Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090102611 | WIRELESS DISPOSABLE PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR - A patient physiological parameter monitoring apparatus for a subject includes a sensor assembly having at least one responsive element that produces a first signal upon detection of a change in temperature. The assembly also includes a converter for converting the first signal into an electrical signal, and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting converted electrical signals upon demand based upon receipt of a transmitted signal from an interrogation device. Preferably, at least a portion of the sensor assembly is disposable to permit single use or single subject use and can be further used to track location and information of medical equipment in addition to subjects. | 04-23-2009 |
20090182526 | GUIDING IR TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE WITH PROBE COVER - The invention relates to an Infrared (IR) thermometer including an IR detector configured to provide an IR emission data representative of a temperature of an area of tissue. The IR thermometer also includes one or more secondary sensors configured to provide an IR thermometer positioning data. At least one microcomputer is configured to receive the IR thermometer positioning data from one or more secondary sensors. The at least one microcomputer is configured to run an algorithm to convert the IR thermometer positioning data to an IR thermometer positioning indication, wherein the IR thermometer positioning indication suggests a direction to move the IR thermometer for a substantially optimal IR detector view of the area of tissue. The invention also relates to a guiding means including a positioning sensor and a display of IR thermometer positioning information, and a method for positioning an IR thermometer. | 07-16-2009 |
20100027582 | CYCLE COUNTING - The present invention provides a platform for a manufacturer of reusable medical apparatuses to provide timely post-sale service for replaceable parts. In one embodiment, the probe assembly of an electronic thermometer has a connector that is equipped with a memory device, e.g., EEPROM, that stores a variety of probe-specific service information including usage count of the probe, probe warranty information and error codes. The user can plug the connector, e.g., through an adapter module, to a local computer's USB port and submit the stored service information to a website maintained by the probe manufacturer to check up and get service for the specific probe in a timely fashion. Automatic alert for replacement probe orders depending on the amount of usage, automatic generation of RMA numbers when the probe warranty is determined to be in effect, and automatic service calls for malfunctioning thermometers can all be accomplished accordingly without the need for manual record-keeping. A healthcare provider can simply set aside a day at a scheduled interval to check all of its reusable medial apparatuses equipped with the invented system to keep them safe and effective. | 02-04-2010 |
20100260230 | IR THERMOMETRY PROBE COVER - A removable protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip. | 10-14-2010 |
20100265986 | CALIBRATED ASSEMBLY FOR IR THERMOMETER APPARATUS - A tip assembly for an IR thermometer apparatus includes a heat sink having a heat sink cavity and a tip section and a fluid path and at least one hydraulic port. The tip assembly also includes an IR sensor mechanically seated in the tip section and thermally coupled to the heat sink. The tip assembly also includes an electrical connector configured to provide an electrical connection to the tip assembly. A fluid having a fluid temperature is introduced into the fluid path via the hydraulic port. The fluid causes the heat sink and the IR sensor to substantially reach one or more pre-determined temperatures by thermal conduction during calibration of the tip assembly. Another tip assembly having an internal heat source is described. Another tip assembly having an internal heat pump is described. A method to calibrate a tip assembly is also described. | 10-21-2010 |
20100284436 | IR THERMOMETER THERMAL ISOLATION TIP ASSEMBLY - An IR tip assembly includes a shroud having at least one feature that permits releasable attachment of a disposable cover fitted to a shroud. When the disposable cover is fitted to the shroud, at least one air gap is defined between the shroud and the disposable cover. An IR sensor disposed within the IR tip assembly is mechanically and thermally coupled to a heat sink. The at least one defined air gap creates a thermal isolation between the disposable cover and the disposed IR sensor. There can also be airflow through the at least one air gap. Apparatus and methods to create the airflow are described. | 11-11-2010 |
20100322282 | MULTI-SITE INFRARED THERMOMETER - An infrared thermometer includes a probe and an infrared sensor. The probe with an infrared target absorbs thermal radiation to provide a substantially consistent source of infrared radiation and an aperture for preventing contamination of the infrared target while permitting the transmission of thermal radiation to the target. The infrared sensor is configured for sensing infrared radiation from the infrared target. The infrared target is positioned within the probe such that it absorbs thermal radiation that comes from the aperture and thereafter emits thermal radiation to the infrared sensor. | 12-23-2010 |
20110051774 | TEMPERATURE PATCH - A patch may be adapted for placement proximate to a surface region of a mammal. The patch may include an infrared target for receiving thermal energy from the surface region and for emitting infrared radiation according to a substantially known emissivity property. When the target is placed proximate to the surface region, the characteristics of infrared radiation emitted by the target substantially correspond to the temperature of the surface region. The patch may have means for selectively maintaining the target in a position proximate to a surface region of a mammal. The patch may include indicia uniquely associated with the patch. | 03-03-2011 |
