Abstract: An Ethernet-compatible synchronization process between isolated digital data streams assures synchronization by embedding an available time code from a first stream into data locations in a second stream that are known a priori to be unneeded. Successive bits of time code values, generated as a step in acquiring and digitizing analog sensor data, are inserted into least-significant-bit locations in a digitized audio stream generated along with digitized image data by a digital video process. The overwritten LSB locations are shown to have no discernable effect on audio reconstructed from the Ethernet packets. Telemetry recovery is the reverse of the embedment process, and the data streams are readily synchronized by numerical methods.

Abstract: A method of measuring blood flow through a blood vessel is provided using a single quasi-continuous mode probe that can support multiple frequencies without increasing the probe tip size. A plurality of elements are provided in the probe tip. Each element emits ultrasound waves using a long pulsed signal with each element having a different resonant frequency. Each element also receives ultrasound energy in a continuous mode. A selector is manually controlled by a practitioner to select the active element. The output may take a variety of forms. For example, the output may be printed, displayed, recorded to a memory, and/or played through a speaker or headset.

Abstract: A porous structure having a plurality of bonded sheets each sheet having at least one aperture that partially overlaps an aperture of at least one other sheet. A method of producing a porous structure including stacking a plurality of sheets each sheet having a multiplicity of apertures, and bonding each sheet to its adjoining sheet. An open-pore network structure having a multiplicity of sheets each having a repeatable pattern. At least a portion of each sheet is bonded to the web of an adjacent sheet. The porous area of at least one of the sheets is askew to the porous area of at least another of the sheets. An open-pore structure having a multiplicity of bonded sheets, each sheet having a repeatable pattern defining a multiplicity of perforations, and a plurality of apertures defined by the repeatable pattern, the apertures extending through the perforations of at least two adjacent plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for establishing a synchronized time frame for signals in a medical monitoring system. In particular, the present invention provides a system and method for synchronizing the time frame of stimulation signals provided by a stimulator to a subject and response signals received by an amplifier device from the subject in response thereto. Thus, the present invention allows accurate display and analysis of the relationship between stimulation and response signals by a monitoring device. Time frame synchronization of stimulus and response signals is achieved using a periodic bus cycle clock signal which is provided by a bus, i.e., an IEEE 1394 bus, connecting together each of the devices in the monitoring system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for simultaneously using and configuring one or more disposable transmitters. The system includes at least one single or multiple use disposable transmitter, a central station, and a receiver module. The transmitter is connected to a patient to gather and measure biomedical information. The transmitter transmits the biomedical information through the receiver module to the central station for processing, storage and display. Prior to use, each transmitter must be configured to work with the central station and the receiver module. This allows the users to configure the disposable transmitters relatively quickly and easily without needing advanced technical information. The inventive configuration also enables the operator to map a location on a monitor in the central station to a specific disposable transmitter and ultimately to a specific patient or location in the coverage area that is covered by the system.

Abstract: A system and method for easily and rapidly disconnecting electrode signals from and connecting electrode signals to amplifiers in, e.g., a medical signal monitoring system. A switching device is provided between an electrode and a corresponding electrophysiologic signal amplifier forming a signal channel. A channel disconnect selection user interface is provided for indicating selected channels. A channel disconnect user interface is provided, whereby an operator may indicate in a single action that electrode signals in the channels selected using the channel disconnect selection user interface are to be disconnected from, and reconnected to, their respective amplifiers. Electrode signals in the selected channels may be disconnected from and reconnected to their respective amplifiers automatically in timed relation to electrical stimulation provided to a subject.

Abstract: A combination referential and differential amplifier circuit for a medical signal monitoring system includes a plurality of electrode inputs, including at least one reference electrode input, a plurality of medical signal amplifiers, and switching means for selectively coupling each of the plurality of electrode inputs to each of the inputs of the plurality of medical signal amplifiers. Each electrode input may be selectively coupled to several amplifier inputs. The output of a medical signal amplifier with the amplifier inputs thereof coupled to electrode inputs, neither of which is a reference electrode input, produces a differential amplifier signal output. A medical signal amplifier with the inputs thereof coupled to electrode inputs, one of which is the reference electrode input, produces a referential signal output. Thus, a combination of differential and referential electrophysiologic signal channels may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for establishing a synchronized time frame for signals in a medical monitoring system. In particular, the present invention provides a system and method for synchronizing the time frame of stimulation signals provided by a stimulator to a subject and response signals received by an amplifier device from the subject in response thereto. Thus, the present invention allows accurate display and analysis of the relationship between stimulation and response signals by a monitoring device. Time frame synchronization of stimulus and response signals is achieved using a periodic bus cycle clock signal which is provided by a bus, i.e., an IEEE 1394 bus, connecting together each of the devices in the monitoring system.