US3848249A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus actuating and nurse call system
Assignee: Northwestern University
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Filing: 1973-08-14
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Granted: 1974-11-12
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Expires: 1993-08-14
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for use by incapacitated patients in hospitals and similar institutions and including breath-operated switch means by which any one of a plurality of devices may be energized in conjunction with a series of selectable visually and sequentially presented symbols each correlated with the particular apparatus selected for energization. Also included are means for initiating the sequential presentation of the reference symbols to a patient, upon actuation of the breath-operated switch.
Inventors
- 👤 S Meiri
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:40
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F4/00; G; G09; G09B; G09B21/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A switching and display mechanism comprising, in combination, single switch means for closing and for opening a pair of electrical contacts associated therewith, thereby to complete and to break an electrical circuit, means for adjustably supporting said switch means near a patient, visual display means for sequential presentation, for a finite time interval each, of a series of reference symbols, each said symbols being correlated with a particular selectable apparatus to be controlled by said switch means, a switching mechanism for selectively energizing a particular apparatus, electrical means interconnecting said display means with said switch means and with said switching mechanism, whereby actuation of said single switch means during the appearance of any and each particular selectable symbol is effective to switch ''''on'''' and ''''off'''' apparatus correlated with each specific reference symbol displayed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
A switching and display mechanism comprising, in combination, single switch means for closing and for opening a pair of electrical contacts associated therewith, thereby to complete and to break an electrical circuit, means for adjustably supporting said switch means near a patient, visual display means for sequential presentation, for a finite time interval each, of a series of reference symbols, each said symbols being correlated with a particular selectable apparatus to be controlled by said switch means, a switching mechanism for selectively energizing a particular apparatus, electrical means interconnecting said display means with said switch means and with said switching mechanism, whereby actuation of said single switch means during the appearance of any and each particular selectable symbol is effective to switch ''''on'''' and ''''off'''' apparatus correlated with each specific reference symbol displayed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for adjustably supporting said switch means includes means for securing said display visual means in view of a patient.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The structure as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising starter circuit means for initiating sequential presentation of said reference symbols to a patient, upon actuation of said switch means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
118 words
The structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said switch means comprises a pressure-sensitive switch, and further comprising lever means linked functionally to a first of said pair of electrical contacts of said switch, sail means connected to said lever means for controlling the movement thereof, said sail means being responsive to pneumatic forces impressed thereon to effect a positive mechanical displacement of said lever means and to shift the first electrical contact between a position of contact with and a position of separation from the second electrical contact of said switch; whereby the physical force of one''s breath directed toward and impinging upon said sail means actuates said switch to control an electrical device connectable thereto.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-11 | 1978-05-13 | 1978-11-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-11 | 1982-05-13 | 1982-11-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-11 | 1986-05-13 | 1986-11-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |