US3779237A — Method and system for automatic processing of phy…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 186 words

The method of obtaining records of relevant items of physiological information obtained from long term monitoring of a patient over a long period of time, which comprises the steps of a. deriving, from said long term monitoring and during a period of time which is short in relation to said long period of time continuously, electrical signals representing a certain physiological function, b. detecting from said electrical signals during said short period of time dysfunctions in said certain physiological function and providing first control signals in response thereto, c. processing said first control signals to provide from each of said first control signals a plurality of second control signals in time sequence, and d. enabling the display of the physiological information represented by said electrical signals upon occurrence of early ones of said second control signals and then producing said display upon occurrence of later ones of said second control signals whereby the display of said information occurs upon occurrance of said dysfunctions thereby eliminating redundant physiological information from said display in spite of said short period of time over which said electrical signals are derived.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 186 words

The method of obtaining records of relevant items of physiological information obtained from long term monitoring of a patient over a long period of time, which comprises the steps of a. deriving, from said long term monitoring and during a period of time which is short in relation to said long period of time continuously, electrical signals representing a certain physiological function, b. detecting from said electrical signals during said short period of time dysfunctions in said certain physiological function and providing first control signals in response thereto, c. processing said first control signals to provide from each of said first control signals a plurality of second control signals in time sequence, and d. enabling the display of the physiological information represented by said electrical signals upon occurrence of early ones of said second control signals and then producing said display upon occurrence of later ones of said second control signals whereby the display of said information occurs upon occurrance of said dysfunctions thereby eliminating redundant physiological information from said display in spite of said short period of time over which said electrical signals are derived.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 72 words

The invention as set forth in claim 1 including the steps of a. generating time code signals continuously and together with said electrical signals during said long period of time, b. simultaneously recording said time code signals and said electrical signals both during said long period of time, and c. displaying said time code signals simultaneously with said electrical signals thereby identifying the time of occurrence of said dysfunctions on said display.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 45 words

The invention as set forth in claim 2 including the steps of a. translating said electrical signals into digital codes representing certain characteristics of said physiological function, and b. printing numerical representations of said digital codes after discrete periods established by said time code signals.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 67 words

The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said detecting step comprises the steps of deriving digital information representing said dysfunctions processing said digital information to provide said first control signals, storing said first control signals , and decoding said stored first control signals for selected time intervals related to the occurrence of said electrical signals in said long term to provide said second control signals.

Claim 6

Independent Claim 170 words

The method of electrocardiography with the aid of electrical signals which represent cardiac cycles and which occur in real time, said method comprising the steps of a. obtaining said electrical signals which represent cardiac cycles and which occur in real time, b. processing at greater than real time said electrical signals to derive first control signals concurrent with those of said cardiac cycles having characteristics representing certain dysfunctions, c. processing said first control signals to produce for each of said first control signals a plurality of second control signals in time sequence, and d. producing an electrocardiogram of said electrical signals in response to said second control signals by enabling the production of said electrocardiogram upon occurrence of early ones of said second control signals and initiating the production of said electrocardiogram upon occurrence of later ones of said second control signals, whereby to provide a permanent record of a limited number of said cycles which are inclusive of those of said cycles from which said first control signals result.

Claim 7

Independent Claim 170 words

The method of electrocardiography with the aid of electrical signals which represent cardiac cycles and which occur in real time, said method comprising the steps of a. obtaining said electrical signals which represent cardiac cycles and which occur in real time, b. processing at greater than real time said electrical signals to derive first control signals concurrent with those of said cardiac cycles having characteristics representing certain dysfunctions, c. processing said first control signals to produce for each of said first control signals a plurality of second control signals in time sequence, and d. producing an electrocardiogram of said electrical signals in response to said second control signals by enabling the production of said electrocardiogram upon occurrence of early ones of said second control signals and initiating the production of said electrocardiogram upon occurrence of later ones of said second control signals, whereby to provide a permanent record of a limited number of said cycles which are inclusive of those of said cycles from which said first control signals result.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 87 words

The invention as set forth in claim 5 wherein said step of processing said electrical signals includes the steps of a. maintaining said electrical signals at said greater than real time rate throughuout their entire cardiac cycles, b. detecting from said electrical signals the presence of certain waves each in a separate one of said cardiac cycles, and c. deriving from said waves the presence of a plurality of arrhythmias and dysfunctions, and d. selectively producing said first control signals when said arrhythmias and dysfunctions are present.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 40 words

