system mounted within the display housing to couple an image generated by the liquid crystal matrix display to a selected eye of a user;

a circuit housing securable to the head of the user, the circuit housing comprising display circuitry mounted therein that operates the liquid crystal matrix display to generate an image; and

a support track connected to the circuit housing, the monocular display being adjustably mounted to the support track relative to a selected eye of the user, the support track holding the display housing such that the monocular display housing can be moved relative to the support track and the circuit housing from a first position near one eye of the user to a second position near the other eye of the user while the circuit housing is secured to the head of the user.

2. The monocular display system of claim 1 wherein the display housing is mounted to the support track with a hinge.

3. The monocular display system of claim 1 wherein the monocular display is hingeably mounted to the support track such that the display housing rotates in a vertical plane.

4. The monocular display of claim 1 wherein the liquid crystal matrix display is mounted in the display housing in a plane orthogonal to a line-of-sight of the user.

5. The monocular display of claim 1 wherein the liquid crystal matrix display is mounted in a plane parallel to a line-of-sight of the user.

6. The monocular display of claim 1 further comprising a microphone attached to the display system.

7. The monocular display of claim 1 further comprising a microphone mounted to the display housing.

8. The monocular display system of claim 1 further comprising a sensor.

9. The monocular display of claim 1 further comprising a battery to provide power to the display.

10. A method of using a monocular display system adjacent the head of a user comprising the step of:

providing a monocular display system having a display housing with an electronic liquid crystal display, a backlight and an optical lens system mounted within the display housing such that the backlight, the liquid crystal display and the optical lens system are aligned along a single axis;

providing a circuit housing securable to a support frame positioned adjacent to the head of a user, the circuit housing having display circuitry mounted therein that operates the electronic display to generate an image;

providing a support frame connected to the circuit housing, the support frame holding the display housing such that the display housing can be moved relative to the support frame and the circuit housing such that the display housing can be moved between a first position adjacent one eye of the user and a second position adjacent a second eye of the user while the circuit housing is secured to the support frame;

positioning the display housing along the support frame relative to the first eye or the second eye of the user; and

receiving image data with a wireless receiver.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of providing a hinge for mounting the electronic display to the support frame such that the electronic display can be moved from a position outside a field of view of the user to a position within the field of view of the user.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the hinged electronic display rotates in a vertical plane within the field of view.

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of providing a microphone attached to the monocular display system.

14. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of sensing an environmental characteristic with a sensor mounted on the display system.

15. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of connecting the electronic display to an external source of information to be displayed with a wireless communications module coupled to the electronic display, the communications module and electronic display being powered by a battery.

16. A monocular liquid crystal head mounted display system comprising:

a monocular display comprising a display housing, an active matrix liquid crystal display mounted within the display housing, and an optical system mounted within the display housing to couple an image generated by the matrix display to a selected eye of a user;

a circuit housing securable to the head of the user, the circuit housing comprising drive circuitry mounted therein for driving the matrix display to generate an image;

a support track connected to the circuit housing on which the monocular display is adjustably mounted relative to a selected eye of the user, the support track holding the display housing such that the display housing can be moved relative to the support track and the circuit housing between a first position near one eye of the user and a second position near the other eye of the user while the circuit housing is secured to the head of the user; and

a frame movably mounted to the support track, the frame having the display housing mounted thereon such that the matrix display can be moved from a viewing position within a field of view of the user to a retracted position outside the field of view of the user.

17. The monocular liquid crystal head mounted display of claim 16 further comprising a microphone mounted to the display system, a sensor, a wireless communications module and a battery.

18. The monocular liquid crystal head mounted display of claim 16 wherein the matrix display rotates in a vertical plane in the field of view.

19. The monocular liquid crystal head mounted display of claim 16 further comprising a flexible cable extending from the circuit housing to the display housing for connecting the drive circuitry with the matrix display.

20. The monocular liquid crystal head mounted display of claim 16 wherein the frame is a hinged arm member.

21. The monocular liquid crystal head mounted display of claim 16 wherein the frame is slidable along the support track lateral to the user's field of view.

22. The monocular liquid crystal head mounted display of claim 16 wherein the matrix display is mounted in the display housing along the optical axis of the user's eye to provide for direct viewing of the generated image.

23. The monocular liquid crystal head mounted display of claim 16 wherein the display housing further comprises at least one mirror mounted therein for reflecting the generated image from the matrix display to the optical axis of the user's eye.

24. The monocular liquid crystal head mounted display of claim 16 wherein the matrix display is mounted in the display housing in a plane orthogonal to a line-of-sight of the user.

25. The monocular liquid crystal head mounted display of claim 16 wherein the matrix display is mounted in the display housing in a plane parallel to a line-of-sight of the user.

26. The monocular liquid crystal head mounted display of claim 16 wherein the support track is attached at both ends to the circuit housing.

27. The monocular liquid crystal head mounted display of claim 26 wherein the frame is slideable along the support track.

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Monitoring and controlling system and method for data processing system

2008-11-01T02:18:00.000-07:00

Abstract
Fault monitoring/controlling apparatus and method for a data processing system comprises one or more computer systems, monitor and control apparatuses connected thereto for monitoring and controlling the associated computer systems and a single supervision/control system provided at a site remote from the computer systems. When abnormality taking place in the computer system is decided as a fault, report of the fault occurrence is automatically effectuated to the remotely located supervision/control system, which responds to the reception of the fault report and issues, if necessary, a command requesting additional supply of detailed fault information to the computer system suffering the fault. The additional fault information is comparatively collated with the fault information accumulated (precedents). When a reference precedent which coincides with the fault occurring currently is found to be present as the result of collation, a recovery procedure is generated on the basis...

Patent number: 5237677
Filing date: Nov 6, 1990
Issue date: Aug 17, 1993
Inventors: Toshio Hirosawa, Jun'ichi Kurihara, Ikuo Kimura, Hideki Nanba
Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Electronics Services Co., Ltd.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system, comprising:

a computer system including a main storage, a central processing unit and a manipulating means equipped with functions for operation and maintenance of said central processing unit and an operation system,

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for said computer system;

a remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervising and controlling said computer system;

wherein said monitor and control apparatus comprises:

first storage means for storing message data of said operation system of said computer system or command data inputted from said manipulating means;

second storage means for storing reference message data for detecting abnormal states;

comparison means for comparing message data of said operation system with contents of said second storage means;

fault decision means for deciding whether a fault has occurred on the basis of said comparison; and

report control means for automatically reporting the occurrence of the fault to said remotely located supervision and control system.

2. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system, comprising:

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for said computer system;

a remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervising and controlling said computer system;

wherein said monitor and control apparatus comprises:

means for displaying a message data received from said operation system and a service processor on a console unit;

means for sending a command data inputted from said console unit to said operation system and said service processor;

means for recording a history of said message and command data;

means for detecting an occurrence of a fault in said computer system by comparing said message data with a fault message previously stored;

means for storing a predetermined number of message data of the operation system and said service processor of said computer system; and

means for sending the contents of said storing means to said remotely located supervision and control system in response to a command issued by said supervision and control system.

3. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system, comprising:

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for said computer system;

a remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervising and controlling said computer system;

wherein said monitor and control apparatus comprises:

means for receiving hardware fault information indicating occurrence of a fault in said central processing unit of the computer system from a service processor and processing units in said computer system;

means for accumulating the hardware fault information to produce an accumulated history of hardware fault information;

means for detecting the occurrence of the hardware fault in said computer system; and

means for reporting the detected hardware fault to said remotely located supervision and control system.

4. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system, comprising:

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for said computer system;

a remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervising and controlling said computer system;

wherein said monitor and control apparatus comprises:

means for receiving hardware fault information indicating an occurrence of a fault in said central processing unit of said computer system;

means for storing said hardware fault information;

means for reading out, from a memorizing means, a hardware fault state of said central processing unit on the basis of a command issued from said remotely located supervision and control system; and

means for sending information read out to said remotely located supervision and control system.

5. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system, comprising:

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for said computer system; and

a remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervising and controlling said computer system;

wherein said remotely located supervision and control system comprises:

fault precedent storage means for storing precedent fault information to serve as a precedent when said remotely located supervision and control system receives fault occurrence information from said monitor and control apparatus;

collation means for collating said fault occurrence information with the contents of said fault precedent storage means;

recovery processing procedure generating means for generating a recovery processing procedure for remedying a fault when said collation performed by said collation means shows the presence of a precedent which coincides with the fault; and

sending means for sending the recovery processing procedure generated by said recovery processing procedure generating means to said monitor and control apparatus.

6. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 5, wherein said recovery processing procedure generated by said recovery processing procedure generating means includes sending means for causing said remotely located supervision and control system to send said recovery processing procedure when a maintenance person loads a command requesting reference to the recovery processing procedure into said manipulating means of said computer system, and display control means for displaying the received recovery processing procedure which will later be displayed on a console/display unit associated with the monitor and control apparatus which has received said recovery processing procedure.

7. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 6, wherein the manipulating means of said computer system and a console/display unit of said remotely located supervision and control system are in data communication with each other.

8. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 3, wherein said means for receiving hardware fault information includes execution control means for executing an instruction for generating a fault occurrence signal when a predetermined monitor program operating on said monitor and control apparatus and designed to constantly inspect a state of said hardware detects an abnormality in the state of said hardware.

9. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 3, wherein said means for receiving hardware fault information includes execution control means for executing an instruction for generating a fault occurrence signal when a hardware monitoring mechanism operating on said monitor and control apparatus detects an abnormality in an operating state of said hardware.

10. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 4, wherein said hardware fault read-out means includes address control means for assigning addresses to individual processing units of said central processing unit and reception control means for receiving the hardware states held by the addressed individual processing units through a dedicated data line.

11. A fault monitoring and controlling system or a data processing system according to claim 4, wherein said hardware fault read-out means includes read control means for reading out data from a specific area of said main storage which specific area can not be accessed by said operating system.

12. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 4, wherein said hardware fault read-out means includes control means for sending a storage area address to said main storage for obtaining corresponding data.

13. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 11, wherein said hardware fault read-out means includes control means for sending a storage area address to said main storage for obtaining corresponding data.

14. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 4, further comprising storage control means for storing in predetermined storage means the hardware state information read out by said hardware fault read-out means.

15. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 11, further comprising storage control means for storing in predetermined storage means the hardware state information read out by said hardware fault read-out control means.

16. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 12, further comprising storage control means for storing in predetermined storage means the hardware state information read out by said hardware fault read-out control means.

17. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 1, wherein said means for reporting includes sending control means for editing said fault information to be sent out when said means for reporting transmits said fault information to said remotely located supervision and control system.

18. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing according to claim 2, wherein said means for sending the contents of said storing means includes sending control means for editing fault information to be sent out when said means for sending transmits said fault information to said remotely located supervision and control system.

19. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 3, wherein said means for reporting includes sending control means for editing said fault information to be sent out when said means for reporting transmits said fault information to said remotely located supervision and control system.

20. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 4, wherein said means for sending includes sending control means for editing said fault information to be sent out when said means for sending transmits said fault information to said remotely located supervision and control system.

21. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 17, wherein said sending control means includes extraction processing means for extracting message data from said operating system and command data from said manipulating means when the contents of said first storage means are edited.

22. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 18, wherein said sending control means includes extraction processing means for extracting message data from said operating system and command data from said manipulating means when the contents of said storing means are edited.

23. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 19, wherein said sending control means includes extraction processing means for extracting message data from said operating system and command data from said manipulating means when contents of a first storage means are edited.

24. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 20, wherein said sending control means includes extraction processing means for extracting message data from said operating system and command data from said manipulating means when the contents of a first storage means are edited.

25. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 17, wherein said sending control means includes control means for editing the contents of said first storage means when hardware information is edited and data reducing means for replacing a succession of similar data which appears when editing the contents of said main storage with data representing said data succession.

26. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 18, wherein said sending control means includes control means for editing the contents of said storing means when hardware information is edited and data reducing means for replacing a succession of similar data which appears when editing the contents of said main storage with data representing said data succession.

27. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data procession system according to claim 19, wherein said sending control means includes control means for editing the contents of a predetermined storage means when hardware information is edited and data reducing means for replacing a succession of similar data which appears when editing the contents of said main storage with data representing said data succession.

28. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 20, wherein said sending control means includes control means for editing the contents of a predetermined storage means when hardware information is edited and data reducing means for replacing a succession of similar data which appears when editing the contents of said main storage with data representing said data succession.

29. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 5, wherein said fault precedent storage means stores therein phenomenon and causes of fault occurrence and a remedying record of the fault.

30. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 5, further including control means for storing the fault for which no corresponding precedent is found as a result of collation performed by said collating means as a new fault record to serve as a precedent in said fault precedent storage means.

31. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 5, wherein when a corresponding precedent can not be found as a result of collation performed by said collating means, control means is provided for displaying an absence of the corresponding precedent on a console/display unit when a maintenance person inputs a command requesting reference to the recovery processing procedure through the manipulating means of said computer system, and wherein processing means is provided for displaying the contents of first storage means and predetermined storage means on said console/display unit.

32. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 30, further including control means for storing the fault for which no corresponding precedent is found as a result of collation performed by said collating means and for which a cause, phenomenon and recovery procedure are later found in said fault precedent storage means by associating the cause of the fault and the recovery procedure with the phenomenon of said fault.

33. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system according to claim 5, further including processing means for displaying the fault information obtained from first storage means and predetermined storage means on a display output unit of said remotely located supervision and control system when no corresponding precedent is found as a result of the collation performed by said collation means.

34. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system, comprising:

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for said computer system; and

a remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervising and controlling from a remote site said computer system;

wherein when a software or hardware fault takes place in said computer system and when fault information of the occurrence of the software or hardware fault is received by said remotely located supervision and control system, said fault information is collated with a content of a fault precedent storage means incorporated in said remotely located supervision and control system, and when a precedent coinciding with said fault is present, recovery processing procedure for removing the fault from said computer system is generated and transferred to said monitor and control apparatus provided in association with said computer system suffering from the fault, said monitor and control apparatus receiving said recovery processing procedure, restarting said computer system in accordance with said recovery processing procedure, and displaying said recovery processing procedure on a console unit of said monitor and control apparatus.

35. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system which comprises:

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for said computer systems; and

a single remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervising and controlling said computer system;

wherein said monitor and control apparatus performs:

a first storage step for storing a predetermined number of message data of the operation system of the computer system or command data inputted through said manipulating means;

a second storage step for storing message data for detecting abnormal states;

a comparison step for comparing said message data of said operation system with the contents of a second storage means;

a fault decision step for deciding occurrence of a fault based upon the result of said comparison; and

a report control step for reporting automatically the occurrence of the fault to said remotely located supervision and control system.

36. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system which comprises:

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for said computer systems; and

a single remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervision and controlling said computer system;

wherein said monitor and control apparatus performs:

a first storage step for storing a predetermined number of message data of the operation system of the computer system or command data inputted for said manipulating means; and

a send control step for sending contents of a first storage means to said remotely located supervision and control system in response to a command issued by said supervision and control system.

37. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system which comprises:

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for said computer system; and

a single remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervising and controlling said computer system;

wherein said monitor and control apparatus performs:

a control step for receiving a signal indicating occurrence of a fault in hardware of said central processing unit of the computer system; and

a report control step for reporting automatically the occurrence of the fault to said remotely located supervision and control system.

38. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system which comprises:

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for sad computer system; and

a single remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervising and controlling said computer system;

wherein each of said monitor and control apparatus performs:

a control step for reading out fault state of hardware in said central processing unit based upon a command issued from said remotely located supervision and control system; and

a send control step for sending out information read out to said remotely located supervision and control system.

39. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system, comprising:

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for said computer system; and

a single remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervising and controlling said computer system;

wherein said single remotely located supervision and control system performs:

a fault precedent storing step for storing fault information as a record to serve as a precedent when said remotely located supervision and control system receives fault occurrence information from said monitor and control apparatus;

a collating step for collating said fault occurrence information with the contents of a fault precedent storage means; and

a recovery processing procedure generating step for generating a recovery processing procedure for remedying the fault when said collation performed by a collation means shows the presence of a precedent which coincides with the fault as informed.

40. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 39, wherein said recovery processing procedure generated by said recovery processing procedure generating means includes a sending step for causing said remotely located supervision and control system to send out said recover processing procedure when a maintenance person loads a command requesting for reference to the recovery processing procedure into said manipulating means of said computer system, and a display control step for displaying the received recovery processing procedure on a console/display unit associated with the monitor and control apparatus which has received said recovery processing procedure.

41. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 40, wherein a console/display unit of said computer system and a console/display unit of said remotely located supervision and control system are in data communication with each other.

42. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 37, wherein a control means performs an execution control step for executing an instruction for generating said fault occurrence signal when a predetermined monitor program operating on said monitor and control apparatus and designed to constantly inspect the state of said hardware for abnormalities in the state of said hardware.

43. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 37, wherein a control means performs an execution control for executing an instruction for generating said fault occurrence signal when a hardware monitoring mechanism operating on said monitor and control apparatus detects an abnormality in an operating state of hardware.

44. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 38, wherein said hardware fault read-out step includes an address control step for assigning addresses to individual processing units of said central processing unit and a reception control step for receiving hardware states held by the addressed individual processing units through a dedicated data line.

45. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 38, wherein said hardware fault read-out step includes a read control step which is capable of reading out data from a specific area of said main storage which can not be accessed by said operating system.

46. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 44, wherein said hardware fault read-out control step includes a control step for sending storage area address to said main storage for thereby obtaining corresponding data.

47. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 45, further comprising a storage control step for storing in predetermined storage means a hardware state information read out through said hardware fault read-out control step.

48. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 38, wherein said sending control step includes an edition and sending control step for editing fault information to be sent out when said fault information is transmitted to said remotely located supervision and control system at said send control step.

49. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 47, wherein said sending control step includes a control step for editing the contents of said predetermined storage means when hardware information is edited and a data reducing step for replacing a succession of similar data which appears when editing the contents of said main storage with data representing said data succession.

50. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 39, wherein at said fault precedent storing step, phenomenon and causes of fault occurrence and remedying record of the fault are stored.

51. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 39, further including a control step for storing the fault for which no corresponding precedent is found as a result of collation performed at said collating step as a new fault record to serve as a precedent in said fault precedent storage means.

52. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 39, wherein when the corresponding precedent can not be found as a result of collation performed at said collating step, a control step is provided for displaying an absence of the corresponding precedent on a console/display unit when a maintenance person inputs a command requesting reference to the recovery processing procedure through a console/display unit of said computer system, and wherein a processing step is provided for displaying the contents of first storage means and predetermined storage means on said console/display unit.

53. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 39, further including a control step for storing the fault for which no corresponding precedent is found as a result of collation performed at said collating step and for which a cause, phenomenon and recovery procedure are later found in said fault precedent storage means by associating the cause of the fault and the recovery procedure with the phenomenon of said fault.

54. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system according to claim 39, further including a processing step for displaying the fault information obtained from first storage means and predetermined storage means on a display output unit of said remotely located supervision and control system when no corresponding precedent is found as a result of the collation performed at said collation step.

55. A fault monitoring and controlling method for a data processing system which comprises:

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for said computer systems; and

a single remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervising and controlling from a remote site said computer system;

wherein when a fault takes place in said computer system and when fault information of the occurrence of the fault is received by said remotely located supervision and control system, said fault information is collated with contents of a fault precedent storage means incorporated in said remotely located supervision and control system, and when a precedent coinciding with said fault is present, recovery processing procedure for removing the fault from said computer system is generated and transferred to said monitor and control apparatus provided in association with said computer system suffering from the fault, said monitor and control apparatus receiving said recovery processing procedure for restarting said computer system in accordance with said recovery processing procedure.

56. A fault monitoring and controlling system for a data processing system, comprising:

a monitor and control apparatus connected to said computer system for performing a fault monitoring and controlling operation for said computer systems; and

a single remotely located supervision and control system for providing information to said monitor and control apparatus for supervising and controlling said computer system;

wherein each of said monitor and control apparatus comprises:

first storage means for storing a predetermined number of message data of the operation system of the computer system or command data inputted from said manipulating means;

second storage means for storing message data for detecting abnormal states;

comparison means for comparing message data of said operation system with the contents of said second storage means;

fault decision means for deciding whether a fault has occurred on the basis of said comparison; and

report control means for automatically reporting the occurrence of the fault to said remotely located supervision and control system; and

wherein said remotely located supervision and control system comprises:

collation means for collating said fault occurrence information with the contents of said fault precedent storage means; and

57. A monitoring and controlling system comprising:

a first computer system including a service processor;

a monitor and control apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of said first computer system;

wherein said monitor and control apparatus includes:

first means for receiving a message data from an operating system and said service processor and displaying the message data on a console unit;

second means for sending a command data inputted from said console unit to said operating system and said service processor;

memory means for storing a plurality of said message data received by said first means and a plurality of command data inputted from said console unit;

third means for detecting an occurrence of a software fault in said first computer system by comparing said received message data with predetermined fault message data;

fourth means for receiving hardware fault signals from said first computer system and gathering hardware fault information related to the received hardware fault signals from said first computer system;

fifth means responsive to detection of the software fault by said third means, for informing a second computer system at a remotely located monitoring center of the generation of the software fault; and

sixth means for sending said plurality of message data and said plurality of command data from said memory means to said second computer system and responsive to receipt of the hardware fault signal by said fourth means for informing said computer system of the occurrence of a hardware fault within the first computer system and for sending the hardware fault information gathered by said fourth means to said second computer system.

