GENERAL DEVICES DESIGN PROJECTS 1979 TO 2004
25 YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO DESIGN EXCELLENCE

1982	1985	1986	2001

1. 2001: GENERAL DEVICES "CAREpoint"TM EMS Workstation
   **RECOGNIZED BY JEMS AS A "HOT PRODUCT" FOR 2002**
   **RECOGNIZED BY EMS MAGAZINE AS A "TOP PRODUCT PICK" FOR 2002**
   
   A hospital-based EMS Workstation providing communications, information management, telemetry, documentation and other functions within one space-saving, fully integrated touch-screen-based system. This highly innovative product manages all forms of communications including radio, cellphone, landline and internet. Using the General Devices' NetManagerTM communication core, the system is fully networkable to accommodate multiple operator positions and can be configured for efficient, cost-effective operation of large, medium and small systems. With a built-in NetManager communications switch, the system also provides communication interoperability via call-patching. Single-lead ECG, Rosetta 12-lead ECG and an additional high-speed digital signal processor (DSP) provide both present-day telemetry as well as future forms of multi-parameter physiologic signal transmission. Information is managed by the General Devices InfoManagerTM System, which provides immediate access to virtually any form of information in electronic form. Record-keeping is provided by the General Devices D-ScribeTM built-in digital CD/DVD networked logging recorder. D-Scribe also includes remote review capability and extensive data-organization and reviewing features. To fulfill its role as a multi-function EMS Workstation, CAREpoint is designed to host a wide variety of tasks and third-party Windows-based applications including vehicular infomatics (e.g.: On-Star); video-clip and still-image management; electronic forms generation and completion; interhospital communications; ED status reporting; patient status reporting; EMS run reports, etc. Using a single-board PC housed within a removable "module", the system is designed to be extremely robust and field serviceable with remote operation, troubleshooting and software- upgrading features. Icon-based touch-screen and voice command controls provide extremely user-friendly operation.
   
   Project included: Product and market definition; development of specifications; hardware/software design; packaging; PCB development; FDA registration; manufacturing; advertising and establishment of sales and distribution network.

2. 2000: GENERAL DEVICES "ROSETTA" DATA TRANSLATOR
   **RECOGNIZED BY JEMS AS A "HOT PRODUCT" FOR 2001**
   A family of EMS devices providing improved communications of physiologic waveforms and data. The initial Rosetta product is the Rosetta-Lt, which transmits the 12-Lead ECG Report from the Medtronic-Physio-Control Lifepak 12TM over landline telephone, radio, cellphone and other voice grade communications means. Providing a communications solution for regions with problematical cellular coverage or for EMS organization that prefer the use of radio communications, the compact, lightweight and simple to use Rosetta-Lt delivers highly robust, fast transmissions, with easily read reports by laser printer. The receive element is the Rosetta-Rx, available as either a stand-alone unit or, for fully integrated systems, as a plug-in option to the GEMS Series 2000 Communications Console.
   
   Project included: Product and market definition; development of specifications, hardware/software design, packaging, P.C.B development, FDA registration, manufacturing, advertising, presentation at trade shows, establishment of sales and distribution network.

3. 1999: GENERAL DEVICES EIM-107 "PREP-CHECK PLUS" MULTI-LEAD ELECTRODE IMPEDANCE METER
   A family of instruments used to measure contact impedance and offset potentials of biopotential electrodes in applications employing large numbers of electrodes such as EEG, sleep studies and ECG stress testing. Extremely user-friendly, the instrument automatically measures impedances from 100 to 200k ohm on as many as 160 electrodes at user defined test current frequencies; electrode identification (alpha-numeric lead naming); unused electrode "skip" feature; failure criterion, and failure response mechanisms. Accommodating a wide variety of user applications by means of a factory configurable connector module, the microprocessor-based device may be user-programmed using either a front panel key or a Windows-based PC software package.
   
   Project included: Development of specifications, hardware/software design, packaging, development of surface mount P.C. boards, FDA registration, manufacturing, advertising, presentation at trade shows, establishment of sales and distribution network.

