Abstract: The invention relates to an electrocardiogram arrangement having a plurality of lead channels, in which at least two lead channels are assigned an evaluation unit (1, 2, . . . ) which evaluates the ECG quality, classifies the results and locates the QRS complexes. For the QRS complex location, a central logic unit (14) selects that lead channel which has the highest ECG quality as the dominant lead channel. When special events occur in the dominant lead channel, other lead channels are accessed as appropriate.

Abstract: A defibrillator (1) having an integrated surveillance monitor (10), on the screen of which vital parameters of a patient can be displayed in the form of a rotatable screen content, having a built-in accumulator (9) for power supply independently of the main power supply and having a connection device (2, 3, 7) for external power supply and for recharging the accumulator (9). The screen content is rotatable from a first position relative to the housing to a second position relative to the housing in response to a change in position of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for enhancing signals In ECGs including artefacts, said apparatus comprising a mean value unit (4) for evaluating from an ECG signal the curve shape of a predetermined number of beats from the beginning of a QRS complex to the end of a T wave and forming therefrom a mean value beat. A subtracting unit (3) subtracts the mean value beat from the ECG signal of an actual beat to thereby obtain a residual signal. A FIR filter unit (4) subjects the residual signal to high-low-pass filtering and delays it to provide a filtered signal to which the mean value beat is added in an adding unit.

Abstract: A defibrillator (1) including an integrated surveillance monitor (10) having a screen capable of displaying vital parameters of a patient, a built-in power supply device (9) for supplying power independently of an external power supply, and a connection device (2, 3, 7) for connecting the external power supply to the defibrillator where the screen content automatically rotates on the application of the external power supply.

Abstract: This invention provides a polarographic/amperometric measuring sensor, particularly useful for transcutaneous determination of the oxygen partial pressure (tcpO.sub.2) in the blood by means of a Clark-type electrode arrangement. According to the invention the counter electrode, preferably made of a noble metal, is disposed about the insulating material encasing the working electrode and is preferably made of the same noble metal as the working electrode. The measuring sensor can also be provided with a pH electrode for simultaneous determination of the carbon dioxide partial pressure (tcpCO.sub.2) in the blood.

Abstract: To enable conventional adapter assemblies used to accurately position a removable biosensor, to be used for measurements in the interior of the skull of small children, the disclosed is a support sleeve which ensures an axial length compensation, taking into account the thinner skull bone thickness, and at the same time ensures accurate alignment of the adapter assembly and the biosensor. The support sleeve also ensures a more even distribution of axial thrust forces when the adapter assembly and the biosensor are positioned. The support sleeve comprises an inwardly extending peripheral flange defining an annular space between the flange and a tubular element slidably inserted in the sleeve. A spring element disposed in the space assures adequate anchorage in the skull bone.

Abstract: The combined sensor with a thermostatted heating device (7, 23) for the simultaneous and continuous transcutaneous measurement of oxygen (O.sub.2) and of carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) in the blood contains a measuring device (1) for the partial pressure of CO.sub.2 (pCO.sub.2), in which there is pure optical/spectrometric operation or which operates on the principle of pH measurement in a electrolyte (8), and which is separated from the measuring site on the skin by a membrane (13) which is permeable to both CO.sub.2 and light, and contains another measuring device (24, 25, 26) for the spectrometric measurement of the blood oxygen saturation (sO.sub.2). The advantage over a known pO.sub.2 /pCO.sub.2 combined sensor is that the combined sensor according to the invention can be operated at a low operating temperature of, for example, 42.degree. C.

Abstract: The combined sensor with a thermostatted heating device (7, 23) for the simultaneous and continuous transcutaneous measurement of oxygen (O.sub.2) and of carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) in the blood contains a measuring device (1) for the partial pressure of CO.sub.2 (pCO.sub.2), in which there is pure optical/spectrometric operation or which operates on the principle of pH measurement in an electrolyte (8), and which is separated from the measuring site on the skin by a membrane (13) which is permeable to both CO.sub.2 and light, and contains another measuring device (24, 25, 26) for the spectrometric measurement of the blood oxygen saturation (sO.sub.2). The advantage over a known pO.sub.2 /pCO.sub.2 combined sensor is that the combined sensor according to the invention can be operated at a low operating temperature of, for example, 42.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for preventing hypoxic damage, relieving respiratory difficulties and conditioning breathing reflexes in a living human body. More particularly, at least one sensory stimulus is imparted to the body in response to a deviation from at least one adjustable physiological variable followed sequentially by delivery of a respiration restoring gas to the vicinity of the nose and mouth of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adapter assembly for accurately positioning a removable biosensor implanted in the cranium or skull cap. The assembly comprises an outer sleeve member insertable into a hole bored through the skull cap and an inner sleeve member coaxial with the outer sleeve. The sleeve members are constructed so as to permit slidable insertion and removal of the biosensor and to ensure accurate, tilt-free alignment thereof, thus enabling precise, error-free measurement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a retainer assembly for applying a membrane to a physiological sensing unit for the transcutaneous determination of the magnitude of physiological quantities, particularly for measuring the partial pressure of gases in blood or the like. The assembly constitutes a preassembly of a membrane, with a clamping ring accommodating the membrane and having an annular recess receiving the rim of the membrane. The clamping ring has a lip in the form of an inwardly protruding annular edge for removably securing the clamping ring together with the membrane to the sensing unit by virtue of the lip resiliently snapping into a peripheral groove of the sensing unit, the lip defining the periphery of the annular recess. A retainer element is provided for temporarily and removably assembling the membrane with the clamping ring prior to assembly with the sensing unit.