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Computer system monitoring apparatus

2008-11-01T02:16:00.000-07:00

Abstract
A menu controller displays a menu of failure statuses on a monitor display. The menu controller displays a user select menu by referring to the contents of a user table storage, and controls the display attribute of the user select menu in accordance with the failure status. When a specific user is selected from the user select menu, the menu controller displays a system configuration menu showing the configuration layout of an associated user system by referring to the contents of an I/O table storage, and controls the display attribute of the constituting devices in accordance with the failure status. When a specific constituting device is selected from the system configuration menu, the menu controller displays a device information menu showing detailed information of the selected device, and detailed information.

Patent number: 5689416
Filing date: Jun 1, 1995
Issue date: Nov 18, 1997
Inventors: Takanori Shimizu, Chidori Yoshida, Toshihiro Morimoto
Assignee: Fujitsu Limited

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A computer system monitoring apparatus comprising:

status detecting means, provided for each of a plurality of target systems, for detecting an occurrence of a failure and a preventive maintenance, both associated with constituting devices in said computer system, and outputting failure/maintenance information via a transmission system;

system display means for displaying a list of said target systems;

first selecting means for selecting one of said target systems of interest from said target systems displayed by said system display means;

configuration layout display means for generating and displaying a system configuration layout of said one target system selected by said first selecting means;

second selecting means for selecting a constituting device of interest from said system configuration layout displayed by said configuration layout display means;

statistics information display means for generating and displaying statistics information of a history of failure information of said constituting device selected by said second selecting means;

first warning display means for, when informed of an occurrence of a failure satisfying a predetermined condition in a constituting device in a target system based on said failure/maintenance information, indicating an alarm by altering a display attribute of an associated target system name among names of said target systems displayed by said system display means; and

second warning display means for, when informed of an occurrence of a failure satisfying a predetermined condition of a target system based on said failure/maintenance information, indicating an alarm by altering a display attribute of an associated constituting device among individual constituting devices displayed by said configuration layout display means.

2. The monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising configuration information informing means, provided for each of said target systems, for outputting configuration information about constituting devices in said computer system, via a transmission system.

3. A computer system monitoring apparatus comprising:

system display means for displaying a list of said target systems;

first selecting means for selecting one of said target systems of interest from said target systems displayed by said system display means;

configuration layout display means for generating and displaying a system configuration layout of said target system selected by said first selecting means;

second selecting means for selecting a constituting device of interest from said system configuration layout displayed by said configuration layout display means;

statistics information display means for generating and displaying statistics information of a history of failure information of said constituting device selected by said second selecting means;

first warning display means for indicating an alarm by altering display attributes of names of said target system displayed by said system display means in accordance with levels of failures in said target systems based on said failure/maintenance information; and

second warning display means for indicating an alarm by altering display attributes of individual constituting devices displayed by said configuration layout display means in accordance with levels of failures in said target systems based on said failure/maintenance information.

4. The monitoring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said first warning display means includes means for using at least one of a display color attribute, a display gradation attribute and a display mode attribute as a display attribute for warning display.

5. The monitoring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said second warning display means includes means for using at least one of a display color attribute, a display gradation attribute and a display mode attribute as a display attribute for warning display.

6. The monitoring apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising configuration information informing means, provided for each of said target systems, for outputting configuration information about constituting devices in said computer system, via a transmission system.

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Steering control system and method

2008-11-01T02:12:00.000-07:00

Abstract
An electronic control system for a vehicle includes a plurality of input devices, a plurality of output devices, a communication network, and a plurality of interface modules. The plurality of input devices may include a first input device that provides information pertaining to an angular position of a first vehicle wheel. The plurality of output devices may include an actuator capable of adjusting one or both of the angular position of the first vehicle wheel or an angular position of a second vehicle wheel. The plurality of interface modules can be microprocessor based and can be interconnected to each other by way of the communication network. The plurality of interface modules may also be coupled to the plurality of input devices and to the plurality of output devices. The plurality of interface modules may include one or more interface modules that is coupled to the first input device and to the actuator. The electronic control system can be configured to control the angular...

Patent number: 6882917
Filing date: Mar 28, 2003
Issue date: Apr 19, 2005
Inventors: Duane R. Pillar, Jeffrey J. Miller, Catherine R. Linsmeier, Kevin W. Magners
Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
Primary Examiner: Gertrude A. Jeanglaude
Attorney: Foley & Lardner LLP
Application number: 10/402,381

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An electronic control system for a vehicle comprising:

a plurality of input devices, the plurality of input devices including a first input device that provides information pertaining to a steering angle of first vehicle wheel;

a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including actuator capable of adjusting one or both of the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel and a steering angle of a second vehicle wheel;

a communication network; and

a plurality of microprocessor based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, and the plurality of interface modules being coupled to the plurality of input devices to the plurality of output devices, the plurality of interface modules including one or more interface modules that is coupled to the first input device and to the actuator;

wherein the electronic control system is configured to control the steering angle of one or both of the first and second vehicle wheels as a function of the information from the first input device.

2. The electronic control system of claim 1, wherein the information pertaining to the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel includes a steering signal.

3. The electronic control system of claim 1, wherein the information pertaining to the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel is a digital signal.

4. The electronic control system of claim 1, wherein the electronic control system is configured to detect errors associated with the electronic control system.

5. The electronic control system of claim 4, further comprising:

a graphical user interface configured to display the detected errors;

wherein the electronic control system is configured to store and display a history of error codes.

6. The electronic control system of claim 1, wherein:

the actuator adjusts the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel; and

the electronic control system is configured to control the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel as a function of the information pertaining to the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel.

7. The electronic control system of claim 6, wherein the electronic control system includes a plurality of modes for controlling the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel as a function of the information pertaining to the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel.

8. The electronic control system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of modes comprises:

a first mode in which the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel is fixed;

a second mode in which movement of the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel is generally opposite to movement of the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel; and

a third mode in which movement of the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel is generally similar to movement of the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel.

9. The electronic control system of claim 7, further comprising a graphical user interface configured to display the past, present, and future modes of the electronic control system.