4. 1998: GENERAL DEVICES "GEMSCOM NetManagerTM" COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK MANAGER
   A state-of-the-art automated telecommunications switching matrix designed specifically as a core element for EMS communications and telemedicine applications. The GEMSCOM NetManagerTM employs user-friendly touch-screen controls and is fully modular and user-configurable. It provides up to 15 simultaneous full-duplex patches with provision for up to 94 telephone or radio tie-lines and is fully compatible with standard dial-up telephone lines. The matrix may be controlled from the field, base hospital or satellite hospital. Full redundancy and automatic failure detection & correction, programmable line-level settings, remote diagnostics and remote programming capabilities provide ease of service.
   
   Project included: Market research; development of specifications; hardware/software design; packaging; fabrication of prototypes; development of PC boards; fabrication of pre-production units; manufacturing; creation of advertising program; preparation of user's manual, presentations at major trade shows and conferences; and establishment of nationwide sales, service and distribution network.

5. 1996: TELASSIST TLC 2000 TELEMEDICINE TELEHOMECARE SYSTEM
   A pioneering, state-of-the-art telemedicine product for home care. The TLC 2000 consists of a home-unit and a central station. Intended for an elderly, computer-phobic user population, the home-unit possesses extreme simplicity of operation and is compact, rugged, highly portable and simple to install and operate. Operating on a single telephone line, it provides a wide range of field-configurable medical measurement modules, with automatic data collection as well as high-quality two-way video with concurrent voice and data. The Central Station is a PC Based element providing data collection and remote control means for the home unit. The system is being utilized in a co-development effort with Sandia National Laboratories as part of a demonstration project to study the concept of CORBA based systems for telemedicine applications.
   
   Project included: Product and market definition; formation of TelAssist Corporation, hardware & software (C, C++ & Windows) design; packaging; development of printed circuit boards; fabrication of prototypes, presentation at customer sites and trade shows.

6. 1996: PORTABLE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE VENTILATOR
   A second generation, highly advanced microprocessor-based device providing full ventilator functions within a field (EMS) applications oriented package. The ventilator is extremely compact, contains a large-screen LCD, built-in compressor, flow sensors for all gasses, and operates from internal batteries, standard line voltage, or aircraft power systems. The design incorporates extensive fail-safe hardware/software features with alarms and automatic lock-outs in the event of operator error or machine failure.
   
   Project included: Hardware/software design; development of flow sensors and high-performance motor controls, development of printed circuit boards; fabrication of prototypes.

7. 1995: AUTOMATIC BLOOD-PRESSURE DATA COLLECTION SOFTWARE APPLICATION FOR PHARMACOLOGICAL AGENT TESTING
   A Windows software application to control a blood pressure measurement apparatus in accordance with stored protocols. Developed for Bristol-Myers Squibb, the application acquires and archives data into an electronic record keeping system and replaced a manual protocol, improving the research center's methodologies for this type of testing. The system interfaces with the drug company's statistical analysis software packages.
   
   Project included: Development of specifications, software design and assistance in development of data gathering methodologies for future paperless record keeping systems for Bristol-Myers Squibb.

8. 1995: GENERAL DEVICES "GEMSCOM" SERIES 6000 CELLULAR EMS RADIO
   A state-of-the-art cellular-telephone based EMS radio for voice and ECG telemetry. The radio is configurable for single lead or simultaneous acquisition of 12-Lead ECG. Featuring user-friendly controls and a wide variety of special functions tailored to the EMS marketplace, the radio is small, lightweight, and housed in a rugged powder-coated aluminum cabinet with outer padded softcase.
   
   Project included: Development of specifications, hardware/software design, packaging, development of all P.C. boards, FDA registration, manufacturing, advertising, presentations at EMS trade shows, establishment of national sales, service and distribution network.

