Patent ID: 9056148
Filing Date: 2015-06-16
Classification: A61B,A61L,H05H

Abstract:
1. A stethoscope, comprising: a diaphragm having an exposed exterior surface of the diaphragm, wherein the exposed exterior surface of the diaphragm is adapted to be positioned on or near a patient to vibrate in response to movement generated by the patient; a pair of electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein a diaphragm portion of each electrode of the pair of electrodes is positioned on, in, and/or near the diaphragm; and a dielectric material, wherein the dielectric material is positioned between the diaphragm portion of the first electrode and the diaphragm portion of the second electrode, wherein when a first voltage potential is applied across the pair of electrodes for a first period of time a plasma discharge is generated proximate the exposed exterior surface of the diaphragm such that the plasma disinfects the exposed exterior surface of the diaphragm.