The invention as set forth in claim 6 wherein said electrical signal processing step further includes the step of deriving from said waves the presence of cardiac arrests in said waves, and producing control signals when said arrests are present.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 45 words

The invention as set forth in claim 6 further comprising the step of producing from said electrical signal, successive oscilloscope displays of each of said cardiac cycles, and synchronizing each said oscilloscope displays at the times of detection of the presence of said certain waves.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 47 words

The invention as set forth in claim 6 wherein said deriving step includes the steps of a. detecting when the period between successive ones of said certain waves is outside the limits of a predetermined interval of time, and thereupon producing said arrhythmia representing first control signals.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 63 words

The invention as set forth in claim 9 including the steps of a. producing said first control signals when said period between said successive waves is before the early or lower one of said limits of said interval, and b. producing said first control signals when said last named period is after the later or upper one of said limits of said interval.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 73 words

The invention as set forth in claim 6 whereim said certain waves from said successive cardiac cycles are separated by intervals, and wherein said electrical signal processing step further comprises: a. while sensing the intervals between successive pairs of said certain waves, detecting the ratio between said intervals between said successive pairs of said certain waves, and b. thereafter producing said arrhythmia representing control signals when said ratio is outside a given range.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 38 words

The invention as set forth in claim 11 including the step of adjusting said given range wherein said arrhythmia representing first control signals are produced thereby selecting the degree of arrhythmia which can produce said first control signals.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 177 words

A system for obtaining relevant portions of physiological information obtained from monitoring a patient continuously over a long period at real time to provide the total quantity of said information, a. means for deriving from said total quantity of said information, continuously, and at greater than real time, electrical signals reprEsenting a certain physiological function, b. means for detecting from said electrical signals dysfunctions in said certain physiological function and providing first control signals in response thereto, c. means for providing from each of said first control signals a plurality of second control signals which occur in time sequence, d. means for displaying the waveforms represented by said electrical signals, and e. means for enabling said displaying means upon occurrence the earlier ones of said second control signals and for operating said displaying means upon occurrence of later ones of said second control signals whereby to provide displays at greater than said real time rate including the periods of occurrence of said dysfunctions thereby obtaining displays of relevant portions of the total quantity of said physiological information.

Claim 16

Independent Claim 177 words

A system for obtaining relevant portions of physiological information obtained from monitoring a patient continuously over a long period at real time to provide the total quantity of said information, a. means for deriving from said total quantity of said information, continuously, and at greater than real time, electrical signals reprEsenting a certain physiological function, b. means for detecting from said electrical signals dysfunctions in said certain physiological function and providing first control signals in response thereto, c. means for providing from each of said first control signals a plurality of second control signals which occur in time sequence, d. means for displaying the waveforms represented by said electrical signals, and e. means for enabling said displaying means upon occurrence the earlier ones of said second control signals and for operating said displaying means upon occurrence of later ones of said second control signals whereby to provide displays at greater than said real time rate including the periods of occurrence of said dysfunctions thereby obtaining displays of relevant portions of the total quantity of said physiological information.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 64 words

The invention as set forth in claim 13 wherein said displaying means include a. means for graphically recording said electrical signals, b. means for mechanically actuating said graphic recording means in response to said earlier second control signals, and c. means for enabling the electrical operation of said graphic recording means to record said electrical signals in response to said later second control signals.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 70 words

The invention as set forth in claim 14 including a. means for generating time code signals having a frequency corresponding to said real time rate continuously and together with said electrical signals, and b. means for applying said time code signals to said graphically recording means for recording the real time corresponding to said time code simultaneously with said electrical signals thereby identifying the time of occurrence of said dysfunctions.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 62 words

The invention as set forth in claim 15, including a. means for translating said electrical signals into digital codes numerically representing certain characteristics of said physiological function, and b. printing means operated by said translating means for printing said codes for providing hard copy containing numerical representations of said characteristics of said function after discrete periods established by said time code signals.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 46 words

The invention as set forth in claim 13 wherein said detecting means comprises means for deriving digital information representing said dysfunctions, and means included in said second control signal providing means for decoding said digital information at selected time intervals to provide said second control signals.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 48 words

The invention as set forth in claim 17, wherein said decoding means includes a. means for storing said digital information representing said first control signals, and b. means for reading out said stored digital information at said greater than real time rates for providing said second control signals.

