Apparatus and method for maintaining a defibrillator battery charge and optionally communicating

Abstract

Defibrillator assemblies and methods to wirelessly transfer energy from an external source to a battery or other rechargeable power source within the defibrillator assembly. The transfer of energy may be through a non-contact interface on a defibrillator cradle or a docking station that mounts the defibrillator. The rate of energy transfer may be equal to the energy drain caused by self-discharge and automated self-testing. Accordingly, since the rate of energy transfer is lower than that required to run the defibrillator system continuously, several wireless methods of energy transfer may be used. In addition, the defibrillator assembly may communicate diagnostic and non-diagnostic data to the external source.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
   
   
       23 . A method comprising:
 receiving line power into a docking station; and   wirelessly coupling the received line power to a defibrillator docked at the station.   
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , in which the coupling is capacitive. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 23 , in which the coupling is inductive. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 23 , in which the coupling is optical. 
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 23 , in which the coupling is electromagnetic. 
   
   
       28 - 35 . (canceled)