Abstract: An electrodynamic drive system (2) for a vehicle between a drive engine (4) and a manual transmission (16) comprising a planetary transmission (12) with the three elements sun gear (50), internal gear (10) and planet carrier (32), of which a first element (32) is connected to the manual transmission (16), a second element (10) is connected to the drive engine (4), and a third element (50) is connected to at least one electrical engine (22). A clutch (40) is provided with a first shift position, in which a rigid connection exists between the planet carrier (32) and the sun gear (50) for bridging the planetary transmission (12), and a second shift position in which the connection between the planet carrier (32) and the sun gear (50) is interrupted.

Abstract: A hybrid transfer case includes a mainshaft, front and rear output shafts, an electric motor/generator connected to the mainshaft, and an input clutch for selectively coupling the transmission to the mainshaft. The transfer case further includes a planetary gearset having a sun gear driven by the mainshaft, a ring gear, and planet gears supported from a carrier. The carrier drives the rear output shaft and a transfer assembly couple to the front output shaft. A direct clutch is operable to selectively coupled the carrier for rotation with the mainshaft. A low brake is operable to selectively brake rotation of the ring gear. A transfer clutch controls the amount of drive torque delivered through the transfer assembly to the front output shaft. A hybrid control system is provided for controlling actuation of the various clutch and brake assemblies and the electric motor/generator to establish various drive modes.

Abstract: A lock-up control apparatus for an automatic transmission in which operations of four engagement elements are required when shifting is performed from a first shift speed to a second shift speed, the first shift speed being achieved by engagement of a first engagement element and a second engagement element, the second shift speed being achieved by engagement of a third engagement element and a fourth engagement element. The lock-up control apparatus includes a lock-up control unit that performs a control for bringing a lock-up clutch into one of a disengagement state and a slip state at a start of shifting, and that prevents reengagement of the lock-up clutch at a completion of engagement of the third engagement element when shifting is performed from the first shift speed to the second shift speed during lock up.

Abstract: A simple planetary gear mechanism is provided with an automatic alignment function to support the planet gear to obtain a speed reducer having reduced backlash by a simple method. A planet gear is supported by a carrier pin that is in turn supported by a carrier. The carrier pin includes a crank portion that is eccentric by “e” relative to the axis center of the carrier pin with the eccentric angle being made variable. The planet gear is supported rotatably about the axis center of the crank portion. Consequently, with the eccentric angle being made variable, the axis center of the planet gear is automatically aligned in the radial direction upon assembly of each gear, thereby making it possible to minimize backlash only by incorporating a sun gear having a proper dimension.

Abstract: A transmission for a motor vehicle, such as a motor vehicle EVT, is configures so that the number of teeth of the first planet gear of the epicycloidal gear train, operatively connected to the output toroidal disks by the first sun gear, and of an output element of the epicycloidal gear train form a ratio not equal to one. The transmission ratio of the toroid variator can be varied in such a way, and the number of teeth of the first planet gear of the epicycloidal gear train and of an output element of the epicycloidal gear train are configured in such a way that an output shaft speed approximating zero can be selected according to the variator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a integral subassembly for the power train of an all wheel drive automotive vehicle. The subassembly includes a final drive unit coupled to a transmission output. The final drive unit itself includes a torque multiplier and an output adapted to provide power to the front wheels of the vehicle. Also included in the subassembly is a front differential coupled to the final drive's output. The front differential includes a left front wheel output and a right front wheel output. A power transfer unit in the subassembly is also coupled to the transmission output and provided with a non-parallel gear set and a rear driveline output, the latter being adapted to provide power to the rear wheels of the vehicle. The power transfer unit is coupled to the transmission output independently of the final drive unit. Finally, a housing commonly encloses the final drive unit, front differential and power transfer unit allowing them to be integrally provided as a subassembly.

Abstract: A differential having pinion bearings supported on the input yoke is provided. The differential includes a housing having an opening through which a pinion shaft extends. The input yoke is disposed about a portion of the pinion shaft and one or both pinion bearing sets are then disposed about the input yoke. This configuration reduces pinion standout and allows for installation of a pre-assembled bearing pack (i.e., without spacers or shims), but does not reduce the length of the splines on the input yoke or bearing capacity.

