(12) United States Patent
`Bagha
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,398,891 B2
`*Jul. 26, 2016
`
`US009398891B2
`
`(75)
`(73)
`
`(54) MULTIPLE COMMUNICATION INTERFACE
`MEDICAL EXAMINATION APPARATUS,
`SYSTEM, AND/OR METHOD
`Inventor: Merat Bagha, Portland, OR (US)
`Assignee: TIBA MEDICAL, INC., Plano, TX
`(US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 1468 days.
`This patent is Subject to a terminal dis
`claimer.
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC ...... A61B 7/04; A61B5/0002; A61B 5/0245;
`A61B 7/003: A61B5/0472
`USPC ............. 181/131: 381/67, 509; 600/300, 513,
`600/528,586
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,858,005 A 12/1974 Marshall et al.
`4,248,241 A
`2f1981 Tacchi
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DE
`FR
`
`1, 2003
`10132759
`3, 1999
`2768323
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner — Sean Dougherty
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Mateo Aboy: Aboy &
`Associates, PC
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`An embodiment of an auscultation device can be constructed
`using, at least in part, electronic components to provide
`improved acquisition, processing, and communication of
`sound signals. An input device can be used for detecting
`Sounds, and electrical signals representing the sounds can be
`processed and transmitted via one or more of a plurality of
`Substantially contemporaneously available wired and/or
`wireless communications interfaces. Bluetooth and/or
`another form of wireless communication can be employed.
`Such embodiments can employ, at least in part, one or more of
`several commercially available wired and/or wireless
`receiver devices, such as, without limitation, headsets and
`headphones, mobile phones, PDAs and/or other handheld
`devices, desktop, laptop, palmtop, and/or tablet computers,
`speakers and/or other conventional and/or specifically con
`figured computer devices and/or electronic devices.
`6 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`(21)
`(22)
`(65)
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`Appl. No.: 12/054,385
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar 24, 2008
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2008/O232605 A1
`Sep. 25, 2008
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation-in-part of application No. 1 1/584.236,
`filed on Oct. 20, 2006, now Pat. No. 8,092,396.
`Provisional application No. 60/919,594, filed on Mar.
`24, 2007, provisional application No. 60/728,568,
`filed on Oct. 20, 2005.
`
`Int. C.
`A6 IB5/02
`A6B 700
`A6 IB 7/04
`A61B5/OO
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(Continued)
`
`(52)
`
`U.S. C.
`CPC ................. A61B 704 (2013.01); A61 B 5/0002
`(2013.01); A61 B 5/0245 (2013.01); A61B
`5/0472 (2013.01); A61B 7/003 (2013.01)
`
`
`
`Bluetoothink
`
`78
`
`
`
`input Controls
`(170)
`
`Pier O
`Sensitivity O
`Mode O
`Establish O
`
`Display elements
`(172
`
`controer
`Bluetooth &
`Supervisor
`Processor
`
`16
`
`Biuetooth
`
`blue
`
`(red)
`"Bell"Audio
`"Diaphragm"Audio
`greer
`
`
`
`
`
`charging circuit
`(174
`
`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 1
`
`Petition for Inter Parties Review
`of U.S. Patent No. 9,258,698
`EXHIBIT
`
`Cellspin-2002
`
`IPR2019-00131
`
`exhibitsticker.com
`
`

`

`US 9,398,891 B2
`Page 2
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`A61 B 5/0245
`A61B5/0472
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`M
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`7.346,174 B1* 3/2008 Smith ............................. 381 (67
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`2004/0092846 A1
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`2004/0220487 A1 1 1/2004 Vyshedskiyet al.
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`2004/0228494 A1* 11/2004 Smith ............................. 381.67
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`2005/0148883 A1* 7/2005 Boesen ......................... 600,485
`2005. O157887 A1
`T/2005 Kim
`2005/0157888 A1
`7/2005 Yang
`2005. O16531.0 A1
`7, 2005 Bindefeld
`2005/0203349 A1
`9, 2005 Nanikashvili
`2006/0047215 A1
`3/2006 Newman et al. .............. 600,513
`2006, O158344 A1* 7, 2006 Bambini et al.
`340,825.69
`ck
`2006/0285696 A1* 12/2006 HoutSma ......................... 381.67
`2007.0049838 A1* 3, 2007 Sauerland
`600,528
`auerland ...
`2007/00588.18 A1* 3, 2007 Yoshimine ...
