Method and apparatus for automatically screening of electrocardiac signals

Claim 27

Apparatus for evaluating electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, one of said functional periods being normally active and including a QRS wave train having at least one peak, another of said functional periods being normally quiescent; substantially frequency insensitive triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said wave peak; timing network means for generating gating pulses in dependency on the triggering signal, each pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a prescribed functional period of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the substantially unfiltered detected signal and operating in dependency on the gating pulses for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the detected signal only during said related functional period; means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each functional period; and a clamping network receiving the detected electrocardiac signal and operating in dependency on the triggering signal for momentarily restoring the base line of the electrocardiac signal to a reference potential.

Claim 28

Apparatus for evaluating electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, one of said functional periods being normally active and including a QRS wave train having at least one peak, another of said functional periods being normally quiescent; substantially frequency insensitive triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said wave peak; timing network means for generating gating pulses in dependency on the triggering signal, each pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a prescribed functional period of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the substantially unfiltered detected signal and operating in dependency on the gating pulses for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the detected signal only during said related functional period; means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each functional period; and a clamping network receiving the detected electrocardiac signal and operating in dependency on the triggering signal for momentarily restoring the base line of the electrocardiac signal to a reference potential.

Claim 29

Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the timing network means includes means for generating at least one gating pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a normally active functional period adjacent at least one substantially quiescent functional period within a cycle of the detected signal.

Claim 30

Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the timing network means includes means for generating at least one gating pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a sequence of normally active functional periods adjacent a substantially quiescent functional period related to a cycle of the detected signal.

Claim 31

Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the analysis network means constitutes an electrocardiac signal discriminating network having wave amplitude evaluation circuitry.

Claim 32

Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the analysis network means constitutes an electrocardiac signal discriminating network having wave duration evaluation circuitry.

Claim 33

Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the analysis network means constitutes an electrocardiac signal discriminating network having wave polarity evaluation circuitry.

Claim 34

Apparatus accordIng to claim 14 wherein the analysis network means constitutes an electrocardiac signal discriminating network having circuitry for evaluating wave amplitude, duration, polarity and a combination thereof.

Claim 35

Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the analysis network means constitutes an electrocardiac signal discriminating network comprising reference voltage means, level detecting means receiving the detected signal and operating with respect to said reference voltage means for evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the detected signal and producing a corresponding evaluation signal, a utilization device, and gating means operative in dependency on said gating pulse for controlling the passage of said evaluation signal to said utilization device.

Claim 36

Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the analysis network means constitutes an electrocardiac signal discriminating network comprising reference voltage means, level detecting means receiving the detected signal and operating with respect to said reference voltage means for evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of said detected signal to produce a corresponding evaluation signal, a utilization device, gating means operative in dependency on said gating pulse for controlling the passage of said evaluation signal to said utilization device, and memory means for storing the gated evaluation signal, said memory means being reset in dependency on said triggering signal.

Claim 37

Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the analysis network means constitutes an electrocardiac signal discriminating network comprising reference voltage means, level detecting means receiving the detected signal and operating with respect to said reference voltage means for evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the detected signal and producing a corresponding evaluation signal, means operative in dependency on at least one evaluation signal for detecting the duration of at least one related functional period and generating an output signal when the duration exceeds a predetermined value of medical significance, a utilization device, and gating means operative in dependency on said gating pulse for controlling the passage of said output signal to said utilization device.

Claim 38

Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the duration detecting means includes integrating circuitry responsive to said evaluation signal.

Claim 39

Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the duration detecting means includes monostable multivibrator circuitry operative in dependency on said evaluation signal.

Claim 40

Apparatus for evaluating electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, one of said functional periods being normally active and including a QRS wave train having at least one peak, another of said functional periods being normally quiescent; substantially frequency insensitive triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said wave peak, said triggering means including R-wave detecting means, S-wave detecting means, and a trigger operative in dependency on one of said wave detection means for generating said triggering signal; timing network means for generating gating pulses in dependency on the triggering signal, each pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a prescribed functional period of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the substantially unfiltered detected signal and operating in dependency on the gating pulses for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the detected signal only during said related functional period; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates From medically significant limits prescribed for each functional period.

