Abstract: A device includes a main body having a length, a first end, a second end, and an axis along the length. A first electrode is associated with the first end of the main body. A suspension structure is associated with the second end of the main body. The suspension structure is configured for displacement in a direction of the axis of the main body, and includes a flexible isolation ring defining an opening, and a second electrode that is associated with the opening and mechanically coupled to the flexible isolation ring. The device also includes an electronics assembly with a first subassembly that is electrically coupled to the first electrode and secured relative to the main body to prevent displacement of the first subassembly in a direction of the axis of the main body, a second subassembly that is arranged to electrically couple with the second electrode.

Abstract: A method for acquiring, externally or internally, for utility purposes a subject's anatomical heart-sound information including (a) for a selected time period, applying continuous, near-sensor-mechanical-resonance, vibratory stimulation to an acoustic sensor placed on or within the subject's anatomy, and (b) during that time period, detecting, as direct indications of heart sounds, changes in the sensor's physical resonance properties produced by heart sounds arriving at the sensor.

Abstract: A method for acquiring, externally or internally, for utility purposes a subject's anatomical heart-sound information including (a) for a selected time period, applying continuous, near-sensor-mechanical-resonance, vibratory stimulation to an acoustic sensor placed on or within the subject's anatomy, and (b) during that time period, detecting, as direct indications of heart sounds, changes in the sensor's physical resonance properties produced by heart sounds arriving at the sensor.

Abstract: A combined audio and electrical anatomy-signal sensor which is designed to collect, essentially from a selected, common anatomical site, related audio and electrical anatomical signals, such as heart-produced signals. The sensor includes a unique body structure which is designed to function both as a part of the audio-information gathering structure, and as a part of electrical electrode structure for gathering electrical signals. Chamber space is provided within this body for receiving and containing desired electrical circuitry, in the form of circuit-board-supported electrical components, which may be designed to perform any one of a number of different functions relative to signal gathering and transferring at and from an anatomical site.

Abstract: ECG-related adaptor/sensor structure and methodology which enables various selectable operational communication to occur both unidirectionally and bidirectionally between the adaptor/sensor structure, and remote structure which is intended to receive ECG-related physiologic data from the adaptor/sensor structure.

Abstract: A sensor designed to collect and convey single-site-related, body-produced electrical and acoustic signals, such as those related to heart activity, where electrical electrode and audio transducer structures lie along a common axis. A portion of the electrical electrode structure forms an acoustic isolating shroud around the audio transducer.

Abstract: An anatomy-contact sensor and related methodology for collecting at least heart-sound data. The sensor includes (a) a sensor body with an internal acoustic chamber having a mouth which is placeable adjacent, and preferably in contact with, a subject's anatomy, (b) a deflectible, preferably anatomy-contacting, preferably gas-permeable membrane spanning this mouth, and effectively sealing the chamber against through-passage in the mouth of all essentially but gas, (c) an acoustic-to-electrical-signal transducer mounted on the body and exposed to acoustic events occurring in the chamber, and (d) vacuumizing structure which is effective to hold the body in gripping contact with a subject's anatomy.

Abstract: A sensor system for the combined, simultaneous, common-axis collection of heart-produced acoustical and electrical signals. The system includes (a) a hollow-interior body of revolution possessing an axis of revolution which is substantially coincident with the common signal-collection axis, (b) an electrode structure mounted on the outside of the body and disposed symmetrically with respect to the signal-collection axis, (c) a sound transducer disposed within the interior of the body, substantially centered on the signal-collection axis, (d) a cushion of revolution circumsurrounding and supporting the transducer within the body in a manner which substantially isolates the sound transducer from spurious noise events, and (e) an anatomy-adhereable acoustic membrane, disposed in the path for sound collection to act as a mechanical anatomy-to sensor impedance-matching coupler assisting in sound-signal collection.

Abstract: A sensor system for the combined, simultaneous, common-axis collection of heart-produced acoustical and electrical signals. The system includes (a) a hollow-interior body of revolution possessing an axis of revolution which is substantially coincident with the common signal-collection axis, (b) an electrode structure mounted on the outside of the body and disposed symmetrically with respect to the signal-collection axis, (c) a sound transducer disposed within the interior of the body, substantially centered on the signal-collection axis, (d) a cushion of revolution circumsurrounding and supporting the transducer within the body in a manner which substantially isolates the sound transducer from spurious noise events, and (e) an anatomy-adhereable acoustic membrane, disposed in the path for sound collection to act as a mechanical anatomy-to sensor impedance-matching coupler assisting in sound-signal collection.

Abstract: A releasably interconnectible, signal-communicative interface between an anatomical signal sensor and an associated receiving coupler-adapter. Through complementary male and female interconnection structures, this interface is designed to accommodate both a mechanical, and an electrical, releasably locked cross-connection between such a sensor and a coupler-adapter. Spring-biased cam-interengaging interface components, including a cam surface on the sensor, and a pair of relatively moveable opposed clamping arms on the coupler-adapter operate, during the act of connection, to draw a sensor projection into a connected condition within a socket provided in the coupler-adapter. A springy, electrically conductive component in the adapter plays both mechanical and electrical roles in relation to operation of the interface.

Abstract: A coupler-adapter which is employable in an anatomical signal path that extends between an anatomical signal sensor, such as an ECG electrical sensor, including one which may also be designed to collect audio information, and external signal-reception structure. The couple-adapter includes body structure which may be directly connected to such a sensor, and which includes plural sensor reception regions that are configured to receive and accommodate, mechanically and electrically, plural different types of such sensors.

Abstract: A combined audio and electrical anatomy-signal sensor which is designed to collect, essentially from a selected, common anatomical site, related audio and electrical anatomical signals, such as heart-produced signals. The sensor includes a unique body structure which is designed to function both as a part of the audio-information gathering structure, and as a part of electrical electrode structure for gathering electrical signals. Chamber space is provided within this body for receiving and containing desired electrical circuitry, in the form of circuit-board-supported electrical components, which may be designed to perform any one of a number of different functions relative to signal gathering and transferring at and from an anatomical site.

Abstract: A sensor designed to collect and convey single-site-related, body-produced electrical and acoustic signals, such as those related to heart activity, where electrical electrode and audio transducer structures lie along a common axis. A portion of the electrical electrode structure forms an acoustic isolating shroud around the audio transducer.

Abstract: A system involving disconnectably connectable sensor and adaptor units which can be employed to allow for the collection and communication, along with ECG data, of other physiologic parameter data whose condition is helpful in a evaluating communicative ECG data. Connection between the adaptor and sensor units of the invention effects the establishment of circuitry which allows (a) for the use of conventional ECG lead conductors alone to be responsible for carrying all categories of data, (b) for providing fail-safe communication of ECG data, and (c) for defining through different interfacial connective structures the actual characters of other-parameter data that will be communicated outwardly from a subject.

Abstract: ECG-related adaptor/sensor structure and methodology which enables various selectable operational communication to occur both unidirectionally and bidirectionally between the adaptor/sensor structure, and remote structure which is intended to receive ECG-related physiologic data from the adaptor/sensor structure.