Patents by Inventor Denise M. Anker

Denise M. Anker has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Periodic breast self-examination prompting device
    Patent number: 6685651
    Abstract: A prompting device that can be utilized to remind a user to periodically and regularly perform a breast self-examination is described. The device includes a controller to measure a predetermined interval of time. A proximity sensor is provided to detect a person within proximity of the device after the predetermined time interval has expired. If a person is detected, the controller triggers an alarm alerting the person to perform a task such as examining her breasts. If someone other than the intended user activates the proximity sensor, a means for indicating the person is not the intended user is provided so that the alarm can be disenabled for a delay time period before being re-enabled to subsequently notify the intended user. In at least one operational mode of the device, the predetermined time interval is measured cyclically so that the user is periodically reminded to perform the breast self-examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventors: Denise M Anker, Marvin L Odefey
  • Breast self-examination prompter device
    Patent number: 6669650
    Abstract: A breast self-examination prompter device having the purpose of prompting a user to perform a routine breast self-examination is described. The device includes a “Start” for activating the device and selecting a time cycle. A motion sensor is used to detect if a person is located near the device and cause the device to alert the person that the selected time cycle has been completed. The device also includes a micro-controller that provides control logic, timer and power control circuitry. An audio/visual component comprising one or both of an indicator light and an audible alarm is provided to alert the person. When the timing interval has expired and the motion sensor detects a person's presence, the micro-controller activates the audio/visual component. Also, the device includes a “Exam Complete” button for stopping the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventors: Denise M. Anker, Marvin L. Odefey
  • Periodic breast self-examination prompting device
    Publication number: 20030191375
    Abstract: A prompting device that can be utilized to remind a user to periodically and regularly perform a breast self-examination is described. The device includes a controller to measure a predetermined interval of time. A proximity sensor is provided to detect a person within proximity of the device after the predetermined time interval has expired. If a person is detected, the controller triggers an alarm alerting the person to perform a task such as examining her breasts. If someone other than the intended user activates the proximity sensor, a means for indicating the person is not the intended user is provided so that the alarm can be disenabled for a delay time period before being re-enabled to subsequently notify the intended user. In at least one operational mode of the device, the predetermined time interval is measured cyclically so that the user is periodically reminded to perform the breast self-examination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Denise M. Anker, Marvin L. Odefey