Abstract:
A multi-functional, hand-held medical device for measuring bodily functions and physiological parameters and for medical screening and diagnosis by dual sound detection. A multi-functional, hand-held medical device capable of accurate, automatic and instantaneous readings of data received from the patient&#39;s different bodily functions, enhances productivity of the user, allows for flexibility to adjust the distance between the patient and the user, and reduces the potential for transmission of infectious or contagious organisms between the patient and the user. A multi-functional, hand-held medical device that does not require the use of earpieces. A method for measuring bodily functions and physiological parameters and for medical screening and diagnosis by dual sound detection. An undoubtable useful tool not only for professionals but also for lay persons who may require frequent monitoring of vital sounds during home care assessments

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The apparatus of the present invention relates generally to medical instruments for measuring bodily functions and physiological parameters, and more particularly, to an apparatus for medical screening and diagnosis utilizing dual sound detection, and more particularly, to a combined unitary stethoscope and ultrasound device. 
         [0006]    2. General Background of the Invention 
         [0007]    A stethoscope is an acoustic medical device for listening to internal sounds in the human body. A stethoscope is most often used to listen to heart sounds, to breathing (breath sounds) and other lung sounds, to intestinal tract sounds and to blood flow in the arteries and the veins. A stethoscope may be used for measuring blood pressure. A stethoscope may be used to aid the diagnosis of certain diseases and conditions. A stethoscope may transmit certain sounds and exclude others. 
         [0008]    In general, there are two types of stethoscopes, acoustic and electronic. Acoustic stethoscopes are familiar to most people, and operate on the transmission of sound from the chestpiece, via air-filled hollow tubes, to the listener&#39;s ears. The chestpiece usually consists of two sides that can be placed against the patient for sensing sound, on one side is a diaphragm (usually a plastic disc) and on the other side is a bell (usually a hollow cup). The diaphragm of the stethoscope is the flat part at the end of the tubing, with the thin plastic “drum-like” covering. Some stethoscopes have a diaphragm but no bell. The bell of the stethoscope is the cup shaped part at the end of the tubing, usually opposite to the diaphragm. Not all stethoscopes have a bell. If the diaphragm is placed on the patient, body sounds vibrate the diaphragm, creating acoustic pressure waves which travel up the tubing to the listener&#39;s ears. If the bell is placed on the patient, the vibrations of the skin directly produce acoustic pressure waves traveling up to the listener&#39;s ears. The bell transmits low frequency sounds, while the diaphragm transmits higher frequency sounds. A problem with the acoustic stethoscope is that the sound level is extremely low, making diagnosis difficult. 
         [0009]    Electronic stethoscopes overcome the low sound levels by amplifying body sounds. Electronic stethoscopes require conversion of acoustic sound waves to electrical signals which can then be amplified and processed for optimal listening. Unlike acoustic stethoscopes, which are all based on the same physics, transducers in electronic stethoscopes vary widely. Several examples are (1) placing a microphone in the chestpiece; (2) placing a piezoelectric crystal at the head of a metal shaft, the bottom of the shaft making contact with a diaphragm; (3) placing a piezoelectric crystal in foam behind a thick rubber-like diaphragm; and (4) forming a capacitive sensor in a diaphragm with an electrically-conductive inner surface so that sound waves create changes in the electric field. 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  shows a prior art stethoscope. In general, stethoscope  1  has several parts: chestpiece  6 , tubing  4  and earpieces  5 . Chestpiece  6  generally consists of bell  2 , and diaphragm  3 . Bell  2  of stethoscope  1  is the cup shaped part at the end of tubing  4 , usually opposite to diaphragm  3 . Bell  2  is used to listen to low pitch sounds. Diaphragm  3  of stethoscope  1  is the flat part at the end of tubing  4 , with the thin plastic “drum-like” covering. Diaphragm  3  is used to listen to high pitch sounds. In some stethoscopes  1 , chestpiece  6  has diaphragm  3  but no bell  2 ; in some stethoscopes  1 , chestpiece  6  has bell  2  but no diaphragm  3 . 
         [0011]    Tubing  4  of stethoscope  1  transmits sound from bell  2  and/or diaphragm  3  of chestpiece  6  to earpieces  5 . In some stethoscopes  1 , tubing  4  is a single tube; in some stethoscopes  1 , tubing  4  has double tubes. Earpieces  5  prevent outside sounds from interfering with listening to the sounds picked up by bell  2  and/or diaphragm  3  of chestpiece  6 . 
         [0012]    The following U.S. Patents and Published Applications are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,515,164; 4,413,629; 5,960,089; and 6,210,344; U.S. Published Patent Application Nos: 2002/0071570; 2005/0119584; 2005/0165310; and 2005/0234339. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,089 discloses a Doppler system in combination with a stethoscope (see column 4, line 66 to column 5, line 55). U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,164 discloses a portable Doppler device suspended from the neck that gathers medical data (see column 2, lines 48-58 and column 4, lines 8-24). U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,629 discloses a hand held portable Doppler device for gathering data normally gathered by a stethoscope (see column 3, line 60 to column 4, line 5). U.S. Publication Nos. 2005/0119584 (see paragraph 0066), 2005/0234339 (see paragraph 0005) and 2005/0165310 (see paragraph 0009) are directed to Doppler stethoscopes for gathering medical data. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention provides a medical instrument or device for measuring bodily functions and physiological parameters and for medical screening and diagnosis by dual sound detection. The present invention provides a medical instrument capable of accurate, automatic and instantaneous readings of data received from the patient&#39;s different bodily functions, enhances productivity of the user, allows for flexibility to adjust the distance between the patient and the user, and reduces the potential for transmission of infectious or contagious organisms between the patient and the user. 
