Abstract: Remote monitoring of cardiac electrical activity and/or pacemaker function under extensive control by personnel at a central station over the operation of a monitoring instrument at the patient's home, to thereby reduce reliance on active participation by the patient and to enhance useful information and suppress undesirable information in the signals transmitted between the home monitoring unit and the central station.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining electrical heart activity of an individual in a form capable of producing a twelve-lead electrocardiogram of an individual, said apparatus including: a right arm electrode; a left arm electrode; at least one leg electrode; a portable electrode support having a plurality of at least seven precordial electrodes fixed thereon. The at least seven precordial electrodes extend laterally across the support so as to assume different lateral positions across the human chest when the support is positioned over the chest. Circuitry is carried by the support in electrically connected relation to the electrodes and is capable of selectively operating a selected six of the plurality of precordial electrodes at positions which correspond to the six Wilson precordial leads for the individual. The circuitry is constructed and arranged to convert the electrical heart activity of the individual obtained by the electrodes into a form capable of producing a twelve-lead electrocardiogram.

Abstract: An improved programmer apparatus for receiving digital data telemetered from an implantable device such as a heart pacemaker with substantially reduced hardware complexity and with convenient flexibility to adapt to data received in multiple modulation formats and data rates. The apparatus includes a conventional front-end receiver for receiving the data in both a reflected-impedance telemetry mode and an active telemetry mode, and it further includes a digital signal processor for efficiently processing data samples of the received telemetry data. Processing the received data in software allows for great processing flexibility, including a convenient reconfiguration to accommodate new modulation formats and data rates for implantable devices developed at a later time.

Abstract: A medical communication system including (A) a sensor worn on a living body to obtain physical information of the body, and generating a signal representing the physical information; (B) a first device disposed on a side of the living body, receiving the physical information signal from (A) the sensor, and including (b1) a first transmitter which transmits the physical information signal via a communication channel, (b2) a first receiver which receives, via the communication channel, an instruction signal representing an instruction of a medical worker directed to the living body and/or an attendant person, and (b3) an output device which outputs the instruction of the medical worker so that the living body and/or attendant person receives the instruction; and (C) a second device disposed on a side of the medical worker, and including (c1) a second receiver which receives, via the communication channel, the physical information signal from (b1) the first transmitter, (c2) an output device which outputs the ph

Abstract: An ambulatory (in the home) patient health monitoring system is disclosed wherein the patient is monitored by a health care worker at a central station, while the patient is at a remote location. The patient may be a person having a specific medical condition monitored or may be an elderly person desiring general medical surveillance in the home environment. Cameras are provided at the patient's remote location and at the central station such that the patient and the health care worker are in interactive visual and audio communication. A communications network such as an interactive cable television is used for this purpose. Various medical condition sensing and monitoring equipment are placed in the patient's home, depending on the particular medical needs of the patient. The patient's medical condition is measured or sensed in the home and the resulting data is transmitted to the central station for analysis and display.

Abstract: A system for administering medical therapy includes an implantable medical apparatus containing an audio transmitter and an audio receiver for respectively transmitting and receiving extracorporeally audible audio signals. The system also includes an extracorporeal programming and control apparatus, which also includes an audio transmitter and an audio receiver. The medical apparatus can thus communicate directly, in both directions, with the extracorporeal programming and control apparatus by means of audio signals. Such communication can take place, for example, via a telephone line, so that the patient in whom the medical apparatus is implanted need not be physically present at the location of the extracorporeal programming and control apparatus in order to establish communication.

Abstract: The present invention, by using computer network technique to remotely treat EKG and EEH data, provides a useful way to make the EEMPI (EKG AND EEG MULTIPHASE INFORMATION DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM) to be used popularly in common people's home.