Claim 22

Independent Claim 177 words

The system of electrocardiography which comprise a. means for applying to said system electrical signals which represent cardiac cycles and which occur in real time, b. means for processing at greater than real time electrical signals which represent cardiac cycles to derive first control signals concurrent with those of said cardiac cycles having characteristics representing certain dysfunctions, c. means for processing said first control signals to produce in response thereto a plurality of second control signals in time sequence, d. means for producing an electrocardiogram of said electrical signals, to provide a permanent record of a limited number of said cycles which are inclusive of those of said cycles from which said first control signals result, said electrocardiogram producing means including a graphic recorder using a record medium, means responsive to the earlier ones of said second control signals for enabling motion of said medium, and means responsive to the later ones of said second control signals for applying said electrical signal to said recorder to enable graphic recording of the waveforms rePresented by said electrical signals.

Claim 23

Independent Claim 177 words

The system of electrocardiography which comprise a. means for applying to said system electrical signals which represent cardiac cycles and which occur in real time, b. means for processing at greater than real time electrical signals which represent cardiac cycles to derive first control signals concurrent with those of said cardiac cycles having characteristics representing certain dysfunctions, c. means for processing said first control signals to produce in response thereto a plurality of second control signals in time sequence, d. means for producing an electrocardiogram of said electrical signals, to provide a permanent record of a limited number of said cycles which are inclusive of those of said cycles from which said first control signals result, said electrocardiogram producing means including a graphic recorder using a record medium, means responsive to the earlier ones of said second control signals for enabling motion of said medium, and means responsive to the later ones of said second control signals for applying said electrical signal to said recorder to enable graphic recording of the waveforms rePresented by said electrical signals.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 67 words

The invention as set forth in claim 19 wherein said electrical signals processing means includes a. means for detecting from said electrical signals the presence of a certain wave in each of said cardiac cycles, and b. means responsive to said waves for detecting the presence of arrhythmias, and c. means responsive to said last-named means for producing said first control signals when said arrhythmias are present.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 46 words

The invention as set forth in claim 20 wherein said electrical signals processing means further includes means responsive to said waves for detecting the presence of cardiac arrests, and means operated by said last-named detecting means for producing first control signals when said arrests are present.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 49 words

The invention as set forth in claim 20 further comprising means responsive to said electrical signal for producing successive oscilloscope displays of each of said cardiac cycles, and means responsive to said waves for synchronizing said oscilloscope displays at the times of detection of the presence of said waves.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 53 words

The invention as set forth in claim 20 wherein said detecting means includes means responsive to the period between successive ones of said certain waves, for detecting when the duration of said period is outside the limits of a predetermined interval of time, said last named means including means for establishing said limits.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 69 words

The invention as set forth in claim 23 wherein said detecting means further includes a. means for producing said first control signals when said period between said successive waves is before the early or lower one of said limits of said interval, and b. means for producing said first control signals when said last named period is after the later or upper one of said limits of said interval.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 82 words

The invention as set forth in claim 20 wherein said certain waves from said successive cardiac cycles are separated by intervals, and wherein said electrical signal processing means further comprises a. means, operative while sensing the intervals between successive pairs of said certain waves, for detecting the ratio of the intervals between successive pairs of said certain waves, and b. means operated by said detecting means for producing said arrhythmia representing first control signals when said ratio is outside a given range.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 27 words

The invention as set forth in claim 25 including means for adjusting said range thereby selecting the degree of arrhythmia which can produce said first control signals.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 168 words

An automatic system for processing data at greater than real time from electrical signals representing physiological events which signals are recorded at real time, which system comprises a. means for applying said electrical signals to said system, b. a plurality of means responsive to said applied electrical signals for translating said electrical signals into a plurality of separate digital signals, each corresponding to a different type of said events, c. control means for said digital signals for selectively encoding said digital signals into first control signals, d. means for processing said first control signals at said greater than real time rate to produce a plurality of second control signals, and e. means for graphically recording the waveforms of said applied electrical signals in response to said second control signals, including (i) means for mechanically enabling said recording means upon occurrence of the earlier ones of said second control signals, and (ii) means for electrically enabling said recording means in response to later ones of said second control signals.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 168 words