Abstract: The method and the device based on it for the automatic calibration of measuring and indicating appliances used for the measurement and indication of the oxygen partial pressure in connection with polarographic sensors provide that a variable polarization voltage supplied by a polarization voltage generator (2), controlled by a central processor (4), is applied to a polarographic sensor (1). The resulting measuring signals of the sensor (1), after analog-digital conversion, are stored in a read-write memory (8). By comparing these with the desired current values stored in a read-only memory (7) the central processor (4) determines the theoretical residual current deviation from the zero value, which in turn is stored. The operating point is fixed at the point of the lowest slope within the operating range of the characteristic line.

Abstract: A fire control system for a mobile weapon carrier incorporates a strapdown sensor block that includes inertial sensors. The digital outputs of the sensor block are utilized for weapon and sight stabilization, fire control and navigation with the aid of a signal processing system that includes a central digital computer, control and stabilization transducers associated with both sight and weapon, and a display for navigational data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an arm deflecting drive system for strip chart recorders. The drive system mechanism includes a variable resistance structure which produces a position signal indicative of the angular position of the deflecting arm, which signal is proportional to the tangent of the position angle of the arm. The drive mechanism further includes a differential amplifier receiving both the position signal and a reference signal and generating a deflection signal related to the difference between the reference and position signals. In accordance with the invention, the variable resistance structure may include a track of electrically resistant material contoured to provide the tangential relationship between the position signal and the position angle or, alternatively, the track may be formed from an inhomogeneous material to provide such tangential relationship.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a physiological, electrically heated, thermostatically controlled sensing unit of the type used in the medical field for measuring blood contents, such as oxygen. A typical unit comprises a housing for application to the skin of a living being, an electric heater element within the housing, and a temperature-responsive switching circuit, also accommodated within the housing. The switching circuit automatically disconnects a power supply to the heater element when the skin temperature exceeds an adjustable predetermined threshold level. The power supply for the switching circuit is directly connected to the power supply for the heater element within the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a retainer arrangement for applying a membrane to a physiological sensing unit for the transcutaneous determination of the magnitude of physiological quantitites, particularly for measuring the partial pressure of gases in blood or the like. The arrangement constitutes a preassembly of a membrane, with a clamping ring accommodating the membrane and having an annular recess receiving the rim of the membrane. The clamping ring has a lip in the form of an inwardly protruding annular edge for removably securing the clamping ring together with the membrane to the sensing unit by virtue of the lip resiliently snapping into a peripheral groove of the sensing unit, the lip defining the periphery of the annular recess. In accordance with the invention, an auxiliary retainer element, is provided for temporarily and removably assembling the membrane with the clamping ring prior to assembly with the sensing unit.

Abstract: A respiration monitor for use in an apnea monitor is disclosed in which a threshold value signal is automatically generated proportional to the average value of the monitored impedance of the subject during a base period selected by the operator. A comparator circuit operates to indicate respiration when the ratio between the threshold value signal and the impedance signal reaches a predetermined proportionality factor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and a retainer arrangement for applying a membrane to a physiological sensing unit for the transcutaneous determination of the magnitude of physiological quantities, particularly for measuring the partial pressure of gases in blood or the like. The invention proposes the preparation of a preassembly thus constituting a spare part which will be ready for application to the sensing unit when needed. The preassembly comprises a membrane, a clamping ring for removably assembling the membrane with the sensing unit, and means, including an auxiliary retainer element, for temporarily and removably securing the membrane to the clamping ring prior to assembly with the sensing unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the calibration of a sensing unit for determining the partial pressure of oxygen in contact with the sensing unit. The method is of the type using a zero-calibration solution in which the partial pressure of oxygen is maintained at zero by virtue of a binding agent present in the solution for chemically combining with the oxygen. The essential steps of the method include adding to the solution a color indicator for indicating that the zero-calibration solution contains unspent binding agent, contacting the sensing unit with the zero-calibration solution containing the unspent binding agent and the color indicator, energizing the sensing unit, and adjusting the sensing unit until it indicates zero concentration.The invention also compasses within its scope a calibration agent for use in the performance of the method for supplying the zero-calibration solution upon dissolution in water, as well as a container for storing the zero-calibration solution.

Abstract: A sensor for transcutaneous measurement of physiological phenomena of living tissues is provided with a thermostatically-controlled electric heater. The purpose of the heater is to induce local hyperemia to enable operation of the sensor. The heater is thermostatically controlled. An independent temperature sensor is provided to disable the heater in the event of catastrophic failure of the thermostat circuit.