10. The electronic control system of claim 7, wherein:

the plurality of modes includes a first mode and a second mode; and

the electronic control system is configured to receive input to change from a first mode to a second mode, and, in response to the input, the electronic control is configured to operate in the first mode until one or both the first and second vehicle wheel travels through a straight ahead position, at which time the electronic control unit changes to the second mode.

11. The electronic control system of claim 6, wherein the electronic control system includes a deadband of at least about 5 degrees.

12. The electronic control system of claim 6, wherein the electronic control system includes a deadband that varies as a function of the vehicle's speed.

13. The electronic control system of claim 6, wherein the first input device is a sensor that measures the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel.

14. The electronic control system of claim 13, wherein the sensor is an encoder.

15. The electronic control system of claim 14, wherein the information output by the encoder is converted to SAE J1939 protocol and communicated over the communication network to the plurality of interface modules.

16. The electronic control system of claim 6, wherein the electronic control system is configured to lock the second vehicle wheel in a straight-ahead position once the vehicle reaches a certain speed.

17. The electronic control system of claim 6, wherein:

the first input device provides information pertaining to a steering angle of a first set of vehicle wheels; and

the actuator is capable of adjusting a steering angle of a second set of vehicle wheels.

18. The electronic control system of claim 6, further comprising:

a lock configured to lock the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel; and

a graphical user interface configured to display the status of the lock.

19. The electronic control system of claim 1, wherein the electronic control system uses a locked position of the second vehicle wheel as a calibration pain for a straight ahead position of one or both the first and second vehicle wheels.

20. The electronic control system of claim 1, further comprising:

a graphical user interface which includes a representation of the vehicle including an image of the vehicle's wheels;

wherein the steering angle of the vehicle's wheels in the image changes as the steering angle of the vehicle's wheels changes.

21. The electronic control system of claim 1, further comprising a graphical user interface configured to display instructions related to calibrating the electronic control system.

22. The electronic control system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic actuator.

23. The electronic control system of claim 22, wherein the plurality of input devices includes a sensor that provides information pertaining to the status of a hydraulic filter.

24. The electronic control system of claim 22, wherein the plurality of input devices includes a sensor that provides information pertaining to the temperature of the hydraulic fluid.

25. The electronic control system of claim 1, wherein the electronic control system is configured to log data pertaining to the steering angle of one or both of the first and second vehicle wheels.

26. The electronic control system of claim 1, wherein the electronic control system is configured to determine the minimum electrical signal required to control the steering angle of the first or second vehicle wheels.

27. The electronic control system of claim 1, wherein a straight-ahead position of the first vehicle wheel can be any position on the first input device.

28. The electronic control system of claim 1, wherein the electronic control system uses a feedback control loop to control the steering angle of one or both of the first and second vehicle wheels.

29. The electronic control system of claim 28, wherein the feedback control loop is a proportional-integral-derivative control loop.

30. The electronic control system of claim 1, further comprising a vehicle wheel alignment system.

31. The electronic control system of claim 30, wherein the electronic control system receives input from the vehicle wheel alignment system and uses the input to determine the straight ahead position of one or both of the first and second vehicle wheels.

32. The electronic control system of claim 30, wherein the electronic control system receives input from the vehicle wheel alignment system and uses the input to align one or both of the first and second vehicle wheels.

33. The electronic control system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of interface modules includes an I/O status table, the I/O status table including I/O status information for the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices.

34. The electronic control system of claim 33, wherein each of the plurality of interface modules broadcasts I/O status information to each of the other interface modules, the I/O status information pertaining to 110 states of the respective input and output devices coupled to the interface modules.

35. The electronic control system of claim 34, further comprising a graphical user interface configured to display the I/O states of the respective input and output devices.

36. The electronic control system of claim 35; wherein the plurality of interface modules, the plurality of input devices, and the plurality of output devices are distributed throughout the vehicle.

37. The electronic control system of claim 36, further comprising:

a power source; and

a power transmission link;

wherein the plurality of interface modules are coupled to the power source by way of the power transmission link; and

wherein each respective interface module is locally disposed with respect to the respective input and output devices to which the respective interface module is coupled so as to permit distributed data collection from the plurality of input devices and distributed power distribution to the plurality of output devices.

38. An electronic control system for a vehicle comprising:

a plurality of input devices, the plurality of input devices including a sensor that provides information pertaining to a steering angle of a first vehicle wheel;

a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including an actuator capable of adjusting a steering angle of a second vehicle wheel;

a communication network; and

a plurality of microprocessor based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, and the plurality of interface modules being coupled to the plurality of input devices an to the plurality of output devices, the plurality of interface modules including one or more interface modules that is coupled to the sensor and to the actuator;

wherein the electronic control system controls the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel as a function of the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel.

39. An electronic control system for a vehicle comprising:

a sensor that provides digital signals pertaining to a steering angle of a first vehicle wheel; and

an actuator capable of adjusting one or both of the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel or a steering angle of a second vehicle wheel;

wherein the electronic control system receives the digital signals from the sensor and controls the steering angle of one or both of the first and second vehicle wheels.

40. A vehicle having an electronic control system comprising:

a first set of vehicle wheels having a first steering angle; and

a second set of vehicle wheels having a second steering angle;

wherein the electronic control system includes a plurality of modes for controlling the second steering angle as a function of the first steering angle, the plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode;

wherein the electronic control system is configured to receive input to change from a first mode to a second mode, and, in response to the input, the electronic control unit is configured to operate in the first mode until at least one of the sets of vehicle wheels travels through a straight-ahead position at which time the electronic control unit changes to the second mode.

41. A vehicle having an electronic control system comprising:

a first set of vehicle wheels having a first steering angle;

a second set of vehicle wheels having a second steering angle; and

a lock configured to maintain the second set of vehicle wheels in a lock position;

wherein the electronic control system controls the second steering angle as a function of the first steering angle; and

wherein the locked position of the second set of vehicle wheels is input to the electronic control system as a calibration point for a straight-ahead position oft second set of vehicle wheels.

42. A vehicle having an electronic control system comprising:

a first set of vehicle wheels having a first steering angle; and

a second set of vehicle wheels having a second steering angle;

wherein the electronic control system controls one or both of the first and second steering angles; and

wherein the electronic control system is configured to log the steering angle of one or both of the first and second set of vehicle wheels.

43. An electronic control system for a vehicle comprising:

a sensor that provides information relating to a steering angle of a first set of vehicle wheels;

an actuator capable of adjusting a steering angle of second set of vehicle wheels; and

a graphical user interface;

wherein the electronic control system controls the steering angle of the second set of vehicle wheels as a function of the steering angle of the first set of vehicle wheels; and

wherein the graphical user interface displays calibration instructions for calibrating the straight-ahead position of the first and second sets of vehicle wheels.

44. A system comprising:

a vehicle which includes

a first set of vehicle wheels having a first steering angle;

a second set of vehicle wheels having a second steering angle; and

an electronic control system;

wherein the electronic control system controls the second steering angle as a function of the first steering angle;

a vehicle wheel alignment system;

wherein the electronic control system receives input from the vehicle wheel alignment system and uses the input to determine the straight-ahead position of the second set of vehicle wheels.