Claim 41

Apparatus for evaluating electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, one of said functional periods being normally active and including a QRS wave train having at least one peak, another of said functional periods being normally quiescent; substantially frequency insensitive triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said wave peak, said triggering means including R-wave detecting means, S-wave detecting means, and a trigger operative in dependency on one of said wave detection means for generating said triggering signal; timing network means for generating gating pulses in dependency on the triggering signal, each pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a prescribed functional period of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the substantially unfiltered detected signal and operating in dependency on the gating pulses for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the detected signal only during said related functional period; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates From medically significant limits prescribed for each functional period.

Claim 42

Apparatus for evaluating electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, one of said functional periods being normally active and including a QRS wave train having at least one peak, another of said functional periods being normally quiescent; substantially frequency insensitive triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said wave peak, said triggering means including R-wave detecting means, S-wave detecting means, and a trigger responsive to the S-wave detecting means when said R-wave is undesirable for generating said triggering signal; timing network means for generating gating pulses in dependency on the triggering signal, each pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a prescribed functional period of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the substantially unfiltered detected signal and operating in dependency on the gating pulses for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the detected signal only during said related functional period; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each functional period.

Claim 43

Apparatus for evaluating electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, one of said functional periods being normally active and including a QRS wave train having at least one peak, another of said functional periods being normally quiescent; substantially frequency insensitive triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said wave peak, said triggering means including R-wave detecting means, S-wave detecting means, and a trigger responsive to the S-wave detecting means when said R-wave is undesirable for generating said triggering signal; timing network means for generating gating pulses in dependency on the triggering signal, each pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a prescribed functional period of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the substantially unfiltered detected signal and operating in dependency on the gating pulses for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the detected signal only during said related functional period; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each functional period.

Claim 44

Apparatus according to claim 27 including means for sensing cardiac rate wherein the timing network means includes compensating means for varying the time phase range of at least one gating pulse inversely with cardiac rate.

Claim 45

Apparatus according to claim 27 including means for sensing cardiac rate wherein the timing network means includes compensating means for contracting at least one gating pulse with increase in cardiac rate only in a range above a preselected cardiac rate.

Claim 46

Apparatus according to claim 27 including means for sensing cardiac rate wherein the timing network means includes compensating means for varying the selection of one functional period in proportion to variations in duration of at least a portion of another functional period of the detected signal.

Claim 47

Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the timing network means includes means for generating at least one gating pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a normally substantially quiescent functional period adjacent at least one active functional period within a cycle of the detected signal.

Claim 48

Apparatus for evaluating electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, one of said functional periods being normally active and including a QRS wave train having at least one peak, another of said functional periods being normally quiescent; substantially frequency insensitive triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantially uniform time phase range with said wave peak; means for sensing cardiac rate; timing network means for generating gating pulses in dependency on the triggering signal, each pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a prescribed functional period of the detected signal, said timing means including compensating means for varying the duration of a plurality of gating pulses inversely with cardiac rate, one of said pulses being varied independently of the other of said pulses; analysis network means receiving the substantially unfiltered detected signal and operating in dependency on the gating pulses for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the detected signal only duRing said related functional period; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each functional period.

Claim 49

Apparatus for evaluating electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, one of said functional periods being normally active and including a QRS wave train having at least one peak, another of said functional periods being normally quiescent; substantially frequency insensitive triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantially uniform time phase range with said wave peak; means for sensing cardiac rate; timing network means for generating gating pulses in dependency on the triggering signal, each pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a prescribed functional period of the detected signal, said timing means including compensating means for varying the duration of a plurality of gating pulses inversely with cardiac rate, one of said pulses being varied independently of the other of said pulses; analysis network means receiving the substantially unfiltered detected signal and operating in dependency on the gating pulses for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the detected signal only duRing said related functional period; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each functional period.

