Defibrillator with a multiple-mode interface

The present invention is directed to a defibrillator having both a manual and an AED mode with corresponding user commands for both modes. The defibrillator includes a door which conceals manual mode commands, such that opening of the door puts the defibrillator in the manual mode and simultaneously reveals the manual mode command buttons. In one actual embodiment, the door includes apertures which allow access to the AED command buttons. When the door is in the open position, a keypad is revealed having manual commands which preferably take the form of buttons. In another actual embodiment, the door includes a switch which senses when the door is opened and sends the defibrillator into manual mode. The door includes a front side having AED command buttons, and a back side having manual mode command buttons. The door conceals a keypad having further manual mode command buttons.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a defibrillator, and more particularly, to a defibrillator having a multiple-mode interface which enables a user to operate the defibrillator in an AED mode or switch quickly to a manual mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that the probability of surviving a heart attack often depends critically on the speed with which appropriate medical care is provided. One of the most common and life threatening consequences of a heart attack is the development of a cardiac arrhythmia such as ventricular fibrillation in which the heart is unable to pump a significant volume of blood. When such an arrhythmia occurs, serious brain damage and death may result unless a normal heart rhythm can be restored within a few minutes. The most effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation is the application of a strong electric shock to the patient. Such an electric shock frequently terminates the chaotic activity characteristic of arrhythmia's, and restores the normal pumping action of the heart. Defibrillators for producing and delivering such shocks have been known and successfully used for many years. However, the size and cost of prior defibrillators, coupled with the risk they pose if used improperly, have restricted the use of defibrillators to hospitals and to emergency medical facilities. Many lives would be saved each year if defibrillators could be made more immediately available to heart attack victims.

The advances made in electronics have enabled the production of small, lightweight, and automatic defibrillators, which are portable enough to be hand carried along with a patient while the patient is being transported on a gurney. Defibrillators have also become available in many public gathering places. With such a proliferation of these life-saving devices, there is a need for a defibrillator which may be used by inexperienced as well as highly qualified individuals. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs), as they are called, are designed with an infrequent practitioner in mind. AEDs typically have a simplified routine which attempts to make even a nonpractitioner confident with using the defibrillator with only a modicum of basic training. Most AEDs generally operate in a “semi-automatic mode.” For example, the LIFEPAK® 500 AED manufactured by Medtronic Physio-Control Corp. and the FORERUNNER™ AED manufactured by Agilent Technologies have at least two command buttons: (1) an “on” button, and (2) a shock button which delivers a defibrillation pulse to the patient. In addition, the LIFEPAK® 500 AED includes a third button that prompts the AED to analyze the patient to determine whether shock treatment is indicated by monitoring the patient's heart rhythms or electrocardiogram (ECG). Manual delivery of “shock” treatment by pressing a button imparts to the user the seriousness of the event. However, the “shock” button can be eliminated so that the AED delivers the defibrillation pulse to the patient automatically and without human intervention upon detection of a shockable rhythm. Such AEDs are typically referred to as operating in an “automatic” mode. For purposes of the following description, the term “AED mode” may apply to either an automatic or semi-automatic mode.

While the operation of AED controls may appear intuitive, it is to be remembered that AEDs are used in highly stressful situations, where little time for deliberate thought is available. In short, a rescuer must act fast and has little time to decipher the controls on a complicated piece of equipment in which he may have only received basic training. Consequently, the user interface for such AEDs must be as simple and uncluttered as possible. However, AED manufacturers are also striving to provide more sophisticated controls for those highly trained individuals who arrive at the care giving location at a later time. These more experienced personnel are fully comfortable with a defibrillator and an array of many user input commands to more specifically tailor the shock treatment to the patient. Therefore, attempts are being made to combine a simplified or “AED mode” for infrequent rescuers and a “manual mode” for skilled rescuers in one defibrillator apparatus. The goal is to provide a visually uncluttered appearance and somehow differentiate between modes for an infrequent rescuer so as not to befuddle the rescuer, while at the same time providing a host of manual user input commands for the highly trained individual.