An automatic system for processing data at greater than real time from electrical signals representing physiological events which signals are recorded at real time, which system comprises a. means for applying said electrical signals to said system, b. a plurality of means responsive to said applied electrical signals for translating said electrical signals into a plurality of separate digital signals, each corresponding to a different type of said events, c. control means for said digital signals for selectively encoding said digital signals into first control signals, d. means for processing said first control signals at said greater than real time rate to produce a plurality of second control signals, and e. means for graphically recording the waveforms of said applied electrical signals in response to said second control signals, including (i) means for mechanically enabling said recording means upon occurrence of the earlier ones of said second control signals, and (ii) means for electrically enabling said recording means in response to later ones of said second control signals.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 49 words

The invention as set forth in claim 27 wherein said processing means includes a. means for storing said first control signal for predetermined periods of time, and b. means for providing said second control signals during selected portions of the time during which said first control signals are storEd.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 46 words

The invention as set forth in claim 27 including a. second means for translating said electrical signals into digital words which represent a selected one of said events, and b. means for reading out said words in the form of a print-out identifying said selected event.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 88 words

The invention as set forth in claim 27, including a. means for generating a time code concurrently with said electrical signals, and b. means for recording said time code in real time simultaneously with said electrical signals, means for playing back said time code at greater than real time simultaneously with said electrical signals, c. means included in said graphic recording means and responsive to said time code from said playback means for recording the time of occurrence of the said waveforms recorded by said graphically recording means.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 88 words

The invention as set forth in claim 30 including second means for translating said digital signals into digital codes which represent a selected one of said events, means for operating said second translating means in response to said time code for encoding digital codes into said second codes which represent the number of said selected events occurring during predetermined intervals of time, and means for reading out said second codes in the form of a print-out identifying the number of said events occurring during certain intervals of time.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 42 words

The invention as set forth in claim 27 including means for producing long-term recordings of said electrical signals, at real time and means for reproducing said recordings at greater than real time and providing said reproduced electrical signals to said translating means.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 135 words

The invention as set forth in claim 32 including a. means adapted to be connected to a subject for sensing said electrical signals, b. a radio transmitter for producing a radio signal, c. means in said transmitter responsive to said electrical signals for modulating said radio signal, d. means for transmitting said radio signal to a receiving point whereat it is received, e. receiving means at said receiving point for translating said radio signals to a recording frequency band, f. a source of constant frequency signals at said receiving point for providing said time code signal, g. and means at said receiving point for applying said received signals and said constant frequency signals to said recording means for producing said long-term recordings from said received signals and time code signals from said constant frequency signals.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 58 words

The invention as set forth in claim 33 including means in said modulating means for FM-FM modulating said radio signals, and frequency discriminator means included in said receiving means at said receiving point for demodulating said FM-FM signal to provide a carrier FM modulated by said electrical signals, said translating means being operative upon said FM modulated carrier.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 146 words

An automatic electrocardiographic system which processes ECG signals representing electrical patterns of cardiac cycles occurring at greater than real time which comprises a. means for applying said greater than real time ECG signals to said system, b. means for recording an electrocardiogram of said greater than real time ECG signals when enabled, c. means responsive to the occurrence of the R waves in the signals from successive ones of said patterns for providing a plurality of successive control signals each representing the presence of an arrhythmia, and d. means responsive to earlier ones of each said plurality control signals for mechanically enabling said recording means and being responsive to later ones of each said plurality of control signals for enabling said recording means to record said ECG signals for predetermined periods of time during which the patterns containing said arrhythmias are presented to said recording means.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 146 words

An automatic electrocardiographic system which processes ECG signals representing electrical patterns of cardiac cycles occurring at greater than real time which comprises a. means for applying said greater than real time ECG signals to said system, b. means for recording an electrocardiogram of said greater than real time ECG signals when enabled, c. means responsive to the occurrence of the R waves in the signals from successive ones of said patterns for providing a plurality of successive control signals each representing the presence of an arrhythmia, and d. means responsive to earlier ones of each said plurality control signals for mechanically enabling said recording means and being responsive to later ones of each said plurality of control signals for enabling said recording means to record said ECG signals for predetermined periods of time during which the patterns containing said arrhythmias are presented to said recording means.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 48 words

The invention as set forth in claim 35 wherein said R wave responsive mEans includes means for translating the interval between said R waves into a digital code, and means for providing each of said plurality of control signals when said code differs from a certain numerical value.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 82 words