Claim 50

Apparatus for evaluating the ST segment of electrocardiac signals during a cardiac functional period comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, each cycle including in sequence a QRS wave train interval having at least one peak and an ST segment; substantially frequency insensitive triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said peak in the QRS wave train; timing network means for generating a gating pulse in dependency on the triggering signal, said pulse having a prescribed duration and time phase range for selecting that portion of a cycle within the ST segment of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on said gating pulse for electrically evaluating the ST segment for characteristics comprising normal, elevated and depressed wave amplitude; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating distinctive output signals when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each wave characteristic evaluated during the ST segment.

Claim 51

Apparatus for evaluating the ST segment of electrocardiac signals during a cardiac functional period comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, each cycle including in sequence a QRS wave train interval having at least one peak and an ST segment; substantially frequency insensitive triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said peak in the QRS wave train; timing network means for generating a gating pulse in dependency on the triggering signal, said pulse having a prescribed duration and time phase range for selecting that portion of a cycle within the ST segment of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on said gating pulse for electrically evaluating the ST segment for characteristics comprising normal, elevated and depressed wave amplitude; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating distinctive output signals when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each wave characteristic evaluated during the ST segment.

Claim 52

Apparatus according to claim 33 further including means in the timing network means for expanding the time delay after the triggering signal at which the ST segment gating pulse is initiated responsive to an excess in duration of at least a portion of the QRS wave train.

Claim 53

Apparatus for evaluating the T-wave interval of electrocardiac signals during a cardiac functional period comprising: detecting means for detecting signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, each cycle including in sequence a QRS wave train interval having at least one peak, an ST segment and T-wave, TP, P-wave and PR intervals; triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said peak in the QRS train; timing network means for generating a gating pulse in dependency on the triggering signal, said pulse having a prescribed duration and time phase range for selecting that portion of a cycle comprising at least the T-wave portion of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on said gating pulse for electrically evaluating the T-wave interval for characteristics comprising absent wave, normal, excessive and diminished wave amplitude, and negative wave polarity; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating distinctive output signals when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each wave characteristic evaluated during the T-wave interval.

Claim 54

Apparatus for evaluating the T-wave interval of electrocardiac signals during a cardiac functional period comprising: detecting means for detecting signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, each cycle including in sequence a QRS wave train interval having at least one peak, an ST segment and T-wave, TP, P-wave and PR intervals; triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said peak in the QRS train; timing network means for generating a gating pulse in dependency on the triggering signal, said pulse having a prescribed duration and time phase range for selecting that portion of a cycle comprising at least the T-wave portion of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on said gating pulse for electrically evaluating the T-wave interval for characteristics comprising absent wave, normal, excessive and diminished wave amplitude, and negative wave polarity; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating distinctive output signals when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each wave characteristic evaluated during the T-wave interval.

Claim 55

Apparatus for evaluating the TP interval of electrocardiac signals during a cardiac functional period comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, each cycle including in sequence a QRS wave train interval having at least one peak, an ST segment and T-wave, TP, P-wave and PR intervals; triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said peak in the QRS wave train; timing network means for generating a gating pulse in dependency on the triggering signal, said pulse having a prescribed duration and time phase range for selecting that portion of a cycle within the TP interval of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on said gating pulse for electrically evaluating the TP interval for characteristics comprising normal amplitude, and excesses in negative wave polarity, positive wave polarity, and positive and negative wave polarity; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating distinctive output signals when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each wave characteristic evaluated during the TP interval.

Claim 56

Apparatus for evaluating the TP interval of electrocardiac signals during a cardiac functional period comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, each cycle including in sequence a QRS wave train interval having at least one peak, an ST segment and T-wave, TP, P-wave and PR intervals; triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said peak in the QRS wave train; timing network means for generating a gating pulse in dependency on the triggering signal, said pulse having a prescribed duration and time phase range for selecting that portion of a cycle within the TP interval of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on said gating pulse for electrically evaluating the TP interval for characteristics comprising normal amplitude, and excesses in negative wave polarity, positive wave polarity, and positive and negative wave polarity; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating distinctive output signals when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each wave characteristic evaluated during the TP interval.