Several approaches have been attempted with varying degrees of distinction between manual and AED modes. For example, the LIFEPAK® 300 AED manufactured by Medtronic Physio-Control Corp. can be operated in a semi-automatic mode or a manual mode. To enter the manual mode, the rescuer simply had to press a manual access button located on the front panel of the AED. The remaining buttons on the front panel are soft keys that remain accessible and change function according to the mode of the defibrillator and the corresponding message on the defibrillator's display. Other manufacturers have attempted to use brightly colored or marked command buttons or dials to distinguish between different modes. Unfortunately, in both these approaches, the rescuer is forced to interpret and differentiate between buttons, softkeys and/or displays or otherwise read and process information, in order to operate the device which only increases the possibility of human error.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,349 to Arand et al., an attempt is made to deal with the problem by hiding a “change to manual personality” button behind an access door to prevent accidental depression of the manual button and send the defibrillator into a manual “personality” without the rescuer becoming aware. However, as with the LIFEPAK® 300 AED, the remaining buttons on the front panel of the defibrillator remain accessible and change function according to the mode of the defibrillator and the corresponding message on the defibrillator's display. Consequently, this approach does not solve the problem of providing an uncluttered user interface to prevent the rescuer from having to interpret and distinguish manual command buttons from AED command buttons.

Accordingly, there is a need for a defibrillator having manual, semi-automatic and/or automatic modes which provides a clean and intuitive user interface for selecting, operating, and switching between such modes. However, unintentional shift of the defibrillator from one mode to another should be prevented.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a defibrillator having both a manual and an AED mode with corresponding user commands for both modes. The defibrillator includes a door which conceals manual user commands, such that upon initiating a motion associated with the door, such as activation of a latch or opening of the door, the defibrillator is put into the manual mode, while revealing the manual commands.

In one actual embodiment, the door includes apertures which allow access to the AED mode user commands. The door also includes an assembly with a latch to hold the door in the closed position and an actuator slide the user presses to unlatch and open the door. The actuator slide is accessible while the door is closed. Operation of the actuator slide depresses a button to send the defibrillator into manual mode while the door is closed, and also releases the latch which allows the door to open, concurrently with or slightly after sending the defibrillator into manual mode. When the door is in the open position, a keypad is revealed having manual mode user commands which in one actual embodiment, takes the form of buttons.

In another embodiment, the door includes a switch which senses when the door is open and sends the defibrillator into manual mode. In this embodiment, the door includes a front side having AED mode user command buttons, and a back side having manual mode user command buttons. The back side is visible when the door is opened. The door also conceals a keypad on the defibrillator having further manual mode user commands.

A defibrillator constructed in accordance with the present invention would thus obtain numerous benefits. For example, the defibrillator of the present invention achieves an uncluttered appearance for use by an infrequent user by concealing those commands which are not necessary while the defibrillator is in the AED mode, yet retains more complex features for the more experienced user that can be accessed when the door is opened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1provides a schematic representation of a multiple mode defibrillator270having an AED and manual mode which is suitable to use with the present invention. The defibrillator270includes a housing containing a user interface panel or keypad100, the keypad or panel itself having a plurality of user commands. The defibrillator also includes a display screen102for communicating instructions to the user or displaying the patient's heart rhythms or other patient or user information. The defibrillator includes a central processing unit104(“CPU”), for analyzing and processing the inputs and outputs received from the user, electrodes, periphery hardware and/or other medical accessories and sensors. Periphery hardware (not shown) may include printers, scanners, audio devices such as microphones and speakers, or other computers and the like. The defibrillator includes a memory106for storing a set of instructions or programmable algorithms used to carry out the processing of the information in both the manual and the AED modes. The defibrillator further includes sensors and other medical accessories108to be attached to a patient to monitor vital signs and other patient parameters, e.g., heart rhythms, SpO2level, CO2level, etc. The defibrillator also includes shock therapy delivery devices, such as hard paddles or disposable electrodes, to deliver a therapeutic electric shock to the patient.

