Abstract:
A compact and economical probe unit (11) has projecting electrodes (22, 23, 24) for sensing minute voltage variations at spaced apart locations on a person's skin or other surface. Internal circuits generate serial form digital signals indicative of the voltage variations for transmission to a personal computer (47) where an electrocardiogram or other data presentation (100) may be displayed. The probe includes a digital type of optical isolator through which the serial signals are transmitted, the output circuit of the isolator being energized by voltage taken from the computer (47) and the input circuit being independently energized from a battery within the probe and thus there is no electrically conductive path between the computer (47) and the electrodes (22, 23, 24). Among other uses, the probe enables unskilled persons to monitor their own heart activity as it is economical, safe and easily operated and makes use of a common computer for display rather than a costly electrocardiograph.
Abstract:
The in vivo determination of an electrical potential difference across a human or animal membrane of a fluid-containing cavity, such as the stomach (200), is performed by arranging (e.g. via an endoscope (201)) a measuring half cell (20) (electrode and electrolyte) in its entirety within the cavity and in contact with the cavity fluid, and arranging a reference half cell (50) in contact with a human or animal fluid outside the cavity, typically the blood, suitably via a catheter (87). The concentration of a species such as a H concentration in gastric juice contributing significantly to a liquid junction potential between the measuring electrolyte and the cavity fluid is measured, preferably by means of a sensor such as a pH sensor (110), preferably arranged within the cavity, and a relevant correction of the potential difference measured is based on said concentration measurement.
Abstract:
An electrocardiograph (2) having input terminal means (32, 34, 36, 38, 40), an analog to digital converter (62) for converting electrical signals applied to the input terminal means (32, 34, 36, 38, 40) into digital signals, a memory device (78) for storing the digital signals and display means (6) for graphically displaying the digital signals.
Abstract:
A dry electrode system for the detection of biopotentials existing on the surface of the skin of a living body, including a dry electrode pad (1) with a resilient conductive pad (2) adhering to at least one adhesive pad (3) or otherwise having opposed adhesive surfaces, (3c, 3d) one of which is adapted to engage the skin of the living body. The dry electrode pad makes electrical connection to an amplifying circuit (10) which transmits a biopotential derived from the conductive pad to a monitor. The amplifying circuit includes a conductive input contact (6) for making electrical contact to the conductive pad, a lead amplifier (11) having an input coupled to the input contact, and a voltage driven shield (18) coupled to the output of the lead amplifier and surrounding portions of the input contact not in engagement with the dry electrode pad. In a preferred embodiment, conductive adhesive layers are applied to opposed sides of a conductive foam pad to construct the dry electrode pad.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for determining the level of attention of a subject to a visual stimulus such as a television commercial displayed on a screen (4) so as to provide objective information for designing the advertising presentation. The technique involves reflecting visible red radiation from arrays (16) of LEDs towards the eyes of the subjects (2) as a control signal at a predetermined frequency. The control signal is first applied to the subjects and EEG responses obtained. The control signal is then simultaneously applied with the display of the television commercial and EEG signals are again obtained. An assessment of the subjects' interest is then made by determining the diminuation in value of the components of the EEG response attributable to the control signal. A pair of illuminated goggles is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for testing the anaesthetic depth or consciousness of a subject by directing visible red stimulus signals at the eyes of the subject through closed eyelids at accurately known frequencies. An electroencephalographic (EEG) signal is then obtained and a discriminator (18) is used to accurately detect components at the applied frequencies. An assessment is then made by comparing the magnitude or phase of the components of the EEG signal at the predetermined frequencies with correspondingly obtained EEG signals which have been obtained prior to administration of anaesthetic to the subject.
Abstract:
A cardiac monitoring system for monitoring a plurality of patients including a plurality of patient-worn units and one or more office units. A patient unit (100) detects a patient's EKG and analyzes the EKG in real time (during the patient's R-R interval). It provides morphology analysis, heart rate data, ST segment analysis, symptomatic and asymptomatic event recordings, and the counting of ectopic runs. The analyzed data is sent over a standard voice-grade telephone line or other suitable communication channel to an office which prepares a patient report for a physician. In addition, the office unit (102) provides an interactive scheme by which various alarm and recording criteria are established for a particular patient at the time of hook-up. Also, the office unit automatically communicates with the physician (114) under predetermined emergency circumstances so that a patient can get medical attention with a minimum time delay.
Abstract:
A computerized electro-oculographic (CEOG) system with feedback control of test stimuli comprises an integrated system for automated administration of electro-oculographic tests and visual evoked response test to a patient, automated processing (32) of the results derived from such tests, and automated feedback control (10, 26) of the test stimuli in accordance with the processed test results. The CEOG system is responsive to operator selection (44) of desired stimuli to be administered as well as to operator specification of various test stimuli characteristics, for automatically administering to the patient the test stimuli having the desired characteristics. Electrode test data derived therefrom are immediately recorded (40, 42) on-line, and are immediately and automatically analyzed to provide critical information for immediate display (38) in acceptable format and in a very short period of time. The integrated CEOG system is especially noteworthy for its use of the analyzed test data to control and vary the test stimuli (16) administered to the patient in accordance with the analyzed tests data results.
Abstract:
Electro-encephalographic (EEG) data from skull electrodes (5) are used to generate a brain electrical activity mapping (BEAM) in the form of topographic maps (48) of the skull displayed as color television images.
Abstract:
Device for placing electrocardiographic electrodes on a patient's chest, comprising a substantially bow-shaped electrode holder (4), which is at least vertically adjustable, and a number of individually position-adjustable electrodes (5), pivotably carried by the electrode holder (4) and spaced along the same, each electrode (5) being resiliently displaceable towards the electrode holder (4), such that, after adjustment of the electrodes (5), by moving the electrode holder (4) towards the patient's chest the electrodes (5) can be brought to contact the patient's skin at predetermined contact points substantially independently of the patient's thorax configuration.