Stethoscopes, Electrical Patents (Class 381/67)
  • Publication number: 20040223621
    Abstract: A hand-held and hand-operated electronic stethoscope sensor module (1) constitutes the core of an equipment kit which in addition to the sensor module (1), comprises at least one extra equipment unit to be attached to the sensor module (1) optionally. The sensor module (1) is provided with interface means adapted to each one of the extra equipment units. Examples of cooperating pairs of extra equipment unit and interface means, are: wireless headset (9) and radio antenna (7) on the module (1); front piece (16) for machine part listening, and front listening surface (3) on the module (1); galvanic safety separation unit (23) and appurtenant connector on the module (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Birger Orten
  • Publication number: 20040220488
    Abstract: A sound input port is ubiquitously present in many types of devices including PCs, PDAs, cell phones, land line phones, and voice recorders thereafter referred to as “computing devices”. A sound port allows data input into a computing device for further computation, visualization and data transmission. Unfortunately most computing devices only allow one channel of data acquisition via the sound port. Further, the acquired data are highpass filtered. A method of extending the signal range to very low frequencies and recording a plurality of data channels via a single sound port is disclosed here. This method uses amplitude modulation of carrier frequencies to create a composite signal. The composite signal is then transmitted into the computing device either via wire or wirelessly. Demodulation occurs in the computing device. In the preferred embodiment the audio signal from an electronic stethoscope and the amplitude modulated EKG are transmitted into a computer via a single microphone port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Andrey Vyshedskiy, William Kania, Raymond Murphy
  • Publication number: 20040220487
    Abstract: A sound input port is ubiquitously present in many types of devices including PCs, PDAs, cell phones, land line phones, and voice recorders thereafter referred to as “computing devices”. A sound port allows data input into a computing device for further computation, visualization and data transmission. Unfortunately most computing devices only allow one channel of data acquisition via the sound port. Further, the acquired data are highpass filtered. A method of extending the signal range to very low frequencies and recording a plurality of data channels via a single sound port is disclosed here. This method uses amplitude modulation of carrier frequencies to create a composite signal. The composite signal is then transmitted into the computing device either via wire or wirelessly. Demodulation occurs in the computing device. In the preferred embodiment the audio signal from an electronic stethoscope and the amplitude modulated EKG are transmitted into a computer via a single microphone port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Andrey Vyshedskiy, William Kania, Raymond Murphy
  • Publication number: 20040179664
    Abstract: A transtelephonic process and storage apparatus (10) for use with a blood sugar monitor or like standalone monitoring apparatus having an output port to download acquired digital data signals is disclosed. The apparatus (10) has a memory (18), a controlling (14), a transducer (17) and an output (12), wherein the downloaded acquired digital is converted into audio transmission signals by the transducer (17), and the audio transmission signal is stored in memory (18) for delayed transmission over a telephone network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Harry Louis Platt, Allan Michael Shell, Vladimir Jankov
  • Publication number: 20040170285
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a stethoscope as one part of an interface unit for biological signals. An electroacoustic driver is provided with a signal from e.g. a sound card in a personal computer, and special leak-free coupling means are provided to enable a faithful transmission of the biological signal from e.g. the digital domain in a computer to the ears of a physician used to auscultation—or training to become proficient. The communication of and about physiological signals is remarkably improved with respect to traditional systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Knud Erik Baekgaard, Bjorn Knud Andersen
  • Patent number: 6757392
    Abstract: An electronic stethoscope comprises a headpiece, a chest-piece and two earpieces. The headpiece is fitted with a display arrangement in the form of a liquid-crystal display. A microphone, one or more sensors and fixed electrodes and movable electrodes are mounted in the headpiece. The movable electrodes are fixed to pivoted arms which form a contact ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventors: Artemio Granzotto, Fridolin Voegeli
  • Publication number: 20040114767
    Abstract: A quick-updating stethoscope receiver comprises a receiver, a listening disk at a lower end of the receiver, the listening disk can be embedded into a lower end of the receiver; an upper cover at a top end of the receiver; and a transducer combining at a lateral wall of the receiver and a connector at a rear end of the transducer. A lower end of the receiver has an axial extended shaft. The shaft is formed with an annular trench. An elastic tightening ring is embedded into the trench. A diameter of a cross section of the tightening ring is larger than a depth of the trench so that part of the tightening ring protrudes out of the trench. A center of the round disk has an opening. By the elastic expanding force of the tightening ring, the round disk is tightly engaged to the shaft so that the round disk can not drop out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Teng Ko Tseng