A first actual embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG.2. InFIG. 2, the defibrillator270includes a door200having hinges for attachment to the defibrillator housing202. The door200is removable for maintenance. Certain command buttons located on the user interface panel100are visible from the front side of the defibrillator270through apertures204,206and208provided in the door200. Referring toFIG. 3, a first command button271(visible through aperture206) may, for instance, be used to power up or power down the defibrillator270. A second command button272(visible through aperture204) may be used to prompt the defibrillator to analyze the patient's heart rhythm to determine whether shock therapy is indicated. A third command button274(visible through aperture208) may be used to deliver the therapy to the patient. While raised command buttons are illustrated, touch switches may alternately be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As will be described in more detail below, additional command buttons for use in the manual mode are also located on the user interface panel100, but are hidden from view behind the door200when in the closed position. In addition, the defibrillator270may also include a knob218for gross or fine tuning of information shown on the display monitor102. The defibrillator includes a port (not shown) for connecting to a second ECG monitor, a serial port (not shown) for connecting to any of a number of peripheral devices and a plug236for connecting therapy elements used to delivery therapy to a patent's heart. Although these ports, connectors and input devices are not shown inFIG. 2as being hidden beneath the door200, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments such components could be located beneath the door so as to further simplify the user interface for the inexperienced rescuer, for example, the ECG and SpO2.

In one actual embodiment, only the user command buttons271,272and274are accessible through the apertures206,204and208when the defibrillator270is in the AED mode. Accordingly, when the defibrillator270is powered up and the door200is in the closed position, the defibrillator is in the AED mode and only the AED command buttons are visible and accessible to the user. In addition to apertures206,204and208, the door200may also contain at least one aperture210for viewing status lights. The status lights may, for instance, indicate that the defibrillator270is powered and ready to deliver a shock therapy. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the door200may contain any number of apertures deemed necessary for the industrial design of the defibrillator270depending on the number of features, e.g., command buttons, status indicators, etc. that are desired to be revealed to the user. For example, apertures208could be removed from the door200so as to hide the shock button274and provide a user interface for a fully automatic external defibrillator, or in other words, a third mode. Conversely, additional apertures may be provided for revealing additional features, such as a CPR prompt command button for triggering visual and/or aural CPR prompts. In addition to the number of apertures and buttons, those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the shape, size, configuration and location of the apertures and command buttons on the keypad100and/or door200may vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 4, the door200of the defibrillator270illustrated inFIG. 2is shown in more detail. The door200includes an assembly211for opening the door200. The assembly211includes an actuator slide212, a latch230, and cover228(cover228is shown in FIG.5). The front side of actuator slide212has a standing rib222. The user presses the standing rib222to release a latch230, which in turn, opens the door200. Accordingly, standing rib222protrudes through an aperture224located on the lower portion of door200.

Referring now toFIG. 6, an exploded view of an actuator assembly211from the back side of door200, the actuator slide212, latch230, and cover228are shown. Actuator slide212is mounted on door200, such that the front side of the actuator slide212with standing rib222faces the back side of door200and the standing rib222protrudes through the aperture224of the door when assembled. Actuator slide212is held in place to door200by cover228which retains the actuator slide within the door200. Clips232and238molded onto door200retain cover228that allows actuator slide212to move in a horizontal direction as will be described in more detail below.

The actuator slide212, cover228and latch230cooperate with each other to provide a closing mechanism for the door200. Latch230is located on the back side of door200. Detailing on door200, such as posts226, help guide the latch230in vertical movement. Latch230is held to door200by cover228. Latch230includes a chamfer246located on the lower end of latch230so as to engage a hole in the defibrillator device bezel (not shown) to secure the door200in a closed position. Latch230also includes a post244located approximately in the middle of the latch that engages the actuator slide212as will be described in more detail below. Latch230is thus constrained to move in a vertical direction by posts226on door200.

The cover228is mounted to the door200such that actuator slide212and latch230are substantially concealed by cover228as shown in FIG.6. Cover228is held to door200by clip232located on the back side of door200. Clip232has an upturned lip end225that engages a horizontal aperture234and a groove236on the cover228. On the bottom edge of door200, another clip238with an upturned lip216is provided to retain cover228in position, along with clip232. Thus, cover228helps to retain actuator slide212and latch230in position on the door200as shown in FIG.5.