The invention as set forth in claim 36 wherein said translating means includes means responsive to each of said R waves for producing a plurality of successive timing signals, a counter for generating said code, a source of clock signals having a rate much greater than the repetition rate of said R waves, means responsive to said timing signals for applying said clock signals to said counter, then reading out said code as stored in said counter, and finally resetting said counter.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 58 words

The inventon as set forth in claim 35 wherein said R wave responsive means includes first means for translating the interval between said R waves into a first digital code, and means for providing a first of said plurality control signals when the numerical value of said code is equal to or less than a first numerical value.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 45 words

The invention as set forth in claim 38 including means for translating the interval between said R waves into a second digital code, and means for providing a second of said plurality control signals when said second code equals or exceeds a second numerical value.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 31 words

The invention as set forth in claim 39 including means for selectively adjusting said numerical values whereby to provide different degrees of arrhythmia to which said pluralities of control signals correspond.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 70 words

The invention as set forth in claim 35 including first storing means for said control signals, second storing means for said ECG signals, and means for reading out said control signals and said ECG signals from their respective storing means at rates greater than real time whereby said enabling means when operated by said control signals have their corresponding ECG signals presented thereto to produce a virtual real time recording.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 43 words

The invention as set forth in claim 41 wherein said control signal storing means comprises digital delay means, and said ECG storage means includes record medium playback means having R wave pickup means spaced ahead of ECG signal pickup means along said medium.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 59 words

The invention as set forth in claim 35 wherein said R waves from successive ones of said patterns are separated by intervals, and wherein said R wave responsive means includes means responsive to the ratio in the intervals between successive pairs of said R waves for providing each of said control signals when said ratio exceeds a predetermined limit.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 73 words

The invention as set forth in claim 35 wherein said R waves from successive ones of said patterns are separated by intervals, and wherein said R wave responsive means includes means for translating the interval between successive pairs of said R waves into a ratio representing the proportion of each of said succeeding intervals to its immediately preceding interval, and means for providing said control signal when said proportion exceeds a predetermined percentage.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 46 words

The invention as set forth in claim 35 including an oscilloscope, means for generating a sweep voltage for said oscilloscope synchronized with said R wave, and means for applying a deflection voltage to said oscilloscope corresponding to said ECG signal whereby to individually display said patterns.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 142 words

The invention as set forth in claim 35 including means for generating a time code signal having a frequency equal to the ratio of greater than real time rate to said real time rate concurrently with said ECG signals, a digital printer, means responsive to said ECG signals for detecting the presence of patterns representing PVC conditions and providing output pulses responsive thereto, means responsive to said time code signals and said output pulses for encoding said pulses into codes representing the number of PVC conditions in certain discrete greater than real time intervals, and means fOr applying said PVC representing codes and time code signal at the end of said discrete time intervals to said printer so as to print out the numerical value of said codes and intervals of real time corresponding to said discrete greater than real time intervals.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 92 words

The invention as set forth in claim 46 including means operated by said R wave signals and said time code signal for repeatedly encoding said R wave signals into digital codes representing heart rate over discrete greater than real time intervals, and means for reading out said heart rate codes and said time code signal to said printer at the end of said discrete time intervals so as to print out the numerical value of said heart rate and the intervals of real time corresponding to discrete greater than real time intervals.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 50 words

The invention as set forth in claim 35 including means for generating a time code signal concurrently with said ECG signal, and means operated by said control signals for applying said time code signal to said recording means whereby to designate the time of occurrence of said recorded arrhythmia patterns.

Claim 55

Independent Claim 184 words

A system for presenting an oscilloscope display of a pattern representing a cardiac cycle from an ECG signal on an oscilloscope having horizontal sweep and vertical deflection circuitry which comprises a. means for multiplying the frequency of said ECG signal, b. means for providing two outputs of said frequency multiplied ECG signal the second being delayed relative to the first, c. means for detecting the occurrence of the R waves of said ECG signals from said first output and providing digital signals in response thereto, d. means having storage for a plurality of said digital signals which occur successively, e. means for reading said digital signals successively out of said storage means at a rate much higher than the repetition rate of said R waves, f. means for applying said digital signals readout of said storage means to said horizontal sweep circuitry for synchronizing the horizontal sweep of said oscilloscope with said digital signals read out of said storage means, and g. means for applying said ECG signal from said second output to said vertical deflection circuitry to provide vertical deflection in said oscilloscope.