`381.67
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`2009.0117526 A1* 5/2009 Lecat ............................ 434,266
`
`
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`JP
`JP
`JP
`
`53149352
`200408.1250
`2004261264
`
`12/1978
`3, 2004
`9, 2004
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 26, 2016
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`Sheet 1 of 12
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`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 3
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 26, 2016
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`Sheet 2 of 12
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`US 9,398,891 B2
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`
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`
`
`
`
`s
`
`S.
`
`s
`
`38.
`
`:
`
`Fig. 4
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`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 4
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 26, 2016
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`Sheet 3 of 12
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`US 9,398,891 B2
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`Fig. 8
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`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 5
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 26, 2016
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`Sheet 4 of 12
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`US 9,398,891 B2
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`2
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`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 6
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 26, 2016
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`$8
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`2
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`2.
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`2
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`
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`24
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`2
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`120
`
`s
`
`3.
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`tis
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`8.
`
`
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`
`
`Fig. 14
`
`Fig. 15
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`12
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`sa
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`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 7
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 26, 2016
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`Sheet 6 of 12
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`US 9,398,891 B2
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`
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`Fig. 17
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`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 8
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 26, 2016
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`Sheet 7 of 12
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`US 9,398,891 B2
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`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 9
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 26, 2016
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`Sheet 8 of 12
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`US 9,398,891 B2
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`
`
`input Controls
`(170)
`
`Controller
`Power
`Sensitivity O (Bluetooth &
`Supervisor
`Mode O
`Processor
`
`(176)
`
`Establish
`
`Display Elements
`(172)
`
`Bluetooth 0 (blue)
`
`(red)
`"Bell" Audio
`"Diaphragm"Audio e
`green
`
`Charge
`Contacts
`
`
`
`Charging Circuit
`(74.
`
`Fig. 23
`
`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 10
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 26, 2016
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`Sheet 9 of 12
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`US 9,398,891 B2
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`FIG24
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`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 11
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 26, 2016
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`Sheet 10 of 12
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`US 9,398,891 B2
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`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 12
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 26, 2016
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`Sheet 11 of 12
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`US 9,398,891 B2
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`35 mm
`
`
`
`- OR -
`
`FIG.26
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`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 13
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 26, 2016
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`Sheet 12 of 12
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`US 9,398,891 B2
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`- AND/OR -
`
`STANDARD
`3.5 mm
`
`FIG.27
`
`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 14
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`

`

`US 9,398,891 B2
`
`1.
`MULTIPLE COMMUNICATION INTERFACE
`MEDICAL EXAMINATION APPARATUS,
`SYSTEM, AND/OR METHOD
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application claims the benefit of priority from, and is
`a nonprovisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
`60/919,594, filed Mar. 24, 2007, and claims the benefit of
`priority from, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
`application Ser. No. 1 1/584.236, filed Oct. 20, 2006, which
`claims the benefit of priority from and is a nonprovisional of
`U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/728,568, filed
`Oct. 20, 2005, each of which are hereby incorporated by
`reference in their entirety.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`COPYRIGHT NOTICE
`
`(C) 2008 Tiba Medical, Inc. A portion of the disclosure of
`this patent document contains material that is Subject to copy
`right protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the
`facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or
`the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trade
`mark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all
`copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFRS1.71 (d), (e).
`
`25
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`Embodiments consistent with the present application
`relate to one or more auscultation methods, apparatuses, and/
`or systems for medical examination, testing, and/or diagno
`sis.
`
`30
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Auscultation techniques are useful for medical examina
`tion, testing, and diagnosis. Typically, auscultation involves a
`qualified medical practitioner listening to the internal Sounds
`of a subject’s body, usually using a stethoscope. Auscultation
`is normally performed to examine biological systems, such as
`the cardiovascular, respiratory, and/or gastrointestinal sys
`tems or humans and/or animals.
`Traditionally, auscultation is a skill that requires Substan
`tial clinical experience, and an environment that permits clear
`hearing. Heart Sounds, for example, can Sound rather faint
`through an acoustic stethoscope. Tubes used to transmit
`acoustic Sounds through traditional stethoscopes can create
`extraneous noise when the tubes rub against hands, body, or
`clothing, etc. Additionally, traditional stethoscopes poorly
`accommodate those with moderate to severe hearing loss, or
`those who work in noisy environments (e.g., emergency
`rooms, helicopters, etc.).
