US 5,349,340 A · Portable patient alerting apparatus

Abstract

Mobile apparatus for attachment to a hospital bed, gurney, wheelchair, or similar transport device, has an attendant call button operable by the patient in case of an emergency, thereby activating a signal to summon an attendant. In a preferred embodiment, the signal includes both a visual indicator and an audible indicator, wherein the visual indicator is a light positioned at the distal end of a stanchion mounted to a housing, and the audible indicator is a beeper disposed within the housing. The call button is attached to the distal end of a retractable power cord and has a clip associated therewith for securing the button to the patient's clothing, bed covering, or other location convenient for the patient. Electronic circuitry contained within the housing and powered by a rechargeable battery is employed to sequentially control the operation of the light and beeper. The housing is easily detachable from the transport apparatus to facilitate recharging of the battery.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A portable alerting device for use by medical patients confined to a gurney, wheelchair, or other transport apparatus, comprising:

a housing, removably securable to the transport apparatus, having a plurality of side portions and a top portion;
signalling means mounted to said housing;
and
actuating means, selectively operable by the patient, for controlling the operation of said signalling means in response to input from the patient.

1 more element

A portable alerting device for use by medical patients confined to a gurney, wheelchair, or other transport apparatus, comprising:

a housing, removably securable to the transport apparatus, having a plurality of side portions and a top portion;
signalling means mounted to said housing, comprising electronically activated visual and audible indicators;
and
actuating means, selectively operable by the patient, for controlling the operation of said signalling means in response to input from the patient, said actuating means comprising
a battery for providing electrical power;
electronic circuitry connected to said battery for controlling the operation of said visual and audible indicators;
and
a switch operatively connected to said circuitry and selectively moveable by the patient from an off position to an on position, said switch serving to activate said visual and audible indicators when moved to said on position by establishing an electrical connection between said circuitry and said indicators;
and
a reset switch, manually operable to de-activate said visual and audible indicators.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Portable patient alerting apparatus

Life of this patent

Portable patient alerting apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20