Returning toFIG. 6, the actuator slide212has an angled guide edge240formed within an aperture242to receive the post244of the latch230. Post244is formed from latch230and projects outwardly so that a lower surface of the post244rides on the upper surface of guide edge240. As the user presses the standing rib222and the actuator slide212is moved horizontally in a direction toward the latch230, the guide edge240pushes against post244. Latch230, being constrained to move in a vertical direction, rises to raise chamfer246, thusly releasing the door200.

Actuator slide212also includes spring248formed within the aperture242that is pushed upward by the latch when door200is being closed. Tensioned spring248biases latch230downward so that latch230snaps back forcibly to engage a device bezel. A second spring250formed integrally with the actuator slide212biases actuator slide212away from the latch230and opposes movement when the user pushes against the standing rib222from the outside of the door200.

Actuator slide212further includes a ramp252projecting outwardly from the back side of the slide212to face the front side of the cover228. In turn, cover228includes a ramp (not shown) located on a flexible cutout tongue254that faces the ramp252on actuator slide212. A hemispherical bump256is also located on the flexible cutout tongue254on the side opposite of the cover ramp (not shown). Slide ramp252and cover ramp (not shown) have angled edges that ride against one another. The cover228is stationary as the actuator slide212is moved toward latch230, and the ramps slide against one another, such that flexible tongue254moves in a direction away from the door200and toward the defibrillator270. As the actuator slide212continues to move toward the latch230, the bump256is further pushed backwards and presses against an unmarked manual mode entry button258(FIG. 3) located on the user interface panel100of the defibrillator270. Activation of the manual mode entry button258by the assembly211while the door200is in the closed position places the defibrillator in the manual mode. In one actual embodiment of the present invention, the manual mode button258remains unmarked, so as not to confuse the more experienced user upon opening of the door by perhaps providing an indication that an additional button must be pressed to switch modes.

The assembly211has four states: (1) When the door200is closed, the actuator slide212is at the far right of its opening224in the door200, the slide spring250is relaxed, and the latch230is in an extended position, engaging a hole in the device bezel. (2) When the door200is open, the actuator slide212is right of its opening224in the door200, the slide spring250is relaxed, the latch230is in an extended position, and the door may be rotated up to about 270° from its closed position, and is resting against the side of the defibrillator. (3) When the door is being opened, i.e., the actuator slide212being moved to the left by the user, the slide212is left of its opening224in the door, the slide spring250is flexed, the ramp252on the back of the slide212engages with a ramp on the cover228, causing the tongue254to flex, pushing the bump256against the manual mode button258(FIG.3). The pressure of the bump256on the keypad100“pre-loads” the door with an outward force, and the post244on the latch230has ridden up the angled edge240in the actuator slide aperture242. This moves the latch230vertically to its fully raised position, allowing the door200to spring open due to the pre-loading of the door. (4) In the fourth state, when the door200is being pressed closed by the user, the slide212is right of its opening224in the door. The slide spring250is relaxed, and the chamfer246on the latch230rides against the device bezel. This causes the latch230to move vertically, and post244pushes against the spring member248in the actuator slide aperture242. The pressure against the spring member248by post244causes the latch230to return to an extended position as soon as the chamfer246moves into line with the hole in the bezel.