`Another problem with many existing auscultation devices
`is that they are constructed of a metallic material. While
`metallic Surfaces can Substantially accommodate various
`sterilization procedures, they also can be cold to the touch
`when placed against the skin of a subject. They also can show
`poor resistance to moisture, thus being Susceptible to water
`damage.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`Embodiments of an auscultation device can be constructed
`employing one or more electronic components, at least in
`part, to facilitate electrical processing and/or transmission of
`Sound, including, without limitation, performing signal
`enhancement and/or communication functions. One embodi
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`ment of an auscultation device can transmit audio signals or
`Sound data via one or more of a plurality of communications
`interfaces. Each of the plurality of communications interfaces
`can be used as alternatives to one another, or one or more of
`the plurality of communications interfaces can be used Sub
`stantially simultaneously. Auscultation device embodiments
`can be constructed with an ergonomically sized and shaped
`casing that is comfortable for an operator to use. Similarly,
`one or more contact Surfaces on the casing, which come into
`contact with the Subject, can be constructed of a material that
`is easy-to-clean, waterproof or water resistant, and not cold to
`the touch.
`An auscultation device embodiment can implement an
`input device and/or circuitry for detecting sound from the
`subject. The detected sound can be converted into an electri
`cal signal, and a controller can be employed for processing
`the electrical signal, if, or to the extent that, such processing
`is desirable. Controller embodiments can employ digital sig
`nal processors and/or other processing logic to facilitate
`amplification, diagnosis, and/or selective filtering of electri
`cal signals representing detected Sounds. Embodiments can
`transmit a processed signal using one or more of a plurality of
`Substantially contemporaneously implementable communi
`cations interfaces, to one or more of a plurality of correspond
`ingly compatible receiving devices. Numerous commercially
`available wired or wireless receiver devices can be employed
`as a receiver, Such as, without limitation, headsets and head
`phones, mobile phones, PDAs and/or other handheld devices,
`desktop, laptop, palmtop, and/or tablet computers, speakers,
`and/or other computer devices and/or electronic devices.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a medical device for
`auscultation constructed in accordance with a first embodi
`ment.
`FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the medical device embodi
`ment illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the medical device
`embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of the medical device
`embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 5 illustrates a right side view of the medical device
`embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 6 illustrates a front end view of the medical device
`embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 7 illustrates a rear end view of the medical device
`embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the medical device
`embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, implementing at least one
`Substantially flexible portion and being arranged in an alter
`nate position and/or configuration.
`FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed, close-up isometric view of a
`chest piece component of the medical device embodiment
`illustrated in FIGS 1-8.
`FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed, close-up top view of a chest
`piece component of the medical device embodiment illus
`trated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed, close-up bottom view of a
`chest piece component of the medical device embodiment
`illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 12 illustrates a detailed, close-up left side view of a
`chest piece component of the medical device embodiment
`illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 13 illustrates a detailed, close-up right side view of a
`chest piece component of the medical device embodiment
`illustrated in FIG. 1.
`
`Cellspin Ex. 2002 - Pg. 15
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`

`

`3
`FIG. 14 illustrates a detailed, close-up front end view of a
`chest piece component of the medical device embodiment
`illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 15 illustrates a detailed, close-up rear end view of a
`chest piece component of the medical device embodiment 5
`illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed, close-up isometric view of a
`battery compartment component of the medical device
`embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-8.
`FIG. 17 illustrates a detailed, close-up top view of a battery 10
`compartment component of the medical device embodiment
`illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 18 illustrates a detailed, close-up left side view of a
`battery compartment component of the medical device
`embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 19 illustrates a detailed, close-up bottom view of a
`battery compartment component of the medical device
`embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 20 illustrates a detailed, close-up right side view of a
`battery compartment component of the medical device 20
`embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 21 illustrates a detailed, close-up front end view of a
`battery compartment component of the medical device
`embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 22 illustrates a detailed, close-up rear end view of a 25
`battery compartment component of the medical device
`embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of a user interface block
`diagram consistent with the claimed Subject matter.
`FIGS. 24-27 illustrate alterative embodiments of operating 30
`environments and/or configurations of an auscultation device
`and/or auscultation system consistent with the present subject
`matter.
`
`15
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`35
`
`In one embodiment, presented herein for illustrative pur
`poses and without limitation, the claimed Subject matter can
`encompass an auscultation device. Such an electronic stetho
`Scope, as but one example, to be used by physicians or other 40
`professionals to detect and/or monitor biological sounds of
`the body (human, animal, etc.) Such as the heart or the lung.
