US3867925A - Expendable stethoscope - Google Patents

Expendable stethoscope Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3867925A
US3867925A US115995A US11599571A US3867925A US 3867925 A US3867925 A US 3867925A US 115995 A US115995 A US 115995A US 11599571 A US11599571 A US 11599571A US 3867925 A US3867925 A US 3867925A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
chamber
stethoscope
patient
bell
side walls
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US115995A
Inventor
Robert A Ersek
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NEUROMEDICS Inc A CORP OF TX
Original Assignee
MED GENERAL Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to US115995A priority Critical patent/US3867925A/en
Application filed by MED GENERAL Inc filed Critical MED GENERAL Inc
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3867925A publication Critical patent/US3867925A/en
Assigned to NEUROMEDICS, INC., A CORP. OF TX reassignment NEUROMEDICS, INC., A CORP. OF TX ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: MED GENERAL, INC.,
Assigned to CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., THE, FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO, THE, FIRST FREEPORT NATIONAL BANK, TRUST COMPANY BANK, CITIBANK, N.A., AS AGENT, BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION,, BRAZOSPORT BANK OF TEXAS reassignment CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., THE SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). SUBECT TO CONDITIONS INVOLVING SAID PATENTS IN SCHEDULE II (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS) Assignors: AMERICAN PACEMAKER CORPORATION, CALCITEK, INC., INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., INTERMEDICS, INC., INTERVASCULAR, INC., MASTER IMAGES, INC., NEUROMEDICS, INC., SURGITRONICS CORPORATION
Assigned to B.A. LEASING CORPORATION reassignment B.A. LEASING CORPORATION SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AMERICAN PACEMAKER CORPORATION, A CORP. OF MA., CALCITEK, INC., CARBOMEDICS, INC.,, INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS, INTERMEDICS, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS, NEUROMEDICS, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS, SURGITRONICS CORPORATION, A CORP. OF TEXAS
Assigned to CHASE COMMERCIAL CORPORATION reassignment CHASE COMMERCIAL CORPORATION SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AMERICAN PACEMAKER CORPORATION, A CORP. OF MA., CALCITEK, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS, CARBOMEDICS, INC., INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., A CORP OF TX., INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS, INTERMEDICS, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS, NEUROMEDICS INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS, SURGITRONICS CORPORATION, A CORP. OF TEXAS
Assigned to CITICORP MILTILEASE (SEF), INC. reassignment CITICORP MILTILEASE (SEF), INC. SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AMERICAN PACEMAKER CORPORATON, A CORP. OF MA., CALCITEK, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS, CARBOMEDICS, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS, INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS, INTERMEDICS, INC., NEUROMEDICS, INC., SURGITRONICS CORPORATION, A CORP. OF TEXAS
Assigned to CITIBANK, N.A. reassignment CITIBANK, N.A. SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AMERICAN PACEMAKER CORPORATION A MA CORP., CALCITEK, INC., A TX CORP., CARBOMEDICS, INC., A TX CORP., INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., A TX CORP., INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., A TX CORP., INTERMEDICS, INC., A TX CORP, NEUROMEDICS, INC., A TX CORP, SURGITRONICS CORPORATION A TX CORP.
Assigned to INTERMEDICS, INC., INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., SURGITRONICS CORPORATION, CARBOMEDICS, INC., NEUROMEDICS, INC., CALCITEK, INC., INTERVASCULAR, INC., AND MASTER IMAGES, INC., TEXAS CORPORATIONS, AND AMERICANPACEMAKER CORPORATION, A CORP. OF MA. reassignment INTERMEDICS, INC., INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., SURGITRONICS CORPORATION, CARBOMEDICS, INC., NEUROMEDICS, INC., CALCITEK, INC., INTERVASCULAR, INC., AND MASTER IMAGES, INC., TEXAS CORPORATIONS, AND AMERICANPACEMAKER CORPORATION, A CORP. OF MA. SAID PARTIES RECITES OBLIGATIONS RECITED IN SECURITY AGREEMENT RECORDED SEPTEMBER 17, 1984 REEL 4303 FRAMES 077-127 HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL ALL SEE RECORD FOR DETIALS Assignors: CITIBANK, N.A., INDIVIDUALLY AND AS AGENT FOR BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO, TRUST COMPANY BANK, FIRST FREEPORT NATIONAL BANK OF BRAZOSPORT BANK OF TEXAS
Assigned to INTERMEDICS, INC., INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., SURGITRONICS CORPORATION, CARBOMEDICS, INC., NEUROMEDICS, INC., CALCITEK, INC., TEXAS CORPORATION AND AMERICAN PACEMAKER CORPORATION, A CORP OF MASS. reassignment INTERMEDICS, INC., INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., SURGITRONICS CORPORATION, CARBOMEDICS, INC., NEUROMEDICS, INC., CALCITEK, INC., TEXAS CORPORATION AND AMERICAN PACEMAKER CORPORATION, A CORP OF MASS. SECURED PARTY HEREBY RELEASE THE SECURITY INTEREST IN AGREEMENT RECORDED AUGUST 5, 1985. REEL 4434 FRAMES 728-782 Assignors: CITIBANK, N.A.
Assigned to INTERMEDICS, INC. reassignment INTERMEDICS, INC. RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CITICORP MULTILEASE (SEF), INC.
Assigned to INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., SURGITRONICS CORPORATION, INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., CARBO-MEDICS, INC., INTERMEDICS, INC. reassignment INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC. RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHASE COMMERCIAL CORPORATION
Assigned to AMERICAN PACEMAKER CORPORATION, A MASSACHUSETTS CORP., CALCITEK, INC., A TEXAS CORP., INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., A TEXAS CORP., INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., A TEXAS CORP., INTERMEDICS, INC., A TEXAS CORP., NEUROMEDICS, INC., A TEXAS CORP., CARBOMEDICS, INC., A TEXAS CORP., SURGITRONICS CORPORATION, A TEXAS CORP. reassignment AMERICAN PACEMAKER CORPORATION, A MASSACHUSETTS CORP. RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: B. A. LEASING CORPORATION
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B7/00—Instruments for auscultation
    • A61B7/02—Stethoscopes