9. 1994: GENERAL DEVICES "TRU-VIEW"-BASED CARDIAC REHAB ECG TELEMETRY SYSTEM
   A highly user-friendly Tru-View-based ECG Telemetry monitoring system with complete patient data management software specifically developed for Cardiac Rehab use. The monitoring system is built around the Tru-View core, and is capable of supporting up to 8 channels per monitor, with up to 3 monitors simultaneously operating on a LAN. The patient data management system is highly flexible and user-friendly, permitting fast data entries, ECG and exercise data archiving. It provides single-lead thermal array ECG strip-chart recordings as well as fully formatted laser printer printouts. The system operates with purchased telemetry receivers and transmitters, which are housed in custom cabinetry.
   
   Project included: Development of specifications, hardware/software design, packaging, development of all P.C. boards and manufacturing.

10. 1994: GENERAL DEVICES "GEMSCOM" SERIES 3000 UHF/VHF EMS RADIO
    A state-of-the-art, user-friendly battery-powered, portable UHF field radio specifically designed for EMS (Emergency Medical Services) voice communication and ECG telemetry. Configurable for a wide variety of applications and user-requirements, the radio features single and simultaneous-acquisition 12-lead ECG monitoring with analog and digital transmission formats; fully programmable radio functions for all MED channels and CTCSS tones; large-screen backlit LCD with automatic temperature-tracking contrast-adjust for presentation of all status information; as well as full battery management including continuous load testing and battery selection. Housed in a rugged powder-coated aluminum cabinet with outer padded softcase, the radio is available in 1 Watt and 12 Watt, half/full duplex, patch, single lead and simultaneous-acquisition 12-Lead ECG versions.
    
    Project included: Development of specifications; hardware/software design; cabinet design; fabrication of prototypes; development of PC Boards; field testing; manufacturing; FDA and FCC registration; creation of advertising program; presentation at all major trade shows and conferences; and establishment of national sales, service and distribution network.

11. 1993: AMBULATORY ECG EVENT RECORDER
    A battery-powered ECG event recorder featuring 300 seconds of 2-channel ECG recording. Programmable functions include event and loop mode, timed recording mode, Hi-Low heart rate recording mode, remote controlled transtelephonic data transmission, and continuous battery monitoring. Monitor operates for 14 days on two AA batteries.
    
    Project included: Hardware, software design; fabrication of prototypes and development of PC Boards.

12. 1992: GENERAL DEVICES "TRU-VIEW"-BASED ECG TELEMETRY SYSTEM FOR DRUG RESEARCH TESTING
    Developed specifically for Bristol-Myers-Squibb, the system featured a highly user-friendly Tru-View-based ECG Telemetry monitoring system with specialized research-oriented software to assess the patient's response to the administration of cardiac drugs. The monitoring system is built around the Tru-View ECG Telemetry core, and features user-friendly controls and screen presentations with singe-lead thermal array ECG strip-chart recordings. The specialized software implemented an existing manually performed protocol to identify changes in heart rate, acceleration peaks as well as other criterion. The system interfaces with the drug company's statistical analysis software packages.
    
    Project included: Interaction with the drug company's research team in the development of automated data collection software.

13. 1991: "TRU-VIEW"-BASED TRANSTELEPHONIC AMBULATORY ECG EVENT RECORDER RECEIVING CONSOLE
    A Tru-View-based transtelephonic receiving console with a high-resolution color display, basic ECG analysis software, with both laser printer driver software and thermal array strip-chart recorder. Using the TRU-VIEW software and a DSP core, the console receives, analyzes and stores data transmitted in standard FM format from a remote ECG event recorder. An edit mode permits final review of basic ECG; analysis (Q-T, P-R, R-T intervals, QRS width, measurement) prior to laser print-out and submission to physician.
    
    Project included: Hardware/software design, fabrication of prototypes, development of PC Boards and manufacture of final product.

14. 1991: GENERAL DEVICES "TRU-VIEW"-BASED ECG TELEMETRY MONITORING SYSTEM
    A display console for a bio-potential radio-telemetry monitoring system based on the Tru-View high resolution color medical-type display. The console features 8 channels of digitally (DSP) processed signals, a thermal array strip-chart recorder and standard PC type keyboard and custom membrane switch controls. Screen formats and graphic icons have been customized for the application. All data is available for short term storage or for archiving.
    

    Project included: Development of specifications; hardware/software design; packaging; fabrication of prototypes; development of PC boards; fabrication of pre-production units; manufacturing, and assistance with FDA registration.