20110105910 | THERMOMETER FOR DETERMINING THE TEMPERATURE OF AN ANIMAL'S EAR DRUM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - The present invention relates to a thermometer for determining the temperature of an animal's ear drum. The thermometer includes a probe, an infrared-radiation detector adapted to receive infrared radiation emitted by the ear drum, and devices that help determine the probe's position in the ear canal so as to optimize the infrared radiation received from the ear drum, and to minimize the infrared radiation received from other ear parts. A method of using the thermometer is also disclosed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106484 | THERMOMETER FOR DETERMINING THE TEMPERATURE OF AN ANIMAL'S EAR DRUM AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A thermometer for determining the temperature of an animal's ear drum. The thermometer includes a probe, an infrared-radiation detector adapted to receive infrared radiation emitted by the ear drum, and devices that help insure that the probe is disposed in a desired position in the ear canal so as to optimize the infrared radiation received from the ear drum, and to minimize the infrared radiation received from other ear parts. A method of using the thermometer is also disclosed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110158283 | TEMPERATURE-MEASUREMENT PROBE - An apparatus, system and method for temperature measurement of a target site, such a human body site. The invention includes an intelligent temperature probe configured to physically contact a target site and to communicate with a host device, which can be implemented as a hand-held device or as a personal computer. The host device can compute, store and display an accurate predicted temperature, or an actual temperature at thermal equilibrium, of the target site for each of a plurality of different intelligent temperature probes that each have unique and varied operating characteristics. A set of unique operating characteristics for each temperature probe is represented by information communicated between each respective temperature probe and the host device. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160595 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PROBE, PROBE COVER, AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an animal's body. The instrument includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by variations in the amount of radiation received from the emitter, whether a probe cover is mounted over the probe. A sensor can also be used to determine whether the walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter, thereby indicating position of the sensor, and thus, the probe within the orifice. A special probe cover is disclosed, and methods of using the medical instrument are also disclosed. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160597 | Suprasystolic Measurement in a Fast Blood-Pressure Cycle - Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring a patient that includes a cuff configured to inflate to at least partially occlude an artery of the patient and a cuff controller configured to inflate the cuff during a dynamic phase and generally maintain inflation of the cuff at about a target pressure during a static phase. The system also includes a sensor configured to receive a signal associated with the at least partially occluded artery and generate an output signal based on the received signal, and a cuff control module configured to determine the target pressure during the dynamic phase and based on the output signal, and control the cuff controller during the dynamic phase and the static phase. | 06-30-2011 |
20110295126 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING ARTERIAL STIFFNESS - Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring a patient that includes a cuff configured to inflate to at least partially occlude an artery of the patient and a cuff controller configured to control inflation and deflation of the cuff. The system also includes a sensor configured to receive a signal associated with the at least partially occluded artery and generate an output signal based on the received signal. Also included is a signal analysis module configured to receive the output signal and determine a first hemodynamic parameter based on a first set of data obtained during inflation of the cuff and a second set of data obtained during deflation of the cuff. | 12-01-2011 |
20110313300 | DETECTION OF NOISE DURING HEART BEAT VARIATION EVALUATION - A medical device obtains an oscillometric measurement associated with a patient's non-invasive blood pressure reading. The device determines a stability measure for at least one pair of pulses included in the oscillometric measurement, compares the stability measure to a threshold, and excludes the pair of pulses from an evaluation of heart beat variation when the stability measure fails to meet the threshold. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313301 | BLOOD PRESSURE IRREGULARITY SENSING - A medical device obtains a set of data associated with a patient's non-invasive blood pressure cycle reading, provides a representation of a pulse interval map on the display screen based on the set of data, the pulse interval map including one or more interval data points representing intervals between heat beats, and alerts a caregiver if one or more of the interval data points fall outside an interval bound. The medical device can also plot a pulse volume map on the display screen based on the set of data, the pulse volume map including one more volume data points representing volumes associated with given heat beats, and alert a caregiver if one or more of the volume data points fall outside a volume bound. | 12-22-2011 |