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT Stethoscope means for removable attachment to the skin surface of the body of a patient comprising bell means including a generally cup-shaped housing shell forming a chamber, and conduit means communicating with the chamber for the transmission of gaseous fluid compression waves therethrough.
  • the chamber is in the form of a generally cup-shaped housing shell with a closed bottom wall, side walls extending from the bottom wall, and flanged surface mounting means extending outwardly about the entire edge surface of the side walls.
  • Resilient pad means are secured continuously about the top annular surface of the flange means and circumscribe the chamber.
  • a film of pressure-sensitive adhesive is secured to the exposed surface of the resilient pad means, thus enabling surface attachment of the bell means to the skin of the body of a patient.
  • the present invention relates generally to certain auscultatory devices which generate an audible signal in response to conventional heart tones, or other bodily sounds, these devices normally being defined as stethoscopes.” More specifically, the invention relates to a mass-produced inexpensive stethoscope structure which is adapted to be removably attached to the skin surface of the body of a patient, with the attachment remaining during the period that frequent examination of the heart tones or other bodily functions may be required.
  • stethoscope devices have been used to monitor, examine, and otherwise evaluate those certain heart tones which are generated by the heart of a patient undergoing such treatment. It is sometimes necessary to monitor and evaluate heart tones on a frequent basis.
  • a stethoscope bell may be attached to the chest of the patient, or an esophageal balloon may be utilized.
  • a conduit or tubing structure is secured to the outlet of the bell or balloon in order to accommodate the external auditory channel of an attending person. Such an arrangement allows for frequent monitoring of the heart during the surgical procedure.
  • Electronic equipment is available for accommodating the monitoring of the heart during such procedures. While this machinery is normally reliable, it has been found that some types of this equipment are disabled during or after the performing of electrocautery operations, or during or after other electrical disturbances which may occur in the immediate vicinity of the electronic apparatus. Hence, it is normally desirable during surgical procedures to have the heart tones monitored by mechanical techniques. Additionally, other auscultatory sensors may be attached to the skin surface of the body of a patient in order to monitor blood pressure.
  • an improved stethoscope bell which has means for removable attachment to the skin surface of the body of a patient.
  • This structure includes a bell means having a generally cup-shaped housing shell with a closed bottom wall, side walls extending from the bottom wall, and flanged surface mounting means extending outwardly about the entire edge surface of the side walls.
  • the bottom wall and side walls cooperate to form a generally closed chamber with an open top.
  • a conduit is arranged in fluid communication contact with the chamber, preferably through one of the side walls, the conduit means having generally fluid-tight attachment to the chamber.
  • means are disposed on the conduit to receive an elongated flexible conduit for transmission of gaseous fluid compression waves therethrough.
  • resilient pad means are secured continuously about the top surface of the flange means and these pad means circumscribe the chamber area.
  • a film of pressure-sensitive adhesive is secured to the exposed surface of the pad means, thus enabling surface attachment of the stethoscope bell means to the skin of the body of a patient.
  • the stethoscope bell means is attached to the skin surface of the body ofa patient at the desired location.
  • a tubing element will be secured to the bell chamber, and the head piece of the stethoscope is thereafter attached to the conduit or tubing.
  • adaptor means can be secured to the free end of the tubing in order to facilitate attachment and removal of the head piece of the stethoscope.
  • an improved stethoscope bell means which may be removably attached to the skin surface of the body ofa patient, the bell means including a cupshaped housing forming a chamber, with flange elements extending outwardly from the edges of the chamber, and with resilient pad means' being secured continuously about the surface of the flanges for facilitating attachment to the body of the patient.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the improved stethoscope bell means of the present invention, along with a conduit and a head piece, the conduit being utilized to transmit sound generated in the stethoscope bell means to the ear pieces of the headset; and
  • FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 2-2 of FIG. 1 and showing the internal detail of the stethoscope bell means of the present invention.
  • the structure as illustrated includes a stethoscope bell means 10, a conduit means 20, and a stethoscope head piece 50.
  • the conduit 20 is utilized to transmit gaseous fluid compression waves from the chamber 10 to the ear pieces 52-52 of the head piece 50.
  • the stethoscope bell means includes a chamber generally designated 16, the chamber being formed within the confines of the bell means 10, the bell means comprising, as shown, a closed bottom wall with side walls extending from the bottom wall. Also, flanges 12 extend outwardly from the edge surfaces of the side walls, thus completing the enclosure and defining the chamber 16.
  • Resilient pad means 13 are secured continuously about the top surface of the flange means and form to circumscribe the chamber.
  • a film of pressure-sensitive adhesive 14 is secured to the exposed surface of the resilient pad means 13, the adhesive enabling surface attachment of the stethoscope bell means to the skin of the body of a patient.
  • a stripable film 15 may be utilized to enclose or cover the pressure-sensitive adhesive film 14 in order to preserve the integrity of the adhesive film 14, and also to protect it from contamination.
  • a coupling conduit means 11 is arranged in fluid communicating relationship with the chamber 16, such as is illustrated in FIG. 1. This communication is fluid-tight to the chamber, and the coupling conduit 1 l is arranged to receive conduit 20 thereover.
  • any fluid compression waves present in chamber 16 will be transmitted through conduit 20 into head piece 50 and ultimately to ear pieces 5252.
  • an adaptor is shown having a tip portion 31 for mating with an optional ear piece 40.
  • Ear piece 40 is provided with a moldable canal coupling 41 which may be inserted into the external auditory canal of the listener, with fitting portion 42 being arranged to be received within opening 31 formed in adaptor 30.
  • the standard stethoscope ear piece may be utilized, such as is shown at 50, this structure having a pair of ear pieces 52-52 for accommodating the auditory canal of the listener.
  • Adaptor portion 51 is arranged to be received within the opening 31 formed in adaptor 30.
  • protective film 15 is stripped from the pressure-sensitive adhesive film 14, and the unit is placed on'the body of the patient. This location is, of course, determined by the nature of the situation.
  • conduit 20 is attached to the member 11, and the appropriate ear piece attached.
  • the bell means includes a chamber having a high surface-to-volume ratio.
  • the structure presents a relatively low-profile to form this large surface-to-volume ratio.
  • the structure may be fabricated from any conventional rigid material, it being understood that the rigidity must be sufficient so as to prevent dissipation of any sounds generated in or on the body of the patient.
  • the skin surface of the patient will function as a diaphragm to transmit sounds to the bell means, with these sounds thereafter being transmitted through conduit 20 into the ear piece worn by the listener.
  • molded nylon, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate having wall thicknesses in the range of about 5 mils are useful.
  • films of this material may be formed in order to provide the appropriately shaped stethoscope bell housing.
  • Coupling 11 may be joined to the chamber by any suitable welding techniques.
  • Stethoscope bell means for removable attachment to the skin surface of the body of a patient and comprisa. bell means including a substantially rigid, selfsupporting generally cup-shaped housing shell with a closed bottom wall, side walls extending from said bottom wall, and flanged surface mounting means extending outwardly about the entire edge surface of said side walls, said bottom wall, side walls, and flange means forming a generally closed chamber with an open top;
  • coupling conduit means communicating with said chamber through one of said walls and having the outer periphery thereof in generally fluid-tight attachment to said chamber, said coupling conduit arranged for releasably securing an elongated sound transmitting conduit for transmission of sound waves therethrough;
  • the stethoscope bell means as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that resilient pad means are secured continuously about the outer surface of said flange means forming a layer over said flanged surface and circumscribing said chamber.
  • the stethoscope bell means as defined in claim 2 being particularly characterized in that said adhesive film is disposed outwardly from and covers said resilient pad, and a protective layer of film is provided to cover said pressure-sensitive adhesive film.
  • the stethoscope bell means as defined in claim 2 being particularly characterized in that said chamber is generally hemi-elliptical in configuration, with the major axis of said hemi-ellipse being disposed generally along the plane of said flange means.