15. 1990: GENERAL DEVICES "TRU-VIEW"-BASED PACEMAKER IMPLANTATION MONITORING SYSTEM
    A PC-based, state-of-the-art instrumentation system developed for Dr. Victor Parsonnet's "next-generation" pacemaker implantation room at the Newark Beth Israel Pacemaker Center. The system is based around the General Devices high resolution color medical-type display and features a fiber-optic linked, fully isolated remote signal acquisition head with ECG and high-speed (20 kHz) pacemaker artifact and pressure channels. Signals are digitally processed at the remote head using a DSP controller and displayed on both control console and ceiling mounted color displays. ECGs, blood pressure, electrode impedance, pacemaker artifact and threshold data are available to both the console operator and the physician. All data is presented to a data base management system for archiving.
    

    Project included: Development of specifications; hardware/software design; packaging; methods of operation; fabrication of prototypes; development of PC boards, and operator training.

16. 1990: GENERAL DEVICES "TRU-VIEW" MEDICAL TYPE DISPLAY WITH THERMAL ARRAY STRIP-CHART RECORDER
    A PC based, high resolution, color, medical-type display with thermal array strip-chart recorder. This application was one of the first applications of General Scanning's AR-42 which has since become an industry standard. An application specific input card providing a simple analog processing and A/D conversion presents signals to a proprietary DSP card for full digital signal processing. The display is controlled via standard PC type keyboard or custom control panel. Screen presentations are processed to provide an "analog-looking" display. A variety of screen formats, on-screen measurements, and graphic icons are available for custom-applications. Data is available to a hard disk for archiving or short term storage.
    

    Project included: Market research; development of specifications; hardware/software design; packaging; fabrication of prototypes; development of PC boards; fabrication of pre-production and production units; FDA registration, and manufacturing.

17. 1989: GENERAL DEVICES "GEMS" SERIES 2000 EMS COMMUNICATIONS CONSOLE
    A state-of-the-art EMS communications receiving console with a non-fade CRT display, thermal array strip-chart recorder, cassette recorder, digital voice recorder, 12-lead ECG signal-processing, and base-station (remote receiver/transmitter) controls. Recognized as the standard in the EMS industry for its user-friendliness and high reliability, the console provides a wide variety of user-programmable features for customized operation and extreme flexibility in adapting to the varied needs of the customer's communications system. In addition, transtelephonic troubleshooting capabilities with user-removable boards and modules provide fast, simplified, low-cost servicing by local, non-technical personnel.
    

    Project included: Market research; development of specifications; hardware/software design; packaging; fabrication of prototypes; development of PC boards; fabrication of pre-production units; FDA registration; manufacturing; creation of advertising program; preparation of user's manual, presentations at major trade shows and conferences; and establishment of nationwide sales, service and distribution network.

18. 1989: SONY SME-3500 CINE FILM VIEWER
    An electro-mechanical instrument used to convert and view angioscopy cine film using a video (CRT) monitor. The machine employed a unique, custom designed user-friendly high-speed film transport mechanism with DSP controls for enhanced performance without the need of complex, fixed-function analog circuits. In addition, highly sophisticated electronics were used to store and enhance video images coming from an integral strobe lamp & CCD camera.
    

    Project included: Device definition; development of system specifications; hardware/software design; packaging; development of printed circuit boards; fabrication of prototypes and pre-production units, as well as presentations at technical training seminars and assistance in trade show and sales presentations.

19. 1989: SONY "U-MATIC" VIDEO RECORDER REMOTE CONTROL INTERFACE
    A modification to the Sony U-Matic Video Recorder providing remote control capabilities enabling the U-Matic to be used in system applications.
    

    Project included: Hardware/software design; packaging; fabrication of prototypes and production units.

20. 1988: SONY COLOR VIDEO PRINTER KEYBOARD INTERFACE WITH REMOTE CONTROL CAPABILITY
    A modification to the Sony UP-5000 Color Video Printer providing simplified front panel controls and remote control capabilities enabling the UP-5000 to be used in system applications. The user-friendliness provided by the modification permitted the UP-5000 to be used for medical applications.
    

