Stethoscope Patents (Class 181/131)
  • Patent number: 11896420
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: AUSCULSCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Simon Martin, Mark W. Armstrong, Anthony Dewar, Robert J. Griffin, Brady Laska, Sergey A. Telenkov, Steven P. Morton, Camilla Jastrzebski
  • Patent number: 11666302
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: MDF Instruments USA LLC
    Inventor: Darren Talun Chiao Ting
  • Patent number: 11596378
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: SHANGZHI MEDICAL TECHOLOGY (HANGZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junjie Bian, Wenchu Zou, Xuhui Zou
  • Patent number: 11432791
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: PTM, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua Allen Stivers
  • Patent number: 11284854
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: BONGIOVI ACOUSTICS LLC
    Inventors: Ryan J. Copt, Joseph G. Butera, III, Robert J. Summers, III
  • Patent number: 11266371
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: Randy Mark Cunningham
  • Patent number: 11234597
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Courtney Farr
  • Patent number: 11051718
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi An, Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur
  • Patent number: 11020084
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventor: Valery G. Telfort
  • Patent number: 10911856
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: Casey Kong Ng
  • Patent number: 10888300
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Richard Hoppmann, Toufic Robert Haddad, Keith Reeves Barron, Jr., Andrei Zagrai
  • Patent number: 10825437
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: PQ PRODUCTIONS LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Queal
  • Patent number: 10820883
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Bongiovi Acoustics LLC
    Inventors: Ryan J. Copt, Joseph G. Butera, III, Robert J. Summers, III
  • Patent number: 10743957
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Sano Curatio, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Alan Swartzbaugh, Norman Tien-Yo Chien, Harvey Allan Bogarat, Barry Ray Hix, Michael Douglas Plaut, Mitchell Edward Skroski
  • Patent number: 10682117
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus Josephus Leijssen, Gerardus Johannes Nicolaas Doodeman, Rick Bezemer
  • Patent number: 10667782
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph P. Keller, Robert S. Kody, Daniel J. Rogers, Raymond L. Watrous
  • Patent number: 10653367
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Coleridge Design Associates LLC
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Boyd
  • Patent number: 10548562
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO INSTITUTE OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Richard Hoppmann, Toufic Robert Haddad, Keith Reeves Barron, Jr., Andrei Zagrai
  • Patent number: 10398406
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph P. Keller, Dean Sitz, Mary Jo Johnson
  • Patent number: 10307132
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hae-In Chung, Young-hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 10292675
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: INGEN1, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Carla W. Falkner, Deneen T. Plessala, Clifford A. Henricksen
  • Patent number: 10271815
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ARCON Srls
    Inventors: Claudio Carallo, Marco Bonanno, Francesca Pardeo
  • Patent number: 10271737
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventors: Hui-Yang Huang, Chung-Wei Lee, Chung-Yi Yang, Hon-Man Liu, Norden Eh Huang
  • Patent number: 10213181
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph P. Keller, Mary Jo Johnson, Dean E. Sitz
  • Patent number: 10182789
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Dan Allen, Ben Swenson
  • Patent number: 10123753
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: COLERIDGE DESIGN ASSOCIATES LLC
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Boyd
  • Patent number: 10123764
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: COLERIDGE DESIGN ASSOCIATES LLC
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Boyd
  • Patent number: 10117635
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventors: Guangren Chen, Rong Yang
  • Patent number: 10092269
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: Qamar A. Shams, Allan J. Zuckerwar, Albert L. Dimarcantonio
  • Patent number: 10085711
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Aydin Olgun
  • Patent number: 9943285
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Jeanette Behnke
  • Patent number: 9867591
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Adminstrator of NASA
    Inventors: Qamar A. Shams, Allan J. Zuckerwar, Albert L. Dimarcantonio
  • Patent number: 9855019
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: StratoScientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Suman K. Mulumudi, Mahesh S. Mulumudi
  • Patent number: 9826957
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Shivani Sud
  • Patent number: 9770307
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Jon Krupnick
  • Patent number: 9597031
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: National University Corporation Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
    Inventor: Naoki Unno
  • Patent number: 9561079
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Alan Scott Perlman
  • Patent number: 9486180
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: MDF Instruments USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Talun Chiao Ting
  • Patent number: 9480400
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Craig D. Oster, Daniel J. Rogers, Thomas P. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9462995
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9414803
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Tehseen Naqvi
  • Patent number: 9414155
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: StratoScientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Suman K. Mulumudi, Mahesh S Mulumudi
  • Patent number: 9042585
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Thean Kuie Christopher Chang, Hui Ying Alexa Phua
  • Publication number: 20150129350
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Darren Talun Chiao Ting
  • Patent number: 9028429
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Valery G. Telfort, Predrag Pudar, Dimitar Dimitrov, Phi Trang, Ammar Al-Ali
  • Publication number: 20150101881
    Abstract: A covering device having first, second, and third bores in which first, second, and third portions of tubing, respectively, of a stethoscope can be inserted when the covering device is attached to the stethoscope in a first state. Each of the first, second, and third bores may have a length and a width, wherein the length of each of the first, second, and third bores is greater than its width, and wherein the width of each of the first, second and third bores is less than the outer diameter of a diaphragm device of the stethoscope. The covering device may have first, second, and third slits, each of which can be pried open to allow the first, second, and third portions of tubing to be inserted into the first, second, and third bores of the covering device, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Karen G. Burmeister
  • Publication number: 20150101880
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Karen G. Burmeister
  • Patent number: 8985267
    Abstract: A cover for a stethoscope having a head and a diaphragm is provided. The cover includes a first region having first and second sides, and a second region configured to be continuous with the first region and including a crimpable material to form-fit around at least the head of the stethoscope so as to cover the head of the stethoscope from contamination. The first side includes adherent material for removably adhering the first region to the diaphragm of the stethoscope and the second side includes an antimicrobial layer including an antimicrobial substance that can neutralize or destroy microbes disposed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth I. Fishberger, David M. Schwartzberg
  • Patent number: 8939251
    Abstract: A stethoscope with a built-in light and/or a timepiece powered with a power source subassembly for examining patients' vital signs is disclosed. The stethoscope includes a chestpiece assembly with a diaphragm component, a light source subassembly, a switch subassembly which is operatively connected to the light source subassembly and controls the off and on position of a light emitting element. In some embodiments, the chestpiece assembly of the stethoscope further includes a timepiece subassembly to measure time during a vital sign examination. The switch subassembly of chestpiece assembly is configured to provide operational control of the current flow from the power source subassembly to the light emitting element as well as control over the acoustic valve subassembly that would inhibit or permit the transmission of sound waves from the diaphragm through the acoustic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: MDF Instruments USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Talun Chiao Ting
  • Patent number: 8934637
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic stethoscope pick-up head comprising an acousto-electrical transducer disposed in a chamber, the transducer being configured to generate an electrical signal representing acoustical vibrations, wherein the chamber further comprises a sound influencing bell defining a cavity to provide air communication between the transducer and a diaphragm attached to an outer end of the bell, wherein the diaphragm is acoustically decoupled from the transducer; and one or more ventilation air path as the only means to provide air communication between the cavity and outside of the chamber, wherein the air path is configured to restrict air flow through the air path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Elegant Medical LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Habboushe, Richard Derman, Stephen Ahnert, Scott Poff