Abstract: A sound attenuation system that includes a pliable stem for an earpiece and an earpiece incorporating the stem. The stem includes a curved sound-attenuating distal flange and an attachment portion configured to receive and retain a visco-elastic foam sound-attenuating element in a spaced-apart relation to the curved sound-attenuating distal flange, and a handle portion. The sound-attenuating stem and the foam sound-attenuating element together are configured to fit into the user's ear with improved comfort and flexibility. Some embodiments include a sound-conducting stem channel extending lengthwise through the stem. Some embodiments further include a sound filter configured to insert into the sound-conducting channel in the handle portion, the sound filter including lengthwise filter channel open to the stem channel, and a cover selectably movable to occlude the filter channel or to open the filter channel to external sounds and air pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a headphone including a sound production component and an ear hook. The ear hook includes a first portion and a second portion connected in sequence. The first portion being hooked up between an ear auricle and a head of a user, and the second portion is configured to be hang between an auricle of a user and a head of the user, the second portion extends toward a front outer side of the auricle, connects with the sound production component, and is configured to place the sound production component at a position close to an ear canal without blocking an opening of the ear canal, and at least a portion of the sound production component is inserted into an concha cavity. The sound production component and the first portion of the ear hook clamp the auricle in a wearing state.

Abstract: According to certain described aspects, multiple acoustic sensing elements are employed in a variety of beneficial ways to provide improved physiological monitoring, among other advantages. In various embodiments, sensing elements can be advantageously employed in a single sensor package, in multiple sensor packages, and at a variety of other strategic locations in the monitoring environment. According to other aspects, to compensate for skin elasticity and attachment variability, an acoustic sensor support is provided that includes one or more pressure equalization pathways. The pathways can provide an air-flow channel from the cavity defined by the sensing elements and frame to the ambient air pressure.

Abstract: Electronic stethoscopes may have various accessories, modular components, and various configurations for powering the various components and accessories of the electronic stethoscope. In one embodiment, an electronic stethoscope apparatus includes a microphone configured to generate an electrical signal in response to received sound from a living subject; amplification circuitry; a speaker operably coupled to the amplification circuitry to output the electric signal after amplification; and a power supply configured to power the amplification circuitry. Circuitry for advanced signal processing may also be included, such as noise cancelling circuitry. The electronic stethoscope may also include removable electronic modules for wired or wireless headphones, battery packs, lights, and/or an electronic device for implementing the percussive method.

Abstract: A metallic diaphragm disk incorporating a piezoelectric material bonded thereto and operatively coupled to a base rim of a housing provides for closing an open-ended cavity at the first end of the housing. At least one inertial mass is either incorporated in or attached to the housing. A plastic film adhesively bonded to at least one of an outer rim of the housing or an outer-facing surface of the disk provides for receiving an adhesive acoustic interface material to provide for coupling the housing to the skin of a test subject.

Abstract: A one-piece diaphragm and ring for a stethoscope chestpiece is disclosed herein. The one-piece diaphragm and ring includes a diaphragm portion having a flat disk shape; and a ring portion connected to an outer periphery of the diaphragm portion, the ring portion being integrally formed with the diaphragm portion, and the ring portion configured to be attached to a rim of a chestpiece body portion. A chestpiece of a stethoscope that includes the one-piece diaphragm and ring is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting physiological sounds, the device comprising a thin film, and a first conductive element for conducting sounds, the conductive element being located on the thin film. In some embodiments, the detection device comprises a cavity; the thin film is a part of the cavity. The volume of the cavity is variable; the volume of the cavity is reduced, either when the conductive element contacts the skin of a human or a mammal, or before the conductive element contacts the skin of a human or a mammal, or after the conductive element contacts the skin of a human or a mammal. The device of the inventions can significantly improve the detection sensitivity and resolution of physiological sounds, and can give early diagnosis pathological sounds, for example, heart failure can be detected by heart sound diagnosis.