Abstract

Stethoscope means for removable attachment to the skin surface of the body of a patient comprising bell means including a generally cup-shaped housing shell forming a chamber, and conduit means communicating with the chamber for the transmission of gaseous fluid compression waves therethrough. The chamber is in the form of a generally cup-shaped housing shell with a closed bottom wall, side walls extending from the bottom wall, and flanged surface mounting means extending outwardly about the entire edge surface of the side walls. Resilient pad means are secured continuously about the top annular surface of the flange means and circumscribe the chamber. A film of pressure-sensitive adhesive is secured to the exposed surface of the resilient pad means, thus enabling surface attachment of the bell means to the skin of the body of a patient.

Description

United States Patent [191 Ersek 1 EXPENDABLE STETHOSCOPE [75] Inventor: Robert A. Ersek, Minneapolis,
Minn.
[73] Assignee: Med General, Inc., Minneapolis,
Minn.
[22] Filed: Feb. 17, 1971 [21] App]. No.: 115,995
[52] US. Cl l 28/2.05 S, 128/2 K, 181/24 [51] Int. Cl A61b 5/02 [58] Field of Search..... 128/2.05 A, 2.05 C, 2.05 G,
l28/2.05 M, 2.05 R, 2.05 S, 2 K, 2 R; 179/1 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,614,646 10/1952 Eaton 181/24 2,981,251 4/1961 Berman.... 128/2.05 C 3,348,535 10/1967 Gregg l28/2.05 5 3,417,838 12/1968 Salayakhter et al. 181/24 3,572,323 3/1971 Yuan 128/.4
FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATlONS Great Britain l28/2.05 S
[451 Feb. 25, 1975 Primary Examiner-William E. Kamm [57] ABSTRACT Stethoscope means for removable attachment to the skin surface of the body of a patient comprising bell means including a generally cup-shaped housing shell forming a chamber, and conduit means communicating with the chamber for the transmission of gaseous fluid compression waves therethrough. The chamber is in the form of a generally cup-shaped housing shell with a closed bottom wall, side walls extending from the bottom wall, and flanged surface mounting means extending outwardly about the entire edge surface of the side walls. Resilient pad means are secured continuously about the top annular surface of the flange means and circumscribe the chamber. A film of pressure-sensitive adhesive is secured to the exposed surface of the resilient pad means, thus enabling surface attachment of the bell means to the skin of the body of a patient.
4 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFEBZS' INVENTOR.
Robert A. Ers eh EXPENDABLE STETHOSCOPE I BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to certain auscultatory devices which generate an audible signal in response to conventional heart tones, or other bodily sounds, these devices normally being defined as stethoscopes." More specifically, the invention relates to a mass-produced inexpensive stethoscope structure which is adapted to be removably attached to the skin surface of the body of a patient, with the attachment remaining during the period that frequent examination of the heart tones or other bodily functions may be required.
2. Description of the Prior Art In the past, stethoscope devices have been used to monitor, examine, and otherwise evaluate those certain heart tones which are generated by the heart of a patient undergoing such treatment. It is sometimes necessary to monitor and evaluate heart tones on a frequent basis. During such occasions, a stethoscope bell may be attached to the chest of the patient, or an esophageal balloon may be utilized. In either of these devices, a conduit or tubing structure is secured to the outlet of the bell or balloon in order to accommodate the external auditory channel of an attending person. Such an arrangement allows for frequent monitoring of the heart during the surgical procedure.
Electronic equipment is available for accommodating the monitoring of the heart during such procedures. While this machinery is normally reliable, it has been found that some types of this equipment are disabled during or after the performing of electrocautery operations, or during or after other electrical disturbances which may occur in the immediate vicinity of the electronic apparatus. Hence, it is normally desirable during surgical procedures to have the heart tones monitored by mechanical techniques. Additionally, other auscultatory sensors may be attached to the skin surface of the body of a patient in order to monitor blood pressure.
The disadvantages of the prior art devices include the indentations or other trauma to the patient which may result whenever an individual or equipment strikes the stethoscope bell so attached to the patient. A further significant disadvantage is the possibility for crosscontamination of patients who are in contact with such a device.
It is also recognized in the art that the conventional use of stethoscopes normally requires relocation on the patients body in order to determine the best area for auscultation. Thus, consistency of transmission is normally difficult to achieve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, an improved stethoscope bell is provided which has means for removable attachment to the skin surface of the body of a patient. This structure includes a bell means having a generally cup-shaped housing shell with a closed bottom wall, side walls extending from the bottom wall, and flanged surface mounting means extending outwardly about the entire edge surface of the side walls. The bottom wall and side walls cooperate to form a generally closed chamber with an open top. A conduit is arranged in fluid communication contact with the chamber, preferably through one of the side walls, the conduit means having generally fluid-tight attachment to the chamber. In addition, means are disposed on the conduit to receive an elongated flexible conduit for transmission of gaseous fluid compression waves therethrough. In addition, resilient pad means are secured continuously about the top surface of the flange means and these pad means circumscribe the chamber area. A film of pressure-sensitive adhesive is secured to the exposed surface of the pad means, thus enabling surface attachment of the stethoscope bell means to the skin of the body of a patient.
In use, the stethoscope bell means is attached to the skin surface of the body ofa patient at the desired location. Normally, a tubing element will be secured to the bell chamber, and the head piece of the stethoscope is thereafter attached to the conduit or tubing. If desired, adaptor means can be secured to the free end of the tubing in order to facilitate attachment and removal of the head piece of the stethoscope. When the need for the structure has ceased, the bell means may be readily removed from the skin of the patient. without discomfort.
Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved stethoscope bell means which may be removably attached to the skin surface of the body ofa patient, the bell means including a cupshaped housing forming a chamber, with flange elements extending outwardly from the edges of the chamber, and with resilient pad means' being secured continuously about the surface of the flanges for facilitating attachment to the body of the patient.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an improved stethoscope bell means for removable attachment to the skin surface of the body of a patient wherein a film of pressure-sensitive adhesive may be secured to the exposed surface of the resilient pad in order to facilitate attachment of the bell means to the patients skin.
Other and further objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a study of the following specification, appended claims, and accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the improved stethoscope bell means of the present invention, along with a conduit and a head piece, the conduit being utilized to transmit sound generated in the stethoscope bell means to the ear pieces of the headset; and
FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 2-2 of FIG. 1 and showing the internal detail of the stethoscope bell means of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In accordance with the preferred modification of the present invention, and with particular reference to FIG. 1 of the drawing, the structure as illustrated includes a stethoscope bell means 10, a conduit means 20, and a stethoscope head piece 50. As is apparent from FIG. 1, the conduit 20 is utilized to transmit gaseous fluid compression waves from the chamber 10 to the ear pieces 52-52 of the head piece 50.
With continued attention being directed to FIG. I, and with attention also being directed to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the stethoscope bell means includes a chamber generally designated 16, the chamber being formed within the confines of the bell means 10, the bell means comprising, as shown, a closed bottom wall with side walls extending from the bottom wall. Also, flanges 12 extend outwardly from the edge surfaces of the side walls, thus completing the enclosure and defining the chamber 16. Resilient pad means 13 are secured continuously about the top surface of the flange means and form to circumscribe the chamber. A film of pressure-sensitive adhesive 14 is secured to the exposed surface of the resilient pad means 13, the adhesive enabling surface attachment of the stethoscope bell means to the skin of the body of a patient. If desired, a stripable film 15 may be utilized to enclose or cover the pressure-sensitive adhesive film 14 in order to preserve the integrity of the adhesive film 14, and also to protect it from contamination.
In order to provide communication between the chamber 16 and the conduit 20, a coupling conduit means 11 is arranged in fluid communicating relationship with the chamber 16, such as is illustrated in FIG. 1. This communication is fluid-tight to the chamber, and the coupling conduit 1 l is arranged to receive conduit 20 thereover. As is apparent from the drawing, any fluid compression waves present in chamber 16 will be transmitted through conduit 20 into head piece 50 and ultimately to ear pieces 5252. At the free end of the conduit 20, an adaptor is shown having a tip portion 31 for mating with an optional ear piece 40. Ear piece 40 is provided with a moldable canal coupling 41 which may be inserted into the external auditory canal of the listener, with fitting portion 42 being arranged to be received within opening 31 formed in adaptor 30. As an alternate, the standard stethoscope ear piece may be utilized, such as is shown at 50, this structure having a pair of ear pieces 52-52 for accommodating the auditory canal of the listener. Adaptor portion 51 is arranged to be received within the opening 31 formed in adaptor 30.
In actual use, protective film 15 is stripped from the pressure-sensitive adhesive film 14, and the unit is placed on'the body of the patient. This location is, of course, determined by the nature of the situation. Once in place, conduit 20 is attached to the member 11, and the appropriate ear piece attached. It will be observed that the bell means includes a chamber having a high surface-to-volume ratio. In this connection, the structure presents a relatively low-profile to form this large surface-to-volume ratio. The structure may be fabricated from any conventional rigid material, it being understood that the rigidity must be sufficient so as to prevent dissipation of any sounds generated in or on the body of the patient. In this connection, therefore; it will be appreciated that the skin surface of the patient will function as a diaphragm to transmit sounds to the bell means, with these sounds thereafter being transmitted through conduit 20 into the ear piece worn by the listener. For most purposes, it has been found that molded nylon, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate having wall thicknesses in the range of about 5 mils are useful. If desired, films of this material may be formed in order to provide the appropriately shaped stethoscope bell housing. Coupling 11 may be joined to the chamber by any suitable welding techniques.
I claim:
1. Stethoscope bell means for removable attachment to the skin surface of the body of a patient and comprisa. bell means including a substantially rigid, selfsupporting generally cup-shaped housing shell with a closed bottom wall, side walls extending from said bottom wall, and flanged surface mounting means extending outwardly about the entire edge surface of said side walls, said bottom wall, side walls, and flange means forming a generally closed chamber with an open top;
b. coupling conduit means communicating with said chamber through one of said walls and having the outer periphery thereof in generally fluid-tight attachment to said chamber, said coupling conduit arranged for releasably securing an elongated sound transmitting conduit for transmission of sound waves therethrough; and
c. a film of pressure-sensitive adhesive secured to the exposed surface of said flanged surface mounting means enabling surface attachment of said stethoscope bell means to the skin of the body of a patient and formation of a closed chamber.
2. The stethoscope bell means as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that resilient pad means are secured continuously about the outer surface of said flange means forming a layer over said flanged surface and circumscribing said chamber.
3. The stethoscope bell means as defined in claim 2 being particularly characterized in that said adhesive film is disposed outwardly from and covers said resilient pad, and a protective layer of film is provided to cover said pressure-sensitive adhesive film.
4. The stethoscope bell means as defined in claim 2 being particularly characterized in that said chamber is generally hemi-elliptical in configuration, with the major axis of said hemi-ellipse being disposed generally along the plane of said flange means.

