Cycle counting

US8308355B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• WELCH ALLYN, INC. · US

Inventors

• John A. Lane · Weedsport, US
• Tyson B. Whitaker · Arden, US
• Matthew J. Kinsley · Marcellus, US
• Craig M. Meyerson · Syracuse, US
• Scott A. Martin · Warners, US
• Ray D. Stone · Camillus, US
• David E. Quinn · Auburn, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 29, 2008
• Grant date: Nov 13, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 17, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01K13/20
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

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.