Patents by Inventor Robert S. Van Buskirk

Robert S. Van Buskirk 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).

  • Patent number: 5062304
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for flow and temperature analysis during collection of a urine sample, and for simultaneously maintaining the urine sample sterile. A disposable vessel for collecting the urine is mounted on a commode adapter, and includes a variable capacitor, with a capacitance value which varies with the amount of urine in the vessel. The variable capacitor forms a part of a capacitance bridge. A microprocessor controlled by a clock is used to periodically sample the varying capacitance value as fluid flows into the vessel, and thereby determine the flow rates of the fluid. A tube is provided which communicates with the interior of the vessel for drawing off a sterile sample of the urine for laboratory analysis, and a drain is provided which is operable without contacting the urine. Temperature sensing means are provided for detecting the temperature of the fluid as a function of time, comprising a thermistor or an infrared optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Endotherapeutics
    Inventors: Robert S. Van Buskirk, Robert R. Clappier