Abstract: A lung sound diagnostic system for use in collecting, organizing and analyzing lung sounds associated with the inspiration(s) and expiration(s) of a patient. The system includes a plurality of transducers that may be placed at various sites around the patient's chest. The microphones are coupled to signal processing circuitry and A/D converters which digitize the data and preferably provides the digital data to a computer station. A data collection and organization program, executing on the computer station, organizes and formats the data into a combination display for display or printing. The combinational display includes at least two display elements. In a first display element, the data is shown for both inspiration and expiration combined in a first time scale. In a second display element, the data for inspiration and expiration are shown individually in a second time scale that is time-expanded relative to the first time scale.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope consisting of a transducer, an amplifier and a headphone will be better adapted to the habits of use of doctors when it is supplied with filters which mimic the transfer function of acoustic stethoscopes. Thus, the signals heard will correspond to those learnt, and thereby the advantages of greater amplification and elimination of noise sources may be fully utilized. Hence there is a possibility for extended digital signal processing which may furthermore compensate for the hearing loss of each individual doctor.

Abstract: A stethoscope, and a stethoscope chestpiece, with an increased signal to noise ratio. The invention concerns mechanical improvements to both traditional mechano-acoustic stethoscopes, and to electronic stethoscopes. The stethoscope chestpieces of this invention are constructed so that the transducers are responsive to the pressure differences between air pressure variations in the chestpiece air cavity which is coupled to the skin, and the air pressure variation due to ambient noise present in the environment. The result is a transducer output with increased signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope emulates the frequency response of a standard acoustical stethoscope in both bell and diaphragm modes, while providing additional features attainable only with an electronic stethoscope, such as signal amplification, noise reduction, wider bandwidth, and mode selection. The electronic stethoscope includes spectrally separate idealized diaphragm and idealized bell modes. The idealized diaphragm mode and the idealized bell mode each include emphasized passbands and de-emphasized passbands. The emphasized passbands are spectrally separate. In addition, the electronic stethoscope also includes a wideband mode, which permits the user to hear high frequency sounds such as those associated with mechanical heart valves, lung sounds, and the like.

Abstract: A home health care system comprising: patient station including a first videophone, an electronic imaging assembly and a stethoscope assembly, coupled to said first videophone, for respectively producing digital image and physiological sound signals of a patient, wherein said first videophone simultaneously transmits said digital signals over a public telecommunications network; and a health care provider's station including a second videophone, a video display and a sound reproducer, wherein the second videophone receives digital signals from the first videophone over the public telecommunications network, displays the images of the patient on the display, and reproduces the physiological sounds of the patient by the sound reproducer.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for audibly reproducing a heartbeat at a user selected repetition rate by the steps of: detecting heart sound patterns and storing a representation of heart sound patterns having a duration that encompasses one heartbeat; analyzing the stored representation to determine the duration of one heartbeat; audibly and repeatedly reproducing a portion of the stored representation extending over a period equal to the duration of one heartbeat such that each repetition of the audibly reproduced portion extends over a time period substantially equal to the duration of one heartbeat; and selecting the repetition rate at which the portion of the stored representation is repetitively produced.

Abstract: An ultrasound bell for attachment to an acoustic stethoscope includes threads that mate with threads located on the turret of the acoustic stethoscope. The ultrasound bell includes an ultrasound transmitter for emitting ultrasound acoustic waves or signals and an ultrasound detector for receiving reflected ultrasound acoustic waves and converting the reflected ultrasound acoustic waves into electric signals. Electronic circuitry within the ultrasound bell converts the electric signals created by the ultrasound detector into sound waves emitted by a speaker. The speaker is acoustically coupled to the turret of the acoustic stethoscope such that an airtight acoustic wave pathway is formed between the ultrasound bell and the turret of the stethoscope.

Abstract: A stethoscope chestpiece is disclosed having an acoustic-to-electrical transducer residing within the acoustic pathway of the chestpiece. The transducer resides within a mounting that can provide shock attenuation and vibration isolation. The transducer preferably resides within a coaxial position in the acoustic pathway. The chestpiece is useful in a stethoscope which can be electrically connected to auscultation systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in-ear-canal audio receiver (42) comprising an in-ear-canal adapter body (96) having a tapered ear plug portion (98) that is inserted into the user's ear canal. The adapter body (96) further has an opening (104) in the plug portion, an exterior annular indent (128), and an inner chamber (92) coupled to the opening of the plug portion. The inner chamber of the in-ear-canal adapter body holds a transducer assembly (92) comprising a transducer housing (54) and a transducer or speaker (56). The transducer (56) is positioned in a passage extending through the transducer housing. A torus-shaped cushion (106) is positioned in the annular indent of the in-ear-canal adapter body (96). The cushion provides comfort and establishes a good seal with the user's ear.

