Breast shield with sensor
US8597234B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2230/65
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A presently preferred embodiment of the invention includes a breast shield for use on a human breast including a breast-receiving portion, which is sized and shaped to receive a nipple and at least some surrounding breast. One or more sensors are connected to the breast-receiving portion and capable of sensing changes in the breast. Alternate embodiments of this aspect of the present invention include a sensor being one or more, for example, of an optical sensor, an electrode, a thermal sensor and an acoustic sensor. The optical sensor may be adapted to detect changes in light reflected from the breast. The electrode may be a pair of electrode parts, a first of which is used to apply an output voltage to the breast and a second of which is used to receive current conducted from the first of the pair of electrode parts. The acoustic sensor may be adapted to detect changes in breast tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.