  • Publication number: 20040109571
    Abstract: A patient registers his audible sound when he is in good health. When he is not feeling well, and even when he is in good health, he may contact regularly with a medical institution. Once he pronounces words to his mobile phone, the audible sound will be stored in a storing portion for storing audible sound information of the patient and will be processed by a computer that gives diagnosis to the patient and the patient will be informed of the diagnosis through a public line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Takashi Yoshimine
  • Publication number: 20040105556
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing the response of an electronic stethoscope. The sensor of the electronic stethoscope is held in contact with a test surface of a phantom. A shaker, which is coupled to a stinger rod that extends inside the phantom, is driven to produce internal vibrations in the phantom. Surface motion of the test surface of the phantom is measured using a surface accelerometer coupled to the test surface. Vibrations from the phantom are detected and an electric signal based on the detected vibrations is generated with the electronic stethoscope. A surface transfer function is calculated based on the measured surface motion and the electric signal to characterize the response of the electronic stethoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Deborah M. Grove
  • Publication number: 20040096069
    Abstract: In an electronic stethoscope, a filter unit receives and filters an audio signal attributed to a human body part and received by a receiver so as to output a set of target signals associated with the audio signal. The target signals have frequencies within specific frequency bands and are converted into a set of digital signals. An operating unit is operable so as to generate an input mode signal corresponding to a selected operating mode for selecting one of the digital signals. A processor receives the set of digital signals and the input mode signal, and processes and outputs one of the digital signals that is selected according to the input mode signal. An audio playback unit receives and reproduces output of the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jen-Chien Chien
  • Patent number: 6726635
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting infrasonic cardiac apical impulses of a patient including a sensor disposable in contact with skin of the patient for producing a signal responsive to a motion of the skin at an infrasonic cardiac apical impulse point of the patient. A first circuit coupled to the first sensor for generating at least one audible output in response to the first signal and indicative of the infrasonic cardiac apical impulse. A dampening ring surrounding the sensor for dampening the relative motion of the sensor with respect to movement of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony F. LaSala
  • Patent number: 6725966
    Abstract: A chestpiece for a stethoscope, the chestpiece having a novel mix of desirable properties through being fabricated from the group of materials known as “high gravity compounds.” These compounds are prepared by loading various plastic resins with high density metal powders. In spite of the metallic content, appropriate compounds can be injection molded, providing economic and aesthetic advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Drummond
  • Publication number: 20040076303
    Abstract: The invention herein discloses a multimedia acoustic stethoscope that has look and feel of a conventional acoustic stethoscope but allows a medical practitioner to transmit sounds from stethoscope to a recording device, and to transmit recorded sound back to the stethoscope for playback. The recording device could be a tape recorder, a digital recorder, a personal computer, a pocket PC, a handheld PC, a tablet PC, or a PDA. The data can be transmitted via a wire or wirelessly, for example using Bluetooth wireless technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Andrey Vyshedskly, William Kania, Raymond Murphy
  • Publication number: 20040066939
    Abstract: An improved structure of a stethoscope earpiece is essentially comprised of an ear nib containing an insertion part to receive a bolt and the ear nib made of resilient rubber being locked to a terminal of a branch extended from the stethoscope by means of the bolt characterized by that a ring groove filled with liquid solution is provided in the ear nib to make the earpiece more comfortable to wear for longer time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Wan-Chen Wong
  • Publication number: 20040037429
    Abstract: An improved stethoscope for use in environments with high ambient noise levels. The stethoscope incorporates active noise cancellation via destructive interference to attenuate the unwanted ambient noise. Once the active noise cancellation wave is generated to cancel the unwanted ambient noise, the stethoscope is operative, per conventional stethoscopes, to isolate the desired sounds sought to be heard emanating from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Victor A. Candioty
  • Publication number: 20040032957
    Abstract: A sensor for use with a biological entity includes a housing and an acoustic transducer disposed within the housing. The acoustic transducer is adapted to detect a biological sound impinging on a surface of the biological entity. The sensor may also include an electrode integral with the sensor. The electrode is adapted to detect an electric potential associated with the surface of the biological entity. A plurality of sensors can be held in a predetermined pattern on the surface of the biological entity using a flexible carrier that provides a plurality of sensor mounting locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Hansen A. Mansy, Richard H. Sandler
