| Description | This is a Cardipan 571, which appears as a cream-white metal box with a brown leather and metal handle attached to the lid. The lid is securely fastened to the base by two metal clasps. Slotted vents on the sides of the box provided ventilation for its internal components, and one side features an outlet for the plug along with a voltage adaptor from 110 to 250 V. The word "Cardiopan" is embossed on the front.
Upon opening the hinged lid, the underside reveals a green metal panel, inscribed with the device's model name, "Cardiopan 571," and detailed operating instructions in German, English, and French. Each set of instructions outlines the use of the motor switch, which controls the device's modes: a blocked state, a monitoring state with the amplifier active, and a recording state where both the amplifier and motor are operational. Diagrams of a chest and heart are also displayed, offering clear visual guidance for positioning chest-electrodes. A detailed guide for patient’s cables is also included, with clear colour coding for each connection: red for the right arm, yellow for the left arm, green for the left leg, black for the right leg (grounding), and white-red for the chest electrode. A table is also present, providing technical details the paper speed and its corresponding time readings, allowing for precise measurement intervals during diagnostics.
The control panel inside the box features a variety of labelled knobs, dials, and switches. Also, it contains a small roll of paper protruding from its slot, which allowed the device to print diagnostic readings onto the strip for real-time analysis.
From the bottom left to right, the "Cassette" knob refers to the mechanism that holds or controls the recording paper for the readings. It ensures proper alignment and operation of the recording system, and features an addtional red tape with handwritten "Please leave Cassete open when not in use". The "Motor" knob regulate the mode in which the device observes and processes the patient’s heart signals (off, monitoring, recording). The "mm/s" control adjusts the speed of the recording paper, measured in millimetres per second, with options such as 50 mm/s, 25 mm/s, and 10 mm/s, providing flexibility for various diagnostic needs.
The light blue "Stab Freq-Filter" knob likely adjusts a filter to reduce noise or interference from external sources, ensuring a stable and clear signal for accurate readings. The "Cal 1mV" knob is used to standardise the device’s output signal, typically set at 1 millivolt (mV), essential for ensuring accurate and consistent results, aligning with medical standards.
In the middle section, from left to right, there is the paper slot, a marker control, to add marker annotations or markers to the recording strip during the diagnostic process, followed by the knob for the leads (limbs, augmented, and chest) . The "Patient" outlet operates as a plug for electrical connection of the leads attached to the patient.
The "Stylo-Temp" knob controlled the stylus temperature by adjusting heating time. The "Ampl" knob adjusts the amplification of the input signal.
The back of the box features a green metal plaque with white writing that reads: "Cardiopan Elektrokardiograph Philips No 20927 type 571 Watt 90 50 Hz Volt 110-250."
Signs of wear and tear are visible, as it appears heavily stained and covered with residue from tape and a sticky label with handwritten notes, including "machine [...] clean [...] all," underlined multiple times.
The Cardiopan 571 is used for cardiological diagnostics, specifically for recording and analysing the electrical activity of the heart.
Donated by Dr. Teresa Mitchell. |