Referring now toFIGS. 7-9, an alternative embodiment of a door300used with the defibrillator270described above and illustrated herein will now be described in more detail. In this embodiment, the door300includes apertures306,304, and308through which only the user command buttons271,272and274are accessible when the defibrillator270is in the AED mode. Accordingly, when the defibrillator270is powered up and the door300is in the closed position, the defibrillator is in the AED mode and only the AED command buttons are visible and accessible to the user. In addition to apertures304,306and308, the door300may also contain at least one aperture310for viewing status lights. The status lights may, for instance, indicate that the defibrillator270is powered and ready to deliver a shock therapy. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the door300may contain any number of apertures deemed necessary for the industrial design of the defibrillator270depending on the number of features, e.g., command buttons, status indicators, etc. that are desired to be revealed to the user. For example, apertures308could be removed from the door300so as to hide the shock button274and provide a user interface for a fully automatic external defibrillator, or in other words, a third mode. Conversely, additional apertures may be provided for revealing additional features of the defibrillator270. In addition to the number of apertures and buttons, those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the shape, size, configuration and location of the apertures and command buttons on the keypad100and/or door300may vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 7, the door300of the defibrillator270includes an assembly311for opening the door300. The assembly311includes an actuator slide312, a latch330, and cover328(cover328is shown in FIG.8). As best illustrated inFIG. 9, one end of actuator slide312includes a transverse side wall having an inwardly extending flange322. A slot or groove320is formed in the transverse side wall, and is suitably dimensioned for receiving a finger, and especially the thumb, of the user. The user presses the slot320to release a latch330, which in turn, opens the door300. Accordingly, the slot320protrudes through an opening324located on the lower portion of door300, as illustrated in FIG.7.

Referring now toFIG. 9, an exploded view of an actuator assembly311from the back side of door300, the actuator slide312, latch330, and cover328are shown. Actuator slide312is mounted on door300, such that the end of the actuator slide312protrudes through the opening324of the door when assembled. Actuator slide312is held in place to door300by cover328, which retains the actuator slide within the door300. Clips332and338molded onto door300retain cover328and allows actuator slide312to move in a horizontal direction, as will be described in more detail below.

The actuator slide312, cover328, and latch330cooperate with each other to provide a closing mechanism for the door300. Latch330is located on the back side of door300. Detailing on door300, such as posts326, help guide the latch330in vertical movement. Latch330is held to door300by cover328. Latch330includes a chamfer346located on the lower end of latch330so as to engage a hole in the defibrillator device bezel (not shown) to secure the door300in a closed position. Latch330also includes a post344located approximately in the middle of the latch that engages the actuator slide312, as will be described in more detail below. Latch330is thus constrained to move in a vertical direction by posts326on door300.

Referring still toFIG. 9, the cover328is mounted to the door300such that actuator slide312and latch330are substantially concealed by cover328. As shown inFIG. 9, the cover328includes a rectangular-shaped slot329positioned at its lower end. The slot329is suitably dimensioned to allow the flange portion322of the actuator slide312to translate within the slot329so that the latch may be released, and the door may be opened. Cover328is held to door300by clip332located on the back side of door300. Clip332has an upturned lip end339that engages a horizontal aperture334and a groove336on the cover328. On the bottom edge of door300, another clip338is provided to retain cover328in position, along with clip332. Thus, cover328helps to retain actuator slide312and latch330in position on the door300, as shown in FIG.8.

Returning toFIG. 9, the actuator slide312has an angled guide edge340formed within an aperture342to receive the post344of the latch330. Post344is formed from latch330and projects outwardly so that a lower surface of the post344rides on the upper surface of guide edge340. As the user presses the slot320and the actuator slide312is moved horizontally in a direction toward the hinged side of the door, the guide edge340pushes against post344. Latch330, being constrained to move in a vertical direction, rises to raise chamfer346, thusly releasing the door300.

Actuator slide312also includes spring348formed within the aperture342that is pushed upward by the latch when door300is being closed. Tensioned spring348biases latch330downward so that latch330snaps back forcibly to engage the device bezel. A second spring350formed integrally with the actuator slide312biases actuator slide312away from the hinged side of the door and opposes movement when the user pushes against the slot320from the outside of the door300.

Actuator slide312further includes a ramp352tapering inwardly from the back side of the slide312to face the front side of the cover328. In turn, cover328includes a ramp (not shown) located on a flexible cutout tongue354that faces the ramp352on actuator slide312. A hemispherical bump356is also located on the flexible cutout tongue354on the side opposite of the cover ramp (not shown). Slide ramp352and cover ramp (not shown) have angled edges that ride against one another. The cover328is stationary as the actuator slide312is moved toward the hinged side of the door, and the ramps slide against one another, such that flexible tongue354moves in a direction away from the door300and toward the defibrillator270. As the actuator slide312continues to move toward the hinged side of the door, the bump356is further pushed backwards and presses against an unmarked manual mode entry button258(FIG. 3) located on the user interface panel100of the defibrillator270. Activation of the manual mode entry button258by the assembly311while the door300is in the closed position places the defibrillator in the manual mode. In one actual embodiment of the present invention, the manual mode button258remains unmarked, so as not to confuse the more experienced user upon opening of the door by perhaps providing an indication that an additional button must be pressed to switch modes.