Abstract: A differential assembly including a rotatable casing having an axis of rotation, a selectively energized electromagnet proximal the casing, and a rotatable first clutch disposed within the casing, the first clutch placed in operative engagement with the casing in response to the electromagnet being energized. Relative rotation between the first clutch and the casing is slowed by their being in operative engagement. A rotatable clutch hub and a second clutch are disposed within the casing, and the casing and the clutch hub are rotatably coupled through engagement of the second clutch, which is operatively engaged in response to relative rotation between the first clutch and the casing being slowed. At least one rotatable pinion gear is disposed within the casing and revolves about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A vehicular automatic transmission TM has a torque converter TC connected to the engine E and an automatic transmission mechanism (gear trains 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b) connected to the output side of the torque converter, the drive power from the engine for which gear shifting is performed via the torque converter and the automatic transmission mechanism is transmitted to the wheels and the vehicle is driven. The control apparatus for this automatic transmission mechanism has a towing state presumption device that presumes based on the driving conditions that the vehicle is in a towing state, and a lockup engagement increase mechanism that increases the degree of engagement of the lockup clutch of the torque converter when it is determined via the towing state determination device that the vehicle is in a towing state.

Abstract: When a deceleration slip executing minimum gear stage is not established in a state of continuously executing a deceleration slip control at a target slip amount, it is judged whether or not an input shaft rotational speed of a transmission becomes a down shift judging rotational speed. When it becomes equal to or less than a predetermined down shift judging rotational speed, a down shift is executed, and a clutch pressure is controlled such that an engine rotational speed becomes a target engine rotational speed.

Abstract: A step simulator having pace adjustment device includes a stand, a driving wheel and a idler wheel rotatably secured to the stand and connected by a belt, a pair of tread bars indirectly pivoted to a pair of cranks of the driving wheel via a pair of adjustment devices, a pair of support rods respectively pivoted to a connecting bars of the adjustment devices and a transverse rod on a post of the stand and a pair of handle bars secured to the top of the support rods respectively. This disclosure is characterized in the pair of adjustment devices by which the step simulator is compact in size and both the oscillatory range of the tread bars and the length of the pace are adjustable in order that the step simulator enables to serve the adults and/or the children.

Abstract: An exercising device includes a hand operated member pivoted to a mounting frame and connected to a first coupler member which proceeds with a first reciprocating movement, and a lever member pivoted to the frame and connected to a second coupler member which proceeds with a second reciprocating movement. The second coupler member has a rear coupling end on which a motion guiding member, that is in slidable contact with the first coupler member, is mounted. A crank member is pivoted to a rear coupling end of the first coupler member. A synchronizing member is disposed to couple the hand operated member with the lever member such that the first and second reciprocating movements are synchronized, thereby rendering the second coupler member to run along an elliptical path.

Abstract: An improved treadmill having a weight-scale sensor and a console display which displays a history of weight loss or weight control based upon goals set over a period of time in order to facilitate an enclosed loop system for a weight loss monitoring program.

Abstract: A treadmill operation mode control system for use in a treadmill is disclosed include two ultrasonic transmitter receiver units respectively installed in the upright support of the base frame of the treadmill at two sides, and a microprocessor electrically connected between the ultrasonic transmitter receiver units and the instrument panel of the treadmill and adapted to accelerate the speed of the treadbase motor of the treadmill when the user moving a part of the body toward one ultrasonic transmitter receiver unit, or to reduce the speed of the treadbase motor when the user moving a part of the body toward the other ultrasonic transmitter receiver unit.

Abstract: A treadmill having two handgrip frames, a base frame and a deck frame includes a displacement detector of a shock absorption unit. A cantilever has one end pivotably connected to the lower portion of each of the handgrip frames and the other end pivotably connected to the deck frame. A displacement detector and an adjustable cushioning apparatus with a driving motor are interposed between each connecting arm of the handgrip frame and each cantilever for adjusting the cushioning force. The displacement detector having a cable, a guide roller, a large gear, a small gear and an optical disk is installed at bottom end of the adjustable cushioning apparatus. The optical disk and the small gear are received on a shaft. An optical detector is mounted near one side of the optical disk. The cable with one end fixed at the connecting arm of the handgrip frame extends around the guide roller and the large gear and is secured to the other end to the base frame.