Claim 56

Independent Claim 184 words

A system for presenting an oscilloscope display of a pattern representing a cardiac cycle from an ECG signal on an oscilloscope having horizontal sweep and vertical deflection circuitry which comprises a. means for multiplying the frequency of said ECG signal, b. means for providing two outputs of said frequency multiplied ECG signal the second being delayed relative to the first, c. means for detecting the occurrence of the R waves of said ECG signals from said first output and providing digital signals in response thereto, d. means having storage for a plurality of said digital signals which occur successively, e. means for reading said digital signals successively out of said storage means at a rate much higher than the repetition rate of said R waves, f. means for applying said digital signals readout of said storage means to said horizontal sweep circuitry for synchronizing the horizontal sweep of said oscilloscope with said digital signals read out of said storage means, and g. means for applying said ECG signal from said second output to said vertical deflection circuitry to provide vertical deflection in said oscilloscope.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 46 words

The invention as set forth in claim 49 wherein said storage means is a shift register, and said read out means includes a source of clock signals having a repetition rate much higher than the repetition rate of the cycles of said frequency multiplied ECG signals.

Claim 58

Independent Claim 162 words

A system for detecting arrhythmias from ECG signals which occur at greater than real time which comprises a. a counter having a plurality of stages, b. a source of clock pulses of repetition rate much higher than said ECG signals, c. means for providing an output from said counter when it has counted a certain number of said pulses, and d. means responsive to the occurrence of a certain repetitive portion of the waveform of said ECG signal for enabling the application of clock pulses from said source to said counter during the intervals between successive occurrences of said portions and resetting said counter prior to each of said intervals, said means for providing said output from said counter including gating means connected to the stages of said counter which is enabled to provide said output when said counter counts said certain number of pulses, means for storing said output and means for resetting said storage means when said counter is reset.

Claim 59

Independent Claim 162 words

A system for detecting arrhythmias from ECG signals which occur at greater than real time which comprises a. a counter having a plurality of stages, b. a source of clock pulses of repetition rate much higher than said ECG signals, c. means for providing an output from said counter when it has counted a certain number of said pulses, and d. means responsive to the occurrence of a certain repetitive portion of the waveform of said ECG signal for enabling the application of clock pulses from said source to said counter during the intervals between successive occurrences of said portions and resetting said counter prior to each of said intervals, said means for providing said output from said counter including gating means connected to the stages of said counter which is enabled to provide said output when said counter counts said certain number of pulses, means for storing said output and means for resetting said storage means when said counter is reset.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 56 words

The invention as set forth in claim 51 wherein said counter has a plurality of stages, adjustable digital switches connected between said stages and said gating means for selectively connecting different stages of said counter to the input of said gating means whereby to adjust the count which enables said gating means to provide said output.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 102 words

The invention as set forth in claim 51 including a second source of clock pulses having A repetition rate much higher than the repetition rate of said clock pulses from said first source; timing generator means responsive to said certain portions of said waveforms and said second source clock pulses for generating a sequence of a first, a second and a third timing signals; and means for applying said first for reading out said storing means, the second for resetting said storage means and said counter, and the third for enabling the application of said first source clock pulses to said counter.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 55 words

The invention as set forth in claim 53 wherein said timing generator means includes a plurality of tandem connected flip-flops, means for clocking the first of said plurality of tandem connected flip-flops in response to said certain portions of said waveform and the others of said tandem connected flip-flops by said second source clock pulses.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 97 words

The invention as set forth in claim 51 including a second counter; second gating means; second storing means; means coupling said second gating means to provide a second output to said second storing means when said second counter counts a second certain number of pulses, said second number being higher than said first number; and means responsive to said certain portion of said waveform for enabling the application of said clock pulses to said second counter and for resetting said second counter and said second storage means, all simultaneously with said first named counter and storage means.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 48 words

The invention as set forth in claim 55 including means for reading out an arrhythmia representing signal from said storage means prior to resetting thereof when said first named storage means or said second named storage means does not have stored therein an output from their respective counters.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 89 words

The invention as set forth in claim 56 wherein said certain portion of said waveform is the R wave of said ECG signal, and further including means for inhibiting said arrhythmia signal reading out means for said second storage means in response to an arrhythmia signal from said first arrhythmia signal reading out means, and means responsive to said arrhythmia signals from said reading out means and to said R wave signal for inhibiting said arrhythmia representing signals when successive ones of said R waves have certain time relationships.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 106 words

The invention as set forth in claim 57 wherein said second arrhythmia signal inhibiting means comprises redundant data eliminator means having first and second flip-flop chains, means for applying said arrhythmia signal to clock the flip-flops in said first chain, and deriving said arrhythmia signal therefrom when said first chain flip-flop executes a certain number of changes in state, and means for applying at least one R wave timing signal to clock said second chain, means for interconnecting said chains so as to control the changes in state of said first chain in accordance with the sequence of said arrhythmia signals and said R wave signals.