  • Publication number: 20040028236
    Abstract: A temporally and frequency controlled amplified cardiac stethoscope device is provided wherein frequency response selection is carried out by manually tuning two active filters thereby permitting user pass band (high and low frequency cutoff) selection. Simultaneously, the user is able to select a time window, or interval, of the audio output of the device for specific aural observation, to the exclusion of the remainder of cardiac cycle sounds. The device is miniaturized to permit transport in a clothing pocket and use in the clinic or at the bedside. The device is based upon electrocardiographic QRS complex/electronic Schmitt trigger synchronization of a sweep generator and comparator. The synchronization signal, in combination with manual user inputs, permits the control of digital/analog switching of on/off time intervals of a variable frequency response electronic stethoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: William E. Chelen
  • Patent number: 6661897
    Abstract: An acoustic-to-electrical transducer for sensing body sounds is provided. The transducer comprises a diaphragm that can be placed in direct contact with a body, whereby the diaphragm motion directly affects an electromagnetic sensing signal, which is then converted to an electrical signal representation of the diaphragm motion. Such sensing means allows the diaphragm to move freely without mechanical coupling to a secondary transducer, while providing a direct and efficient acoustic to electrical conversion means. The transducer further provides a means for using static diaphragm pressure to control gain and frequency characteristics of the electrical signal. The sensor, circuitry, manufacturing methods and improvements are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Clive Smith
  • Patent number: 6595316
    Abstract: A tension-adjusting mechanism for the elongated earpieces of a stethoscope comprises a neckpiece and, for each earpiece, a pivot mechanism portion between the proximal end of the earpiece and the neckpiece, a spring mechanism portion between the proximal end of the earpiece and the neckpiece, and a tension-adjusting mechanism portion between the spring member and the neckpiece. For each earpiece, the pivot mechanism portion defines a pivot axis about which the earpiece pivots, and the spring mechanism portion comprises a resilient blade deforming upon spreading apart of the earpieces. This deformation produces a tension on the earpieces opposing to further spreading apart thereof. The tension-adjusting mechanism portion defines a plurality of interchangeable point of contacts with the resilient blades, which contact points having different positions relative to the neckpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Andromed, Inc.
    Inventors: George Cybulski, Larrimore Adams, Victor F. Lanzo
  • Publication number: 20030128847
    Abstract: An acoustic- to-electrical transducer for sensing body sounds is disclosed. The transducer comprises a diaphragm that can be placed in direct contact with a body, whereby the diaphragm motion directly affects an electromagnetic sensing signal, which is then converted to an electrical signal representation of the diaphragm motion. Such sensing means allows the diaphragm to move freely without mechanical coupling to a secondary transducer, while providing a direct and efficient acoustic to electrical conversion means. The transducer further provides a means for using static diaphragm pressure to control gain and frequency characteristics of the electrical signal. The sensor, circuitry, manufacturing methods and improvements are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Clive Smith
  • Patent number: 6587564
    Abstract: A noise-reducing resonant chamber sound pick-up for electronic stethoscopes is claimed. It consists of a resonating chamber (24) which acoustically preamplifies the selected frequencies of heart sounds, 50-150 hz, and bruits of breath or blood, 150-500 hz, while rejecting ambient sounds. A skin contact (34) has elastic foam support (14), whose rigidity is varied by varying the applied pressure, in order to select the preamplified band of sounds. The other side of the resonating chamber contains a sound transducer (10) largely encased in heavy malleable metal (12) that absorbs sound not coming from the chamber. A damping vent hole (26) shapes the band of preamplified sounds. The resulting superior signal-to-noise ratio permits two, small chambers to be used in a stereophonic chest piece little larger than that of a conventional stethoscope, with better amplification enabling examination through clothing or surgical dressing even in heavy persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald Y. Cusson
  • Publication number: 20030072458
    Abstract: Physiological condition monitors utilizing very low frequency acoustic signals and signals indicative of body orientation are disclosed. The physiological condition monitors comprise a sensor that is capable of detecting low frequency acoustic signals in the frequency range of one tenth Hertz to thirty Hertz. The sensor comprises a chamber having portions that form a cavity and a low frequency microphone placed within the cavity. An alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a chamber having portions that form a resonant cavity, a microphone mounted in the resonant cavity, and a membrane that covers the resonant cavity. Low frequency acoustic signals that are incident on the membrane cause the membrane to move and amplify the acoustic signals within the resonant cavity. The sensor provides information concerning physiological conditions, such as respiration and cardiac activity. The sensor in a physiological condition monitor does not need to be directly coupled to the skin of the person being monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: iLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Halleck, Michael D. Halleck, Michael L. Lehrman, Alan R. Owens