20120027047 | IR THERMOMETRY PROBE COVER - A protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029359 | HANDHELD MEDICAL MICROWAVE RADIOMETER - A microwave handheld radiometer for measuring subsurface tissue temperature of a subject includes a microwave antenna disposed relative to a handheld radiometer housing and adapted to electromagnetically couple to a skin surface of a subject, a circulator having a first circulator input and a second circulator input, wherein the first circulator input is electrically coupled to said antenna via a microwave feedline. A switch is electrically disposed between the antenna and an microwave feedline, said switch having a calibrate state and a measure state. A noise source, electrically coupled to the circulator, is being configured to provide a first source of thermal noise at a first temperature and a second source of thermal noise at a second temperature, wherein the noise source is switched between the first source and second source upon external command wherein a detector provides an output wherein surface temperature effects are corrected for in the sub-surface measurement. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029375 | Respirations Activity and Motion Measurement Using Accelerometers - A system for estimating respirations includes an accelerometer configured to be coupled to an individual's torso, the accelerometer being configured to measure a tilt of the accelerometer as the individual breathes, and a processor connected to the accelerometer, the processor being programmed to process tilt data from the accelerometer and to estimate a respiration rate based on the tilt data. | 02-02-2012 |
20120143079 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TEMPERATURE DETERMINATION - A temperature determination method includes temporarily contacting a forehead of a subject with a first surface of a removable patch, and exposing a second surface of the patch opposite the first surface to ambient conditions. The method also includes sensing a temperature of the first surface of the patch while the first surface is in contact with the forehead at a first location thereon, sensing a temperature of the second surface of the patch, and calculating a sub-skull temperature of the subject based on the sensed temperatures of the first and second surface. | 06-07-2012 |
20120150051 | BLOOD PRESSURE CUFF - A blood pressure cuff is defined by a first sheet and a second sheet. The first sheet has a first interior-inflatable surface attached to a second interior-inflatable surface of the second sheet to form an interior-inflatable portion between the first sheet and second sheet. The interior-inflatable portion is in communication with an opening to fluidly interconnect the interior-inflatable portion with an exterior of the cuff. A textured surface is included on the second interior-inflatable surface. | 06-14-2012 |
20120226173 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING ARTERIAL STIFFNESS - Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring a patient that includes a cuff configured to inflate to at least partially occlude an artery of the patient and a cuff controller configured to control inflation and deflation of the cuff. The system also includes a sensor configured to receive a signal associated with the at least partially occluded artery and generate an output signal based on the received signal. Also included is a signal analysis module configured to receive the output signal and determine a first hemodynamic parameter based on a first set of data obtained during inflation of the cuff and a second set of data obtained during deflation of the cuff. | 09-06-2012 |
20130023772 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING PATIENT TEMPERATURE - A temperature probe includes a shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a tip disposed at the distal end. The probe also includes an infrared sensor configured to measure a temperature of a structure disposed proximate the shaft. The probe further includes a temperature sensor disposed distal to the infrared sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a body cavity temperature of a patient. | 01-24-2013 |
20130053708 | BLOOD PRESSURE CUFF - A blood pressure cuff includes a first bladder having a width, and a length transverse to the width. The blood pressure cuff also includes a second bladder connected to the first bladder and a port fluidly connected to at least one of the first and second bladders. | 02-28-2013 |
20130131518 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PROBE, PROBE COVER, AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an animal's body. The instrument includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by variations in the amount of radiation received from the emitter, whether a probe cover is mounted over the probe. A sensor can also be used to determine whether the walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter, thereby indicating position of the sensor, and thus, the probe within the orifice. A special probe cover is disclosed, and methods of using the medical instrument are also disclosed. | 05-23-2013 |
20130202011 | PROBE COVER CONTAINER IDENTIFICATION - A temperature measurement system includes a temperature probe including a temperature sensor. The system also includes a reader, and a controller in communication with the temperature sensor and the reader. The system further includes a container housing a plurality of probe covers associated with the temperature probe. The container includes an information feature providing information related to the plurality of probe covers. The reader is configured to read the information and direct a signal to the controller indicative of the information. | 08-08-2013 |
20130218033 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING A PATIENT - A system for monitoring a patient includes an inflatable cuff configured to at least partially occlude an artery of the patient, and a sensor configured to determine a first parameter associated with the at least partially occluded artery and to generate an output signal indicative of the first parameter. The system also includes a processor configured to receive the output signal and information indicative of an occlusion efficiency of the cuff. The processor is configured to determine a hemodynamic parameter of the patient based on the output signal and the information. | 08-22-2013 |