Abstract: A one-way output device with a clockwise-counterclockwise unit includes a lengthwise hollow sleeve formed with a recessed fixing base. An inner gear cover is covered on the fixing base. A solar gear and two planetary gears are positioned between the fixing base and the inner gear cover, and the two planetary gears mesh with the inner teeth of the inner gear cover. A shaft is fitted thereon with an inner and an outer drive ring positioned interposing each other and fitted thereon with a clutch with balls. The shaft has its opposite ends respectively extending out of the fixing base and the inner gear cover and stably positioned. The inner and the outer drive ring and the balls are respectively fitted with the solar gear and the inner gear cover, carrying out one-way output whether the shaft is driven to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

Abstract: What is described here is a device for facilitating the locomotion of a person by himself or herself by means of a spring system for removable attachment to both legs of the person, which spring system enables the person, by compression and deflection of at least one spring element, to walk on the ground by jumping step by step. The invention is distinguished by the provisions that the spring element is a leaf spring having an arc-shaped configuration, on the concave side of which a leverage mechanism is provided that is fixedly connected for rotation to the leaf spring via two separate fixing means and a base plate on which the respective foot of the person may be placed and which is connected, on the one hand, via at least one rotary pin bearing and one connecting rod to the first fixing means and, on the other hand, to the other fixing means either directly or via a central support rigidly connected to the base plate.

Abstract: A weight stack adjusting mechanism is provided for an exercise machine having a frame, an operating mechanism movably connected to the frame, a resisting structure on the frame and a connecting device entrained about a first pulley and a second pulley. Both pulleys are mounted on the frame and join the operating mechanism with the resisting structure so as to selectively allow moving the resisting structure between a raised position and a lowered position. The system includes a first guide rod, a second guide rod, a third guide rod, and a fourth guide rod, each being supported by the frame. The resisting structure is formed by a primary weight stack movably mounted on the first and second guide rods, and a supplementary weight stack movably mounted on the third and fourth guide rods.

Abstract: A multi-exercise station apparatus which, when not in use, has plural cables entrained about support pulleys to obviate slack and when a selected taut cable is pulled, a distal end thereof is effective to raise a weight from a weight stack for resistance, wherein the ballast of the weight stack provides said slack function and a pulley on said exercise stack provides said resistance function.

Abstract: An exercise dumbbell system includes a handle and weight plates maintained in spaced relationship at opposite ends thereof. Weight selectors are movable laterally into and out of engagement with respective weight plates to secure them relative to the handle. Each weight plate is provided with a pathway having at least one notch that opens upward, and at least one groove that is bounded above by a lip. The selectors have respective weight engaging portions that travel along respective pathways to alternatively underlie different combinations of the weights.

Abstract: A inertial rocking type exercising device includes a rotation main body, and a support rack. The rotation main body is provided with two semi-spherical bodies, and a rotation disk rotatably mounted on the two semi-spherical bodies. The rotation disk is provided with an extension portion for receiving a counterweight ball. The support rack is provided with two handles and has a first end inserted into one of the two semi-spherical bodies, and a second end provided with an arcuate catch plate. Thus, the inertial rocking type exercising device that has a small volume and can be assembled and dismantled easily and conveniently.

Abstract: An inflatable elastic exercising device includes a deflatable collapsible elastic body and a base seat composed of assembled outer frames and reinforcing boards. The elastic body is formed with a fixing flange. The thickness of the fixing flange plus the thickness of the reinforcing board is just the height of a restricting channel of the outer frame, so that the reinforcing boards and the elastic body can be firmly fixed and enclosed by the outer frames. A user can stably and safely stand on it for doing balance exercise. After the elastic body is deflated and collapsed and the reinforcing boards and the outer frames are disassembled and stacked, it can be stored in a narrow space and conveniently transported.

Abstract: The present invention is an automatic tool changer. The automatic tool changer is adapted to perform a tool magazine indexing operation in response to an indexing command and perform a tool changing operation in response to a tool changing command. If an indexing command is not output within a predetermined time period after completion of a tool changing operation, power to the servo motor driving the tool magazine is temporarily stopped and when the next indexing command is output, the power to the servo motor is resumed to perform the indexing operation. If a tool changing command is not output within a predetermined time period after completion of the tool magazine indexing operation, the power supply to the servo motor is temporarily stopped and when the next tool changing command is output, the power to the servo motor is resumed to perform the tool changing operation.

Abstract: There is provided machinery and a method for manufacturing a stand-up retort pouch. The pouch has at least two opposed sheets of retort-resistant laminate material and a bottom gusset. It further has a recloseable fastener between the opposing sheet surfaces thereof, the recloseable fastener extending from a first side outer edge to an opposing second side outer edge and adjacent to at least one outer edge. The sheet surfaces are each scored with a laser score line. The laser score lines are in registration with one another and parallel with the recloseable fastener. The sheets are heat-sealed together along the top and side outer edges thereof and together with the gusset at a bottom edge thereof. The disclosed pouch is burst-resistant when sealed after first being filled with wet contents and subsequently being subjected to retort processing.