  • Publication number: 20030072457
    Abstract: An electronic stethoscope having several modes of operation to process acoustic signals to provide filtered signals useful for diagnosis. In one mode of operation the stethoscope substantially provides only acoustic signals generated by biological activity of the heart. In another mode of operation, the acoustic stethoscope substantially provides only acoustic signals generated by biological activity of the lungs. In another mode of operation, the electronic stethoscope disproportionately amplifies abnormal heart sounds and normal heart sounds to enhance diagnosis of heart abnormalities. The electronic stethoscope is operated in a manner similar to a conventional acoustic stethoscope and has similar spectral characteristics, thus allowing a user with acoustic stethoscope experience to easily use the electronic stethoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: James A. Grasfield, David E. Winston, John A. Purbrick, Peter R. H. Stark, Daniela Steinhubel
  • Patent number: 6533736
    Abstract: A wireless stethoscopic apparatus is disclosed comprising of an auscultation piece removably secured to a hearing piece. The components, auscultation piece and hearing piece, when not in use can be stored in a carrying case. Housed within the auscultation piece is a conventional radio frequency chip including a microphone that will enable transmission of radio frequency without the use of wires. A transmission system is housed within the auscultation piece, while the hearing piece includes a link manager receiver device for receiving the radio signals wirelessly from the transmission system and enabling sound to be heard via the hearing device from the auscultation piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Moore
  • Patent number: 6514213
    Abstract: An earpiece assembly for use in a stethoscope having a pipe member includes a connector having a distal end coupled to the pipe member and a proximal end, a bushing having a distal end rotatably coupled to the proximal end of the connector and a proximal end, and an earpiece having a sound path and being coupled to the proximal end of the bushing. The earpiece assembly may further include a bearing for rotatably coupling the connector and the bushing. The earpiece assembly provides a stethoscope that produces less undesired noise and prevents an injury to user's ears during the operation of the stethoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Moteki Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Moteki
  • Patent number: 6512830
    Abstract: An electronic stethoscope including a microphone, amplifying equipment, and a loudspeaker for the user, also comprises an adjustable filter circuit. The filter circuit has a bandpass effect, and the center frequency and bandwidth of the passband can be adjusted at will throughout the audible range by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Meditron AS
    Inventor: Birger Orten
  • Publication number: 20030002685
    Abstract: An electronic auscultation aid improves the performance and convenience of auscultation. The auscultation aid may include means for emphasizing sounds that may be associated with pathological or pre-pathological conditions. The auscultation aid may include a wireless interface for distributing a detected signal to one or more remote devices. The auscultation aid may comprise a mount for temporary attachment to a conventional acoustic stethoscope. The auscultation aid may include an apparatus for switching between active and sleep modes for the conservation of battery life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Marc S. Werblud
  • Patent number: 6498854
    Abstract: An acoustic-to-electrical transducer for sensing body sounds is disclosed. The transducer comprises a capacitive sensor, whereby a stethoscope diaphragm forms one plate of a capacitor, with the second plate of the capacitor being co-planar to the diaphragm. The capacitance of the two plates varies with the distance between them, said distance being modified by motion of the diaphragm in response to sound pressure. The sensor, circuitry, manufacturing methods and improvements are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Clive Smith
  • Publication number: 20020188227
    Abstract: Provided is a stethoscope system for self-examination using the Internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Hoon Chong, Jong Gie Kim
  • Publication number: 20020186850
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of stethoscopes and specifically a method for controlling the functions and operations of a digital stethoscope. The disclosed invention portrays a rotating control barb extending from the head of a digital stethoscope. The disclosed invention allows a user to selects between multiple features that are available on a digital stethoscope by rotating the control barb 360° around the circumference of the control barb to multiple stopping points, whereby said rotation along the 360° circumference sets the electronic features within a digital stethoscope. A method of controlling the functions of a digital stethoscope without adding cumbersome or difficult to use controls to the stethoscope head, and whereby external connections are not required. Furthermore, the disclosed method does not hamper the quality or affect the operations of the stethoscope head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Richard J. Deslauriers, Robert T. Potash