Claims (4)

1. Stethoscope bell means for removable attachment to the skin surface of the body of a patient and comprising: a. bell means including a substantially rigid, self-supporting generally cup-shaped housing shell with a closed bottom wall, side walls extending from said bottom wall, and flanged surface mounting means extending outwardly about the entire edge surface of said side walls, said bottom wall, side walls, and flange means forming a generally closed chamber with an open top; b. coupling conduit means communicating with said chamber through one of said walls and having the outer periphery thereof in generally fluid-tight attachment to said chamber, said coupling conduit arranged for releasably securing an elongated sound transmitting conduit for transmission of sound waves therethrough; and c. a film of pressure-sensitive adhesive secured to the exposed surface of said flanged surface mounting means enabling surface attachment of said stethoscope bell means to the skin of the body of a patient and formation of a closed chamber.
2. The stethoscope bell means as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that resilient pad means are secured continuously about the outer surface of said flange means forming a layer over said flanged surface and circumscribing said chamber.
3. The stethoscope bell means as defined in claim 2 being particularly characterized in that said adhesive film is disposed outwardly from and covers said resilient pad, and a protective layer of film is provided to cover said pressure-sensitive adhesive film.
4. The stethoscope bell means as defined in claim 2 being particularly characterized in that said chamber is generally hemi-elliptical in configuration, with the major axis of said hemi-ellipse being disposed generally along the plane of said flange means.
US115995A 1971-02-17 1971-02-17 Expendable stethoscope Expired - Lifetime US3867925A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US115995A US3867925A (en) 1971-02-17 1971-02-17 Expendable stethoscope

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US115995A US3867925A (en) 1971-02-17 1971-02-17 Expendable stethoscope