Abstract: A medical method comprises the steps of scanning a predetermined internal organ of a patient to collect individualized dimensional data about the organ, digitizing the data, and automatically storing encoded structural dimensions of the organ at different times. Dimensions of the organ are automatically compared with previously stored dimensions to determine changes in the dimensions. A cognizable signal is automatically generated, at a remote facility or at the person of the patient, upon a determination that dimensions of the organ have changed so as to indicate a dangerous condition of the patient, such as a ruptured splenic hematoma or a ruptured aneurysm.

Abstract: An electrical circuit comprising means for receiving an input signal for encoding or modulating and amplification. Multiple amplification stages including at least one transconductance amplifier are provided. There are means for having the input signal modulate the oscillator constituted by the multiple amplification stages to provide a 360.degree. phase-shifted signal at a predetermined frequency. Gain control means are also provided for developing level for permitting oscillation under conditions including at least the conditions of turn on of the circuit and other operating conditions. The gain control means includes a transistor and resistor network for adjusting the gain to sustain the oscillation. The transistor and resistor also regulate amplification of an intermediate stage of the amplifier. The preamplifier directly converts an EKG and/or other signals to linearized control currents which modulate the oscillator.

Abstract: A home health and communications support system and method which includes at least one health support unit for monitoring and supporting a patient, at least one monitoring terminal, and a network server coupled between the at least one health support unit and the at least one monitoring terminal for exchanging information between the at least one health support unit and the at least one monitoring terminal. The health support unit comprises a medication controller, communications module for interacting with the patient, central data processor, and external communications interface. The central data processor stores and manipulates patient data generated by the medication controller and by the communications module for patient interaction. The external communications interface allows access to patient data and accepts external data from an external source.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely displaying the inflation pressure within an inflator for inflating a balloon catheter. The apparatus comprises a pressure transducer positioned to sense pressure within the syringe, a transmission unit receiving a pressure signal from the transducer and transmitting by means of infrared light pulse sequences, a pressure message reflective of the pressure signal. A monitor positionable at a distance from the transmission unit receives and decodes the pressure messages, and provides a display thereof. A timer key for initiating the transmission of start/stop clock messages is located on the inflator unit. The monitor further includes a timer responsive to received clock messages, and an elapsed time display.

Abstract: A system for the transmission of physiological signals from a patient to a display analysis and/or recording device using a spread spectrum transmission technique to reduce interference with the detection of the transmitted physiological signal wherein multiple channels of the physiological signals are transmitted over a bandwidth of approximately 3 MHz.

Abstract: A cardiorespiratory alert system is described which comprises a patient unit which communicates with a caregiver unit, via an optional central base station in a Hospital Configuration, or via a base station in an Alternate Site/Home Configuration. A number of techniques are employed, including 1) withholding an alert in the presence of an apparent alert condition on some channels when a satisfactory signal condition exists on a different channel, and 2) correlating the conditions found in the signals for one parameter with those found for other parameters to confirm or discount the significance of the signals, so as to result in a system which provides alerts to the caregiver unit when life-threatening conditions are detected in the patient, yet is tolerant to the presence of artifact so that false positives are reduced. The present invention utilizes patient cooperation as well as a number of artifact reducing mechanisms to provide increased immunity to artifact.

Abstract: A memory loop recorder records electrocardiographic data in a random access memory for transmission to a remote display terminal via telephone line. The ECG data in the loops is transmitted in reverse time-order to the display from a point related to the occurrence of symptoms. The remote display terminal displays the transmitted data from right to left thus correcting the time access of the graphical display but allowing more rapid diagnosis of the critical ECG data.

Abstract: A method and device for obtaining electrical heart activity of an individual in a form capable of producing a twelve-lead electrocardiogram of an individual. The device includes a portable electrode support having an array of six non-adhesive precordial electrodes fixed thereon at predetermined positions within the array which correspond with the Wilson precordial leads for the individual. The device also includes a right arm electrode, a left arm electrode, a left leg electrode and circuitry for converting the electrical heart activity of the individual obtained by said electrodes into a form capable of producing a twelve-lead electrocardiogram. The method includes the steps of applying the left leg, left arm and right arm electrode to the skin of the individual at locations such that the circuitry can be electrically operable to obtain leads I, II, III, AVR, AVL, and AVF therefrom.