  • Publication number: 20020186851
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a method for the holding of a power source, such as a battery, within the head of a digital stethoscope in order to provide power to electronic and digital features offered by certain electronic stethoscopes. This disclosed battery holder teaches a method of incorporating a battery, or other portable power source, into the head of a stethoscope without compromising the conventional stethoscope's advantages of size, convenience, and ease of use. Additionally, The disclosure provides for a device for holding a battery cell that allows for easy replacement of the battery and does not encompass the stethoscope head so as inhibit the use of other features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Richard J. Deslauriers, Robert T. Potash
  • Publication number: 20020183874
    Abstract: According to a disclosed embodiment, an auscultatory training apparatus includes a database of pre-recorded physiological sounds stored on a computer for playing on a playback system. A user-friendly, graphical user interface software program is stored on the computer for use with a conventional computer mouse. The program allows a user to select one of the pre-recorded sounds for playback. In addition, the program is operable to generate an inverse model of the playback system in the form of a digital filter. If employed by the user, the inverse model processes the selected sound to cancel the distortions of the playback system so that the sound is accurately reproduced in the playback system. The program also permits the extraction of a specific sound component from a pre-recorded sound so that only the extracted sound component is audible during playback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: The Government of the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of
    Inventors: Walter G. McKinney, Jeff S. Reynolds, Kimberly A. Friend, William T. Goldsmith, David G. Frazer
  • Patent number: 6454045
    Abstract: A stethoscope having an optical fiber light for providing light suitable for patient examination emanating from the chestpiece of the stethoscope. A battery operated light source is provided near the junction of the binaurals and light is transmitted by optical fiber along the stethoscope tubing into the chestpiece and out the side opposite the tubing. A switch for activating and deactivating the light can be operated by manipulation of the binaurals or rotation of the chestpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Eileen Marie Ryan
  • Patent number: 6438238
    Abstract: A chest piece for a stethoscope has a housing with a cavity. The cavity has a cavity surface which is paraboloid in shape, having an apex, an axis, and a focal point. The cavity terminates at the apex and an opening, and the focal point resides in the cavity. A transducer is positioned at the focal point. The parabolic shape of the cavity surface acts to reflect sound waves transmitted normal to the opening to the transducer, while reflecting other sound waves. A mechanical wave guide with a series of parallel passages preferably extends across the opening. Preferably, a membrane with a convex surface covers the opening. The cavity is preferably filled with a liquid or gel having physical characteristics similar to human flesh. To reduce noise from motion of the chest piece across the skin, the stethoscope can be activated by a pressure switch responsive to fluid pressure inside the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas F. Callahan
  • Patent number: 6428886
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an object to attenuate thermal sensation when handling the object at non-body temperature, and an object fabricated in accord with the method. There is first provided a substrate which has a first surface subject to handling. There is then formed upon the first surface of the substrate a coating. The coating has an optimal density, an optimal thermal conductivity and an optimal thickness such that when the substrate having the coating formed thereupon is equilibrated at a non-body temperature differing from a body temperature and the coating is subsequently contacted with a body at the body temperature during handling, the temperature of the surface of the coating at a contact point of the body with the coating changes precipitously to a temperature near the body temperature and subsequently returns towards the non-body temperature at a rate which permits handling of the coating at the location of the first surface of the substrate by the body with attenuated thermal sensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David Andrew Lewis, Lawrence Shungwei Mok
  • Publication number: 20020097881
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for selecting or designing a product, such as a muffler, having a sound output which is less stressful or more pleasing. The process includes the steps of sensing at least one physiological response of a subject (21) while the subject listens to an initial sound output, repeating the sensing step for the new sound output, comparing the physiological responses, and selecting the sound output for use in selecting or designing the product which output produces the physiological response that is the least stressful or most pleasing to the subject. The apparatus includes an audio playback device (15), a sound recording (16) of the initial sound, a sound recording (16) of the new sound, and physiological monitoring apparatus (17) suitable for attachment to and monitoring of the physiological responses of the test subject (21) to the playback of the sound recordings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: FLOWMASTER, INC.