The assembly311has four states: (1) When the door300is closed, the actuator slide312protrudes from the opening324in the door300, the slide spring350is relaxed, and the latch330is in an extended position, engaging a hole in the device bezel. (2) When the door300is open, the actuator slide312protrudes from the opening324in the door300, the slide spring350is relaxed, the latch330is in an extended position, and the door may be rotated up to about 270° from its closed position, and is resting against the side of the defibrillator. (3) When the door is being opened, i.e., the actuator slide312being moved to the right by the user when facing the defibrillator, the slide312is positioned right within the opening324in the door, the slide spring350is flexed, the ramp352on the back of the slide312engages with a ramp on the cover328, causing the tongue354to flex, pushing the bump356against the manual mode button258(FIG.3). The pressure of the bump356on the keypad100“pre-loads” the door with an outward force, and the post344on the latch330has ridden up the angled edge340in the actuator slide aperture342. This moves the latch330vertically to its fully raised position, allowing the door300to spring open due to the pre-loading of the door. (4) In the fourth state, when the door300is being pressed closed by the user, the slide312protrudes from the opening324in the door. The slide spring350is relaxed, and the chamfer346on the latch330rides against the device bezel. This causes the latch330to move vertically, and post344pushes against the spring member348in the actuator slide aperture342. The pressure against the spring member348by post344causes the latch330to return to an extended position as soon as the chamfer346moves into line with the hole in the bezel.

A door constructed according to either embodiment described above makes the manual mode button258(FIG. 3) accessible while the door is closed via the actuator slide212or312, which changes the mode of the defibrillator from AED to manual mode. Concurrently with or shortly following the change of mode, the door latch is released, allowing the door to open and reveal the manual mode command buttons hidden beneath it. For clarity, the remaining description will be described with references to door200. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that door300may also be utilized to change the mode of the defibrillator from AED to manual mode.

Returning toFIG. 3, the door200conceals a user interface panel or keypad100having the manual and AED mode command buttons. While softkeys may be used, buttons are used in the actual embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.3. The user interface panel100includes a plurality of manual buttons262,264and266which are to be used while the defibrillator is in the manual mode. Manual mode button258is the mode changing button which is activated with the assembly211when the door is in the closed position. However, as noted above, the keypad100may contain any number of buttons for controlling or operating the defibrillator in manual mode. In yet other embodiments and as noted above, the user interface panel could include ports for the other medical accessories and sensors which may be attached to the defibrillator. Accordingly, if desired, the user interface of the defibrillator270could be made devoid of any and all controls, features, etc. not necessary or desired by an inexperienced responder in AED mode. Entering into the manual mode can also trigger other changes which affect the operation of the defibrillator. For instance, the electrocardiogram (“ECG”) feature may be activated upon the display102to assist the experienced user in delivery of the appropriate shock therapy, while features which aid the inexperienced or infrequent user, e.g., visual CPR prompts, are turned off or temporarily hidden from the inexperienced operator.

A door constructed in accordance with the present invention presents numerous advantages. The door provides an uncluttered user interface for a less experienced user; the door conceals the manual mode command buttons; and the door still provides access to a manual mode button while the door is closed. Accordingly, the risk of an inexperienced user unintentionally opening the door200and placing the defibrillator in manual mode and/or revealing manual mode command buttons that could be confusing to the inexperienced user, is substantially reduced.