Abstract: A home medical system allows any patient or healthy person to measure his or her daily condition at home and undergo a check or an inquiry diagnosis by a medical specialist or doctor. The home medical system includes equipment for measuring the electrocardiogram and other heart conditions of a user, a display for explaining the procedure and a display for displaying thereon a result of a measurement by the equipment. A communication link connects the user's equipment to a medical institution for interconnecting the medical institution to the user's system so that medical personal at the medical institution can also review the measured results obtained by the user.

Abstract: A storage interrogation apparatus for communication with an implanted medical device and with remote communications systems. The apparatus comprises a microprocessor for implementing program control instructions, an RF receiver/transmitter connected to the microprocessor for transmitting and receiving signals between the interrogator and the implanted medical device, a memory integrated circuit for storing signal data received from the implanted medical device, and a transmission system for transmitting stored signal data to a location remote from the interrogator.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight wrist-worn cardiac data and event monitor having dry skin electrodes integral with the monitor's housing is disclosed. Preferably, the skin electrodes are made of titanium nitride-plated stainless steel and form inner, wrist-contacting, and outer, other hand's palm-contactable regions of the housing. Chronometric and other multiple functions are provided to increase the functional density of the monitor by partitioning and very-large-scale-integrating the circuitry, which includes signal detection; data conversion, storage, display and telecommunication; and external pushbutton controls operable by the patient's other hand. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a telephonic transmitter is integrally included within the housing for remote diagnostic purposes without the need for external connections.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight wrist-worn cardiac data and event monitor having dry skin electrodes integral with the monitor's housing is disclosed. Preferably, the skin electrodes are made of titanium nitride-plated stainless steel and form inner, wrist-contacting, and outer, other hand's palm-contactable regions of the housing. Chronometric and other multiple functions are provided to increase the functional density of the monitor by partitioning and very-large-scale-integrating the circuitry, which includes signal detection; data conversion, storage, display and telecommunication; and external pushbutton controls operable by the patient's other hand. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a telephonic transmitter is integrally included within the housing for remote diagnostic purposes without the need for external connections.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for the non-invasive, simultaneous, self-testing of fetal and maternal signals which comprises: a user display means to indicate that the device is operational, an ultrasonic means to detect fetal heart rate connected to said device, a detection means for maternal input signal connected to said device, wherein the device has signal processing means for simultaneously processing fetal heart rate and maternal input signals, and also has a communication linking means for the simultaneous transmission of fetal heart rate and maternal input data to a remote output device.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system is provided which includes a monitor and a transmitter which can optically communicate with each other. The monitor receives analog physiological data from a patient and converts the analog data to a digital optical signal which is sent to the transmitter optically. The transmitter includes a memory for storing the digital signal thereby allowing separation of the monitor from the transmitter prior to subsequent transmission. Additionally, the transmitter is capable of converting the digital signal to a modulated tone for transmission via standard phone lines. In this manner, the transmitter is able to send the converted signal to a central processing system via phone lines. This converted signal can then be monitored at the central processing system or it can be further communicated to one or more remote receiving stations.

Abstract: A portable apparatus having electronic circuitry for selectively monitoring and recording a user's ECG signals, wherein a first conductive electrode is disposed on a first surface of the apparatus casing for contact with an ECG lead position on the user's body and second and third electrodes are disposed on at least one other surface of the casing for ease of contact by a thumb and finger, respectively, of the user's hand. One of the second and third electrodes provides a ground signal source for the electronic circuitry. A wristband is provided for securing the apparatus to the user's wrist and a microprocessor controls the electronic circuitry such that the user's ECG signal is monitored/recorded only when the user grasps the second and third electrodes. A separate modem device is attachable to the apparatus for effecting burst mode transmission of data to an external receiver.

