Abstract:
A system for dynamic scan at cyclic displacement comprising: scanning means collecting projection data from a patient by scanning a portion whose position varies cyclically over a period of time; detecting means producing signals corresponding to the cyclical movement of said patient over said period of time; memory means memorising said projection data from said scanner means, and said signals from said detecting means correlating said projection data and said cyclical movement signals, means for setting a phase section at a specific phase in said scanned section of said patient; and reconstruction means for reconstructing the section which reads the necessary projection data for at least one plane of said images including said data corresponding to said set specific phase and reconstruct, a plurality of synchronised images in the time axis direction.
Abstract:
@ A connector (3) for connecting a transducer (1) to a monitor (2) in a system for monitoring physiological conditions in humans and other animals includes means (4) for transforming the impedance level of signals from the transducer to a level appropriate for the monitor and for drawing and adapting power from the monitor for effecting this impedance transformation. The connector (1) may also include one or more of the following means (5) a mechanism for adjusting the offset or sensitivity of the signal from the transducer; a mechanism for detecting the absence of the transducer; a mechanism for detecting an open circuit between the monitor and the transducer; a device for converting power drawn from the monitor to direct current where the power drawn from the monitor is, before conversion, either sine wave or pulsed; a mechanism for regulating the current from the monitor; and a mechanism for eliminating common-mode voltage errors from the transducer signal.
Abstract:
A clip-type electrode includes a pair of clamping plates (12, 13) for being opened and closed relative to each other about a common shaft (11) and having concave surfaces (16, 17) facing each other, an electrode member (19) mounted on one of the clamping plates (12), and a spring (18) coiled around the common shaft (11) for biasing the ends of the clamping plates (12,13) remote from the common shaft (11) towards each other. One of the clamping plates (12) is longer than the other. The electrode member (19) includes a strip of resilient, electrically conductive material bent into a U-shaped cross-section thus providing a pressuring plate section (20) for applying pressure to the limb of a patient, and a pair of engagement plates (21, 22) each upstanding from opposing edges of the pressuring plate section (20) and having plural inwardly projecting bosses (26, 27, 35, 36). The engagement plates (21, 22) clamp the longitudinal edges of the longer one (12) of the clamping plates (12, 13) for attaching the electrode member (19) to the clamping plate (12). The pressuring plate section (20) is brought into intimate contact with the surface of the skin of the patient's limb to uniformalize the contact resistance and eliminate noise or distortion in the output waveform, thereby making possible accurate diagnosis of the condition of the heart. Since one of the pair of the clamping plates (12) is longer than the other (13), the electrodes is unlikely to be detached by movement of the limb.
Abstract:
@ An ECG electrode impedance measuring approach is utilized which can determine, simultaneously, the condition of all electrodes in a three or five lead ECG monitoring configuration. A CPU (108) automatically selects an ECG lead configuration in which all electrodes are attached to the patient and are below an impedance threshold. if the CPU (108) cannot select a good ECG lead configuration, then the CPU (108) signals a total lead failure. Electrode impedance is determined by passing a small DC current through each active electrode and the current is returned via the reference electrode. A comparator tests the resultant offset voltage induced between each active electrode and the reference. If the offset voltage exceeds a fixed threshold, then a flag is set and transferred to the CPU (108). The CPU (108) can change the ECG lead configuration by issuing commands to an electrode lead switching network. The CPU software tests each lead configuration in a logical sequence to find one in which all the necessary electrodes are functional and a good quality ECG waveform can be processed and displayed. If a useable lead configuration cannot be found, then an alarm is activated to alert the operator to check all electrodes.
Abstract:
apparatus for processing EKG signals having pace pulses therein is disclosed in which a pulse is substituted for the pace pulse and the after-voltage following a pace pulse is prevented from reaching the output. The substitute pulse is derived from the pace pulse so that its amplitude is proportional to a parameter of the pace pulse, for example to the amplitude, the width or the product of the amplitude and the width of the pace pulse.
Abstract:
A heartbeat rate indicator comprises a detection electrode (1) for receiving an electrocardiac potential signal, an amplifier circuit (3) for amplifying the electrocardiac potential signal, a filter circuit (4) for removing noise from the amplified electrocardiac potential signal, an an amplitude detection circuit (5) for detecting pulses having an amplitude greater than a predetermined amplitude. An absolute value circuit (8) produces an absolute value signal from the output signal of the filter circuit, the absolute value signal being fed to the amplitude detection circuit.
Abstract:
A visual stimulator for light stimulation of a subject's eyes to obtain elearoretinogram. electrooculogram or visually evoked potential responses. The stimulator com- rprises a light directing means (10) for directing light from a light source into the subject's eyes, attenuator means for sefectably attenuating the light source. photodetector means (108) for producing an output signal representative of the radiant energy directed into the subjeet's eyes end signal prxessing means for receiving and proeessing the output signal to derive therefrom further output signals representative of the radiometric or photometric characteristics of said radiant energy.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for diagnosing the death of a fetus in utero. A first ECG signal from the fetus is detected. A second ECG signal from the mother simultaneously is detected. The two ECG signals are displayed on a common time base and compared to determine whether an ECG component originating with the fetus is present in the first ECG signal.