    Inventor: Ray T. Flugger
  • Publication number: 20020085724
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting a signal having a first bandwidth through a telephone line having a second bandwidth, wherein the first bandwidth includes frequencies outside the second bandwidth is disclosed. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for demodulating the transmitted signal. The system also includes a mobile unit coupled to an electronic stethoscope that communicates with a base unit using a wireless communication link. In combination with the method and apparatus for transmitting signal through a conventional telephone line, the invention allows data representative of heart and lung sounds from an electronic stethoscope that is outside the passband of a conventional telephone line to be transmitted through the telephone system for remote diagnosis and analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: JAMES A. GRASFIELD, DAVID E. WINSTON
  • Patent number: 6415033
    Abstract: Physiological condition monitors utilizing very low frequency acoustic signals and signals indicative of body orientation are disclosed. The physiological condition monitors comprise a sensor that is capable of detecting low frequency acoustic signals in the frequency range of one tenth Hertz to thirty Hertz. The sensor comprises a chamber having portions that form a cavity and a low frequency microphone placed within the cavity. An alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a chamber having portions that form a resonant cavity, a microphone mounted in the resonant cavity, and a membrane that covers the resonant cavity. Low frequency acoustic signals that are incident on the membrane cause the membrane to move and amplify the acoustic signals within the resonant cavity. The sensor provides information concerning physiological conditions, such as respiration and cardiac activity. The sensor in a physiological condition monitor does not need to be directly coupled to the skin of the person being monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: iLife Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Halleck, Michael D. Halleck, Michael L. Lehrman, Alan R. Owens
  • Publication number: 20020071570
    Abstract: A hybrid stethoscope which enables a physician who places the bell of the instrument on a body site in order to hear sounds emanating from an underlying internal region, to concurrently see an analog waveform of these sounds. The combined visual and aural impressions produced thereby facilitate an analysis of the sounds and a diagnosis of the disorder giving rise thereto. Attached to the bell so that it is viewable by the physician handling the bell is a self-sufficient visual display module provided with a transducer that picks up sounds received by the bell to yield an audio signal that is fed to an LCD display on whose screen is exhibited the analog waveform of the sounds. Thus a physician hears sounds emanating from an internal body region within the ambit of the bell and at the same time effectively sees these sounds and thereby gains greater insight into the is character of the sounds and their medical significance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Gerard Cohen, Alexander Strovinsky
  • Patent number: 6396931
    Abstract: A self-contained, hand-held electronic stethoscope including built-in chestpiece, speaker and visual monitor, includes a memory containing prerecorded heart and lung sounds along with a brief description of the malady producing the sounds so that the technician may compare the actual sounds with the prerecorded sounds and observe a suggested diagnosis on the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Cicero H. Malilay
  • Patent number: 6366675
    Abstract: A sound pressure detecting system comprises a piezoelectric substrate, input and output interdigital transducers formed on an upper end surface of the piezoelectric substrate, a liquid cavity, an air cavity, a partition wall between the liquid cavity and the air cavity, a signal analyzing unit connected between the input- and output interdigital transducers, and a monitor. When an input electric signal is applied to the input interdigital transducer, a leaky elastic wave is excited in the piezoelectric substrate. The leaky elastic wave is radiated effectively in the form of a longitudinal wave into a liquid in the liquid cavity. The longitudinal wave is reflected at the partition wall, and then, is detected at the output interdigital transducer as a delayed electric signal. If the partition wall senses a sound pressure from the outside, the delay time of the delayed electric signal changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Kohji Toda
  • Publication number: 20020001390
    Abstract: A heart-sound detecting apparatus, including a heart-sound microphone which detects at least one heart sound produced by the heart of a living subject and outputs a heart-sound signal representing the detected heart sound, a time-frequency analyzing device for analyzing, with respect to time and frequency, at least a portion of the heart-sound signal that includes a first heart sound I, and an aortic-valve-opening-timing determining device for determining a timing when the aortic valve of the heart opens, based on a time when a magnitude of the analyzed signal at a frequency higher than a frequency range of a main component present in an initial portion of the first heart-sound I is greater than a prescribed threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: COLIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keizoh Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20010050992
