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 method and apparatus for controlling in a strip-chart recorder lateral and longitudinal imagery registration for overprinting on pre-printed heart imagery of visual pictorial, heart-related condition-interpretation data. Pairs of parallel and nonparallel control marks, precisely preprinted on a strip-chart page in relation to this pre-printed heart imagery, are observed passing through a prepared zone defined in the recorder. Near (or within) this prepared zone, a fixed-portion printhead, which is employed to perform overprinting, and whose print-active area can be laterally adjusted, is provided. Observation timings of passing control masks are employed to determine both (a) the times when data overprinting should occur, and (b) any necessary lateral printing-area adjustments that should be made, to assure proper printed-imagery registration.

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: A printer assembly with lateral and longitudinal self-alignment. The printer assembly has a frame, a door which swings open, a motor-driven platen disposed on the door, a print head movably disposed on the frame so as to engage the platen, and a spring coupled to the print head so as to produce both backward force to urge the print head against the platen when the door is closed and torque to rotate the print head upwardly when the door is opened. The frame is provided with a semi-cylindrical paper well and a generally triangular shape for ease of access to the paper well.

Abstract: A harness for placing on a patient's chest allows ECG measurements to be quickly made. The harness includes a strip of nonconductive film having a connector terminal at one edge for connection to an ECG measuring devise. The strip has a number of electrodes formed on it, each having leads extending to the connector terminal. At least some of the electrodes are grouped into sets. Each of the sets has a pattern of electrodes spaced for placement on a patient of a different size. Each of the electrodes within the sets has a corresponding electrode in another of the sets with which it is in electrical common. A backing layer may be peeled-off to expose the electrodes. The backing layer has separate zones, one for each of the sets of electrodes.

Abstract: An ECG harness is positioned on the chest of patient for making electrocardiographic measurements. The harness includes a strip of nonconductive film having a plurality of slots spaced along the length of the strip at selected anatomical positions. A connector terminal is formed at one edge of the strip for connection to a monitoring device. Electrically conductive border traces extend around the slots. The border traces are exposed on the outer side of the strip and insulated from the inner side of the strip. Conductive leads extend from the connector terminal to the border traces. Electrode pads are placed on the outer side of the strip at least partially extending over the slots. Each of the electrode pads has a conductive inner side for electrical contact with one of the border traces and the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A high-speed, relay for switching a high voltage signals includes a set of terminals across which the high voltage signal is applied. The relay also includes a motor having a shaft for movement between an open position and a closed position responsive to actuation of the motor. A contact plate is connected to the shaft which moves responsive to the shaft. A conductor having two contacts at distal ends is formed on the contact plate opposite the terminals such that the conductor does not contact the terminals in the open position and the conductor creates a short circuit across the terminals when in the closed position. The relay according to the invention permits the contact plate to be positioned closer to the terminals which results in a faster switching time.

Abstract: A thermal printer is provided with a free floating print head and a sliding top supporting a platen roller. The platen roller is engageable with the print head such that a biased uniform force is applied to the print head. The sliding top is movable between a print ready position and a paper loading position. A wide gap is provided between the platen roller and the print head which in the paper loading position, allowing for easy paper loading without need for threading.

Abstract: A thermal printer is provided with a free floating print head and a sliding top supporting a platen roller. The platen roller is engageable with the print head such that a biased uniform force is applied to the print head. The sliding top is movable between a print ready position and a paper loading position. A wide gap is provided between the platen roller and the print head which in the paper loading position, allowing for easy paper loading without need for threading.