Electronic stethoscope
US6002777A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B7/003
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.