FIGS. 10 and 11are a schematic representation of a defibrillator430and a door408constructed in accordance with another actual embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 10, the AED command buttons402,404and406are located on the outside of the door408itself rather than on a keypad beneath it. The defibrillator430and door408are equipped with a sensor such as a Hall effect switch or reed relay switch (not shown) which detects the opening of the door408and puts the defibrillator into the manual mode. It will be appreciated, however, that the defibrillator of this embodiment may be equipped with an actuator slide mechanism and manual mode entry button as described above so as to enter manual mode.

As shown inFIG. 11, a user interface panel or keypad410is concealed by the door408containing several manual user command buttons412-420. Also, located on the rear side of the door408are several more manual user command buttons422-428. It will be appreciated that the door408may contain any number of manual mode command buttons to control various defibrillator functions and features, e.g., charge, energy select, cardio-synchroversion, alarms, etc. When the door408is rotated outwardly, the manual mode command buttons412-428are visible, both on the rear side of the door408and on the keypad410. Hence, the manual mode command buttons are concealed behind the door when the door is closed. As in the previous embodiment, the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 10 and 11presents an inexperienced user with an uncluttered appearance while providing sophisticated manual features for the more experienced user, i.e., the manual mode command buttons being concealed by the door, and a door which changes the mode of the defibrillator quickly and easily.

Referring now toFIG. 12, a flow chart is illustrated indicating the operation of the mode changing feature upon power up of the defibrillator with the door in the closed position. In a block600, the defibrillator powers up—normally in response to depression of the “on” button271. Next, the defibrillator enters the AED mode in a block602. This is done regardless of whether the door is in the open state or the closed state, or even if the door is missing. This is a safety feature used to put the burden on the expert user to place the defibrillator in the manual mode.

Under normal circumstances, the door will most likely be closed when powering up, therefore, an action such as unlatching or opening the door and depressing the manual access button258via the actuator assembly211in block604, will send the defibrillator into manual mode, as shown in block606. While in manual mode, several functions may be enabled, such as calling the ECG waveform display feature while disabling or hiding other features which are not necessary while in the manual mode.

If the door has been opened intentionally, the most likely event to occur next under normal circumstances is to close the door608, i.e., after therapy has been delivered by the experienced user. This action, however, causes the defibrillator to remain in the manual mode, represented by block610.

The next most likely event is that the defibrillator will be powered down by the user by depressing the power button in block612. When the defibrillator is powered up again, the defibrillator starts and returns to the AED mode, as shown in blocks600and602, again placing the burden on the experienced user to affirmatively change from the AED mode into the manual mode. Presumably, the experienced user will be more familiar with the features of the defibrillator, therefore the startup failsafe state is the AED mode. AlthoughFIG. 12shows the order of operation of the mode changing feature in one actual embodiment of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the order of certain steps can be changed, and that certain steps themselves can be changed and/or added/deleted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in another actual embodiment of the present invention, the defibrillator may power up in the manual mode and then time out to the AED mode if no further command buttons are pushed or action taken. As yet another example, the defibrillator could be powered down immediately or could return to AED mode upon closing the door.

Finally, referring toFIG. 13, a state diagram shows the various states of the multiple mode defibrillator formed in accordance with the present invention with the door in the open and closed position. If the defibrillator is in the powered down mode700, powering up will put the defibrillator into AED mode702regardless whether the door is opened or closed. While in the AED mode702, if the door had been open upon power up (i.e., the user presses the on button271while the door is open) and thereafter closed704, the defibrillator stays in the AED mode702. However, if the door is closed at power up, and thereafter opened706while in the AED mode702, the defibrillator enters into the manual mode708. Thereafter, while in the manual mode708, closing704or opening706the door has no effect on the state or mode of the defibrillator, i.e., it remains in the manual mode708until the defibrillator is powered down700and is powered up again. Accordingly, the defibrillator exits the manual mode708to enter into the AED mode702.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, to further secure the door in the closed position and prevent unintentional opening by an inexperienced user, the door may be equipped with a lock for which an experienced user holds a key, combination or other unlocking mechanism. Further, the door may be of any shape or configuration necessary to hide access to the manual mode command buttons while still revealing the AED mode command buttons there through. For example, a door can be constructed having an assembly for opening the door with the rib located near the edge of the door.