Fluidic heart-sound monitor and esophageal stethoscope

US5076284A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army · US

Inventors

• James Joyce · Olathe, US
• Nassy Srour · Silver Spring, US
• Michael Scanlon · Laurel, US
• Stephen M. Tenney · Rockville, US
• George Mon · Ladera Ranch, US
• John P. Gills · Washington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 23, 1990
• Grant date: Dec 31, 1991
• Expiry date: Oct 23, 2010

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B7/023
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A heart-sound monitor and esophageal stethoscope which makes use of fluidic aminar proportional amplifiers (LPAs). These LPA's are used to sense and amplify incoming acoustic pressure signals, such as heart signals. Moreover, the fluidic monitor is able to monitor a fetus heartbeat while eliminating the acoustic interference present from the mother's heartbeat. In this case, the LPA acts not only as an amplifier, but as an acoustic filter as well.