Abstract: A paperless system that allows data including publications to be networked and retrieved includes a plurality of remote stations for transmitting the data to users, a plurality of local stations for connection to the plurality of remote stations via one or more communication links. The local stations are adapted to receive the transmitted data and to store the same, and are also adapted to be accessed bythe users to selectively retrieve the selected transmitted publications. A plurality of user stations are selectively linked to one or more of the plurality of local stations for enabling the users to retrieve the publications.

Abstract: A mapping system for producing event identifying codes includes a plurality of video-audio-data (VAD) marker channels representative of a method for coding and/or encoding signals such as video and non-video signals. At least one of the VAD marker channels includes a plurality of sub-bands indicative of video transform components. The processing method is implemented at least in part by modulating the non-video signals, if any, onto the transform components, and by generating video transform components therefrom; generating video transform components from the video signals, if any; selecting desirable video transform components corresponding to the non-video signals and to the video signals, if any; and allocating the selected desirable video transform components to the sub-bands.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker and related pacing method. The cardiac pacemaker includes atrial and ventricular sense amplifiers for generating atrial and ventricular sense signals. An activity control circuit measures the activity level and initiates an activity interval. A control circuit responds to the atrial sense signals, the ventricular sense signals, and the activity control circuit, for controlling the atrial and ventricular stimuli generation, by matching the activity interval with the depolarization of the atrial tissue, in order to differentiate true exercise induced sinus tachycardia from atrial arrhythmias and retrograde atrial events, and to permit a selective ventricular rate control. The control circuit initiates a 2 to 1 ventricular to atrial response when the activity interval is greater than a VV interval, which is the sum of the interval between the last sensed or paced ventricular event and the atrial intrinsic depolarization (VA.sub.

Abstract: A video teleconferencing network among several remote sites includes a central switching system for receiving and processing signals from the remote sites. Video cameras are located at each one of the remote sites for generating video signals. Each camera includes an optical system having a plurality of lens systems for processing colors of different frequencies. Each one of the lens systems includes a shutter for generating amplitude vectorial signals proportional to the amplitude of the color signal being processed by the lens system. Each one of the lens systems further includes means responsive to the frequency of the corresponding color being processed by the particular lens system, for generating vectorial signals proportional to the frequency of the color signal being processed by the lens system. A modular monitor has a relatively small size liquid crystal modular screen, for use by an individual user to display texts and graphics.

Abstract: An intramuscular lead for electrically stimulating muscle tissue particularly configured for a cardiac assist system powered by surgically modified skeletal muscle tissue. Electrical stimulation is supplied via the intramuscular lead to cause contraction of the skeletal muscle in synchrony with the natural or artificially paced heart rate and timed to obtain the desired hemodynamic effect. The improved lead has an electrode which is embedded in the skeletal muscle. The stimulation threshold of the skeletal muscle is held relatively low by the action of a glucocorticosteroid imbedded within the strand of suture material. A spacer coil of biocompatible material is coiled around the strand of suture material, such that the turns of both coils are substantially interleaved. The spacer coil is saturated with a specific agent such as steroid or antibiotic. The compression movement of the muscle tissue and the electrode coil against the spacer coil will cause the drug to be dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention includes an implantable medical device with needle sensing means. The sensing means employs the casing of the device, the body of the patient, and the needle in a circuit which activates electrical means for notifying the physician of needle placement. Contact of the hypodermic needle with the desired location in the reservoir completes a circuit which is activated by power means to provide preferably audible feedback.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having a main body, and a port in the main body for receiving a medical instrument percutaneously. A resilient dome is mounted in the device for communicating with the medical instrument, and for flexing from a first rest position to a second position after contact with the medical instrument. The dome provides an extra corporeal response signal resulting from the flexion of the dome from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A video broadcasting method and apparatus. The broadcasting method generally includes the steps of selecting one or more channels from a plurality of available channels, and scanning the selected channels for generating signals identifying these selected channels. The channel identifying signals are then fed back to a transmitter unit over a first carrier frequency. The feedback signals are used to selectively identify the channels to be transmitted. The signals from the selected channels are compressed, multiplexed and transmitted over a second carrier frequency to a reception unit, where the signals are demultiplexed and separated into separate channels, and stored for a predetermined period of time. The separated signals are then decompressed, reconstructed and displayed on a real-time basis.

Abstract: An assist device for the heart comprises a continuous flow pump for moving blood through a vessel and a muscle powered device for supplying pulsatility to the flow of blood, to simulate human heart pumping action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for data compression of input ECG beats in an electro-cardiograph system. The data compression method includes the steps of conditioning the analog input ECG beats into filtered digital data; identifying the individual QRS peaks in the beats; and compressing the beats. The step of compressing a beat includes selectively sub-sampling the beat; template matching and differencing the beat with a template beat, namely the immediately preceding beat of its type (normal, ectopic or artifact); and coding the sub-sampled differenced beat. The step of selective sub-sampling includes dividing the QRS region into at least two sub-regions centered about the QRS peak; and selectively sub-sampling each sub-region at a different compression ratio.

Abstract: A high capacitance cable is described which avoids instantaneous voltage drops. The cable is very useful in connecting electrical components (e.g., connecting integrated circuit chips to power supplies). The cable includes: (a) a central continuous strip which is electrically insulating, (b) spaced-apart conductors carried on the upper surface of the strip, and (c) spaced-apart conductors carried on the lower surface of the strip. The cable can be surrounded by electrical insulation, and it preferably is a flexible cable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and circuit useful in the testing of integrated circuit chips. On-chip test circuitry is provided at a selected location on an IC chip and energized while the chips are still mounted on a lead frame member, wound on reels and heated in an oven. Advantageously, the continuous lead frame member may be a tape automated bond (TAB bond) flexible circuit which is adapted for gang bonding to a large plurality of ICs before being wound on reels. In a preferred test circuit embodiment, the conductive on-off state of digital address circuity is controlled by applying a test signal potential to an input test pad and through a fuse to a common test circuit junction. This junction is in turn connected between a transistor and diode in a series control network which is operative to control the conductive state of the address circuitry. This network enables the input test pad to be used as both a test signal input connection and a ground connection for the IC test circuit.

