Abstract: For temporary cardiac pacing, non-bioelectrical monitoring of intracardiac blood pressure variations is provided in the right ventricle. Unlike traditional bioelectric sensing, which is accomplished via the pacing leads, pressure based sensing can be independently accomplished from anywhere within the volume of the right ventricle, making it unnecessary to force a stiff pacing electrode tip into the myocardium to ensure quality sensing. Consequently, the distal pacing electrode can be designed with a more bulbous tip to significantly reduce the risk of myocardial perforation during implant. An inflatable bladder, employed initially to guide the catheter into the right ventricle, is subsequently employed as a fluid pressure sensor bulb to transmit intracardiac blood pressure variations to a fluid pressure transducer integral within the pacing controller.

Abstract: Manually and autonomously configured non-bioelectrical-monitoring backup and/or primary pacemaker sensing is provided in the right ventricle and in the right atrium. Non-bioelectrical-monitoring is accomplished via direct, in-chamber metering and analysis of right ventricle and right atrium dynamic intracardiac pressures. A sensor is located on the right ventricular lead, another on the right atrial lead, and both are connected to the pacemaker. Right ventricular and right atrial dynamic intracardiac pressures are monitored and analyzed to indicate the presence or absence of contraction, relaxation and acceptable rhythm.

Abstract: In response to a triggering event at a location such as a vehicle that has crashed a telematics system initiates a telecommunications call via telecommunications link 8 to PTN 10, through which it is routed to local 9-1-1 system 14 and thereby to local PSAP 18. Telematics system 2 waits, 26 (N), for local PSAP 18 to respond, 26 (Y), then exchanges ACN data with it per TTY protocols, 28. The PSAP then sends a command code back to the vehicle or other location to allow for voice communications with a person at the location. Other functions such as shutting the vehicle engine off can also be controlled by PSAP.

Abstract: A method for producing a hook-flash event on a loop (6B) incorporating a supervisory signal circuit. The supervisory signal circuit includes a supervisory signal source (2) that causes a supervisory current to flow around the loop through a threshhold detector device (4) and one or more supervised devices (10 and 24). When a counter-signal source (34) is connected to the loop, it opposes the flow of loop supervisory loop current (12), causing its level to drop below the detection threshhold of the threshhold detector device. After a timed period, the counter-signal source is disconnected from the loop, allowing the level of supervisory loop current to return to its normal state, thereby completing the hook-flash event on the loop.

Abstract: A method for producing a hook-flash event on a loop (6B) incorporating a supervisory signal circuit. The supervisory signal circuit includes a supervisory signal source (2) that causes a supervisory current to flow around the loop through a threshhold detector device (4) and one or more supervised devices (10 and 24). When a counter-signal source (34) is connected to the loop, it opposes the flow of loop supervisory loop current (12), causing its level to drop below the detection threshhold of the threshhold detector device. After a timed period, the counter-signal source is disconnected from the loop, allowing the level of supervisory loop current to return to its normal state, thereby completing the hook-flash event on the loop.