Abstract: A breakaway stethoscope includes a chest piece, a headset, a tube, and a coupler. The chest piece captures sounds generated inside a person's body when the chest piece is positioned adjacent the person's body. The headset directs the sounds captured by the chest piece toward a person's ear when the headset is positioned on an ear of the person. The tube connects the chest piece to the headset and conveys the sounds captured by the chest piece toward the headset. The tube has a length and includes a first portion connected to the chest piece and a second portion connected to the headset. The coupler releasably connects the tube's first portion to the tube's second portion and releases one of the tube's portions when the tube experiences a force that urges at least one of the tube's portions to move away from the coupler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a noise reduction assembly for auscultation of a body. An embodiment of the assembly includes an auscultation device formed of a first material and having a proximal end for engagement with the body when the auscultation device is in an operative orientation. An interior dampening layer, which may be formed of a second material, is formed along an exterior surface of the auscultation device and covering all exterior surfaces thereof except the proximal end. An exterior dampening layer, which may be formed of a third material, is then formed in covering relations relative to the interior dampening layer.

Abstract: A self-auscultation device and method of using the self-auscultation device to listen to a target anatomy is described. The self-auscultation device includes a chest piece to receive a listening device, such as an earphone. The listening device is mounted in the chest piece to detect a sound from the target anatomy, through the chest piece. The listening device can operate in a self-auscultation mode to adapt the listening device to generate audio data corresponding to the detected sound. An equalization filter can be applied to the audio data to compensate for a frequency response of the listening device. A data processing system can compare the audio data to predetermined auscultation data to determine a health condition of the target anatomy. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The virtual stethoscope and otoscope includes a head having a hollow internal volume with a diaphragm on one side and an otoscope cone on the opposite side. The head is coupled to one end of the tube and a microphone is coupled to an opposite side of the tube. The microphone is coupled to a cable and connector which is attached to a patient computing device. The diaphragm is placed on the patient and the body vibrations produce sound waves which are detected by the microphone. The microphone converts the sound waves into electrical signals which are high/low pass filtered and amplified before being transmitted to the patient computing device which can then transmit the patient data to a medical professional computing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and treating patients with heart failure are described. A signal receiver may receive a heart sound (HS) signal and an impedance signal sensed from the patient. A heart sound detector circuit may use at least the received impedance signal to determine a HS detection window, and detect a HS component indicative of cardiac diastolic function from the received HS signal within the HS detection window. The system may include a heart failure detector circuit that may generate a cardiac diastolic function indicator (DFI) using the detected HS component and, in certain examples, may detect worsening heart failure using the generated DFI. The system may include a therapy circuit to deliver or adjust an electrostimulation therapy based on DFI.

Abstract: According to certain described aspects, multiple acoustic sensing elements are employed in a variety of beneficial ways to provide improved physiological monitoring, among other advantages. In various embodiments, sensing elements can be advantageously employed in a single sensor package, in multiple sensor packages, and at a variety of other strategic locations in the monitoring environment. According to other aspects, to compensate for skin elasticity and attachment variability, an acoustic sensor support is provided that includes one or more pressure equalization pathways. The pathways can provide an air-flow channel from the cavity defined by the sensing elements and frame to the ambient air pressure.

Abstract: An ear tip connects to a nozzle of an earphone. The ear tip comprises a body having a lumen extending from a rearward opening to a forward opening, the rearward opening being sized and dimensioned to connect to the nozzle so that sound transmitted out of the nozzle passes through the lumen and is transmitted out the forward opening. The body comprises an inner core forming at least a portion of the lumen and an outer cover covering at least a portion of the inner core, wherein the inner core is made of material sufficiently rigid to avoid deformation when the ear tip is inserted into the ear canal of a user and the outer cover is made of a material less rigid than the material of the inner core and capable of being compressed and deformed by the ear canal when inserted thereinto.

