Medtronic, Inc.

Automed Corporation

George E Nelms

Thomas C Barthel

Charles Eumurian

William J Bergland

A single cavity specimen test tube carrier especially adapted to connect to like carriers along one axis or a different axis or in a matrix. The carrier includes a test tube holder, a viewing slot, a side-to-side coupling mechanism and a front-to-back joining mechanism to attach the carriers together along a specified axis or in a matrix. The side-to-side coupling mechanism includes a boss and boss receiving cavity which snap together in a force fit. The front-to-back joining mechanism includes a plurality of knob-like protrusions that fit snugly into the viewing slot of an adjacent carrier and a horizontal bar that slides under a corresponding ledge of the adjacent carrier.

Specimen tube transfer carrier

A digital computer system is described as comprising an input data circuit, a processor for executing a program stored in a memory to process the inputted data, a depletable energy source (e.g., a battery) for energizing the elements of the computer system, and a power control circuit for selectively controlling the drain imposed upon the energy source in accordance with the data input into the system and the program executed by the processor. In an illustrative embodiment of this invention, the power control circuit is operative in at least three modes of operation, namely off/rest, power down, and operating. In the off/rest mode, the power control circuit imposes a minimum power drain upon the depletable energy source. An operator may manipulate a switch or actuation means to apply a transition signal to the power control, whereby the computer system is disposed from its off/rest mode to its power down mode. In the power down mode, the control circuit applies power at an intermediate level to the data input means. In an illustrative embodiment of this invention, the data input means includes a keyboard and a decoder for providing a signal indicative that one of the keys has been depressed. Upon actuation of the key, a data available signal DA is transmitted to the power control circuit, whereby the computer system is disposed in its operating mode, wherein all of the elements of the computer system are energized at a high power level. In its operating mode, the processor and its memory are fully energized to execute the stored program.

Computer system with power control circuit

A digital computer system is disclosed as associated with a processor unit and including an EKG shaping and amplifying circuit coupled by electrodes to various portions of the patient's body, whereby artifact signals as generated by an implanted pacemaker are sensed and applied by the shaping and amplifying circuit to the processor unit and in particular, to its interrupt input. There is further included a key board which includes a measure key which upon actuation enables the interrupt input of the processor unit to receive the artifact signals. The processor unit detects first and second, successive pacer artifact pulses to actuate a first counter to count pulses for that interval between the first and second pulses and to initiate a second counter to measure the pulse width of at least one of the pulses. In an illustrative embodiment of this invention, the first such pulse initiates the first counter within the unit and the second pulse terminates the counting of the first counter to provide an indication of interval therebetween and thus the pulse rate of the pacing pulses. The second counter is initiated to count upon the occurence of the leading edge of the second pulse and terminates counting upon the sensing of the trailing edge of the second pulse to thereby provide an indication of pulse width.

Pacemaker programming apparatus utilizing a computer system with

An electromedical device including cable leads for delivering an electrical signal to the desired situs of a patient's body, such device having a storage mechanism for the cable leads which allows a length of the cable leads to be withdrawn and, by use of a locking mechanism associated therewith, allows the cable leads to be held in place while the cable leads are in use and also allows such cable leads to be automatically returned to the storage mechanism upon release of the locking mechanism.

Growing community of inventors

Edina, MN, United States of America

George E Nelms