    Project included: Hardware/software design, packaging, and fabrication of prototypes.

21. 1988: SONY "INSTASPOT" STILL VIDEO-RECORDER
    A modification to the Sony MVR-5500 "Pro-Mavica" Still Video-Recorder, employing an add-on microprocessor based printed circuit board that provides for automatic set-up & remote control operation of the unit. The user-friendliness provided by the modification permitted the Pro-Mavica to be used medical applications. In addition, the modification provides automatic set-up of the device for extreme ease of operation. A unique feature of the design included a "modification unplug" capability to permit serving of the instrument without the introduction of any effects provided by the "INSTASPOT" modification.
    

    Project included: Task definition; hardware/software design; prototypes and manufacturing.

22. 1988: "UNILERT" HOSPITAL/NURSING HOME LARGE DISPLAY ALARM SYSTEM
    A ceiling-mounted microprocessor based device for use in hospitals and nursing homes employing a large, easily read alpha-numeric display panel composed of large, "dot" type LED matrix displays. The panel presents pre-programmed graded alarm messages, and operates in conjunction with individual room alert lamps. The Unilert employs a serial communications system for a highly flexible, simple installation using inexpensive cable. The design includes a continuous full-system self-test to guard against missed alarms related to equipment failure.
    

    Project included: Hardware/software design, packaging, fabrication of prototypes.

23. 1988: PORTABLE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE VENTILATOR
    A microprocessor based device providing full ventilator functions within a field (EMS) applications oriented package. The ventilator is extremely compact and operates from internal batteries, standard line voltage, or aircraft power systems. The design incorporates extensive fail-safe hardware/software design with alarms and automatic lock-outs in the event of operator error or machine failure.
    

    Project included: Device definition; hardware/software design; packaging; development of printed circuit boards; fabrication of prototypes, and assistance in FDA registration.

24. 1987: INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE MONITOR
    A microprocessor based device that monitored intracranial pressure designed for in-hospital use. The monitor is compact, pole mounted, and employs user-friendly controls for simplified operation. Some of the monitor's features include user adjustable pressure alarms, pressure and trend wave outputs and internal transducer calibration mechanism.
    

    Project included: Hardware/software design; packaging; development of printed circuit boards, and fabrication of prototypes.


The Medphone Trans-telephonic Defibrillator System
developed by General Devices in 1985

25. 1985: TRANSTELEPHONIC DEFIBRILLATOR
    A pioneering development effort, the microprocessor-based, fully automatic transtelephonic defibrillation system consisting of patient carried telephone-controlled defibrillator with ECG/TTI and voice communications; base-station control console; display console; and an IBM personal computer or equivalent. Capabilities include: Automatic dialing and answering; remote control of all patient-unit functions (including defibrillation); transmission of ECG and electrode impedance; display and recording of all signals, and data-management system.
    

    Project included: Development of specifications; hardware/software design, packaging; methods of operation; fabrication of prototypes; development of printed circuit boards; fabrication of pre-production and production units; presentations to financial interests; assistance in FDA registration, and manufacturing of base-station equipment.

26. 1985: INFANT RESPIRATORY MONITOR
    A low-cost, battery-powered, belt-mounted infant respiration monitor with audible alarm to indicate apnea and low heart rate.
    

    Project Included: Electronic design; packaging; presentations to financial interests, and assistance in FDA registration.

27. 1984: EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE DISPLAY/TRAINING CONSOLE
    A microprocessor-based multi-purpose medical display designed for EMS applications. Console has strip-chart recorder, and multi-frequency modulation/demodulation circuits providing capabilities of recording and playing back EMS tapes for editing, review or teaching, as well as operating as a slave EMS console.
    

    Project included: Hardware/software design; packaging; methods of operation; fabrication, and FDA registration.

28. 1983: PHOTODIODE SIGNAL AMPLIFIER
    A device used to measure the performance of a second-generation experimental optical blood-pressure transducer. Instrument provides analog signal processing for 10-kHz low-level signal (0.1 to 10 nanoampere).
    

