Abstract: A nerve electrode array includes one or more spiral electrically conductive filament bands each secured within a different electrically insulative loop among a plurality of loops configured in a helical array. Each loop is severed lengthwise of the array to allow it to be spread open independently of the other loops to partly encircle the nerve during surgical mounting thereon. The array is held together in the helical configuration by a linking member which intersects with and is fastened to each of the spaced-apart loops. Each filament band extends within its loop across the intersection of the loop and linking member. In one embodiment, the cuts through the loops are aligned lengthwise of the helical array and substantially parallel to the linking member, and each cut is approximately diametrically opposite the linking member. In another embodiment, the cuts through the loops are staggered relative to the linking member, lengthwise of the array.

Abstract: The same basic ROM circuit may be used to provide memories of increased capacity for pre-existing systems having different fixed numbers of address inputs. The appropriate page configuration is selected to accommodate the number of address inputs in the system. The system is adapted to generate a page address signal having the required number of bits on the data bus. The selected page configuration is obtained by mask programming the address decoder and input buffer circuits. The page address signal from the data bus is routed through the data transfer buffers and stored in a RAM for use in conjunction with the row and column address inputs.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for stabilizing the value of a parameter of the output pulses of a tissue stimulator, such as the magnitude of the current or the charge delivered in each output pulse to excite the cell membranes of the tissue to be stimulated. The apparatus measures the value of this parameter against target limits, and if either limit is exceeded, adjusts the value of a second parameter of the output pulses, such as voltage level or pulse width, to stabilize the value of the first parameter. The value of the first parameter may be measured by sampling thereof at a rate considerably less than the frequency of the output pulses, and the value of the second parameter then adjusted to bring the value of the first parameter within the target limits. Both current and charge stabilization modes of the pulse generating stimulator for efficient excitation of cell membranes of the selected tissue are described.

Abstract: A nerve electrode array includes one or more Y-shaped carriers in which the three legs of the Y are curled about a common axis with the lower leg of the Y oppositely directed relative to the other two so that the legs will encircle a nerve substantially sharing the common axis, and a flexible electrode secured to the underside of at least one of the legs.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating and controlling migraine by selectively applying a predetermined electrical signal to the patient's vagus nerve for stimulation thereof to alleviate the migraine attack. The signal is a pulse waveform having parameters programmed to desynchronize the patient's EEG if paroxysmal activity is detected in the EEG, or to synchronize the EEG if low voltage fast wave activity is detected. Alternatively, the application of the stimulating signal to the vagus nerve may be initiated manually by the patient upon recognition of the onset of a migraine attack. The neurostimulator device implanted in the patient to generate the appropriate signal has a power down circuit to conserve battery power between migraine episodes.

Abstract: The RAM includes sub-arrays having odd and even memory locations, respectively. A data move instruction results in externally generated row and column address signals which are decoded to cause a first memory location, in one of the sub-arrays, to be selected and data to be read. The next memory location in sequence, in the other of the sub-arrays, is then selected, without necessity for an additional set of row address signals, for writing of the read information. The row decoder includes row indexing circuitry actuatable upon receipt of a shift signal signifying that the first memory location is in the last column of a given row. When the shift signal is received, the write location is automatically selected to be in the succeeding row.

Abstract: In conjunction with a medical device for stimulating the vagus nerve of a patient to modulate the electrical activity thereof as part of a prescribed therapy, apparatus is provided to selectively suppress the stimulation while the patient is speaking, to avoid undesirable modulation of the voice. The suppression apparatus includes a speech sensor and discriminator, to detect speech by the patient while avoiding false detection attributable to sounds other than speech. The suppression of nerve stimulation is ceased after a preset time interval regardless of continued detection of speech, to assure that beneficial therapy is not unduly inhibited in favor of mere cosmetic considerations or in the presence of prolonged false detections.

Abstract: Method and system for establishing call connections for information transmission between a multiplicity of subscribers as components of traffic in an integrated services network (ISN), in which plural subscribers are located at different endpoint nodes of the ISN, the ISN includes transit nodes interconnecting separate links of the ISN, and the information traffic consists of a multiplicity of media types according to the different subscribers including voice, video and data traffic component types. Call connections are established as virtual circuits (VCs) between subscribers among the various endpoint nodes of the ISN as necessary to accommodate desired information transmissions.

Abstract: A packet switched network has a system for providing an end-to-end connection for a communication or data transfer session between a host processor and a transparent connection device, which may be an unattended device, both utilizing a 3270 protocol. A terminal PAD is responsive to positive dataset signals on the associated line for the device indicating desire to establish communication by the device, irrespective of the absence of polling of the device by the host or by the terminal PAD, to transmit a call request packet through the network to a host PAD operatively associated with the host. The host PAD is responsive to the call request subsequent to a poll from the host to transmit call accept and circuit enable packets through the network to the terminal PAD. The latter then commences polling of the device to evoke information and data messages from the device for end-to-end communication with the host in the data transfer state.