45. A vehicle having an electronic control system comprising:

a first set of vehicle wheels having a first steering angle;

a second set of vehicle wheels having a second steering angle;

a graphical user interface which includes a representation of the vehicle including an image of the first and second sets of vehicle wheels;

wherein the first and second steering angles in the image change as the first and second steering angles of the first and second sets of vehicle wheels change.

46. The electronic control system of claim 38, wherein the sensor is a digital sensor.

47. The electronic control system of claim 38, comprising:

a graphical user interface configured to display errors associated with th electronic control system;

wherein the electronic control system is configured to store and display history of the errors.

48. The electronic control system of claim 38, wherein the electronic control system includes a plurality of modes for controlling the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel as a function of the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel.

49. The electronic control system of claim 48, wherein the plurality of modes comprises:

a first mode in which the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel is fixed;

a second mode where the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel moves in the opposite direction as the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel; and

a third mode where the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel moves in the same direction as the steering angle of the first vehicle wheel.

50. The electronic control system of claim 38, comprising a graphical user interface which includes a representation of the vehicle including an image of th vehicle's wheels, and wherein the steering angle of the vehicle's wheels in the image changes as the steering angle of the vehicle's wheels changes.

51. The electronic control system of claim 38, wherein each of th plurality of interface modules includes an I/O status table, the I/O status table including I/O status information for the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output device , and wherein each of the plurality of interface modules broadcasts I/O status information to each of the other interface modules, the I/O status information pertaining to the states oft respective input and output devices coupled to the interface modules.

52. The electronic control system of claim 39, wherein the actuator adjusts the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel, and the electronic control system uses the digital signals to control the steering angle of the second vehicle wheel as a function of the first vehicle wheel.

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Computer software for maintenance resource management

2008-11-01T02:06:00.000-07:00

Abstract
The invention is an integration software program that enables a user to use the logic and data accessible in a job standards development program to develop a job plan which is then transferred to a job planning software program where it is finalized and used to produce work orders. Integrating these two programs results in producing job plans rapidly and assures optimum utilization of labor, materials and tools.

Patent number: 6385621
Filing date: Nov 19, 1999
Issue date: May 7, 2002
Inventor: Franklin Peter Frisina
Primary Examiner: Paul R. Lintz
Secondary Examiner: Linh M Pham
Attorneys: William J. Sapone, Nims Howes Collison Hansen & Atkins LLP
Application number: 9/443,649

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for maintenance resource management comprising:

a user accessible computer terminal;

a first software program for producing job standards based on predetermined user queries and information contained in a database, the first software program being accessible by the computer terminal;

a second software program for producing a job plan based on information supplied by a user through the computer terminal, the second software program being accessible by the computer terminal; and,

an integration software program having a switch responsive to a user command entered through the computer terminal and initiated through either the first or second software program to switch the user to the second or first software program respectively, and having means for transferring data from one software program to the other software program for filling predefined fields in one software program from the other software program such that a user generates a job standard in the first software program and transfers at least portions of the developed job standard into a job plan that is saved in the second software program.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the second software program has means to produce a work order based on the job plan.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the first software program has access to a database containing data tables selected from the group consisting of equipment tables, labor tables, manhour tables, operation tables, material tables, tool tables and combinations thereof.

4. A method for preparing a job plan for a maintenance operation comprising:

providing a first software program for producing job standards based on user queries and information contained in a database;

providing a second software program for producing a job plan based on information supplied by a user;

providing an integration software program having a switch responsive to a user command to switch the user from either the first or second program to the second or first program respectively and transfer means for transferring data between the first and second programs;

accessing the second software program to initiate job plan creation, actuating the integration software program switch to switch to the first software program, using the first software program to develop a preliminary job plan and activating the switch and transfer means to transfer at least selected portions of the preliminary job to the second software program thereby creating the job plan in the second software program.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising using the second software program to generate a work order.

6. The method of claim 4 further comprising adjusting the job plan using a schedule factor.

7. The method of claim 4 further comprising adjusting the job plan using a schedule factor.

8. The method of claim 4 further comprising adjusting the job plan using estimated daily preparation time.

9. The method of claim 4 further comprising using the first software to program to identify each operation step to be performed to complete the maintenance operation, and to determine the labor required, operation duration, material required and tools required for each operation step.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising reviewing the first software program operation steps and accepting, rejecting or modifying each operation step.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising saving each operation step in the database.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the first software program has access to the saved operation steps when preparing a subsequent job plan.

13. The method of claim 4 wherein a complete job plan is transferred to the second software program.

14. The system of claim 1 further comprising a second database accessible by either the first or second software program, the second database containing saved operation data.

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Control system and method for electric vehicle

2008-11-01T01:24:00.000-07:00

Abstract
An electric traction vehicle comprises a vehicle platform, a communication network, a power source mounted on the vehicle platform, a plurality of drive wheels rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform, a plurality of electric motors coupled to respective ones of the plurality of drive wheels, and a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules coupled to the plurality of electric motors. The interface modules are configured to control the plurality of electric motors and are coupled to each other by way of the communication network.

Patent number: 6885920
Filing date: Dec 19, 2002
Issue date: Apr 26, 2005
Inventors: Christopher K. Yakes, Jon J. Morrow, Duane R. Pillar, Bradley C. Squires
Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
Primary Examiner: Thomas G. Black
Secondary Examiner: Eric M. Gibson
Attorney: Foley & Lardner LLP
Application number: 10/326,862

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An electric traction vehicle comprising:

a vehicle platform;

a communication network;

a power source mounted on the vehicle platform;

a plurality of drive wheels rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform;

a plurality of electric motors coupled to respective ones of the plurality of drive wheels;

a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules coupled to each other by way of the communication network, the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules also being coupled to the plurality of electric motors and being configured to process input information received by way of the communication network to control the plurality of electric motors.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of drive wheels is a first plurality of drive wheels, wherein the vehicle comprises a second plurality of drive wheels, each of the second plurality of drive wheels being paired with respective ones of the first plurality of drive wheels such that each pair of drive wheels is driven in tandem by a respective one of the plurality of electric motors.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electric motors includes at least four electric motors, and wherein the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules includes at least four microprocessor-based interface modules.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electric motors includes at least eight electric motors, and wherein the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules includes at least four microprocessor-based interface modules.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the power source provides AC power and is connected to the plurality of interface modules by way of an AC bus assembly.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the AC bus assembly is configured to provide three phase power having a frequency of either about 50 Hz or about 60 Hz and a voltage in a range of about 460-480 VAC.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the vehicle further comprises an electrical connector to allow a power-consuming system off-board the vehicle to be connected to the vehicle and draw power from the AC bus assembly, and wherein the AC bus assembly is capable of providing at least 250 kilowatts of power to the off-board power-consuming system.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the vehicle is a tactical military vehicle.

9. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the vehicle is a firefighting vehicle, and wherein the AC bus assembly provides power to scene lighting at the scene of a fire.

10. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle with the power source comprising a diesel engine coupled to an electric generator.

11. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the power source comprises a fuel cell coupled to an inverter, the inverter converting DC power from the fuel cell to AC power for the AC bus assembly.

12. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of auxiliary drive modules, and wherein the vehicle has a reconfigurable drive capacity, the reconfigurable drive capacity being achieved by way of the auxiliary drive modules, each of the plurality of auxiliary drive modules comprising an additional microprocessor-based interface module, an additional electric motor, and an additional drive wheel, the auxiliary drive modules being capable of being added to and removed from the vehicle as a unit to achieve a corresponding increase or decrease in the drive capacity of the vehicle.

13. The vehicle of claim 1,

wherein the plurality of interface modules include a compensation program with two modes of operation,

wherein, in the first mode of operation, the plurality of interface modules control the electric motors such that all of the plurality of drive wheels are driven,

wherein, in the second mode of operation, the plurality of interface modules control the electric motors such that less than all of the plurality of drive wheels are driven, the compensation program compensating for less than all drive wheels being driven by causing the remaining electric motors to be controlled to provide additional horsepower to compensate for the undriven drive wheel.

14. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules and the plurality of additional microprocessor-based interface modules cooperate to reconfigure the vehicle upon the addition and removal of the plurality of auxiliary modules.

15. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of interface modules is configured to control the respective electric motor to brake the vehicle.

16. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of interface modules is configured to control the respective electric motor to regenerate power back to one of the principal power unit and the power storage unit.

17. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of drive controllers, the plurality of drive controllers being coupled between respective ones of the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules and respective ones of the plurality of electric motors.

18. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of interface modules include a program that causes the plurality of electric motors to simulate a mechanical differential assembly, such that the plurality of drive wheels rotate at different speeds during vehicle turning maneuvers.

19. A method of operating an electric traction vehicle, comprising:

providing the electric traction vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising a vehicle platform, a communication network, a power source mounted on the vehicle platform and connected to an AC bus assembly, a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform, an electric motor coupled to the drive wheel, a first microprocessor-based interface module coupled to the electric motor, and a plurality of additional microprocessor-based interface modules including a second microprocessor-based interface module, the second interface module being coupled to a throttle input device, and the first and second interface modules being coupled to each other by way of the communication network;

receiving a throttle input from the throttle input device, the throttle input being received at the second interface module;

transmitting the throttle input from the second interface module to the first interface module by way of the communication network; and

controlling the electric motor using the first interface module, the first interface module controlling a speed of the electric motor in accordance with the throttle input received from the throttle input device.

20. A method according to claim 19, further comprising

receiving a brake input from a brake input device at one of the plurality of additional interface modules;

transmitting the brake input from the additional interface module to the first interface module by way of the communication network; and

wherein the first interface module controls the electric motor so as to operate in a regenerative braking mode in response to the brake input being active, the regenerative braking mode causing electric power to be drawn from the first and second electric motors and provided to a power storage unit on board the vehicle.

21. A method according to claim 19, further comprising

receiving a transmission input from a shift input device at one of the plurality of additional interface modules;

transmitting the transmission input from the additional interface module to the first interface module by way of the communication network; and

wherein the first interface module controls the electric motor so as to operate at different operating points depending on a status of the shift input device.

22. A method according to claim 19, further comprising

receiving a steering angle input from a steering input device at a first one of the plurality of additional interface modules;

transmitting the steering angle input from the first additional interface module to a second one of plurality of additional interface modules by way of the communication network;

controlling a steering mechanism of the vehicle using the second one of the plurality of additional interface modules, the steering mechanism being controlled in accordance with the steering angle input to control a direction of travel of the vehicle; and

wherein the first interface module controls the electric motor in accordance with the steering angle input to operate at different speeds during turning maneuvers.

23. The method of claim 19,

wherein the vehicle further comprises second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth electric motors; and

wherein the plurality of additional interface modules control speeds of the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth electric motors in accordance with the throttle input received from the throttle input device.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein the AC bus assembly is configured to provide three phase power having a frequency of either about 50 Hz or about 60 Hz and a voltage in a range of about 460-480 VAC.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the vehicle further comprises an electrical connector to allow a power-consuming system off-board the vehicle to be connected to the vehicle and draw power from the AC bus assembly, and wherein the AC bus assembly is capable of providing at least 50 kilowatts of power to the off-board power-consuming system.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein vehicle is a tactical military vehicle.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein vehicle is a fire fighting vehicle, and further comprising the step of providing power from the AC bus assembly provides to scene lighting at the scene of a fire.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein the vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle with the power source comprising a diesel engine coupled to an electric generator, and wherein the method further comprises using the diesel engine to mechanically drive the electric generator and using the generate to convert mechanical power from the diesel engine to electric power.

29. The method of claim 23, wherein the power source comprises a fuel cell coupled to an inverter, and wherein the method further comprises using the inverter to convert DC power from the fuel cell to AC power for the AC bus assembly.

30. The method of claim 19, further comprising

detecting that an auxiliary drive module has been added to the vehicle, the auxiliary drive module comprising an additional microprocessor-based interface module, an additional electric motor, and an additional drive wheel; and

reconfiguring the vehicle to accommodate the added auxiliary drive module, including updating control algorithms in the first interface module to decrease the horsepower produced by the electric motor in response to a particular throttle input.

31. The method of claim 19,

wherein the plurality of interface modules include a compensation program with two modes of operation,

wherein in the first mode of operation, the plurality of interface modules control the electric motors such that all of the plurality of drive wheels are driven,

wherein in the second mode of operation, the plurality of interface modules control the electric motors such that less than all of the plurality of drive wheels are driven, the compensation program compensating for less than all drive wheels being driven by causing the remaining electric motors to be controlled to provide additional horsepower to compensate for the undriven drive wheel.

32. The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules and the plurality of additional microprocessor-based interface cooperate to reconfigure the vehicle upon the addition and removal of a plurality of auxiliary modules, the plurality of auxiliary modules each including an additional microprocessor-based interface module, an additional electric motor, and an additional drive wheel.

33. The method of claim 19, wherein each of the auxiliary modules is removable and replaceable with a different auxiliary unit having different characteristics, the different characteristics being programmed into the interface module, and wherein the system is capable of reconfiguring itself automatically when a new auxiliary system is mounted on the vehicle.

34. A method of generating electric power comprising:

providing an electric traction vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising a vehicle platform, a communication network, a power source mounted on the vehicle platform and connected to an AC bus assembly, a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform, an electric motor respectively coupled to the drive wheel, a first microprocessor-based interface module coupled to the electric motor, and a plurality of additional microprocessor-based interface modules including a second microprocessor-based interface module, the second interface module being coupled to a throttle input device, and the first and second interface modules being coupled to each other by way of the communication network;

producing electric power using the power source and providing the electric power to the AC bus assembly;

providing power to off-board, electric power-consuming devices using the AC bus assembly, the AC bus assembly providing the power to the off-board devices when the vehicle is stationary and the electric motor is consuming substantially no power from the AC bus assembly, and wherein the AC bus assembly provides three phase power having a frequency of either about 50 Hz or about 60 Hz and a voltage in a range of about 460-480 VAC, and wherein the AC bus assembly provides in excess of 250 kilowatts of power.