    Project included: Electronic design; packaging; methods of operation, and fabrication.

29. 1983: EPICARDIAL MAPPING DEVICE
    A microprocessor-based, fully automatic device used for epicardial mapping procedures. Device features automatic triggering; heart-rate determinations expressed either in beats per minute or as time intervals; reference probe time-interval measurements, and negative time-interval measurements. Outputs include digital read-out and synthesized voice annunciation.
    

    Project included: Hardware/software design, packaging and methods of operation.

30. 1983: GENERAL DEVICES TWO-CHANNEL MEDICAL DISPLAY & RECORDER
    A microprocessor-based 2-channel non-fade display with 2-channel recorder tailored for specialized pacemaker-clinic applications.
    

    Project included: Hardware/software design; packaging; methods of operation; fabrication, and FDA registration.

31. 1983: PHYSIOLOGIC SIGNAL TRANSLATOR
    A device providing non-linear frequency and amplitude transformations of physiologic signals.
    

    Project included: Design of non-linear circuits including analog multipliers and AM/FM modulators; packaging, and presentation to financial interests.

32. 1982: GENERAL DEVICES "PREP-CHECK" ELECTRODE IMPEDANCE METER
    A device used to measure contact impedance of biopotential electrodes. Instrument measures electrode impedance of up to three electrodes from 100 to 200k ohm at AAMI recommended 10 Hz frequency with digital read-out. The device is sold directly, through catalogs as well as under private-labeling agreements with other companies.
    

    Project included: Research of electrode impedance and motion artifact (Published: RX for ECG Monitoring Artifact, Critical Care Nurse, Vol. 4., Jan/Feb 1984); product development from inception through production, FDA registration, advertising and sales. Produced and marketed as "EIM-105 PREP-CHECK."

33. 1982: OPTICAL BLOOD PRESSURE TRANSDUCER CALIBRATOR
    A device to measure the response of an experimental optical blood-pressure transducer. Instrument provides analog signal processing to interrelate light source variability, baseline light level, and signal level.
    

    Project included: Electronic design; packaging; method of operation, and fabrication.

34. 1981: PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TESTER
    A microprocessor-based instrument for semi-automatic testing of printed circuit boards used in a computer-based fire detection system for apartment and industrial buildings.
    

    Project included: Hardware/software design; determination of test parameters; packaging; method of operation, and fabrication of device.

35. 1981: SQUIB SEQUENCER
    A device used for motion picture special effects to control electrically detonated explosive charges. Design objectives included: battery operation; small size; wide variety of control functions, and safety of operation.
    

    Project included: Electronic design; packaging; method of operation & fabrication of prototype.

36. 1981: EVOKED RESPONSE MASKING NOISE GENERATOR
    A digital white/pink noise generator used in evoked response testing. Device is computer programmable for output levels from 0 to 110 dB and selection of white or pink noise.
    

    Project included: Electronic design and fabrication of prototype.

37. 1981: EVOKED RESPONSE PROGRAMMABLE AMPLIFIER
    A computer controlled, S-100 bus compatible, high-performance amplifier for evoked response testing. Operating characteristics included: 5uV noise; 300-300,000 gain; 300 Hz to 10 kHz low-pass filters; 0.01 Hz to 300 Hz high-pass filters; programmable artifact detection; electrode impedance measurement; self-calibration and automatic reset. Design also included remote 4-channel fully isolated pre-amplifier.
    

    Project included: Electronic design; packaging; development of printed circuit boards, and fabrication of prototypes.

38. 1980: MICROPROCESSOR-BASED MICROHEMOSTAT CALIBRATOR
    A microprocessor-based, second-generation device to measure the opening force of microhemostats. Design objectives included: reduced cost; additional features & functions (incl. computation of opening force at zero opening point and automatic printout of all test results.)
    

    Project included: Hardware/software design; packaging; method of operation, and fabrication of device.

39. 1980: DIGITAL MICROHEMOSTAT CALIBRATOR
    A digitally controlled device to measure the opening force of microhemostats (vascular aneurysm clips).
    
    Project included: Electronic design; packaging; method of operation, and fabrication.