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3867925A true US3867925A (en) 1975-02-25

Family

ID=22364626

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US115995A Expired - Lifetime US3867925A (en) 1971-02-17 1971-02-17 Expendable stethoscope

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3867925A (en)

Cited By (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4064965A (en) * 1976-03-11 1977-12-27 Alberta Mae Brown Stethoscope
US4122837A (en) * 1976-08-02 1978-10-31 Leonard Loren W Body surface contour deformation
US4122838A (en) * 1976-08-09 1978-10-31 Leonard Loren W Body surface contour deformation sensor
US4218584A (en) * 1977-10-10 1980-08-19 Attenburrow Donald P Stethoscope for use on a horse
US4401125A (en) * 1981-09-21 1983-08-30 The Kendall Company Stethoscope securing pad
US4461368A (en) * 1982-04-15 1984-07-24 Plourde R Gilles Diaphragm cover for a stethoscope
US4777961A (en) * 1985-10-15 1988-10-18 Bruce Saltzman High sensitivity stethoscopic system and method
US4784154A (en) * 1986-11-13 1988-11-15 Colin Electronics Co., Ltd. Interference resistant biomedical transducer
US4840183A (en) * 1987-08-13 1989-06-20 Tdk Corporation Electrocardiograph
US4867268A (en) * 1988-01-07 1989-09-19 Ulert Izaak A Sanitary stethoscope
US4871046A (en) * 1988-05-23 1989-10-03 Turner Kenneth R Disposable stethoscope head shield
US5022405A (en) * 1987-05-25 1991-06-11 Hok Instrument Ab Stethoscope for use in nuclear magnetic resonance diagnostics
US5424495A (en) * 1993-08-16 1995-06-13 M&W Medical, Llc Dispensable, disposable shield for stethoscopes
US5448025A (en) * 1994-07-19 1995-09-05 Stark; Wayne T. Cover for stethoscope head
US5578799A (en) * 1995-06-02 1996-11-26 University Research Engineers & Ass. Patient-to-transducer interface device
WO1996038088A1 (en) * 1995-05-31 1996-12-05 Rothan Tondeur Monique Medical stethoscope membrane protection device useful for creating a microbiological shield
US5602924A (en) * 1992-12-07 1997-02-11 Theratechnologies Inc. Electronic stethescope
US5623131A (en) * 1995-07-18 1997-04-22 Earnest; Tommy L. Protective stethoscope cover having a head cover connected to a body cover
US5686706A (en) * 1993-08-16 1997-11-11 M&W Medical Supplies L.L.C. Dispensable, disposable cover for stethoscopes
US5798489A (en) * 1996-06-26 1998-08-25 Gillio; Robert G. Detachable stethoscope
US5813992A (en) * 1997-05-20 1998-09-29 Henwood; Peter S. W. Single use indicator for stethoscopes
US5949032A (en) * 1998-04-08 1999-09-07 M & W Medical Supplies Llc Stethoscope cover and covered stethoscope
US6019186A (en) * 1997-04-16 2000-02-01 Zambrano; Sergio-Sanchez Disposable stethoscope assembly
US6279677B1 (en) 1999-03-16 2001-08-28 Sergio Sanchez-Zambrano Disposable diaphragm stethoscope
US20030210390A1 (en) * 2002-05-07 2003-11-13 O'mahony John J. Blood leak detector for extracorporeal treatment system
US20050113462A1 (en) * 1999-05-04 2005-05-26 Michael Persson Silica-based sols
US20050257996A1 (en) * 2000-10-29 2005-11-24 Basil Brown Disposable cover for stethoscope head
US20190105012A1 (en) * 2017-10-10 2019-04-11 Ingen1, Llc Stethoscope
US10349895B2 (en) 2009-10-15 2019-07-16 Masimo Corporation Acoustic respiratory monitoring sensor having multiple sensing elements
US10357209B2 (en) 2009-10-15 2019-07-23 Masimo Corporation Bidirectional physiological information display
US10463340B2 (en) 2009-10-15 2019-11-05 Masimo Corporation Acoustic respiratory monitoring systems and methods
US10548561B2 (en) 2008-12-30 2020-02-04 Masimo Corporation Acoustic sensor assembly
US10828007B1 (en) * 2013-10-11 2020-11-10 Masimo Corporation Acoustic sensor with attachment portion
US11020084B2 (en) 2012-09-20 2021-06-01 Masimo Corporation Acoustic patient sensor coupler
USD951234S1 (en) * 2019-09-20 2022-05-10 Apple Inc. Earphone

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2614646A (en) * 1952-10-21 Frequency receiving bell with an
US2981251A (en) * 1957-03-11 1961-04-25 Medical Plastics Inc Inflatable blood pressure cuff
US3348535A (en) * 1964-12-04 1967-10-24 Gregg David Paul Parturitive phone
US3417838A (en) * 1966-12-14 1968-12-24 Shlyakhter Isaak Abramovich Funnel of flexible stethoscope for mediate auscultation
US3572323A (en) * 1969-01-03 1971-03-23 Becton Dickinson Co Disposable electrode with a metallurgically-bonded,silver-silver chloride sensing element