20130245457 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING PATIENT TEMPERATURE - A temperature probe includes a handle and a shaft extending from the handle. The shaft includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a tip at the distal end. The temperature probe also includes a capacitance sensor disposed on one of the handle and the shaft, the capacitance sensor configured to measure a change in capacitance when positioned proximate a conductor. The temperature probe further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the shaft, the temperature sensor configured to measure a body cavity temperature of a patient. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245488 | TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A temperature measurement system includes a temperature probe having a head and an infrared temperature sensor disposed in the head. The system also includes a replaceable probe cover removably attachable to the head. The probe cover includes a body, a substantially cylindrical waveguide extending from the body, and a distal tip. The waveguide is configured to direct radiation entering the distal tip to the temperature sensor when the probe cover is attached to the head. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245489 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING PATIENT TEMPERATURE - A temperature probe includes a handle and a shaft extending from the handle. The shaft includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a tip at the distal end. The temperature probe also includes a capacitance sensor disposed on one of the handle and the shaft, the capacitance sensor configured to measure a change in capacitance when positioned proximate a conductor. The temperature probe further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the shaft, the temperature sensor configured to measure a body cavity temperature of a patient. | 09-19-2013 |
20140046192 | TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A method of determining a temperature of a patient includes measuring a first temperature of the patient with a temperature device without contacting the patient with the device, and measuring a second temperature of the patient by contacting a measurement site of the patient with the device. The method also includes determining a temperature value indicative of a core temperature of the patient based on the first and second temperatures. | 02-13-2014 |
20140064331 | Probe Cover Container Identification - A temperature measurement system includes a temperature probe including a temperature sensor. The system also includes a reader, and a controller in communication with the temperature sensor and the reader. The system further includes a container housing a plurality of probe covers associated with the temperature probe. The container includes an information feature providing information related to the plurality of probe covers. The reader is configured to read the information and direct a signal to the controller indicative of the information. | 03-06-2014 |
20140171805 | Temperature Measurement System - A method of determining a temperature of a patient includes measuring a first temperature of the patient with a temperature device, and measuring a second temperature of the patient. The method also includes determining a temperature value indicative of a core temperature of the patient based on at least one of the first and second temperatures. | 06-19-2014 |
20140221796 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TEMPERATURE DETERMINATION - A temperature determination method includes temporarily contacting a forehead of a subject with a first surface of a removable patch, and exposing a second surface of the patch opposite the first surface to ambient conditions. The method also includes sensing a temperature of the first surface of the patch while the first surface is in contact with the forehead at a first location thereon, sensing a temperature of the second surface of the patch, and calculating a sub-skull temperature of the subject based on the sensed temperatures of the first and second surface. | 08-07-2014 |
20140240126 | Anti-Loss for Medical Devices - A medical device system includes one or more anti-loss/anti-theft mechanisms. The medical device system comprises a wireless medical device and a docking station. An alarm is activated on one or more of the wireless medical device or the docking station when an alarm threshold is detected by one of the anti-loss/anti-theft mechanisms. | 08-28-2014 |
20140275823 | ELECTRODE WITH CHARGE-OPERATED INDICATOR - An electrode includes separate first and second electrical contacts to contact the skin of a subject. A charge-holding structure is electrically connected between the first and second contacts. An indicator is operatively coupled to the charge-holding structure so that the indicator changes visibly in response to a change in the charge stored in the charge-holding structure. The electrode can include a rectifier across the contacts. A container for electrodes includes an electrical supply and a plurality of receptacles for electrodes so that a voltage difference is maintained across conductors of each receptacle (and contacts of an electrode therein) for at least one week. A method of making electrodes includes arranging the contacts over a support, connecting the charge-holding structure between them, arranging the indicator over the support, and charging the charge-holding structure so that the indicator has a first visual appearance. | 09-18-2014 |
20140297215 | Temperature-Measurement Probe - An apparatus, system and method for temperature measurement of a target site, such a human body site. The invention includes an intelligent temperature probe configured to physically contact a target site and to communicate with a host device, which can be implemented as a hand-held device or as a personal computer. The host device can compute, store and display an accurate predicted temperature, or an actual temperature at thermal equilibrium, of the target site for each of a plurality of different intelligent temperature probes that each have unique and varied operating characteristics. A set of unique operating characteristics for each temperature probe is represented by information communicated between each respective temperature probe and the host device. | 10-02-2014 |
20140364748 | SUPRASYSTOLIC MEASUREMENT IN A FAST BLOOD-PRESSURE CYCLE - Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring a patient that includes a cuff configured to inflate to at least partially occlude an artery of the patient and a cuff controller configured to inflate the cuff during a dynamic phase and generally maintain inflation of the cuff at about a target pressure during a static phase. The system also includes a sensor configured to receive a signal associated with the at least partially occluded artery and generate an output signal based on the received signal, and a cuff control module configured to determine the target pressure during the dynamic phase and based on the output signal, and control the cuff controller during the dynamic phase and the static phase. | 12-11-2014 |