         [0015]    The present invention provides a multi-functional, hand-held combined stethoscope and ultrasound medical device that does not require the use of earpieces. The present invention is a dual functioning medical instrument that provides ultrasound or Doppler measurement as well as acoustic, electronically amplified acoustic, or electronic sound transmission. 
         [0016]    The present invention combines the dual capabilities of a stethoscope and ultrasound or Doppler function into an all-in-one device which condenses the labor of carrying around or looking for two separate instruments. The results provided by the present invention are automatic and obtainable audio and/or visual outputs. The present invention is small enough for individual use and is easy to use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of a prior art stethoscope. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  depects the steps of one embodiment of a method of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    Referring now to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 2 , medical device  20  comprises hand-held housing  25 , which is comprised of upper body section  26 , middle body section  27 , and lowerbody section  28 , chestpiece  30  and ultrasound probe or transducer  35 . Like a conventional stethoscope, the present invention maybe used to monitor respiration, hypoactive or hyperactive bowel sounds, pulse beat on a minute hand clock. The present invention may be placed directly on the chest, on the abdomen, or on the extremities (legs, arms, hands, etc.), for example, to transmit sounds for measuring bodily functions and physiological parameters. 
         [0023]    Housing  25  is formed so as to comfortably be held in the hand of the user. In one embodiment, housing  25  is shaped such that middle body section  27  is smaller than both upper body section  26  and lower body section  28 . Housing  25  is preferably hand-held, and thus is preferably shaped for such of use. 
         [0024]    When using conventional stethoscopes, generally, the user must get close to the patient due to the limited length of the stethoscope tubing. The present invention reduces the chance of transmitting infectious and/or contagious organisms because it is hand-held, allowing the user to maintain an appropriate distance from the patient. While close contact with a patient is inevitable, the present invention allows the user to maintain a greater distance than that achieved when using a conventional stethoscope. 
         [0025]    Chestpiece  30  is preferably located at extreme end  21  of upper body section  26 . However, chestpiece  30  may be located anywhere on housing  25 , so long as its function is not impaired. Chestpiece  30  may be connected to housing  25  by neck  31 . Neck  31  allows chestpiece  30  to be fully rotatable. Rotating of chestpiece  30  assists the user in examination of both adult and pediatric patients. 
         [0026]    Chestpiece  30  functions to observe acoustic sounds from the patient, as is known in the art and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,230 which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. Chestpiece  30  may be bell  2  or diaphragm  3 , as is well known in the art. 
         [0027]    In the present invention, chestpiece  30  is dual sided  22 ,  23  such that it may be used with both adult patients and with pediatric patients. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , chestpiece  30  has pediatric side  23  attached on the reverse of adult side  22 . Sides  22 ,  23  are appropriately sized for the type of patient, i.e. pediatric side  23  is sized smaller than adult side  22 . Pediatric side  23  also may be used on petite adults. Conventional stethoscopes are sized for either adult or for pediatric patients, not both. Due to the dual sides  22 ,  23  of chestpiece  30 , chestpiece  30  has dual function. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, chestpiece  30  and probe or transducer  35  are located at opposing ends of housing  25 . Extreme end  24  of lower body section  28  may provide insert  34  for probe  35 . If probe  35  is connected by insert  34 , then probe  35  may be removable. Probe  35  would be removable when a gel should be applied to areas where the pulse is not easily detected, such as the wrist or foot. In an alternative embodiment, probe  35  maybe integrally connected to housing  25  at either upper body section  26  or lower body section  28 . 