Abstract: A perforation device for making roll of plastic bag with an opening and a perforation line on each bag, comprising a cutting unit, an anvil unit and a expanding board, wherein, the cutting unit involves a main unit whereto are fitted with a toothed blade and a specified number of compressing blocks, the expanding board serving to expanding the material bag, the toothed blade on the cutting unit serving to cut and punch a surface of the material bag, making a roll of plastic bags each having an opening on one side, thereby fully automated packaging can be achieved by installing the present invention on an automatic weighing and packaging machine or a in conveyor packaging line for convenient packaging process, to reduce labor cost and enhance packaging efficiency.

Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus having a Z-folding function which incluses a sheet conveyance device for conveying a paper sheet having an image formed thereon and a stopping member capable of moving for adjusting the position thereof provided in a conveyance path in order to stop a paper sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyance device at the leading edge colliding against the stopping member, and forms a fold by introducing the buckle portion of the paper sheet formed by the stopping member between a roller pair composed of two folding rollers and gripping by the rollers. The sheet folding apparatus is provided with a controller for temporarily reducing the rotating speed of each of the folding rollers, at a timing when the paper sheet is gripped between the roller pair.

Abstract: A multiple-component fluid mixture is separated by feeding the fluid mixture into a chamber of a vessel through an inlet, the chamber being at least partially bounded by a peripheral wall and the chamber also communicating with an outlet. The fluid mixture includes a heavy component and a light component. The vessel is rotated about a rotational axis extending through the vessel such that the heavy component collects toward at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the vessel and the light component collects toward the rotational axis. The light component is removed through the outlet channel. The heavy component is removed through a conduit disposed within the chamber, the conduit extending from the heavy component toward the rotational axis and out of the vessel.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: An inverse planning method and apparatus for radiotherapy treatment of a target volume in a body are characterized by using a computer to calculate the results (dose distribution) of multiple treatment solutions (proposed radiation beam arrangements); and simultaneously displaying the calculated results for at least two of the treatment solutions for comparison by a treatment planner to enable the treatment planner to select a desired one of the treatment solutions.

Abstract: In a micro capsule type robot for examining the internal organs of a human body, by installing stopping unit for stopping or delaying moving of a micro capsule type robot at a certain examination position of the internal organs according to a stop control signal inputted from outside of a human body, the micro capsule type robot can be fixed to a certain position of the internal organs of a human body or its movement can be delayed in case of need in spite of peristalsis of the internal organs in order to examine the certain position minutely, accordingly a lesion judgement rate can be improved and a diagnosis function of the micro capsule type robot can be heightened.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a fixing member is integrated with a mouthpiece body through slide grooves and a rotational groove, and this improves the portability. Moreover, a guide tube can easily be fixed to the mouthpiece body only by rotating the fixing member with the rotational groove. Furthermore, an index is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube. The index is composed of scale lines formed at regular intervals and scale numbers formed at predetermined scale lines. The scale numbers represent the distances from a front end of the guide tube to the scale line, and the distances from a back end of the guide tube to the scale line. The index of the guide tube is used in combination with an index formed on an endoscope insertion part, and this makes it possible to correctly recognize the insertion length of the endoscope insertion part inserted into a body cavity of a subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing visual feedback to aid in the proper placement and location of a fetal sensor during a fetal oximetry monitoring procedure. An imaging device, such as an optical fiber can be used to image and illuminate the same or nearby region of tissue which the fetal sensor contacts. The image from the illuminated portion of tissue is transmitted along the optical fiber to an optical viewing device such as a hand-held image viewing instrument, camera, or an image processor/video display.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum of the kind including a tubular probe (6) for penetrating the vagina wherein the probe is encircled by an annular sealing element (13), in the form of a thick walled, domed shell of polyethylene foam, spaced from the leading end of the probe and which seals only against a circumferential zone of the internal tissue defining the vaginal orifice. The external surface of the sealing element is shaped as a surface of revolution wherein the diameter of the sealing surface increases progressively with axial distance from the leading end of the sealing element and wherein the rate of increase diminishes progressively with said axial distance. The seal therefore provides a low-pressure seal over a limited range of depths of penetration of the probe into the vagina and over a range of angular alignments of the probe.