Abstract: The telephonic pacemaker monitoring device of the present invention eliminates the need for external electrodes that wrap around the fingers or wrists, or make contact with the skin on the chest. The monitoring unit has four finger touchpads and a communications station including a transmitter and a visual display located on the face of the device. The monitoring device also has a feedback system which enables the operator at the receiving center to immediately notify the patient via the visual display if a proper transmission or a faulty transmission is occurring. The feedback system and the visual display also enable the operator at the receiving center to notify the patient if increased finger pressure on the touchpads is needed or if the telephone handset should be picked-up for verbal communication. This feedback system and visual display eliminate the delay in notifying the patient that a faulty transmission has occurred.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient by using a local area network (LAN) to connect a central monitor, located at a nurse's station, to one or more bedside monitors, wherein the bedside monitor measures the patient's condition, for instance an electrocardiogram (ECG). The LAN provides data from the bedside monitor to the central monitor at a rate sufficient for the central monitor to disply all information contained within the bedside monitor in substantially real time. The LAN also allows a user at the central station or at another bedside monitor to remotely read or adjust the bedside monitor settings.

Abstract: A medical equipment monitor apparatus and method whereby the normal operating conditions and alarm situations for the medical equipment are intercepted by the monitor where they are recorded and selectively transmitted to a base computer system at a remote location. Importantly, alarm conditions of the medical equipment are promptly transmitted over a telephone to the base computer to alert the operating personnel to the alarm condition. The monitor system also provides for a printed copy to be produced from selected data provided to the base computer by the monitor apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for alerting a doctor which provides an alarm corresponding to a patient, and receives living body information signals transmitted through a transmitter. The apparatus alerts a doctor with a buzzer sound or a vibration indicating that the condition of the patient and of the living body information signals has changed suddenly. The apparatus includes a portable casing having a front plate, a rear plate, a top plate, a bottom plate, a left plate, and a right plate. The casing is provided with a circuit plate on which an electric circuit is mounted which receives and treats the living body information signals. Moreover, the apparatus is provided with a display portion provided on the casing and connected with the electric circuit. The wave form of at least an electrocardiogram signal included in the living body information signals is displayed on the display portion.

Abstract: A system for centralized management of medical data regarding bio-body information detected from a patient by way of a telephone line to a data processing facility in a medical organization, in which a transmission section is attached to a patient and a receiving section connected on a wireless mode to the transmission section, in which at least one of the transmission and the receiving sections has a RAM for storing general standard ranges and personal permissible ranges for bio-body information, and a CPU for comparing the bio-body information data detected from a patient with the general standard ranges and with the personal permissible ranges and outputting the detected data judged to be abnormal from the transmission section to the medical organization.

Abstract: A device for measuring electrical activity of the heart of a user. The portable device includes structure for receiving at least two leads of electrical activity of the heart of the user. This information is amplified, and coupled to a memory to produce audio signals of a form suitable for transmission over telephone lines in response to input signals. These input signals can be either from the memory or from the output of the amplifier, depending on the mode being commanded. A control structure commands the mode of operation. Live mode allows the acquired input to pass directly to the speaker, to be passed over the telephone lines. Recording mode records the input. Time interval mode records the entire capacity of the memory once. Rolling mode continually acquires and displaces other information that was previously in place.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing a cathodic, or reduction, current used in an in vivo semidifferential, semiderivative and/or semiintegral electrochemical method for achieving routine, reliable, and reproducible measurements of the dynamics of neurochemicals and neurochemical-like materials for the purpose of medical diagnosis in the body and brain of animals and in human patients. The method of this invention also permits the detection of biological markers to delineate diseased states for purposes of preventative and therapeutic medicine. Telemetric applications and automated devices for diagnostic and monitoring purposes are also described.