Claim 57

Apparatus for evaluating the P-wave interval of electrocardiac signals during a cardiac functional period comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, each cycle including in sequence a QRS wave train interval having at least one peak, an ST segment and T-wave, TP, P-wave and PR intervals; triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said peak in the QRS wave train; timing network means for generating a gating pulse in dependency on the triggering signal, said pulse having a prescribed duration and time phase range for selecting that portion of a cycle comprising the P-wave interval of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on said gating pulse for electrically evaluating the P-wave interval for characteristics comprising absent wave, normal and excessive wave amplitude, and negative wave polarity; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating distinctive output signals when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each wave characteristic evaluated during the P-wave interval.

Claim 58

Apparatus for evaluating the P-wave interval of electrocardiac signals during a cardiac functional period comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, each cycle including in sequence a QRS wave train interval having at least one peak, an ST segment and T-wave, TP, P-wave and PR intervals; triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said peak in the QRS wave train; timing network means for generating a gating pulse in dependency on the triggering signal, said pulse having a prescribed duration and time phase range for selecting that portion of a cycle comprising the P-wave interval of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on said gating pulse for electrically evaluating the P-wave interval for characteristics comprising absent wave, normal and excessive wave amplitude, and negative wave polarity; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating distinctive output signals when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each wave characteristic evaluated during the P-wave interval.

Claim 59

Apparatus for evaluating the PR interval of electrocardiac signals during a cardiac functional period comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, each cycle including in sequence a QRS wave train interval having at least one peak, an ST segment and T-wave, TP, P-wave and PR intervals; triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said peak in the QRS wave train; timing network means for generating a gating pulse in dependency on the triggering signal, said pulse having a prescribed duration and time phase range for selecting that portion of a cycle lying within the PR interval of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on said gating pulse for electrically evaluating the PR interval for characteristics comprising normal, excessive and diminished wave duration; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating distinctive output signals when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each wave characteristic evaluated during the PR interval.

Claim 60

Apparatus for evaluating the PR interval of electrocardiac signals during a cardiac functional period comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, each cycle including in sequence a QRS wave train interval having at least one peak, an ST segment and T-wave, TP, P-wave and PR intervals; triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said peak in the QRS wave train; timing network means for generating a gating pulse in dependency on the triggering signal, said pulse having a prescribed duration and time phase range for selecting that portion of a cycle lying within the PR interval of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on said gating pulse for electrically evaluating the PR interval for characteristics comprising normal, excessive and diminished wave duration; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating distinctive output signals when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each wave characteristic evaluated during the PR interval.

Claim 61

Apparatus according to claim 38 further including means for sensing cardiac rate and means in the analysis network means for expanding the evaluation limit for the PR interval duration responsive to a decrease in cardiac rate only in a range below a prescribed cardiac rate.

Claim 62

Apparatus for evaluating the QRS wave train interval of electrocardiac signals during a cardiac functional period comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, each cycle incLuding in sequence a QRS wave train interval having at least one peak, an ST segment and T-wave, TP, P-wave and PR intervals; triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said peak in the QRS wave train; timing network means for generating a gating pulse in dependency on the triggering signal, said pulse having a prescribed duration and time phase range for selecting that portion of a cycle including the QRS wave train interval of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on said gating pulse for electrically evaluating the QRS wave train interval for characteristics comprising normal, excessive and diminished wave amplitude, and normal, excessive and diminished wave duration, and a combination of these; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating distinctive output signals when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each wave characteristic evaluated during the QRS wave train interval.

Claim 63

Apparatus for evaluating the QRS wave train interval of electrocardiac signals during a cardiac functional period comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, each cycle incLuding in sequence a QRS wave train interval having at least one peak, an ST segment and T-wave, TP, P-wave and PR intervals; triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said peak in the QRS wave train; timing network means for generating a gating pulse in dependency on the triggering signal, said pulse having a prescribed duration and time phase range for selecting that portion of a cycle including the QRS wave train interval of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on said gating pulse for electrically evaluating the QRS wave train interval for characteristics comprising normal, excessive and diminished wave amplitude, and normal, excessive and diminished wave duration, and a combination of these; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating distinctive output signals when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each wave characteristic evaluated during the QRS wave train interval.

