Medical instrument with probe, probe cover, and methods of using the same
US8374683B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J5/026
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an animal's body. The instrument includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by variations in the amount of radiation received from the emitter, whether a probe cover is mounted over the probe. A sensor can also be used to determine whether the walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter, thereby indicating position of the sensor, and thus, the probe within the orifice. A special probe cover is disclosed, and methods of using the medical instrument are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.