Abstract: A method of gathering electrocardiographic data is disclosed wherein the EKG data is collected by sequentially monitoring the difference in electrical potential measured at each of at least three patient leads for a time period greater than 15 seconds, preferably for equal time periods of 20 seconds each. Although more than three leads and longer monitoring time periods may be used, a 60-second three-lead EKG data sample in accordance with the present invention is clinically sufficient to monitor cardiac function and to diagnose most cardiac dysfunctions.A system for collecting such electrocardiographic data is also disclosed. The system allows the collected data to be stored for later translation and interpretation. The stored data may also be communicated over phone lines for translation and interpretation at a remote site by trained individuals.

Abstract: A heart monitoring device for use under emergency conditions including a portable housing, a pair of electrodes and a pair of electrical wires connecting the electrodes to the housing and to an electrical circuit carried therein. The electrodes are usable in two modes. One mode is a precordial mode wherein the electrodes are mounted on the exterior of the housing in spaced positions fixed with respect to the housing in commonly outwardly facing relation so as to be conveniently engageable with the skin of the chest of a user by manually engaging the housing and moving it with the electrodes fixed thereto into housing retained operative positions on the chest skin. The second mode is a non-precordial mode wherein the electrodes are removed from the housing and, preferably, self-retained within the armpits.

Abstract: A cardiovascular conditioning and therapeutic system which utilizes a mechanized powered exercise device for presenting a variable exercise work load to a user which in turn causes a corresponding variation in heart rate of the user. A heart rate transducer is operatively connected to the user, and an exercise work load transducer is operatively connected to the exercise device. A target heart rate for cardiovascular conditioning and therapy is determined, as is a conditioning period. The exercise device is actuated and incrementally increases work load until the user's heart rate comes within a predetermined margin of the heart rate. A control circuitry continuously monitors current heart rate and compares it with the target heart rate. Once current heart rate enters the predetermined margin around the target heart rate, the conditioning period begins.

Abstract: Many subscriber patients are served by this system. In each patient's home is an apparatus that includes special furniture on which the patient lies and sits, and embedded in which are devices that automatically sense multiple parameters related to the patient's health. The patient cooperates only passively. The parameters are so chosen--and are sufficiently numerous and accurate--as to provide in the aggregate a comprehensive profile of the patient's general state of health. The apparatus also generates electronic health-parameter signals related to the sensed parameters, and it transmits these signals from the patient's home to a central surveillance and control office. Equipment there receives the signals, displays corresponding indicia of the parameters, and transmits control signals back to the patient's apparatus. Two-way voice communication between the patient and a highly trained observer at the central office supplements the electronic measurements.

Abstract: A system for acquiring, storing, transmitting and processing blood pressure information. The system utilizes an ambulatory patient unit which emits a warning signal alerting the patient that a blood pressure reading is about to be taken. The patient unit takes the blood pressure reading, by electronically manipulating a pressure cuff, and stores the blood pressure information in a memory device. After accumulating a plurality of blood pressure readings within the memory device, the patient unit is electrically coupled to a programmable control unit. The programmable control unit accesses the memory device within the patient unit and relays the blood pressure information to a central processing computer. A central processing computer generates medical reports based on blood pressure information received from various programmable control units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive medical laboratory specimen testing apparatus system wherein a diagnostic apparatus is used in performing a diagnostic routine on a specimen. The apparatus has a single user activated switch for causing automatic dialing of a source of assistance remote from the diagnostic apparatus through a predetermined telephone number when the switch is activated to enable the user to communicate with the source of assistance through a speaker and a microphone on the diagnostic apparatus so that interactive communication with the source of assistance can be had regarding the diagnostic apparatus and the routine to be perfomed. A keyboard on the apparatus allows certain data regarding the performance of a test and operation of the apparatus to be transmitted to a remote location for analysis.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a relative time clock wherein the relative time between two or more events is recorded independently of real time or wall clock time. A continuous time clock will count in units such as days, hours, minutes and seconds until the clock reaches a predetermined maximum time at which point the continuous time clock will reset and repeat its previous count cycle. The time indicated on the continuous time clock is recorded and correlated to events such as the start and finish of a data recording. A final event, such as a data transfer, is also correlated to the time indicated on the continuous time clock. After this date is processed, the relative time of any event can be determined with respect to any other event.