Claim 67

Independent Claim 151 words

A system for detecting arrhythmias from ECG signals which occur at greater than real time which comprises a. a counter having a plurality of stage, b. a source of clock pulses of repetition rate much higher than said ECG signals, c. means for providing an output from said counter when it has counted a certain number of said pulses, and d. means responsive to the occurrence of a certain repetitive portion of the waveform of said ECG signal for enabling the application of clock pulses from said source to said counter during the intervals between successive occurrences of said portions and resetting said counter prior to each of said intervals, wherein said certain portion of said waveform is the R wave of said ECG signal, and means responsive to the absence of a count stored in the highest order stage of said counter for producing an output representing a sinus arrest.

Claim 68

Independent Claim 151 words

A system for detecting arrhythmias from ECG signals which occur at greater than real time which comprises a. a counter having a plurality of stage, b. a source of clock pulses of repetition rate much higher than said ECG signals, c. means for providing an output from said counter when it has counted a certain number of said pulses, and d. means responsive to the occurrence of a certain repetitive portion of the waveform of said ECG signal for enabling the application of clock pulses from said source to said counter during the intervals between successive occurrences of said portions and resetting said counter prior to each of said intervals, wherein said certain portion of said waveform is the R wave of said ECG signal, and means responsive to the absence of a count stored in the highest order stage of said counter for producing an output representing a sinus arrest.

Claim 69

Independent Claim 115 words

A system for detecting arrhythmias from the interval between certain portions of the waveform of the ECG signal of A cardiac cycle, said system comprising a. means for detecting those of said intervals which occur between the first and a second successive pairs of said ECG signal portions and translating said intervals into a first output corresponding to the ratio of said intervals, b. means for translating said first output into a second output when said ratio is outside given limits, c. means for providing said second output upon its occurrence in each cardiac cycle, and d. means responsive to said second output from said last named means for indicating the presence of said arryhthmias.

Claim 70

Independent Claim 115 words

A system for detecting arrhythmias from the interval between certain portions of the waveform of the ECG signal of A cardiac cycle, said system comprising a. means for detecting those of said intervals which occur between the first and a second successive pairs of said ECG signal portions and translating said intervals into a first output corresponding to the ratio of said intervals, b. means for translating said first output into a second output when said ratio is outside given limits, c. means for providing said second output upon its occurrence in each cardiac cycle, and d. means responsive to said second output from said last named means for indicating the presence of said arryhthmias.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 62 words

The invention as set forth in claim 60 wherein said detecting means includes means responsive to the durations of said intervals for obtaining a signal related to the ratio the interval which said second of said pairs bears to the interval between said first of said pairs, and means for providing said second output when said ratio is outside said given limits.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 66 words

The invention as set forth in claim 60 wherein said detecting means comprises a. means for generating first and second voltages having amplitudes proportional to the durations of said intervals, b. means for obtaining a voltage corresponding to the ratio of said first and second voltages, and c. means for providing said first output when said third voltage is greater or lower than a certain voltage.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 44 words

The invention as set forth in claim 62 including a. means included in said generating means for said first and second voltages for providing voltages corresponding to the logarithms thereof, and b. means for providing said logarithm voltages to said second output obtaining means.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 98 words

The invention as set forth in claim 62 wherein said voltage generating means comprises a sweep generator for providing a voltage which increases at a certain rate in amplitude, means responsive to said certain portion of said ECG signal for initiating the increase in amplitude of said sweep voltage from a reference level upon occurrence of said certain portion, and means also responsive to said certain portion of said ECG signal for sampling said sweep voltage prior to initiation of said sweep voltage to provide said first and second voltages and for holding said first and second voltages.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 21 words

The invention as set forth in claim 64 including a logarithmic amplifier connected between said sweep generator and said sampling means.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 21 words

The invention as set forth in claim 65 including a difference amplifier input connected to said sampling and holding means outputs.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 86 words