Abstract: An improved stethoscope design with an extended detection range for sounds above and below the range of human hearing and artificial intelligence connection to other clinical data for analysis, wherein the stethoscope assesses spatial distribution of bodily sounds using a sensor array as well as amplifies the volume of bodily sounds and provides for recording, receiving and processing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a noise reduction assembly for auscultation of a body. An embodiment of the assembly includes an auscultation device formed of a first material and having a proximal end for engagement with the body when the auscultation device is in an operative orientation. An interior dampening layer, which may be formed of a second material, is formed along an exterior surface of the auscultation device and covering all exterior surfaces thereof except the proximal end. An exterior dampening layer, which may be formed of a third material, is then formed in covering relations relative to the interior dampening layer.

Abstract: The disclosure seeks to describe a system and method for transmitting acoustic energy to a listener. The system includes a flexible pick-up, at least one acoustic energy transmisson member and at least one audio output. The flexible pick-up has an interior, at least one opening, and is configured for compression against strings of a stringed instrument for direct energizing by the strings. The at least one acoustic energy transmission member has a first end coupled to the interior of the pick-up through the opening. The at least one audio output is mounted on a second end of the energy transmission member and is configured to transmit acoustic energy therefrom to a listener.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying a barrier to a medical scope are provided. An apparatus may comprise a source of film and a housing. The housing may comprise a chamber configured to support therein the source of film, and an opening provided through a wall of the housing to permit a portion of the film to extend out of the chamber when the film is dispensed. The housing may comprise a recess located such that the extended portion of the film is permitted to hang freely in proximity to the recess. The recess may be sized to receive a distal portion of the medical scope. The recess may be adapted to allow the extended portion of the film to be applied to the distal portion of the medical scope when the distal portion is placed into the recess with the portion of the film located therebetween.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a stethoscope apparatus stethoscope apparatus, the stethoscope apparatus comprising a sound sensor for measuring sounds produced by the breathing of a subject and for outputting a sound signal representing the measured breathing sounds; an antenna for receiving a modulated electromagnetic signal from the body, wherein the modulated electromagnetic signal is modulated by movement of air, fluid and/or tissue in the body; a processing unit that is configured to receive the sound signal from the sound sensor and the modulated electromagnetic signal from the antenna; and normalise the sound signal using the modulated electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: A stethoscope includes a flexible chest piece including a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface defining a slope between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a groove extending along an inner circumference of the chest piece. A diaphragm is positioned within the groove.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a haptic system comprises at least one acoustic sensor; an amplifier for receiving electronic signals from the acoustic sensor and amplifying the received signals; at least one actuator, operatively connected to the amplifier, for vibrating in accordance with the amplified signals; and a support including at least one actuator, operatively connected to the amplifier, for vibrating in accordance with the amplified signals and conferring vibrotactile sensations corresponding thereto.

Abstract: An improved stethoscope design with an extended detection range for sounds above and below the range of human hearing and artificial intelligence connection to other clinical data for analysis, wherein the stethoscope assesses spatial distribution of bodily sounds using a sensor array as well as amplifies the volume of bodily sounds and provides for recording, receiving and processing same.

Abstract: The present invention is a diaphragm including a disc formed from a first material and a rim formed from a second material. The disc and the rim are a unitary piece. The rim has a Shore A durometer hardness of between about 40 and 110.

Abstract: A stethoscope head, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may include: an auscultatory sound receiver; a support member configured to support the auscultatory sound receiver; and a moving member comprising a light source configured to emit ultraviolet rays for sterilization to the auscultatory sound receiver, and capable of moving a position thereof with respect to the auscultatory sound receiver and the support member in a first direction orienting to an object and a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A stethoscope with a body; a diaphragm; and an integral annular axially compliant suspension. The annular axially compliant suspension is located below the diaphragm and inside an inner perimeter of the body. An axially compliant reticulated foam pressure pad is located within the annular suspension, and the diaphragm is a very thin foil, preferably made from copper, to provide antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: A noninvasive arterial condition detecting system includes a processing device and an electronic stethoscope configured for auscultating carotid artery to receive sound signals. The processing device is connected to the electronic stethoscope. The processing device records the sound signals, preprocesses the sound signal to reduce noise, measures a trough-peak distance and a trough-peak time, and generates an estimate result of arterial conditions according to the trough-peak distance and the trough-peak time. The trough-peak distance and the trough-peak time are related to the health of the carotid artery walls.