Abstract: Method and system for transmitting information during call connections between a multiplicity of subscribers as components of traffic in an integrated services network (ISN), in which the information traffic consists of a multiplicity of media types according to the different subscribers including voice, video and data traffic component types. A plurality of traffic component types in the form of portions of information streams to be transmitted from subscribers at an entry point of the ISN during respective call connections are assembled into each of a sequence of composite frames of variable size for transmission through the ISN. The traffic component types assembled into each of the composite frames are limited to those destined for subscribers at the same exit point of the ISN.

Abstract: A data processing system is provided for tallying wealth accumulation among a plurality of competing players. Each player has a game entry device coupled to a central processing unit. The CPU receives data on an interrupt basis from each of the player stations and regulates the ordered play among the competitors. The CPU is responsive to the data for indicating a winner, calculating the accumulated point total or wealth of each of the players and for indicating the amount necessary for a player to risk in order to stay in the competition. Anyone of the player stations designated may perform house or banking functions in addition to player functions.

Abstract: This invention provides improved electrode structures for electrically communicating between electrical therapeutic equipment and internal body tissue. Bundles of highly flexible, highly electrically conductive, preferably non-metallic carbon based, isotropically conductive fibers of diameters of the individual fibers in the micron range provide very large surface areas to apply electrical energy to the body tissue. Substantially non-electrically polarizing properties, particularly of carbon, and a substantially non-thrombogenic surface (present in carbon) represent critical features of the tissue to electrode interface in biomedical applications. Thus, more reliable-longer life implants of heart defibrillators, neurostimulators and the like result. This electrode structure with accompanying integrated electrical lead is implantable by puncture through body tissue thereby avoiding major surgery and general anesthesia required in the prior art.

Abstract: A source wire for delivery of a radioactive source to the site of a deep body tumor via a relatively narrow passageway includes a relatively thin elongate flexible tube, a solid core running through substantially the entire length of the tube and at least slightly beyond one end of it to strengthen it against collapse while maintaining its flexibility, and a relatively short rigid sleeve overlying the exposed portion of the core and abutting that end of the tube. The sleeve extends at least slightly beyond the otherwise exposed core to accept insertion of the cylindrical filament-like radioactive source to abut against the core. The outer diameter of the sleeve is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the tube and to that of a sheath which overlies the radioactive source and abuts against the end of the sleeve opposite to that abutting the end of the tube. The sleeve is welded to the core and crimped onto the radiactive source for substantially permanent engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A security access management system for a packet switched data communications network has access management apparatus operatively associated with the packet switches at each entry point of the network. The access management apparatus includes an administrative host processor for examining user terminal authorization information in packets received at the associated packet switch for transmission through the network to destination addresses for the packets. A database associated with the administrative host stores information including levels of authorization of the user terminals for the respective entry point of the network for access to specified destinations, as pre-assigned by the network customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing troubleshooting capability in a four wire telephone line employing a V.32-type or other unbalanced modem in a local communication link at one or both ends of the telephone line for a data network. Each modem has its own transmitter and receiver. An activatable but normally inhibited analog loopback is installed externally of the modem within the local link with which the modem is associated, with no loopback connection between the transmitter and the receiver within the modem itself. The external loopback is activated while the modem is induced to transmit a call connection signal, so that by virtue of the external loopback the signal is fed back to the receiver of the same modem to permit testing of the operativeness of the modem and the related portion of the link. The external loopback may be activated from terminal equipment on the local link with which the modem is associated, or may be activated from a point of the network remote from the local link.

Abstract: A rate responsive cardiac pacemaker for implantation in a patient utilizes a pair of sensors. One is an activity sensor responsive to movements of the patient for generating an electrical signal representative thereof. A preselected component of the electrical signal generated by the activity sensor detected in a frequency range below 4 Hz distinguishes true physical exercise by the patient from other movements of the patient. The second sensor is responsive to a preselected metabolic function of the patient's body, such as central venous blood temperature, to develop an output signal representative of the present state of physical exercise of the patient. In response to (i) variation of the detected component in the range below 4 Hz and (ii) the output signal of the second sensor indicative of confirmation or lack of confirmation of physical exercise, the pacemaker generates pulses at a rate that varies according to a combination of those two.

Abstract: An implantable activity-based cardiac pacemaker has a variable rate stimulus generator housed together with an accelermeter and associated circuitry within a case. The accelerometer is isolated from the case to detect forces of acceleration on the case while avoiding response to pressure on the case, and to generate an electrical signal representative of the magnitude of the accelerational forces. The accelerometer is integrated into hybrid electronic circuitry, such as a semiconductor chip, together with an electrical circuit which processes the signal generated by the accelerometer to vary the rate of the stimulus generator according to the magnitude of the signal.