`Embodiments consistent with the claimed subject matter can
`use one or more of a plurality of integrated communication
`interfaces substantially contemporaneously made available 45
`for selection and/or implementation by a user, either sepa
`rately or in one or more combinations. In one embodiment,
`the plurality of communications interfaces can Substantially
`encompass both wired and wireless communications inter
`faces. One such embodiment can use wireless Bluetooth R. 50
`communications protocols and/or other wireless communi
`cations technology in addition to, or as an alterative to, elec
`tronic components offering Substantially wired transmission
`of audio signals between the chest piece and ear piece of an
`auscultation device. Present embodiments can offer compat- 55
`ibility with various wireless protocols, including, without
`limitation, Bluetooth 1.2 and/or 2.0, and/or later specification
`standards, to list but a few examples. The claimed subject
`matter is not limited in this regard, however, as alternative or
`additional wireless standards can also be employed consistent 60
`with the claimed subject matter.
`Embodiments can function with commercially available
`Bluetooth and/or other applicable wireless receivers includ
`ing, without limitation, audio devices such as headsets and
`headphones, mobile phones, PDAs and/or other handheld 65
`devices, desktop, laptop, palmtop, and/or tablet computers,
`speakers, and/or other computer devices and/or electronic
`
`US 9,398,891 B2
`
`4
`devices, as but a few examples. Custom designed, or vari
`ously commercially available Software programs can be run
`on one or more devices communicating with the auscultation
`device, depending, at least in part on the requirements of the
`intended operating environment. Present auscultation device
`embodiments can also enable backchannel communications
`via Bluetooth or other transmissions for, at least in part,
`facilitating status reporting and/or other data transfer to a
`connected device. The claimed Subject matter, however, is not
`limited to the illustrative characteristics described with
`respect to these embodiments. Alternative embodiments can
`employ additional or alternative receiver devices, standards,
`and/or technologies, now known or later developed, consis
`tent with the claimed subject matter. For example, in addition
`or as an alternative to conventional devices, a specialized
`audio receiver device can be selected, constructed, and/or
`configured for functioning cooperatively with an auscultation
`device as described herein. One such device can be embodied
`as a hearing aid with integrated wireless receiver circuitry.
`For example, Such an auscultation device embodiment can
`substantially include the ability to interface with hearing aids
`worn by healthcare professionals who have experienced at
`least some hearing loss. In such a case, the auscultation device
`can interface with the hearing aid via wired and/or wireless
`means directly, or indirectly through an intermediary device
`that allows the user to switch between hearing sounds from
`the ambient environment around them, the auscultation
`device, and/or another device, such as a telephone or music
`player, etc.
`Auscultation device communications, whether wired,
`wireless, or a combination of both, can be configured to be
`substantially secure and reliable in various locations and/or
`operating environments, such as clinics, hospitals, and/or
`other settings where numerous types of equipment or alter
`nate Sources of potential signal interference can be present. In
`one example, an embodiment can be used by a doctor as part
`of a routine medical examination in an examination room of
`a medical office, as well as other potential locations. In
`another example, an embodiment can be used in a Surgical
`room, or other location, as a pre-tracheal, precordial, and/or
`esophageal stethoscope or auscultation device, which can be
`used by an anesthesiologist to monitor for blocked air pas
`sages in the patient by listening to the patient’s breathing
`Sounds. In Such an operating environment, an auscultation
`device offering, at least in part, wireless communications can
`help allow the anesthesiologist to reduce one or more Sub
`optimal effects of having a physical device connecting them
`and the patient, even while the anesthesiologist still remains
`in the room and attends to the patient during the procedure?
`operation. However, in certain implementations, or for select
`users, the look and feel of a more traditional stethoscope may
`still be considered desirable. In such cases one or more
`embodiments can additionally or alternatively include the
`ability to transmit signals via wired communications inter
`faces to, as but one example, a headset through one or more
`audio connections. Such audio connections can include, for
`example, a substantially standardized 3.5 mm audio jack, or
`an integrated electronic earpiece, as but two examples pre
`sented for illustrative purposes and not by way of limitation.
`An alternative embodiment can employ a 2.5 mm audio jack,
`at least in part, to accommodate wired headphones and/or
`other devices having a 2.5 mm connector. Another Substan
`tially wired communications interface can encompass an
`audio speaker integrated into the auscultation device to trans
`mit audio signals to a user's ear, Such as in a loudspeaker
`application, or via communication to a user through ear buds
`integrated into, connected to, and/or otherwise made avail
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`able with the auscultation device. Additional and/or alterna
`tive communications interfaces, and Sound or data transmis
`sion mechanisms could also be employed consistent with the
`present subject matter. Embodiments that allow the user to
`choose wired and/or wireless communications methods can
`offer increased flexibility to the user.