Abstract: A device for digitizing the sound of a stethoscope and sending it to an electronic instrument. The device includes a solid body equipped with lateral slots able to house the ear tips of the stethoscope in an active measurement configuration, and with a hooking lip and a hooking system for connecting the device respectively to the membrane and to the Y-shaped tube of the stethoscope in a passive rest configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is a stethoscope diaphragm including a disc and a rim. The rim includes a plurality of features extending from an inner circumference of the rim.

Abstract: We disclose a medical toilet that includes at least one stethoscope probe in the toilet lid. The stethoscope probes may be mounted on a compliant extension which extends the stethoscope probes toward a user seated on the toilet. The medical toilet may include a device which adjusts the height of the stethoscope probes to adjust for different size users and to collect measurements from different parts of a user. The medical toilet may include a device which records the sounds collected by the stethoscope and may also include a controller that proposes a diagnosis based on the sounds collected by the stethoscope. The medical toilet may also transmit recordings and other information to an external machine.

Abstract: In various embodiments, vibro-acoustic transducer arrangements in accordance herewith are optimized for sensing and transducing acoustic phenomena occurring within a patient's body, and manifesting themselves at the skin surface with frequencies ranging from 0.001 Hz to 10 kHz. Strategies for effectively coupling to the skin include judicious mismatching of mechanical impedance, the use of impedance-matching gels or liquids, a shaped (e.g., domed) pickup, material selection, and/or a peripheral leaf-spring arrangement permitting relative movement between inner and peripheral diaphragm portions. The spring stiffness or spring compliance of the leaf springs may be selectively chosen to optimize the frequency response of the sensor.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a haptic system comprises at least one acoustic sensor; an amplifier for receiving electronic signals from the acoustic sensor and amplifying the received signals; at least one actuator, operatively connected to the amplifier, for vibrating in accordance with the amplified signals; and a support including at least one actuator, operatively connected to the amplifier, for vibrating in accordance with the amplified signals and conferring vibrotactile sensations corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A noninvasive system for detecting and processing PCG and ECG waveforms includes an electronic acoustic stethoscope and a server computer. Heart sounds of a patient are measured using an acoustic transducer of a chestpiece of the electronic acoustic stethoscope, the heart sounds are sent to an earpiece of the electronic acoustic stethoscope, and a PCG waveform is created. Heart electrical signals of the patient are measured using at least four electrodes of the chestpiece and an ECG waveform is created. The PCG waveform and/or the ECG waveform are transmitted to the server computer using a wireless communication device of the chestpiece. The PCG waveform is processed for additional PCG information and/or the ECG waveform is processed for additional ECG information using the server computer. Access to the additional PCG information and/or additional ECG information is provided to at least one client device using the server computer.

Abstract: An infrasonic stethoscope for monitoring physiological processes of a patient includes a microphone capable of detecting acoustic signals in the audible frequency bandwidth and in the infrasonic bandwidth (0.03 to 1000 Hertz), a body coupler attached to the body at a first opening in the microphone, a flexible tube attached to the body at a second opening in the microphone, and an earpiece attached to the flexible tube. The body coupler is capable of engagement with a patient to transmit sounds from the person, to the microphone and then to the earpiece.

Abstract: A stethoscope protective cover for shielding a stethoscope head. The stethoscope protective cover is a sleeve with an open end and a closed end configured to fit closely around the diaphragm or bell of a stethoscope chest piece. The sleeve is made from an acoustically transmissive material, ensuring that the acoustical vibrations from a patient's body are minimally affected when the sleeve covers the chest piece. A first fastener and second fastener are placed toward the open end of the sleeve, with a slot between them that allows for the tubing of a stethoscope to extend therethrough. A tab is placed near the open end of the stethoscope protective cover to facilitate opening the sleeve and placing the stethoscope chest piece therein.