The invention as set forth in claim 66 including a pair of ganged potentiometers for generating reference voltages of opposite polarity, a pair of comparators, each input connected to a different one of said potentiometers and to the output of said difference amplifier, and wherein said means for providing said output includes a gate enabled in response to said certain portions of said ECG signals, when said comparators produce output levels indicative of said difference amplifier output exceeding at least one of said potentiometer reference voltages.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 180 words

In an electrocardiographic system, having an electrocardiogram recorder and an ECG signal analyzer, wherein control signals are generated in response to the occurrence at greater than real time of cardiac cycles represented by the ECG signals and in which certain cardiac events take place also at greater than real time, said recorder having separate signal operated means for mechanical drive and electrical signal recording operations thereof, apparatus for controlling said electrocardiogram recorder to record said cardiac cycles in which said certain events take place so as to produce a virtual real time electrocardiogram, which apparatus comprises a. means having storage for said control signals, b. means for applying said control signals to said storage means, c. means operative when each of said control signals is stored in said storage means, for reaDing out a plurality of successive electrocardiogram recorder operating signals from said storage means over a period of time corresponding to a plurality of cardiac cycles, and d. and means for applying said operating signals to said recorder to enable, first the mechanical and then the electrical operation thereof.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 180 words

In an electrocardiographic system, having an electrocardiogram recorder and an ECG signal analyzer, wherein control signals are generated in response to the occurrence at greater than real time of cardiac cycles represented by the ECG signals and in which certain cardiac events take place also at greater than real time, said recorder having separate signal operated means for mechanical drive and electrical signal recording operations thereof, apparatus for controlling said electrocardiogram recorder to record said cardiac cycles in which said certain events take place so as to produce a virtual real time electrocardiogram, which apparatus comprises a. means having storage for said control signals, b. means for applying said control signals to said storage means, c. means operative when each of said control signals is stored in said storage means, for reaDing out a plurality of successive electrocardiogram recorder operating signals from said storage means over a period of time corresponding to a plurality of cardiac cycles, and d. and means for applying said operating signals to said recorder to enable, first the mechanical and then the electrical operation thereof.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 105 words

The invention as set forth in claim 68 wherein in said electrocardiographic system said cardiac cycles are represented by ECG signals which are multiplied in frequency by a certain number ''''N'''', said apparatus further including means in said reading out means for reading out said recorder operating signals each for a period of time equal to 1/N of the periods of said cardiac cycles, and means for applying said frequency multiplied ECG signal to said recorder when said those of operating signals occurring after the interval of a plurality of said 1/N periods whereby the cardiac cycles in which said events take place are recorded.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 67 words

The invention as set forth in claim 68 wherein said storage means is a shift register having a plurality of successive stages; and wherein said reading out means includes means for shifting said control signals through the successive stages of said register, and means connected to a plurality of the successive stages of said register for providing said operating signal when said control signal is shifted therein.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 63 words

The invention as set forth in claim 70 including means for generating clock pulses for shifting said control signals through the successive stages of said register, which clock pulses have a frequency equal to the repetition rate of said cardiac cycles, said rate being multiplied by the same factor as said ECG signals which are applied to said recorder for recording said cycles.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 90 words

The invention as set forth in claim 71 wherein said recorder has drive means for mechanically feeding a record medium therein, and galvanometer means for recording said ECG signals, wherein said operating signal reading out means including means connected to a first group of said plurality of stages for reading out an early operating signal which enables the operation of said drive means, and means connected to a second group of said plurality of stages for reading out a late operating signal which enables the operation of said galvanometer means.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 92 words

The invention as set forth in claim 72 wherein in said electrocardiographic system said ECG signals are recorded on a record medium and wherein in said system said ECG signals for operating said galvanometer are obtained from said record after a certain time delay, said apparatus further including a second shift register having its output connected to the input of said first shift register, said control signals being applied to the input of said second register, and means for applying said clock pulses simultaneously to the shift inputs of both said registers.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 61 words

The invention as set forth in claim 73 including means for generating a serial code which changes successively to designate successive periods of time, and means enabled by outputs from at least one of said second group of stages of said register for applying said serial code to said recorder for recording simultaneously with said cardiac cycles which manifest said events.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1976-12-17	1977-06-18	1977-12-18	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1980-12-17	1981-06-18	1981-12-18	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1984-12-17	1985-06-18	1985-12-18	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and system for automatic processing of physiological information in greater than real time

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