Abstract: A tele-examination of patients' pulse and blood pressure is performed by automatically measuring the pulse and blood pressure and transmitting electrical impulses of sound impulses corresponding thereto without time or frequency separation via communicating channel, such as a telephone.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed that can be worn by a user for monitoring and recording electrocardiographic data from the user. The apparatus provides for continuous storage of predetermined time increments of such data in digital form, with new data being stored over preexisting data and the apparatus being operable by the user halt further such recordings to hold for subsequent output the data corresponding to such a predetermined time increments.

Abstract: Real time analog and digital information are simultaneously transmitted from a transmitter circuit. In the disclosed embodiment, the analog signals are obtained from ECG apparatus and the digital signals are derived by a process or from analysis of the ECG signals. The system is implemented by summing the output signals from the FM oscillator and the FSK oscillator in an amplitude summing amplifier and transmitting the result in combined waveform, preferably over a phone line, although radio transmission may alternately be used as well as other types of transmission of the resulting signal.In the present invention, the analog signal is employed to frequency modulate a frequency modulated oscillator, and the digital information signal is used to obtain frequency shift keying of a FSK oscillator.

Abstract: A programmer for a pacemaker which has telemetric capabilities is disclosed. The programmer, in addition to being able to program the pacemaker through telemetric transmission of programming codes can receive digital and analog (including marker) information from the pacemaker for remote display and utilization, and for program modification in response thereto, if desired. Implementation of the programmer is accomplished partly by circuitry which includes pulse duration measurement circuitry for measuring time duration intervals of incoming RF telemetric signals and partly by a firmware program stored in the programmer.

Abstract: From a heart sound signal input the occurrence of a first occurring heart sound is detected. Thereupon a predetermined heart sound enable window time is established, which for a first detection cycle is set to approximately the diastolic interval for the maximum heart rate to be detected. If a second heart sound occurs within this heart sound enable window time, this second heart sound is detected as a systole heart sound. The first heart sound may be detected as a diastole heart sound. If a second heart sound does not occur within the heart sound enable window time the procedure is repeated with increasing heart sound enable time as long as a second heart sound occurs within an increased heart sound enable window time. For monitoring remotely or by a using recording, an ECG signal is modulated and combined with the associated heart sound signal for use as a single combined signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and technique for monitoring physiological parameters. An acoustic sensor or microphone is placed in close proximity to the chest of a patient having one or two prosthetic heart valves. These heart valves produce clicks characteristic of opening and closing action. The acoustic sensor picks up the sound of these clicks and transfers them as electrical energy to a transmitter unit. The transmitter unit processes the analog signal, converts it to a digital signal and establishes the key timing factors involved. This digital data is stored in a memory buffer within the transmitter. Subsequently, this information is modulated and placed on telephone lines for transmission to a central monitoring site. At the monitoring site a demodulator returns the data to baseband digital signals. A computer at the central monitoring site displays the information in the time domain and also converts the information for display in the frequency domain.

Abstract: Apparatus for technique for monitoring physiological parameters. An acoustic sensor or microphone is placed in close proximity to the chest of a patient having one or two prosthetic heart valves. These heart valves produce clicks characteristic of opening and closing action. The acoustic sensor picks up the sound of these clicks and transfers them as electrical energy to a transmitter unit. The transmitter unit processes the analog signal, converts it to a digital signal and establishes the key timing factors involved. This digital data is stored in a memory buffer within the transmitter. Subsequently, this information is modulated and placed on telephone lines for transmission to a central monitoring site. At the monitoring site a demodulator returns the data to baseband digital signals. A computer at the central monitoring site displays the information in the time domain and also converts the information for display in the frequency domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biologic apparatus that permits easy and quick telephonic transmission of biologic signals--such as an electrocardiogram, blood pressure, cranial waveforms, and the like--from any location having a telephone handset. The disclosed apparatus is so simple to use that, if necessary, an inexperienced person can perform the entire procedure.The disclosed apparatus comprises a single, small, lightweight unit that may be carried unobtrusively in a purse, a handbag, a brief case, an attache case, or the like; and may be put into use at any location having a telephone handset.It does not require cardiac-gel, and may therefore be used as often as necessary without causing skin problems. Furthermore, it obviates "hard-wiring" between the patient and the apparatus; so that there is no danger of pulling off electrodes.