Abstract: A disposable isolation/protective cover for a stethoscope comprising a bell, elongated connector body portion and two ear pieces wherein said isolation/protective cover is sealed on all sides except for the bottom permitting the stethoscope to be inserted therethrough; said cover material is made of acoustically transmitting and viral, bacterial and fluid impermeable material. A flap closes the stethoscope once inserted completely enclosing the stethoscope and preventing exposure of any kind.

Abstract: An infrasonic stethoscope for monitoring physiological processes of a patient includes a microphone capable of detecting acoustic signals in the audible frequency bandwidth and in the infrasonic bandwidth (0.03 to 1000 Hertz), a body coupler attached to the body at a first opening in the microphone, a flexible tube attached to the body at a second opening in the microphone, and an earpiece attached to the flexible tube. The body coupler is capable of engagement with a patient to transmit sounds from the person, to the microphone and then to the earpiece.

Abstract: A mounting system is provided to allow the attachment of an acoustic collector to a handheld electronic device such that sound is conducted directly to the device's microphone. A fitted case or band encloses part of the device and includes a tube running from the collector to the device's microphone. In certain embodiments, the tube may be embedded in the case, and a detachable mount may be provided to connect the collector to the case. The collector may be a stethoscope chestpiece, or an open air collector, such as a parabolic collector.

Abstract: A protective cover for a stethoscope comprises an elongate sleeve member having a closed first end and an open second end. The sleeve member defines an enclosed interior volume accessible via the open second end. A clip member is operatively connected to the first or second ear tube. A head and interconnecting elongate tubular body portion of the stethoscope are reposed in a position in the interior volume of the sleeve member such that the head and the body portion of the stethoscope are substantially covered. The clip member releasably holds the sleeve member in this position.

Abstract: A cover assembly for use with a stethoscope is provided and the cover assembly includes a head overlay element and a pre-deployment protection component. The head overlay element is operable to overlay the stethoscope head in a deployed disposition of the assembly in which the cover assembly is releasably retained on the stethoscope. The pre-deployment protection component advantageously protects the head overlay element against the detrimental effects of moisture, debris, or other substances that would degrade the operation of either the cover assembly or the stethoscope once the cover assembly is deployed on the stethoscope.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to measure lymphatic pressure with more safety and ease at lower cost. To achieve this, a lymphatic pressure-measuring system 1 includes: a manchette 11 fitted on a vital observation portion; a measurement unit 13 that measures and outputs pressure of the manchette 11; an infrared camera 21 that detects fluorescence emitted from fluorescent dye previously injected into a lymph vessel in the vital observation portion; and an image processing device 22 that generates and displays an image showing a position of the fluorescent dye in the lymph vessel based on a detection result of the infrared camera 21. The infrared camera 21 repeats the detection while the pressure of the manchette 11 decreases from first pressure to block a lymph flow in the vital observation portion to second pressure at restart of the lymph flow. The measurement unit 13 repeats the measurement during the period.

Abstract: Disposable covers for articles including stethoscopes are configured in such a way as to reduce the likelihood of the transmission of microbes among the patient; the stethoscope, medical device or other article; and the user/care-provider.

Abstract: A chestpiece of a stethoscope is disclosed herein. The stethoscope chestpiece includes a chestpiece body portion with an elongate recess disposed therein; a rotatable acoustic valve assembly rotatably disposed in the elongate recess of the chestpiece body portion, the rotatable acoustic valve assembly being selectively positionable between a first operative position and a second operative position and configured to regulate the transmission of sound waves through the chestpiece of the stethoscope, the rotatable acoustic valve assembly including a rotatable body portion with a circumferential groove formed therein; and a pin positioned within the chestpiece body portion, the pin configured to prevent an axial movement of the rotatable acoustic valve assembly within the chestpiece body portion by engaging with the circumferential groove of the rotatable body portion.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope includes a housing configured for hand-held manipulation, a transducer supported by the housing and configured to sense auscultation signals at a first location, and a headset coupled to the housing and configured to deliver audio corresponding to the auscultation signals through earpieces on the headset. The electronic stethoscope further includes a processor disposed in the housing and configured to convert the auscultation signals to first digital signals representative of the auscultation signals and to wirelessly transmit the first digital signals from the electronic stethoscope via a secure digital network to a second location such that the audio corresponding to the auscultation signals is provided to headsets of one or more additional electronic stethoscopes at the second location in substantial real time with the sensing of the auscultation sounds at the first location.