Abstract: A stethoscope with an indexing detent comprises a hollow body, a rotary tubular shaft, a and an indexing detent. The hollow body comprises two different microphones and a plurality of openings with the same diameters as that of the microphones. The rotary tubular shaft can be rotated around the hollow body, and it further comprises an axial hole whose central axis is aligned with that of the rotary tubular shaft, and a plurality of circular through holes at the locations related to the openings. On one of the circular through holes, there is a lock ball. Inside the rotary tubular shaft, there exist a resilient element which pushes the lock ball outward. When the circular through holes are directly aligned with the openings, the lock ball is pushed outward by the compressible resilient element and then partially goes into one opening to lock the related locations of the rotary tubular shaft and the hollow body.

Abstract: A stethoscope for reducing background noise comprising a housing having a receiver portion and an audio output means; the receiver portion having a plurality of noise ports; a microphone isolator located within the receiver portion; a noise canceling microphone having a front end and a back end enclosed by the microphone isolator; an acoustical tube having an acoustical waveguide connected to the microphone isolator for channeling an input signal; a chest piece having a sound diaphragm pickup for receiving the input sound and noise signal connected to acoustic tube to permit a pressure gradient noise porting placed at the back end of the microphone and internally behind the noise port.

Abstract: Adapters and methods for reversibly converting a standard stethoscope to a multimedia and/or telemedicine ready stetoscope. The adapter includes a housing having a conduit for conducting sound therethrough, a first coupler for coupling the housing to the transducer of a standard stethoscope, a second coupler for coupling the housing to the sound conduction hose of a standard stethoscope, and a second transducer for converting an audible tone to an electronic signal.

Abstract: A system and method for localizing intrathoracic sounds in a patient. The system utilizes a plurality of microphones placed around the patient. The outputs of the microphones are amplified and filtered by a signal conditioner and converted into digital data streams. The digital data is then analyzed to determine the arrival of a subject at each microphone relative to the arrival time at the first microphone to sense the subject sound. Using equations of motion and the three-dimensional coordinates of the microphones, the system solves for the point of origin of the subject sounds and its speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to digital telephonic system for stethoscope signal processing. Stethoscope sounds are converted to electrical signals and conveyed in digital format to an RS232 data port of a data transmission product. In the alternate, a modem can be used to convey the signal via a home telephone line. At the receiving end, the reverse process takes place to convert the data back to audible sound. The fidelity and accuracy of the stethoscope sounds is maintained at the receiving end using asynchronous data communications and error protection techniques.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembly used for modifying an ordinary acoustic stethoscope to an electronically amplified stethoscope. This assembly is mechanically married to a conventional stethoscope's tubular structure. An earpiece unit which replaces the standard earpiece on the earpiece-end of the ordinary acoustic stethoscope, is positioned so the standard air column response of any ordinary acoustic stethoscope is picked up by a microphone placed inside this special earpiece unit, thus capturing the acoustic output of the parent stethoscope and transmitting it back to a preamplifier/amplifier and frequency equalizer unit (graphic equalizer). The electronic signal is then directed to a speaker located in the special earpiece unit for monitoring by the operator, or alternatively, such signal is directed to a number of other remote units for the purpose of facilitating teaching and learning.

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.

Abstract: A noise-canceling biological sound monitoring system provides electronic noise cancellation at the pickup head by using a primary transducer to sense anatomy sounds and a secondary sensor as a noise monitor. The system philosophy emphasizes the capability to provide the medical practitioner with an improved signal-to-noise ratio while at the same time maintaining the character of the sound to which the practitioner is accustomed. Various embodiments of the system include a device for use as an amplifying aid with conventional stethoscopes and a system which provides telemetry of sound to a remote receiver for listening, analysis or recording.

Abstract: A combined electronic acoustical stethoscope having a compact conventional appearance is disclosed. The stethoscope includes a head assembly rotatably mounted on a spool and containing at least a diaphragm, a bell, a battery holder, a microphone, a speaker, signal processing means and, a programmable switch integrated with the spool. The microphone, speaker, signal processing means and programmable switch are concealed within the head assembly thereby providing the stethoscope with the compact conventional appearance.