Abstract: A light guide mount for use with a Shucman™ type ISO 7376/1 compatible laryngoscope blade, the light guide mount including a housing with a throughbore, and an L-shaped fiber optic light pipe with a short leg securely fastened into the housing and a long leg for extending along the blade, the throughbore accommodating a floating contact pin, a portion of the short leg, and a miniature bulb interdisposed between the contact pin and the short leg. A removable light guide mount for use with a laryngoscope blade, the light guide mount being removably slidingly insertable into a suitably shaped and dimensioned slot formed in a base portion of the blade, and secured therein by an inter-engagement means, and preferably a snap-fit inter-engagement means.

Abstract: A method for compressing data in an implantable device is provided. A current data sample is received. A difference value is determined between the current data sample and a previous data sample. The current data sample is compressed to at least one output symbol based on the difference value between the current sample and the previous data sample. Systems and programs of using the method are also provided.

Abstract: A timing assessment tool (12) is provided that is manipulatable by a user (8) in response to the user's expected occurrence of a rhythmic reference signal. The timing assessment tool derives a rhythmic assessment from a pattern of user responses to the user's expected occurrence of the rhythmic reference signal.

Abstract: A kit for generating a biological sample from a discharge emitted from a portion of a body includes an absorbent pad for deploying adjacent to the portion of the body and a portable device for preserving and/or pre-processing the sample. The pad includes a sampling membrane configured to retain at least one biological material. The portable device has a housing formed from a base portion and lid portion which together define a sealable sample chamber for receiving the sampling membrane. An injector device is configured to be activated by closing of the lid portion to inject sample extracting solution into the sample chamber.

Abstract: In order to optimize the handling of a rotating surgical tool for producing a depression in bone material, provision is made for an ultrasonic transducer which is capable of emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to be arranged in the tool, and for the ultrasonic transducer to be connectable to an ultrasonic generator and to a receiver which generates signals in dependence upon the strength of the ultrasonic radiation received by the ultrasonic transducer and upon the length of time between the emission of ultrasonic radiation and the reception of reflected ultrasonic radiation, which are a measure of the condition of the bone material in the direction of emission.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an ultrasonic imaging system adapted for generating synthetic focus images in real-time. The apparatus employs an integrated circuit architecture which is scalable and can be employed to construct real-time synthetic focus ultrasonic imaging systems having a large number of transducer array elements. The apparatus utilizes one field programmable gate array per image channel for data storage and sub-image generation. Each field programmable gate array includes on-chip block memories to store digitized ultrasonic signal return echo data and at least one block memory used to store data associated with each ultrasonic transmitter-receiver array pair. Logic inside the field programmable gate array calculates memory addresses during image generation to generate a time-of-flight surface and to form sub-images.

Abstract: Ultrasound applicators able to both image a treatment site and administer ultrasound therapy include an array of transducer elements that can be focused. In several embodiments, an electronically phased array is used for controlling the focal point of an ultrasound beam. The ultrasound beam produced thereby can also be electronically steered. To reduce the quality factor or Q of the array when the array is used for imaging, an electronic switch is selectively closed, placing a resistance in parallel with each of the array elements. A flexible array is employed in several embodiments and is selectively bent or flexed to vary its radius of curvature and thus control the focal point and/or a direction of focus of the array. In another embodiment, each of the transducer elements comprising the array are individually mechanically pivotable to steer the ultrasonic beam produced by the transducer elements.

Abstract: An adaptive transmit-focusing and beam-forming method and apparatus is provided, which in connection with beam-forming applies adaptive patterns of delay profiles to reflected ultrasonic pulses from a group of ultrasonic pulses, received by transducer arrays, forms multiple sets of preliminary scan-line data, and combines the multiple sets of preliminary scan-line data into single scan-line data; and in connection with transmit-focusing performs focusing a group of ultrasonic pulses by applying a plurality of delay profiles in accordance with propagation velocities within an object region to be ultrasonic imaged. The adaptive transmit-focusing and beam-forming method and apparatus reduces transmit-focusing and beam-forming errors generated from applying a single pattern of delay profile, and provides clear ultrasonic images.

Abstract: An adaptive multidimensional beamformer having near-instantaneous convergence for ultrasound imaging systems deploying multidimensional sensor arrays is disclosed. In a first step, the multidimensional beamformer is decomposed into sub-apertures. Each sub-aperture is then again decomposed into two coherent subsets of circular and/or line array beamformers in different coordinate directions of the multidimensional array. Implementation of the multidimensional beamformer according to the present invention provides the basis for a 3D ultrasound imaging system according to the present invention comprising a compact multidimensional sensor array and a compact processing unit that is field deployable and generates high resolution three-dimensional images in real time. It is also possible to capture four-dimensional images, the fourth dimension being time and the resulting images forming a video image of a volume of a moving organ.