         [0029]    Probe or transducer  35  functions using ultrasound, or Doppler, sound detection as is known in the art and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,629 which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. The Doppler effect is a change in the frequency of sound waves caused by moving objects. Ultrasound uses sound waves to generate information, for example, when a sound wave strikes an object, it bounces backward, or echoes. By measuring these echo waves it is possible to determine how far away the object is and its size, its shape, its consistency (whether the object is solid, filled with fluid, or both) and its uniformity. Probe or transducer  35  both generates and receives high frequency, inaudible, sound waves and records the echoing waves. Probe  35  is pressed against a patient&#39;s skin, or other body part being examined. Generally, a gel is applied to the skin and then probe  35  is moved over the body part being examined. As probe  35  slides over a patient&#39;s skin, it conducts transmitting sound waves that are reflected or refracted back to probe  35  by the patient&#39;s internal organs, tissues, bones and body fluids. As the sound waves bounce off of internal organs, tissues bones and body fluids, probe  35  records tiny changes in the sound&#39;s pitch and direction. These signature waves are instantly measured so that the specific characteristics of the object are obtainable. Probe  35  then sends this information to electronics package  42 , which transmits the sound waves to audible patterns for speaker  38 . Probe  35  may be utilized to detect sound in any pulseless extremity such as a patient&#39;s arm or foot, or to listen for the sound of blood flow through a patient&#39;s blood vessels. 
         [0030]    Located on housing  25  is view screen  29 . View screen  29  provides a display of the bodily functions being observed, for example, view screen  29  may display the pulse rate, the heartbeat data, or the respiration rate data of the patient. View screen  29  may also display additional information as necessary. Multiple view screens  36 ,  37  may be provided as desired. In one embodiment, view screen  29  is located on upper body section  26  and comprises first view screen  36  and second view screen  37 . First view screen  36  displays the pulse and/or heartbeat data and secondview screen  37  displays respiration data. View screen  29 ,  36  and/or  37  may be illuminated, as is generally known, such as by LED or other lighting. 
         [0031]    Speaker  38  is provided on housing  25  to produce the sounds received by chestpiece  30  or probe  35 . In one embodiment, speaker  38  is located on upper body section  26  near middle body section  27 ; however, speaker  38  may be located on elsewhere on housing  25 , so long as its function is not impaired. The present invention eliminates the ear discomfort users of conventional stethoscopes experience. Speaker  38  of the present invention removes the necessity of earpieces to hear the sounds emanating from the patient. 
         [0032]    Volume control  39  is located on housing  25 . In one embodiment, volume control  39  is located on upper body section  26  near middle body section  27  so as to make adjustment of volume easy when device  20  is being held. Volume control  39  allows the user to adjust the volume of sounds transmitted from chestpiece  30  and/or probe  35 . The volume may be adjusted to an appropriate level to allow the user to adequately hear the sounds received from the heart, lungs, bowels, etc. 
         [0033]    The present invention requires power source  40 . Power source  40  may be conventional battery, rechargeable battery or AC operated. In one embodiment, power source  40  is located in the interior of lower body section  28 . Power source  40  may additional include an AC connection for direct power from an electrical outlet or to recharge a rechargeable battery maintained within device  20 , as is generally known. Power source  40  may also provide illumination for view screen  29 ,  36  and/or  37   
         [0034]    Power switch  41  allows for turning the present invention on or off. In one embodiment, power switch also may function as volume control  39 , as is generally known. Power switch should be off when device  20  is not in use to conserve power. 
         [0035]    Housing  25  contains the necessary electronics or mechanisms  42  for operating device  20  as described, for example, for transmitting sound picked up by chestpiece  30  and/or probe  35  to speaker  38  and to adjust the sounds emanating from speaker  38  through volume control  39 , as is generally known. Housing  25  also contains the necessary electronics  42  for transforming the sound picked up by chestpiece  30  and/or probe  35  to readable form for display on view screen  29 ,  36 ,  37 , and for illumination of view screen  29 ,  36 ,  37 , as is generally known. Housing  25  further contains the necessary mechanisms  42  to utilize power from power source  40  and to allow the function of power switch  41  for turning device  20  on or off and to provide power to the necessary electronics, as is generally known. 
         [0036]    In an alternative embodiment, device  20  has carrying means  43  whereby the user may carry device  20  without the use of hands, for example, pocket clip  44 , key ring  45  or garment strap  46 . See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,362, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. Carrying means  43  alleviates neck stress and back pain that a user sometimes experiences when having to hang a conventional stethoscope from the neck. Carrying means  43  may improve the user&#39;s posture. Carrying means  43  may lessen the likelihood of device  20  of being misplaced as it no longer needs to be put down as often. 
         [0037]    In another embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 4 , a user turns device  20  on using power switch  41 . Chestpiece  30  of device  20  is then placed over the preferred listening body part or system of a patient, for example, chest, abdomen or limb. User then listens for sounds transmitted from chestpiece  30  through speaker  38 . User may adjust volume from speaker  38  by using volume control  39 . User notes the heartbeat/pulse or respiration number reading from view screens  36 ,  37 . If sound is not easily detected using chestpiece  30 , then user may repeat previous steps using probe  35 . 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Parts Number 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 prior art stethoscope 
               