Abstract: A portable viewable and audible stethoscope for visually and audibly monitoring the vital life signs (e.g. heart beat, lung respiration, artery pulse, intestinal sounds) of a patient. The stethoscope includes a large diameter sound absorbing cup and a small diameter sound absorbing connected to opposite ends of a tubular connector and an output device enclosed within a hand held case that is connected to a middle region of the tubular connector by a supporting tube. The tubular connector is provided with an internally installed microphone which converts the absorbed sounds to electrical signals. The output device includes an electronic circuit assembly for amplifying the signals from the microphone, an oscilloscope for displaying the signals, and a speaker for converting the signals into audible sounds. The outside of the case of the output device is provided with control switches for the oscilloscope display, speaker volume adjustment and power on/off.

Abstract: Adapters and methods for reversibly converting a standard stethoscope to a multimedia and/or telemedicine ready stethoscope. The adapter includes a housing having a conduit for conducting sound therethrough, a first coupler for coupling the housing to the transducer of a standard stethoscope, a second coupler for coupling the housing to the sound conduction hose of a standard stethoscope, and a second transducer for converting an audible tone to an electronic signal.

Abstract: A stereophonic system is included in an instrument for minimally invasive surgery which permits a surgeon to hear spatial sounds from within a body wall. The instrument comprises a cylindrical member with an internal end for positioning inside the body wall and an external end to remain outside the body wall. There are two audio channels provided on opposing sides of the cylindrical member extending longitudinally from acoustic openings at the internal end to the external end, acoustical diaphragms protect the openings at the internal end, and a microphone is connected to each of the two audio channels at the exterior end of the cylindrical member, each microphone producing an audio signal from each of the two audio channels. A stereophonic audio amplifier amplifies the signal from each microphone and a stereophonic acoustical system produces stereophonic sound.

Abstract: A transducer enhanced stethoscope including a head piece that has an ear piece at each end and is connected to bifurcated flexible tubing. The bifurcated tubing is integral a flexible short tube. Included is a pickup head that has a top face, a bottom face and a peripheral wall with a connector projecting therefrom. The top face has a pair of temperature sensors fixedly attached. Each temperature sensor is capable of measuring skin temperature for displaying on a top readout screen. The bottom face has a pulse sensor. The pulse sensor is capable of measuring blood flow rate for displaying on a bottom readout screen. A battery is sealed within the pickup head by a battery door that is accessible along the bottom face. Lastly, an elongated flexible tubing is coupled to the connector of the pickup head. The elongated tubing is capable of transmitting acoustical sound waves from the pickup head to the head piece.

Abstract: An active noise control stethoscope enables a physician or paramedic to check vital signs in the presence of high background noise levels. A digital processing technique is used to remove noise from the output of a main detection sensor, the detector being impedance mismatched with air and therefore less sensitive to external airborne noise. Instead of a microphone, the detector uses a piezoceramic transflexural actuator mounted in a cylindrical piece of brass, with a polyurethane coating placed over the active side of the sensor to keep the sensor waterproof and broaden the response of the sensor. An identical sensor is placed above the device to detect background noise adjacent the device, the signals being combined to obtain a signal free of background noise. A third sensor is also used to electronically remove noise detected by the main sensor, the third sensor being positioned to pick-up noise coupled through the patient's body.

Abstract: A stethoscope and headset system comprising a stethoscope having a monitor mechanism for monitoring internal bodily vibrations of a patient and conversion circuitry coupled to the monitor mechanism for receiving the internal bodily vibrations and transmitting internal bodily indication signals based upon the internal bodily vibrations, a headset having a headband, a pair of earpieces coupled to the headband, a microphone for receiving a user's voice and transmitting a plurality of intercom signals; and a pair of speakers with each speaker coupled to an earpiece for transmitting audible sounds upon actuation by internal bodily indication signals and intercom signals; and a user-orientable selector switch coupled with the stethoscope and headset and coupleable with an intercom system of an aircraft, the selector switch having one orientation for enabling a user to listen to a patient's internal bodily vibrations and another orientation for enabling a user to communicate through the intercom system.

Abstract: The electronic stethoscope is designed to minimize the influence of the various types of noise while optimizing auscultation of the sounds of interest, and to enable a cardiologist to auscultate mechanical heart valves. It comprises a probe for sensing sounds of interest produced within a patient's body and for converting these sounds to an electric signal, and an audio amplifier and earphones for reproducing the sounds of interest in response to this electric signal.