    Abstract: A means of combining a handheld electromechanical transducer, amplification and radio wave transmitter unit with a paired headset containing a like-frequency radio wave receiver, amplification unit and earphones for the purpose of improving on the ability of health practitioners to auscultate biological sounds in the course of clinical medical practice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy Patrick Carman
  • Patent number: 6324289
    Abstract: The pick-up head (1) with an acousto-electrical transducer (4) for converting sound vibrations to electrical signals, comprises as characterizing features a sound influencing bell (2) arranged around a slender peg (3) bonded directly to the transducer (4), and the sound influencing bell (2) delimits a listening area on a body surface and influences to a predetermined degree and in a predetermined manner, by means of internal reflection and/or absorption, the direct sound picked up by the slender center peg (3). The bell (2) is acoustically decoupled from the center peg (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Meditron A/S
    Inventor: Birger Orten
  • Publication number: 20010030077
    Abstract: A electronic stethoscope head is combined with a standard stethoscope air tube headset assembly to provide a personally portable ECG stethoscope system for auscultating a living body. The electronic stethoscope head comprises a stethoscope body having a chest-bell, an air tube connector (or connectors), and a display module mounted to it. The chest-bell has a rim for contacting the body, and a base adapted to attach to the stethoscope body. An electrode assembly having at least two electrodes is disposed on the rim of the chest-bell to contact the body during auscultation and receive electrical signals from the body. The electrical signals are conducted to the display module. The display module is mounted on the stethoscope body, and receives and processes the electrical signals and display a representation of the electrical signals on a view screen, like an LCD display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Richard L. Watson
  • Patent number: 6295365
    Abstract: An acoustic sensor includes the following: a piezoelectric element constituted of a piezoelectric substance on which at least one electrode is provided, and a diaphragm on which the piezoelectric substance is mounted and supported; a membrane capable of vibrating, which is arranged in a position opposite to the diaphragm; a frame which is so horn-shaped that the interior space is enlarged from the edge of the membrane to the edge of the diaphragm; a cell constituted by arranging the frame in such a way as to house the diaphragm therein, expose the membrane to the outside, and enclose an electrically insulating liquid hermetically therein; and a lead connected to the electrode and drawn out from the electrode to the outside of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Haruyoshi Ota
  • Publication number: 20010014162
    Abstract: The pick-up head (1) with an acousto-electrical transducer (4) for converting sound vibrations to electrical signals, comprises as characterizing features a sound influencing bell (2) arranged around a slender peg (3) bonded directly to the transducer (4), and the sound influencing bell (2) delimits a listening area on a body surface and influences to a predetermined degree and in a predetermined manner, by means of internal reflection and/or absorption, the direct sound picked up by the slender center peg (3). The bell (2) is acoustically decoupled from the center peg (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: BIRGER ORTEN
  • Patent number: 6220866
    Abstract: An electronic auscultation system and method for simulating sounds arising from human organs for use in an anatomical simulation device including a patient simulating mannequin torso, a plurality of electro-magnetic transmitters having antenna coils positioned in predetermined locations relative to said torso beneath the torso surface and each transmitter being connected to one or more computer sound cards which, upon activation, generate signals from prerecorded sound data which generates the appropriate sounds of human organs based on the transmitter location. The system utilizes a simulated stethoscope that includes a receiver and/or sensing triggering devices so that the stethoscope can determine particular areas on the torso to define the appropriate sound generated such that the system knows where the stethoscope is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Eagle Simulation, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg J. Amend, Craig S. Tinker
  • Patent number: 6219424
    Abstract: A device for use in a stethoscope, the device including two diaphragm-type sound accumulator chambers, one microphone located in each accumulator chamber and one amplification stage connected to each microphone for electronically amplifying audio signals received by the microphones, and an output connector for outputting the amplified audio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Hunter Area Health Service
    Inventor: Edward John Murphy
  • Patent number: 6178250
    Abstract: Acoustic point source transducer apparatus including a high-output acoustic sound source propagating sound through a long, flexible tubing having an open end with a small diameter. Sound radiates from the small diameter open end effectively acting as an acoustic point source. A flexible sleeve encasing the terminal end of the tubing permits convenient wand-like placement of the acoustic point source by a human operator and an electromagnetic position sensor at the small diameter open end determines point source position. The invention provides a convenient, nondirectional approximated acoustic point source for improved acoustic measuring, especially desirable for near-field Head-Related Transfer Function measuring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Douglas S. Brungart, William M. Rabinowitz