Claim 64

Apparatus for evaluating electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for simultaneously detecting electrocardiac signals from two sources on a patient, each of said sources comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable both in recurrence and wave form characteristics, one of said variable periods including a QRS wave train having at least one peak, the R-wave peak being better defined in the first source than in the second source; triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with the R-wave peak in the first source; timing network means for generating gating pulses in dependency on the triggering signal, each pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a prescribed functional period of the second source detected signal; analysis network means receiving the second source detected signal and operating in dependency on the gating pulses for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the second source detected signal only during said related functional period; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each functional period.

Claim 65

Apparatus for evaluating electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for simultaneously detecting electrocardiac signals from two sources on a patient, each of said sources comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable both in recurrence and wave form characteristics, one of said variable periods including a QRS wave train having at least one peak, the R-wave peak being better defined in the first source than in the second source; triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with the R-wave peak in the first source; timing network means for generating gating pulses in dependency on the triggering signal, each pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a prescribed functional period of the second source detected signal; analysis network means receiving the second source detected signal and operating in dependency on the gating pulses for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the second source detected signal only during said related functional period; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each functional period.

Claim 66

Apparatus for evaluating cardiac rate of recurrence in electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals including cyclic QRS wave trains variable in recurrency and having at least one wave peak in each cycle; first and second means for generating first and second pulses respectively, each having a prescribed duration, the first pulse means being keyed by said wave peak and the second pulse means keyed by the termination of the first pulse, the ending of the second pulse varying respective a subsequent wave peak and being coincident therewith only at a preselected cardiac rate; means for generating a variable signal corresponding to the time difference and phase relation between the ending of the second pulse and said subsequent wave peak, thereby producing a variable signal representative of cardiac rate deviation from said preselected rate; analysis network means receiving the rate variable signal for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of said signal; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated cardiac rate signal deviates from prescribed limits.

Claim 67

Apparatus for evaluating cardiac rate of recurrence in electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals including cyclic QRS wave trains variable in recurrency and having at least one wave peak in each cycle; first and second means for generating first and second pulses respectively, each having a prescribed duration, the first pulse means being keyed by said wave peak and the second pulse means keyed by the termination of the first pulse, the ending of the second pulse varying respective a subsequent wave peak and being coincident therewith only at a preselected cardiac rate; means for generating a variable signal corresponding to the time difference and phase relation between the ending of the second pulse and said subsequent wave peak, thereby producing a variable signal representative of cardiac rate deviation from said preselected rate; analysis network means receiving the rate variable signal for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of said signal; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated cardiac rate signal deviates from prescribed limits.

Claim 68

Apparatus for evaluating electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, one of Said functional periods including a QRS wave train having at least one peak; substantially frequency insensitive triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said wave peak; means operative in dependency on said triggering signal for detecting arrhythmia in the electrocardiac signal and producing a corresponding output signal; timing network means for generating gating pulses in dependency on the triggering signal, each pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a prescribed functional period of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on the gating pulses for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the detected signal only during said related functional period; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each functional period; said means being disabled responsive to the arrhythmia detector signal when said signal exceeds a predetermined value.

Claim 69

Apparatus for evaluating electrocardiac signals comprising: detecting means for detecting electrocardiac signals comprising a cyclic sequence of functional periods variable in both recurrence and wave form characteristics, one of Said functional periods including a QRS wave train having at least one peak; substantially frequency insensitive triggering means receiving the detected signal for generating a triggering signal in substantial uniform time phase range with said wave peak; means operative in dependency on said triggering signal for detecting arrhythmia in the electrocardiac signal and producing a corresponding output signal; timing network means for generating gating pulses in dependency on the triggering signal, each pulse having a predetermined duration and time phase range for selecting a prescribed functional period of the detected signal; analysis network means receiving the detected signal and operating in dependency on the gating pulses for electrically evaluating at least one predetermined characteristic of the detected signal only during said related functional period; and means operative in dependency on the analysis network means for generating a distinctive output signal when the evaluated electrocardiac signal deviates from medically significant limits prescribed for each functional period; said means being disabled responsive to the arrhythmia detector signal when said signal exceeds a predetermined value.