35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the power source comprises a generator, and wherein the method further comprises using a power storage unit mounted on the vehicle to supplement the power provided by the generator.

36. A method according to claim 34, wherein AC bus assembly provides in excess of 750 kilowatts of power.

37. A vehicle comprising:

(A) first and second drive wheels;

(B) a power source;

(D) a plurality of input devices;

(E) a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including first and second motor drive systems, the first and second motor drive systems including first and second electric motors, the first and second electric motors being respectively coupled to the first and second drive wheels and being capable of applying torque to the first and second drive wheels to drive motion of the vehicle;

(F) a communication network;

(G) a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being coupled to the power source by way of the power transmission link, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, each of the plurality of interface modules being coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective communication links, the plurality of interface modules cooperating to control the plurality of output devices based on input status information from the plurality of input devices; and

wherein at least one of the plurality of interface modules controls power distribution to the first and second motor drive systems to control a speed of the vehicle.

38. A vehicle comprising:

(A) a first drive wheel, the first drive wheel being capable of contacting land and driving motion of the vehicle;

(B) a second drive wheel, the second drive wheel being capable of contacting land and driving motion of the vehicle in cooperation with the first drive wheel;

(D) a power transmission link;

(E) a plurality of input devices;

(F) a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including

(1) a first motor drive system, the first motor drive system including a first servo drive and a first electric motor, the first electric motor being coupled to the first drive wheel and being capable of applying torque to the first drive wheel to drive motion of the vehicle,

(2) a second motor drive system, the second motor drive system including a second servo drive and a second electric motor;

(G) a communication network;

(H) a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being coupled to the fuel cell by way of the power transmission link, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, each of the plurality of interface modules being coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective communication links, the plurality of interface modules cooperating to control the plurality of output devices based on input status information from the plurality of input devices, the plurality of interface modules being distributed throughout the vehicle; and

wherein at least one of the plurality of interface modules controls power distribution to the first and second motor drive systems to control a speed of the vehicle.

39. A control method for a military vehicle having a plurality of input devices and a plurality of output devices, comprising:

(A) determining desired output states of a first subset of the plurality of output devices based on I/O status information stored in an I/O status table, the determining step being performed by an interface module that comprises the I/O status table, the interface module being coupled to a first subset of the plurality of input devices and the first subset of the plurality of output devices, the first subset of the plurality of output devices including an electric motor that drives forward motion of the military vehicle, the interface module being further coupled to a plurality of additional interface modules by way of a communication network, the plurality of additional interface modules being coupled to a second subset of the plurality of input devices and a second subset of the plurality of output devices, the I/O status information stored in the I/O status table including input status information pertaining to input states of the first subset of the plurality of input devices and input status information pertaining to input states of the second subset of the plurality of input devices;

(B) controlling the first subset of the plurality of output devices including the electric motor in accordance with the desired output states, the controlling step being performed by the interface module; and

(C) maintaining the I/O status table, the maintaining step being performed by the interface module, the maintaining step including

(1) acquiring the input status information pertaining to the input states of the first subset of the plurality of input devices,

(2) storing the input status information pertaining to the input states of the first subset of the plurality of input devices in the I/O status table,

(3) acquiring, from the plurality of additional interface modules by way of the communication network, the input status information pertaining to the input states of the second subset of the plurality of input devices, and

(4) storing the input status information pertaining to the input states of the second subset of the plurality of input devices.

40. A method according to claim 39, wherein each of the plurality of additional interface modules broadcasts I/O status information, and wherein the acquiring step (C)(3) comprises receiving the broadcasts.

41. A method according to claim 40, wherein the broadcasts occur asynchronously.

42. A method according to claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of additional interface modules maintains respective additional I/O status tables, and wherein each of the plurality of additional interface modules receives the broadcasts and stores I/O status information received in the broadcasts to maintain the respective additional I/O status tables.

43. A method according to claim 42, wherein the I/O status table and the respective additional I/O status tables store substantially the same I/O status information.

44. A vehicle comprising:

(A) first and second drive wheels;

(B) a plurality of input devices;

(C) a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including first and second motor drive systems, the first and second motor drive systems including first and second electric motors, the first and second electric motors being respectively coupled to the first and second drive wheels and being capable of applying torque to the first and second drive wheels to drive motion of the vehicle;

(D) a communication network;

(E) a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, each of the plurality of interface modules being coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective communication links, the plurality of interface modules cooperating to control the respective ones of the plurality of output devices by processing the input status information from the plurality of input devices to determine output states of the respective ones of the plurality of output devices.

45. A vehicle comprising:

(A) first and second drive wheels;

(B) a plurality of input devices;

(D) a communication network;

wherein each of the plurality of interface modules collects input status information from the respective ones of the plurality of input devices and broadcasts the input status information over the communication network to each of the remaining ones of the plurality of interface modules, each of the remaining ones of the plurality of interface modules receiving the input status information and locally storing the input status information.

46. The vehicle of claim 45, wherein each of the plurality of interface modules control the respective ones of the plurality of output devices based on the locally stored input status information.

47. The vehicle of claim 45, wherein each of the plurality of interface modules process the input status information to determine output states of the respective ones of the plurality of output devices.

48. An electric traction vehicle comprising:

a vehicle platform;

a communication network;

a power source mounted on the vehicle platform;

a plurality of drive wheels rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform;

a plurality of electric motors coupled to respective ones of the plurality of drive wheels;

an electrical connector to allow an electrical power-consuming device off-board the vehicle to be connected to the vehicle and draw AC power from the vehicle.

49. The electric vehicle of claim 48, wherein the vehicle is capable of providing at least 50 kilowatts of AC power to the off-board power-consuming device.

50. The electric vehicle of claim 48, wherein the vehicle is capable of providing at least 200 kilowatts of AC power to the off-board power-consuming device.

51. An electric traction vehicle comprising:

a vehicle platform;

a communication network;

a power source mounted on the vehicle platform;

a plurality of auxiliary drive modules, each of the plurality of auxiliary drive modules comprising a microprocessor-based interface module, an electric motor, and a drive wheel, the auxiliary drive modules being capable of being added to and removed from the vehicle as a unit to achieve a corresponding increase or decrease in the drive capacity of the vehicle;

wherein the microprocessor-based interface modules are communicatively coupled together by way of the communication network when the auxiliary drive modules are coupled to the vehicle.

52. An electric traction vehicle comprising:

a vehicle platform;

a communication network;

an electrical power storage device;

a plurality of drive wheels rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform;

a plurality of electric motors coupled to respective ones of the plurality of drive wheels, power being provided to the electric motors from the electrical power storage device; and

wherein one of the interface modules is used to selectively discharge the electrical power storage device in response to an operator input.

53. The electricvehicle of claim 52, wherein the electrical energy storage device comprises a plurality of capacitors.

54. The electric vehicle of claim 52, wherein the electrical energy storage device provides power to the electric motors by way of an AC bus assembly.

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