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2614646A (en) * 1952-10-21 Frequency receiving bell with an
US2981251A (en) * 1957-03-11 1961-04-25 Medical Plastics Inc Inflatable blood pressure cuff
US3348535A (en) * 1964-12-04 1967-10-24 Gregg David Paul Parturitive phone
US3417838A (en) * 1966-12-14 1968-12-24 Shlyakhter Isaak Abramovich Funnel of flexible stethoscope for mediate auscultation
US3572323A (en) * 1969-01-03 1971-03-23 Becton Dickinson Co Disposable electrode with a metallurgically-bonded,silver-silver chloride sensing element

Cited By (45)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4064965A (en) * 1976-03-11 1977-12-27 Alberta Mae Brown Stethoscope
US4122837A (en) * 1976-08-02 1978-10-31 Leonard Loren W Body surface contour deformation
US4122838A (en) * 1976-08-09 1978-10-31 Leonard Loren W Body surface contour deformation sensor
US4218584A (en) * 1977-10-10 1980-08-19 Attenburrow Donald P Stethoscope for use on a horse
US4401125A (en) * 1981-09-21 1983-08-30 The Kendall Company Stethoscope securing pad
US4461368A (en) * 1982-04-15 1984-07-24 Plourde R Gilles Diaphragm cover for a stethoscope
US4777961A (en) * 1985-10-15 1988-10-18 Bruce Saltzman High sensitivity stethoscopic system and method
US4784154A (en) * 1986-11-13 1988-11-15 Colin Electronics Co., Ltd. Interference resistant biomedical transducer
US5022405A (en) * 1987-05-25 1991-06-11 Hok Instrument Ab Stethoscope for use in nuclear magnetic resonance diagnostics
US4840183A (en) * 1987-08-13 1989-06-20 Tdk Corporation Electrocardiograph
US4867268A (en) * 1988-01-07 1989-09-19 Ulert Izaak A Sanitary stethoscope
US4871046A (en) * 1988-05-23 1989-10-03 Turner Kenneth R Disposable stethoscope head shield
US5602924A (en) * 1992-12-07 1997-02-11 Theratechnologies Inc. Electronic stethescope
US5424495A (en) * 1993-08-16 1995-06-13 M&W Medical, Llc Dispensable, disposable shield for stethoscopes
US5528004A (en) * 1993-08-16 1996-06-18 M&W Medical Supplies Llc Dispensable, disposable shield for stethoscopes
US5686706A (en) * 1993-08-16 1997-11-11 M&W Medical Supplies L.L.C. Dispensable, disposable cover for stethoscopes
US5448025A (en) * 1994-07-19 1995-09-05 Stark; Wayne T. Cover for stethoscope head
WO1996038088A1 (en) * 1995-05-31 1996-12-05 Rothan Tondeur Monique Medical stethoscope membrane protection device useful for creating a microbiological shield
FR2734704A1 (en) * 1995-05-31 1996-12-06 Tondeur Monique Rothan DEVICE FOR PROTECTING THE MEMBRANE OF A MEDICAL STETHOSCOPE
US5578799A (en) * 1995-06-02 1996-11-26 University Research Engineers & Ass. Patient-to-transducer interface device
WO1996038089A1 (en) * 1995-06-02 1996-12-05 University Research Engineers And Associates, Inc. Patient-to-transducer interface device
US5623131A (en) * 1995-07-18 1997-04-22 Earnest; Tommy L. Protective stethoscope cover having a head cover connected to a body cover
US5798489A (en) * 1996-06-26 1998-08-25 Gillio; Robert G. Detachable stethoscope
US6019186A (en) * 1997-04-16 2000-02-01 Zambrano; Sergio-Sanchez Disposable stethoscope assembly
US5813992A (en) * 1997-05-20 1998-09-29 Henwood; Peter S. W. Single use indicator for stethoscopes
US5949032A (en) * 1998-04-08 1999-09-07 M & W Medical Supplies Llc Stethoscope cover and covered stethoscope
US6279677B1 (en) 1999-03-16 2001-08-28 Sergio Sanchez-Zambrano Disposable diaphragm stethoscope
US20050113462A1 (en) * 1999-05-04 2005-05-26 Michael Persson Silica-based sols
US20050257996A1 (en) * 2000-10-29 2005-11-24 Basil Brown Disposable cover for stethoscope head
US20030210390A1 (en) * 2002-05-07 2003-11-13 O'mahony John J. Blood leak detector for extracorporeal treatment system
US6947131B2 (en) * 2002-05-07 2005-09-20 Chf Solutions, Inc. Blood leak detector for extracorporeal treatment system
US20060012774A1 (en) * 2002-05-07 2006-01-19 Chf Solutions Inc. Blood leak detector for extracorporeal treatment system
US7230687B2 (en) * 2002-05-07 2007-06-12 Chf Solutions Inc. Blood leak detector for extracorporeal treatment system
US10548561B2 (en) 2008-12-30 2020-02-04 Masimo Corporation Acoustic sensor assembly
US11559275B2 (en) 2008-12-30 2023-01-24 Masimo Corporation Acoustic sensor assembly
US10349895B2 (en) 2009-10-15 2019-07-16 Masimo Corporation Acoustic respiratory monitoring sensor having multiple sensing elements
US10357209B2 (en) 2009-10-15 2019-07-23 Masimo Corporation Bidirectional physiological information display
US10463340B2 (en) 2009-10-15 2019-11-05 Masimo Corporation Acoustic respiratory monitoring systems and methods
US10925544B2 (en) 2009-10-15 2021-02-23 Masimo Corporation Acoustic respiratory monitoring sensor having multiple sensing elements
US11020084B2 (en) 2012-09-20 2021-06-01 Masimo Corporation Acoustic patient sensor coupler
US10828007B1 (en) * 2013-10-11 2020-11-10 Masimo Corporation Acoustic sensor with attachment portion
US10292675B2 (en) * 2017-10-10 2019-05-21 Ingen1, L.L.C. Stethoscope
US20190105012A1 (en) * 2017-10-10 2019-04-11 Ingen1, Llc Stethoscope
US11058394B2 (en) 2017-10-10 2021-07-13 Frankie Wendell Erdman, Jr. Stethoscope
USD951234S1 (en) * 2019-09-20 2022-05-10 Apple Inc. Earphone

