Patent ID: 6184797
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: A61B,A61F,A63B,Y10S

Abstract:
A communication unit comprising:(a) data input means for receiving an orthopedic parameters signal representative of a sensed stress in a personal orthopedic restraining device, the restraining device restraining movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second flexibly connected body portion of an individual;(b) encoding means, operatively coupled to the data input means, for protecting the received orthopedic parameters signal from potential transmission errors by encoding the received orthopedic parameters signal;(c) modulating means, operatively coupled to the encoding means, for preparing the encoded orthopedic parameters signal for subsequent transmission by modulating the encoded orthopedic parameters signal; and(d) transmitting means, operatively coupled to the modulating means, for transmitting the modulated orthopedic parameters signal over a communication channel such that movement of flexibly connected body portions can be monitored by a central site monitoring station; and further,wherein the orthopedic restraining device generates a message from the individual wearing the orthopedic restraining device, which is incorporated into the orthopedic parameters signal for transmission to the central monitoring station.