Abstract: Valvular regurgitation is assessed by identifying a characteristic regurgitation jet in a colorflow image. An M-line is placed over the region of regurgitation and Doppler M-mode information is acquired from the flow convergence region adjacent the regurgitant orifice. The Doppler M-mode information, acquired at a higher acquisition rate than the colorflow frame rate, is used to produce a measure of the regurgitant flow rate and volume through the orifice. The flow rate can be used with velocity data acquired during the regurgitation event to produce a dynamic estimate of the size of the regurgitant valve orifice.

Abstract: A probe device is presented for use in an ultrasound-based measurement device for blood flow measurements in a patient's body. The probe comprises a housing containing a transducer arrangement. An outer surface of the housing, by which the probe is brought to a measurement location in the patient's body, is patterned so as to have at least one projecting portion. The design of the probe enables correct orientation of the transducers with respect to a blood vessel under measurements. The probe device is associated with an operation means for operating the probe, and an indication means for generating output data indicative of measurement results, which are incorporated in a common housing of a hand-held measurement device.

Abstract: Adhesive hydrogel films as ultrasound couplants wherein such hydrogels are adhesive on both sides for adhering to an ultrasound probe and to a protective sleeve or probe cover which facilitates acoustic coupling between an object such as between the human body and the active area of an ultrasound probe, thereby eliminating the requirement for coupling gels and fluids within the sleeve or cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for localizing an ultrasound imaging transducer. The ultrasound imaging transducer is operated in a first resonant mode to transmit an ultrasound imaging signal. Image data is generated based on this transmitted ultrasound imaging signal. The ultrasound imaging transducer is also operated in a second resonant mode to transmit or receive an ultrasound positioning signal. The position of the imaging transducer can then be determined based on the transmitted or received ultrasound positioning signal.

Abstract: An implantable monitor and method to acquire, store, and display physiological data for the diagnosis of vasovagal syncope or intermittent cardiac arrhythmias. Physiological data monitored preferably comprises heart rate, blood pressure, and body posture. Physiological signals are monitored until detection of an event that triggers the storage of data. A storage-triggering event may be a maximum or minimum heart rate or blood pressure, a dramatic change in heart rate or blood pressure, or a patient-activated signal. In one embodiment, confirmed detection of vasovagal syncope by the monitor causes a telemetric command to enable a syncope therapy. Storage of physiologic data is triggered by predetermined arrhythmia or syncope detection criteria and appropriate stimulation therapy for the detected condition may be enabled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring blood pressure using linearly varying air pressure, including a compression unit; an air pump that injects air into the compression unit; a pressure sensor that senses and outputs the air pressure of the compression unit; an ADC that converts and outputs the result of the sensing as a pressure signal; a controller that calculates a current pressure value of the compression unit from the pressure signal and a linear pressure of the compression unit that is linearly dropped corresponding to the current pressure value and generates the first control signal in response to the current pressure value and a second control signal from the result of a comparison of the current pressure value and the linear pressure; a DAC that converts and outputs the second control signal as an exhaust control signal; and a proportional control valve that exhausts air from the compression unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring blood pressure by the oscillometric technique. The method incorporates variable PIP's. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a value for the peak amplitude Amax of an oscillometric envelope; determining a cuff pressure, CP, which corresponds in time with Amax, this pressure representing the MAP of the subject; computing a variable value PIPSBP as a function of MAP; performing the calculation Asbp=Amax*PIPSBP to determine a systolic amplitude value Asbp along the oscillometric envelope; and determining the cuff pressure C which corresponds in time to Asbp, this value representing the systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the subject. PIP can be calculated using a piece-wise linear, polynomial, exponential or other function.

Abstract: A vascular-endothelial-cell-function evaluating apparatus including a pressing device including a cuff that is adapted to be worn on a first portion of a living subject, and a cuff-pressure changing device that changes a pressure in the cuff so as to press the first portion of the subject in a pressing period, a pulse-wave detecting device that detects a pulse wave including a plurality of heartbeat-synchronous pulses, from the first portion of the subject, or a second portion of the subject located on a distal side of the first portion, and a pulse-wave-second-half-information obtaining device that obtains a plurality of sets of pulse-wave-second-half information that represent respective characteristics of respective second-half portions of respective heartbeat-synchronous pulses of the pulse wave that are detected by the pulse-wave detecting device at respective different times, the respective second-half portions of the respective heartbeat-synchronous pulses being respective portions of the respective pu