Abstract: The headset comprises left and right elongate ear pieces having respective first ends to receive ear tips and respective, interconnected second ends. Each ear piece includes a one-piece elongate body made of flexible and resilient material and curved outwardly to skirt round the user's head when the ear tips are applied to a user's ears. The elongate body is formed with a first length of smaller cross section and therefore of greater flexibility proximate the second end of the corresponding ear piece and with a second length of lower flexibility situated between that first length and the corresponding ear tip. Bending of the elongate bodies when the ear pieces are spread apart is therefore concentrated in the first lengths and pressure applied to the user's ears by the ear tips is mainly produced by the bent first lengths and transmitted to the ear tips through the second lengths of lower flexibility.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope includes a microphone mounted in a resilient collar in a hand-held case. The microphone is coupled to an active filter having independently and continuously adjustable bandwidth and center frequency. A switch bypasses the active filter when the user wishes to hear all of the sounds detected by the microphone. The controls for bandwidth and center frequency are located on one side of the case and can be manipulated by the hand holding the stethoscope. The volume or gain of the stethoscope is adjusted by a third control located on the one side of the stethoscope. The controls can be linear or rotary or combinations thereof. The output signal from the active filter passes through a filter having a frequency response inverse to that of the human ear, is amplified, and is coupled to headphones which plug into a socket on the rear of the case.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote stethoscope system that allows a doctor at one location to listen to the stethoscope sounds coming from a stethoscope being used by a patient in his or her remotely-located home. The acoustic stethoscope sounds are converted into electrical signals, frequency shifted up to the telephone band, and then conveyed over a conventional telephone line. At the doctor's location, the signals are shifted down to their original frequencies and then converted back to audible sound for the doctor's analysis. The sensor used by the patient picks up a wide range of frequencies without any manipulation by the patient.

Abstract: An electronically amplified, recording, stereophonic stethoscope, EARSS, utilizes binaural phase effect from two probes held in one chestpiece with amplifier. Skin contacts in probes are small, to localize, pliable, to fit body curves, shaped for acoustic amplification, spread for wide pickup. Connecting tubes are flexible, with dimensions and properties that protect, isolate, reinforce and adapt skin contacts to microphones. Adapters for multiple stereophones, listeners, recorders, videocameras and imaging of induced sound, facilitate teaching, consultation and sharing with patients. More sensitive and specific detection and recognition of diseases and functions stimulate more careful auscultation by physicians, new uses and tests, and increased lay use of a classic professional symbol.

Abstract: An active noise control stethoscope enables a physician or paramedic to check vital signs in the presence of high background noise levels. A digital processing technique is used to remove noise from the output of a main detection sensor, the detector being impedance mismatched with air and therefore less sensitive to external airborne noise. Instead of a microphone, the detector uses a piezoceramic transflexural actuator mounted in a cylindrical piece of brass, with a polyurethane coating placed over the active side of the sensor to keep the sensor waterproof and broaden the response of the sensor. An identical sensor is placed above the device to detect background noise adjacent the device, the signals being combined to obtain a signal free of background noise. A third sensor is also used to electronically remove noise detected by the main sensor, the third sensor being positioned to pick-up noise coupled through the patient's body.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscopic system is described which permits detection of auscultory sounds in a patient in high noise environments such as ambulances and aircraft. The stethoscope employs an electroacoustical transducer, an acoustical driver mounted in a headset providing acoustical isolation from exterior noise, a summing microphone positioned within the insulating headset, and active noise reduction circuitry to feed an error signal back from the summing microphone to the acoustical driver so as to effectively cancel the unwanted acoustical noise originating external to the insulating headset. The stethoscopic system includes circuitry permitting the headset to selectively receive the audio output from a vehicular intercom system whenever a voice signal is present, thereby allowing treating medical personnel to monitor the patient while participating in the conversation being conducted on the vehicle's intercom system.

Abstract: A system for generating and delivering sound to a fetus or so-called "fetal child" through the mother's abdomen and which also allows for the monitoring of the effects of sound on the fetal child. The system comprises a belt adapted to be worn about the abdomen area of the mother and includes speakers located in the region of the fetal child for imparting sound through the abdomen wall to the fetal child. The speakers are connected to a sound generator, such as a tape recorder or the like. A stethoscope sensor is mounted in and carried by the belt and is also located in juxtaposition to the abdomen in proximity to the fetal child in order to determine the effects of the sounds on the fetal child. The stethoscope sensor is attachably connected to a stethoscope adapted to be worn by the mother or other user.