Abstract: A biological testing device includes a main unit including an ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving part, and an attaching member for attaching the main unit on a tested object. The ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving part includes a sensor array substrate including ultrasonic transducers, first and second resin material parts, and an ultrasonic wave transmitting medium. The first resin material part forms a first space closed off from an outside space between the first resin material part and the sensor array substrate with the first resin material part facing the ultrasonic transducers. The second resin material part forms a second space communicating with the first space. The second space is closed off from the outside space, at least a portion of the second resin material part including a flexible portion configured and arranged to bulge toward the outside space. The ultrasonic wave transmitting medium fills the first space and the second space.

Abstract: The electronic stethoscope device has a Medical Acoustic Collector (MAC) used to auscultate a patient. The MAC microphone communicates with a bio-signal filter/amplifier that communicates with a transmitter. A plurality of separable auditory implements includes earbuds and an earpiece. Each of the earbuds and the earpiece are removably docked within the MAC. The auditory implements communicate with the MAC via a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) which includes but is not limited to a Bluetooth® an Infrared Data Acquisition, and a Body Area Network. The device also selectively communicates with existing wireless media capable devices.

Abstract: A mounting system is provided to allow the attachment of an acoustic collector to a handheld electronic device such that sound is conducted directly to the device's microphone. A fitted case or band encloses part of the device and includes a tube running from the collector to the device's microphone. In certain embodiments, the tube may be embedded in the case, and a detachable mount may be provided to connect the collector to the case. The collector may be a stethoscope chestpiece, or an open air collector, such as a parabolic collector.

Abstract: There is provided a method for optimizing performance of a multi-transducer earpiece, where the multi-transducer earpiece includes a perpendicular flange that partitions the cross sectional area of the acoustic delivery channel in a manner where mixing of signals from both the high frequency transducer and the mid/low frequency transducer is carried out in the ear canal of a user during reproduction of audio signals.

Abstract: A chestpiece of a stethoscope is disclosed herein. The stethoscope chestpiece includes a chestpiece body portion with an elongate recess disposed therein; a rotatable acoustic valve assembly rotatably disposed in the elongate recess of the chestpiece body portion, the rotatable acoustic valve assembly being selectively positionable between a first operative position and a second operative position and configured to regulate the transmission of sound waves through the chestpiece of the stethoscope, the rotatable acoustic valve assembly including a rotatable body portion with a circumferential groove formed therein; and a pin positioned within the chestpiece body portion, the pin configured to prevent an axial movement of the rotatable acoustic valve assembly within the chestpiece body portion by engaging with the circumferential groove of the rotatable body portion.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor is configured to provide accurate and robust measurement of bodily sounds under a variety of conditions, such as in noisy environments or in situations in which stress, strain, or movement may be imparted onto a sensor with respect to a patient. Embodiments of the sensor provide a conformable electrical shielding, as well as improved acoustic and mechanical coupling between the sensor and the measurement site.

Abstract: A stethoscope including stethoscope tubing, and a device for covering the stethoscope tubing. The device for covering the stethoscope tubing may be made of a flexible and elastic material. The device for covering the stethoscope tubing may have a water proof outer shell. The water proof outer shell of the device for covering the stethoscope tubing may be made of polyurethane. The device for covering the stethoscope tubing may have U-shaped portion, and a straight portion connected to a bottom of the U-shaped portion. The device for covering the stethoscope tubing may be comprised of a first device and a second device. The first device and the second device may be configured to be attached together with the stethoscope tubing in between the first device and the second device and thereby covered by a combination of the first device and the second device.