Abstract: A system for telemetering data from a patient to a monitor permitting direct connection of patient's sensors and transducers to the monitor and permitting telemetering by radio or wire without requiring changes in transducer or monitor design or adjustment or calibration. A telemetering system which presents to the monitor variable resistances identical to the varying resistances produced by the transducers at the patient. A temperature transmission channel wherein a thermistor resistance is digitized for transmission, with the digital data being utilized to generate a resistance at the receiver corresponding to the thermistor resistance. A pressure transmission system providing for transmission of waveform and peak and trough values of the waveform, with the waveform being reconstituted at the receiver and converted to a varying resistance for connection to the monitor, simulating the original pressure transducer resistance.

Abstract: A remote pulmonary function tester uses a microcomputer to receive patient identification data, direct the test sequence, store several FEV maneuvers, and then transmit the stored data in a digital format to a central computer. The central computer plots a flow volume curve, computes FEV, FEF.sub.25-75% etc., compares these values with normals, and performs a preliminary disease categorization. The pulmonary function tester comprises a flow to pressure transducer, producing an analog signal, an analog to digital converter for digitizing the analog signal, a touch tone keyboard for simple patient identification data entry, and a microcomputer system having a read/write storage for storage of test and patient identification data, communication interface for connection to a central computer through telephone lines, and a read only memory and a central processing unit for control of the tester.

Abstract: An accurate frequency to voltage converter for cardiac telemetry systems, in which converter charges are stored in response to selected intervals proportional to the period of an alternating input signal. Linearization of the output voltage as a function of input frequency characteristic is effectively and inexpensively achieved by charging a set of charging and voltage holding capacitors from a substantially constant voltage through a resistance such that capacitor terminal voltage rises as an exponential function of time. The reciprocal function of frequency as a function of period has a similarly shaped characteristic curve, and these function characteristics are effectively combined by the invention to generate the desired linear overall conversion function.

Abstract: The system is composed of a plurality of bedside stations, each in the vicinity of a hospitalized patient, and each interconnected to a central station for monitoring and controlling the bedside stations. The bedside stations contain a plurality of physiological sensing and data sending modules. Each bedside unit contains a central processor for controlling the flow and format of data from the module and to the central station. The central station includes peripheral display units for selectively displaying data from each of the bedside stations. A central processor controls the flow of data from each bedside station to the peripheral displays and for communicating with each bedside processor. Data links are provided for the analog data from the central stations and data links for serial asynchronous data transmission from the bedside station to the central station and for commands from the central station to the bedside station.

Abstract: A system which is capable of allowing an attending physician to continuously monitor the electrocardiogram (ECG) signals produced by a cardiac patient. The signals, generated by the patient, are first recorded in real time over a predetermined time period established by the physician. At the conclusion of the predetermined time period a monitoring station is automatically alerted by telephone and commences receiving the patient's real time ECG signals directly. The recorded ECG signals are then transmitted in a compressed time fashion to the monitoring station simultaneously with the real time ECG signals. The monitoring station receives the compressed time and the real time transmitted signals and following analysis thereof transmits a report of selected portions of the ECG to the physician.

Abstract: A cardiac signal transmitter unit adapted for use by the pacemaker patient which detects and processes electrocardiogram and pacemaker information, and which generates a corresponding audible signal for transmission to a remote location for reception and analysis. The unit employs a three input electrode array for developing a differential signal, has separate channels for processing the electrocardiogram data and the pacemaker data, and includes a fail-safe battery monitor circuit for completely disabling the unit as the battery nears the end of its useful life.