Abstract: A modular auscultation sensor and telemetry system ("MASTS") for sensing body sounds of a patient in a noisy environment where both desired body sounds and undesirable noise may be detected. The MASTS includes a transducer head that comprises two sensors that are substantially acoustically and mechanically isolated from each other. The first sensor is positioned to sense body sounds of a patient when the transducer head is placed against a patient's skin, and the second sensor is positioned to sense primarily noise, if any. The sound signals are transmitted to a digital signal processor carried in a waist-pack or similar container. The digital signal processor processes the sound signals using an adaptive filter scheme to produce an output signal that is indicative of primarily of the body sounds emanating from the patient.

Abstract: A removable cover for temporarily covering the diaphragm portion of a stethoscope is of integral, molded, one-piece construction and wholly formed of flexible, resilient, imperforate material. The cover includes a thin, flexible, liquid impervious, void-free planar wall larger than the diaphragm portion opening and a flexible, liquid impervious, void-free side wall extending from the planar wall which fits snugly over the tapered wall of the diaphragm portion.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope which is adapted to receive auscultatory sounds from a body, is adapted to transmit the auscultatory sounds to a user, or other medical device which is adapted to be powered by a battery. The stethoscope has a chestpiece adapted to utilized in cooperation with the body, an acoustical transducer cooperating with the chestpiece for receiving the auscultatory sounds and transforming the auscultatory sounds into an electrical input signal. The stethoscope or medical device has an electronic processor for processing the electrical signal. The stethoscope has a speaker for converting the electrical output signal into an acoustical output signal and an earpiece receiving the acoustical output signal and providing the acoustical output signal to the user. The chestpiece (or housing of the medical device) has a cavity adapted to contain the battery.

Abstract: An elastic, disposable cover for the head of a stethoscope. The disk-shaped cover is manufactured from latex or other material that is sufficiently elastomeric to allow the cover to be stretched over the stethoscope head during installation, and yet snap back to remain taut after installation and during use of the stethoscope. The outer edge of the disk is preferably rolled, and the disk is preferably pre-shaped in a shallow parabola, to further ease installation and removal. Since the cover may be fit to a wide variety of stethoscope head types, it is much more practical and easier to use than prior stethoscope covers.

Abstract: A binaural electronic stethoscope adapted to receive auscultatory sounds from a body and adapted to transmit the auscultatory sounds to a user. A chestpiece is adapted to be utilized in cooperation with the body. An acoustical transducer cooperates with the chestpiece and receives auscultatory sounds and transforms the auscultatory sounds into an electrical input signal. A signal processor processes the electrical input signal to produce an electrical output signal. A first tubular member couples the chestpiece to a housing. A speaker is mounted within the housing and converts the electrical output signal into an acoustical output signal. Second and third tubular members are coupled to the housing and are acoustically coupled to the speaker. First and second earpieces are coupled to the second and third tubular members, respectively, and receive the acoustical output signal and provide the acoustical output signal to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonic frequency expansion is characterized by expanding audiometric frequencies before translation into the ultrasonic range. The audiometric signals are first expanded in time by a factor of 1/.beta. where .beta.<1 while generally maintaining the frequency content of the audiometric signals. Next the frequency of the signals is expanded by a factor 1/.beta. while compressing the time scale to that of the original signal. The frequency expanded signal is processed via a single-sideband upconverter to translate the frequency expanded signal into a single sideband signal in the ultrasonic range.

Abstract: An intelligenet stethoscope for performing auscultation and for automatically diagnosing abnormalities based on body sounds is described in which the body sounds are received, digitized and stored in memory. The body sounds are recorded from a plurality of locations on the body, and all of the sounds are categorized according to specific characteristics to form a matrix of information. The generated matrix is then compared against a plurality of stored matrices using a technique similar to signature analysis. Each of the stored matrices contain information indicative of known abnormalities such as specific heart murmurs, lung abnormalities, etc. When a matrix match is found, the diagnosis is displayed on an LCD display formed in the body of the stethoscope. The LCD display is also capable of displaying a visual representation of the recorded body sounds. The present invention is applicable to heart sounds, lung sounds, and bruits.

Abstract: An visual display stethoscope for use in the auscultation of body sounds is disclosed. The stethoscope is adapted for display, manipulation and analysis of the received body sounds. The present invention includes a stethoscope electronically coupled to a display module. The display module has the ability to display an analog representation of the received body sounds and includes menu keys for selecting among the various functions provided by the stethoscope for manipulation and analysis of the waveform data. These functions include real time analog filtering of displayed waveforms, digital filtering of stored waveforms, and interval timing between strategic positions in the body sound waveforms. The visual display stethoscope therefore is of significant aid to physicians in the analysis, recognition, and diagnosis of abnormalities which can be examined via auscultation methods.