`Embodiments employing electronic components that
`enable signal processing can offer amplification, diagnosis,
`and/or filtering of detected sounds, as but a few examples. By
`enabling signal processing, embodiments can, for example,
`help accommodate or assist those with moderate hearing-loss
`or those who work in noisy environments (e.g., emergency
`rooms, helicopters, etc.). Such embodiments can help pro
`duce improved sound quality (e.g., Sound quality that is
`sharper, crisper, and clearer, etc.), thus enabling better diag
`nosis of a patient's condition.
`An auscultation device consistent with one embodiment of
`the present technology may include, at least in part, a chest
`piece with an integrated microphone and a plurality of wired
`and/or wireless communications interfaces that are Substan
`tially concurrently available and alternatively and/or coop
`eratively selectable for implementation by a user. FIGS. 1-22
`illustrate one embodiment of an auscultation device and cor
`responding component embodiments consistent with the
`claimed Subject matter. The auscultation device and illus
`trated component embodiments of FIGS. 1-22 are depicted
`for illustrative purposes only, and their illustration is not
`meant to serve as a limitation on the type, quantity, and/or
`configuration of potential components encompassing an aus
`cultation device consistent with the claimed subject matter.
`One embodiment of an auscultation device can include the
`ability to interface with wired and/or wireless receivers such
`as an earpiece, headset, headphone, PC, PDA, tablet com
`puter, speaker, and/or other computer and/or electronic
`device, among others. Embodiments offering flexibility in the
`communications method and type and/or style of receiver
`employed can Substantially offer advantages to users. For
`example, a user that has an in-the-ear hearing aid can choose
`to use a wireless over-the-ear style headset as the receiver,
`thus improving comfort.
`Presently disclosed embodiments can achieve improved
`Sound amplification while also including an auscultation
`device that can, at least in part, Support both bell and dia
`phragm modes (e.g., enabling heart and lung examination,
`etc.), either separately or in combination. For example, and
`without limitation, one embodiment can Support frequency
`ranges such as 20-200 Hz for bell mode operation, 100-500
`Hz for diaphragm mode operation, and/or 20-1000 Hz for a
`combined bell/diaphragm mode operation.
`One embodiment consistent with the claimed subject mat
`ter can offer improved sound transmission. For example, an
`embodiment can offer improved sound amplification. For
`example, embodiments can be provided that can produce
`signals enhanced to approximately 40 times or 50 times that
`of traditional stethoscopes. These magnitudes of enhance
`ment, however, are presented for illustration only, and not by
`way of limitation. The claimed subject matter is not limited in
`this regard. An auscultation device can be engineered to alter
`nate amplification parameters selected, at least in part, to
`satisfy the intended use and/or operating environment for the
`embodiment. Alternative embodiments can achieve alternate
`levels and/or ranges of Sound amplification. An embodiment
`providing electronic amplification canaida user in examining
`a patient such as, for example, an obese individual having a lot
`of fatty tissue, which can make listening to heart and lung
`Sounds difficult. Embodiments of the present technology can
`also allow for the filtering of ambient sounds and artifacts
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`Such as hand motions and/or contact with body hair. In one
`example, which is presented for illustrative purposes and not
`by way of limitation, an embodiment can exhibit signal-to
`noise characteristics consistent with one or more specified
`ranges (e.g., greater than 88 decibels, etc.). However, alter
`nate embodiments can exhibit alternate signal-to-noise char
`acteristics and/or varying operable ranges.
`For illustrative purposes and for facilitating disclosure,
`reference will be made herein to the embodiments illustrated
`in the drawing figures. It should be noted however, that these
`embodiments and their respective component embodiments
`are presented for illustrative purposes only, and not by way of
`limitation. Additional and/or alternative embodiments and/or
`component embodiments can also be employed consistent
`with the claimed Subject matter. Beginning the discussion
`with reference to FIGS. 1-22, one embodiment of an auscul
`tation device can include a chest piece component 100 (as
`well as any of several compatible, separate receiver compo
`nents, which are not depicted) and a battery compartment
`component 104, either and/or both of which can include a
`casing that can be sized, shaped, formed, and/or constructed
`So as to be easily and/or comfortably grasped and manipu
`lated by an operator during use.