Abstract: A new and improved method for profiling wafers, and for uniquely identifying the dies formed thereon, wherein the method includes the step of locating a set of reference points along the periphery of the wafer, relative to a predetermined coordinate system. Next, the equation of a hypothetical circle which substantially contours the periphery of the wafer, and which passes through the reference points, is defined. The coordinates of the center of the hypothetical circle, as well as the coordinates of an arbitrary reference die on the wafer, are then derived from the equation of the hypothetical circle. Subsequently, the entire surface of the wafer is mapped relative to the center or to the reference die, by utilizing predetermined stepping dimensions.

Abstract: A printhead cartridge and carriage assembly (10) is provided comprising: a carriage (12); a snap-spring (62) for securing a printing cartridge (14) in postion on the carriage; and an interconnect strip (16) for supplying electrical signals to the cartridge, including a force loading spring pad (24) for urging a portion of the interconnect strip against a portion of the cartridge. The cartridge has top (32), bottom (34), sides (36, 38), front (40) and rear (42) surfaces and includes a printhead (44) on the bottom surface, an electrical contact strip (46) on the back surface connected to the printhead, referencing pads (56) on the side surface, and a lip (64) on the back surface for accepting the snap-spring. Referencing surface (60) are provided for receiving the referencing pads on the cartridge. The spring pad urges the interconnect strip against the electrical contact of the cartridge.

Abstract: A television broadcasting method and apparatus. The broadcasting method generally includes the steps of multiplexing signals from a plurality of channels over a single carrier frequency, and transmitting the multiplexed signals to a reception circuit. The multiplexed signals are then demultiplexed at the reception circuit. The demultiplexed signals are then separated into separate channels, and then stored for a predetermined period of time. The signals of the selected channel are then decompressed and reconstructed on a real-time basis and are then displayed or viewed also on a real-time basis.

Abstract: A novel ink-jet printer (10) is provided. The print provides both paper supply tray (12) and paper collection tray (18) in the front (14) of the printer for ease of paper handling and reduced footprint. The paper collection tray is provided with a pair of opposed output rails (22) which support a sheet of paper (16c) during printing to permit ink on a sheet of paper (16b) previously printed to dry. A paper handling mechanism is provided which eliminates a sheet pickup motor and associated elements. The paper handling mechanism is configured to pick off a sheet of paper from a stack of input paper, bring it around paper drive rollers (24) onto a platen (26), where the printing operation, employing a printhead cartridge (32), occurs. The printer further includes a service station (230) for clearing clogged nozzles in the printhead (33) and removing bubbles therefrom, for covering the nozzles with a protective cap (266), and for wiping contaminants off the nozzles.

Abstract: A service station (10) for use in an ink-jet printer comprises(a) pump means (12) for priming the printhead (18) of a cartridge (20),(b) a sled (14) to actuate the service station and seal the printhead, and(c) wiping means (58) for cleaning the printhead.The service station is fixed at one end of travel of a carriage (22) supporting the cartridge. The carriage is adapted to move bidirectionally by means of a controlled motor.The service station performs a number of functions, including clearing clogged nozzles in the printhead and removing bubbles therefrom, covering the nozzles with a protective cap (50) when the printhead is not in use to prevent contamination thereof, preventing ink from drying out in the nozzles, wiping contaminants picked up during printing off the nozzles, and providing a location (60) for firing the nozzles for clearing out thereof prior to printing.

Abstract: A locking system is described for detachably securing two workpieces together (e.g., two housing sections). Elongated arms are carried by one workpiece and a corresponding opening(s) is present in the other workpiece. The outer end of each elongated arm is resiliently deflectable so that it is deflected when being inserted into the opening in the one workpiece; then the arm springs back. A locking arm on the second workpiece is then able to move behind the end of the elongated arm to restrict deflection of the arm, thus preventing any unintentional unlocking of the two workpieces.

Abstract: Several problems of alignment associated with ink-jet printers are alleviated by four aspects. In the first, a reverse bow (B) in the paper (12) is created for printing on single sheets of paper. The reverse bow, which in the transverse axis of the paper, forces the paper flat against the platen (14) by using the paper's own stiffness.In the second aspect, the paper and the carriage (30) are referenced to the same part (the carriage guide (10)). In this configuration, the paper is urged against the underside of the carriage guide off of drive rollers (18), through the reverse bow, and onto the platen, where it is printed. The carriage is referenced to the carriage guide through a slider bump by means of a carriage shaft and gravity.The carraige guide comprises stiff thin sheet metal, which is closely-toleranced and has well-controlled dimensions. Thus, this part is good to reference to, rather than molded-in parts, which are not stiff enough at the required thickness.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing accessories inside a printing device, wherein the apparatus includes a storage enclosure, which is secured pivotally to the housing of the printing device, and which is capable of assuming at least one open position and one closed position. The storage enclosure is substantially housed within the carriage swept volume, when it is located in the closed position, without interfering with the path of travel of the carriage assembly, when it is in the open position. A cover protects the inner printing mechanism when the storage enclosure is in the open position. A catch mechanism retains the storage enclosure in stable open and closed positions.