Abstract: An ergonometric chestpiece for a stethoscope adapted to receive auscultatory sounds from a body and adapted to be coupled to an earpiece for a user. The chestpiece is adapted to be grasped by a thumb and at least one finger of the user. The chestpiece has a bottom surface which is generally planar and is adapted to be placed near the body for receiving the auscultatory sounds. The chestpiece has an upper portion opposite the bottom surface. The upper portion has a raised center portion defining left and right gripping surfaces which form recesses defined by the left and right gripping surfaces and by a surface generally parallel to but opposite the bottom surface. The left and right gripping surfaces are adapted to receive the thumb and the at least one finger of the user.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically detecting an adventitious sound from a sound signal formed of a plurality of successive sound waves received from a patient including establishing at least one of a predetermined time interval and a threshold signal value based on an average signal value of at least a portion of a sound signal, sequentially comparing the sound waves to at least one of the threshold signal value and the predetermined time interval to identify a first wave having at least one of an amplitude at least as large as the threshold signal value and a duration falling within the predetermined time interval, and identifying an adventitious sound when at least one consecutive wave following the first wave has at least one of an amplitude at least as large as the threshold signal value and a duration falling within the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A stethoscope for use with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) screenings in order to supervise a patient, including a bell chest piece adapted to pick up audible heart and breathing sounds or other bodily sounds from the patient, a flexible hollow tube connected at one end thereof to the bell chest piece and adapted to transmit audible heart and breathing sounds from the bell chest piece.

Abstract: An intelligenet stethoscope for performing auscultation and for automatically diagnosing abnormalities based on body sounds is described in which the body sounds are received, digitized and stored in memory. The body sounds are recorded from a plurality of locations on the body, and all of the sounds are categorized according to specific characteristics to form a matrix of information. The generated matrix is then compared against a plurality of stored matrices using a technique similar to signature analysis. Each of the stored matrices contain information indicative of known abnormalities such as specific heart murmurs, lung abnormalities, etc. When a matrix match is found, the diagnosis is displayed on an LCD display formed in the body of the stethoscope. The LCD display is also capable of displaying a visual representation of the recorded body sounds. The resent invention is applicable to heart sounds, lung sounds, and bruits.

Abstract: A stethoscope, operable in an acoustic or electronically augmented mode, is disclosed. In one electronically augmented mode of operation, the stethoscope simultaneously provides the listener with combined unmodified, familiar audible sounds and sounds which have been electronically augmented to bring them within the human auditory range. Additionally, a timing sound may be provided along with the unmodified, familiar audible sounds and electronically augmented sounds to assist the listener in determining when sounds occur in the heart cycle. The timing sound may be enabled in the acoustic mode of stethoscope operation so that the listener can place familiar audible sounds within the heart cycle.

Abstract: A lifesaving borescope system comprises a borescope having an insertion section, sensors disposed in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the insertion section, a sensor holder for holding the sensors, and an external output device for displaying or pronouncing information detected by the sensors.

Abstract: A device for detecting, monitoring, displaying and recording a representation of the heartbeats of a pregnant woman and her fetus. The heartbeat of each is monitored. Detecting of the woman's heartbeat activates a display of a representation of the heartbeat and enables circuitry which displays a representation of the detected fetal heartbeat. Preferably two different types of sensors are used, for example an infra-red sensor for the woman's heartbeart and an audio sensor for the fetal heartbeat. The displays can depict hearts pulsating at rates corresponding with the respective heartbeats, or can present numerical displays of the heartbeat rates. In addition, a third sensor can detect movement of the fetus and can activate a display of a moving infant or a numerical display of the movement intensity or frequency. A combination of any of these displays can be presented. Signals representative of the detected heartbeats and movement can be recorded for later playback.

Abstract: A confined system of sound transmission from a frequency attenuation compensated source through plastic pneumatic tubes in series with liquid tubes of considerable length, transmitting audio to and through pneumatic headphones to the ear canals of the user. It is an audio system suitable for use in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance scanning environments and for use in CAT scan environments. The system includes a stereo program source playing into a stereo frequency compensation amplifier driving right and left loudspeaker pneumatic drivers feeding audio to and through long liquid tubes in series with pneumatic tubes extended to left and right earphones of plastic headphones worn by a patient in a scan room environment.