               
                 2 
                 bell 
               
               
                 3 
                 diaphragm 
               
               
                 4 
                 tubing 
               
               
                 5 
                 earpieces 
               
               
                 6 
                 chestpiece 
               
               
                 20 
                 medical device 
               
               
                 21 
                 end (upper body section) 
               
               
                 22 
                 side (chestpiece) 
               
               
                 23 
                 side (chestpiece) 
               
               
                 24 
                 end (lower body section) 
               
               
                 25 
                 hand-held housing 
               
               
                 26 
                 upper body section 
               
               
                 27 
                 middle body section 
               
               
                 28 
                 lower body section 
               
               
                 29 
                 view screen 
               
               
                 30 
                 chestpiece 
               
               
                 31 
                 neck 
               
               
                 34 
                 insert 
               
               
                 35 
                 ultrasound/Doppler probe or transducer 
               
               
                 36 
                 first view screen 
               
               
                 37 
                 second view screen 
               
               
                 38 
                 speaker 
               
               
                 39 
                 volume control 
               
               
                 40 
                 power source (battery compartment) 
               
               
                 41 
                 power switch 
               
               
                 42 
                 electronics or mechanisms 
               
               
                 43 
                 carrying means 
               
               
                 44 
                 pocket clip 
               
               
                 45 
                 key ring 
               
               
                 46 
                 garment strap 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0038]    The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.