`With particular reference to FIGS. 1-22, FIG. 1 depicts an
`isometric view of one auscultation medical device embodi
`ment consistent with the claimed subject matter. FIGS. 2-7
`highlight various components and their cooperative configu
`ration, positioning, and/or integration to encompass the aus
`cultation device of FIG. 1. FIGS. 2-7 depict top, bottom, left
`side, right side, front end, and rear end view, respectively of
`the embodiment illustrated FIG. 1. Such a device embodi
`ment can employ a configuration that provides improved
`functionality relative to traditional auscultation devices,
`while maintaining a familiar “look and feel” that is reminis
`cent of traditional devices. Such an embodiment can include
`a chest piece component 100 connected to a battery compart
`ment component 104 via a first transmission conduit 102.
`Battery compartment component 104 can be connected via a
`second transmission conduit 106 to a Y-tube 108, which can
`provide transmission of detected auscultation Sounds through
`a binaural transmission section 110 to ear buds 154 & 156,
`which are positioned into the user's ears during operation. In
`one embodiment, binaural transmission section 110 can
`include metal tubes 152 & 158, as but one example. FIG. 8
`illustrates the auscultation device embodiment of FIG. 1 in
`one of several possible alternate configuration achieved, at
`least in part, by employing Substantially flexible material in
`the construction of the first transmission conduit 102 of FIG.
`1.
`As one example of an alternative embodiment, a user can
`decide to selectively listen via the ear buds 154 & 156 by
`selectively attaching or detaching a portion of the device that
`includes ear buds 154 & 156 from a remaining portion of the
`device that detects and generates the auscultation signals. For
`example, the battery compartment end of the second trans
`mission conduit 106 can be detached and reattached from the
`battery compartment component 104. Such an embodiment
`can employ couplings similar and/or analogous to those used
`by audio earpieces coupling with an audio port. Such a cou
`pling can provide a combined mechanical/electrical coupling
`(e.g., a twist or Snap in place connection) that both retains the
`second transmission conduit 106 connected to the battery
`compartment component 104, and provides an electrical con
`nection to facilitate transmission of the auscultation signals
`electrically to speakers provisioned in ear buds 154 & 156, or
`from a speaker provisioned in or near battery compartment
`component 104 or Y-tube 108, through an air void in conduit/
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`tubes in the binaural transmission section 110, to ear
`buds 154 & 154. These are but a few examples of alternative
`embodiments consistent with the claimed Subject matter.
`FIGS. 9-15 illustrates a detailed, close-up views of chest
`piece component 100 of the medical device embodiment
`illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. In particular, FIGS. 9-15 illustrate
`isometric, top, bottom, left side, right side, front end, and rear
`end views of chest piece component 100. With particular
`reference to FIGS. 9-15, chest piece component 100 can
`encompass a housing including a chest piece over-mold 112,
`a chest piece control housing 114, a chest piece strain relief
`116, a power control 118, volume controls 120 & 122, an
`auscultation mode selection control 124, display embodi
`ments such as LED light pipes providing a bell auscultation
`mode indicator 126 and diaphragm auscultation mode indi
`cator 128. Chest piece component 100 can also include a
`chest piece control input plate 130, diaphragm seal 132, chest
`piece bottom housing cover 134, and diaphragm component
`136. Of course, those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate
`that additional, fewer, and/or alternative components can also
`be employed consistent with the claimed subject matter.
`FIGS. 16-22 illustrates a detailed, close-up views of battery
`compartment component 104 of the medical device embodi
`ment illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, depicted in isometric, top, left
`side, bottom, right side, front end, and rear end views respec
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`tively. With particular reference to FIGS. 16-22, battery com
`partment component 104 can encompass a battery housing
`top 138, a battery housing bottom 140, a battery housing
`control plate 142, a wireless communications control 144, a
`display element such as an LED light pipe 146 providing a
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`wireless communications status indication, a battery com
`partment strain relief 148, and a door/access panel 150.
`For illustrative purposes, and not by way of limitation, one
`embodiment of a chest piece component 100 can include at
`least some of the electronic components used to assemble an
`auscultation device that is operable consistent with the
`claimed Subject matter. Examples of component embodi
`ments can include a cap, a top cover, a printed circuit board
`(PCB) assembly, a housing, a mass, a microphone gasket, a
`microphone, a diaphragm, and a diaphragm seal. Although
`the auscultation device em