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3867925A (en) Expendable stethoscope
US7806226B2 (en) Stethoscope with frictional noise reduction
US9566041B2 (en) Adhesive patch having multiple acoustic sensors for monitoring acoustic signals
US5010890A (en) Vital signs monitoring system
US3901218A (en) Disposable electrode
US5853005A (en) Acoustic monitoring system
US5394877A (en) Ultrasound medical diagnostic device having a coupling medium providing self-adherence to a patient
GB2435614A (en) Transducer holder for maintaining signal-receiving contact with a patient's body
US5826582A (en) Ear phone assembly for use with a hearing screener
US5029591A (en) Endotracheal cardiac monitor
KR101402179B1 (en) Stethoscope
WO2001078059A2 (en) Piezoelectric biological sounds monitor
US5913309A (en) Disposable element for use with a hearing screener
JPS63501618A (en) stethoscope with electric filter
JPH0647005A (en) At-home medical examination system using electric stethoscope
CN213372091U (en) One-piece diaphragm, ring and earphone head
Ertel et al. Stethoscope acoustics: I. The doctor and his stethoscope
US4940023A (en) High resolution stethoscopic apparatus
DORNETTE The stethoscope: The anesthesiologist's best friend
CN213993606U (en) Special stethoscope of infectious diseases branch of academic or vocational study
KR101545810B1 (en) Hemodialysis band for styptic with stethoscope
CA1209213A (en) Endotracheal cardiac monitor
JPH0712104U (en) Cordless stethoscope

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: NEUROMEDICS, INC., A CORP. OF TX

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:MED GENERAL, INC.,;REEL/FRAME:003834/0020

Effective date: 19801229

Owner name: NEUROMEDICS, INC., A CORP. OF TX, TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MED GENERAL, INC.,;REEL/FRAME:003834/0020

Effective date: 19801229

AS Assignment

Owner name: FIRST FREEPORT NATIONAL BANK

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INTERMEDICS, INC.;INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC.;INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004303/0077

Effective date: 19840726

Owner name: FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO, THE

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INTERMEDICS, INC.;INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC.;INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004303/0077

Effective date: 19840726

Owner name: BRAZOSPORT BANK OF TEXAS

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INTERMEDICS, INC.;INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC.;INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004303/0077

Effective date: 19840726

Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIA

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INTERMEDICS, INC.;INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC.;INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004303/0077

Effective date: 19840726

Owner name: TRUST COMPANY BANK

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INTERMEDICS, INC.;INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC.;INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004303/0077

Effective date: 19840726

Owner name: CITIBANK, N.A., AS AGENT

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INTERMEDICS, INC.;INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC.;INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004303/0077

Effective date: 19840726

Owner name: CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., THE

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INTERMEDICS, INC.;INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC.;INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004303/0077

Effective date: 19840726

AS Assignment

Owner name: CHASE COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INTERMEDICS, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS;INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., A CORP OF TX.;INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004449/0501

Effective date: 19850703

Owner name: CITIBANK, N.A.

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INTERMEDICS, INC., A TX CORP;INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., A TX CORP.;INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., A TX CORP.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004434/0728

Effective date: 19850703

Owner name: B.A. LEASING CORPORATION

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INTERMEDICS, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS;INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC.;INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004449/0424

Effective date: 19850703

Owner name: CITICORP MILTILEASE (SEF), INC.

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INTERMEDICS, INC.;INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC.;INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., A CORP. OF TEXAS;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004452/0900

Effective date: 19850703

AS Assignment

Owner name: INTERMEDICS, INC., INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC.,

Free format text: SAID PARTIES RECITES OBLIGATIONS RECITED IN SECURITY AGREEMENT RECORDED SEPTEMBER 17, 1984 REEL 4303 FRAMES 077-127 HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL ALL;ASSIGNOR:CITIBANK, N.A., INDIVIDUALLY AND AS AGENT FOR BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO, TRUST COMPANY BANK, FIRST FREEPORT NATIONAL BANK OF BRAZOSPORT BANK OF TEXAS;REEL/FRAME:004592/0424

Effective date: 19860502

Owner name: INTERMEDICS, INC.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CITICORP MULTILEASE (SEF), INC.;REEL/FRAME:004576/0516

Effective date: 19860515

Owner name: INTERMEDICS, INC., INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC.,

Free format text: SECURED PARTY HEREBY RELEASE THE SECURITY INTEREST IN AGREEMENT RECORDED AUGUST 5, 1985. REEL 4434 FRAMES 728-782;ASSIGNOR:CITIBANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:004592/0394

Effective date: 19860502

AS Assignment

Owner name: INTERMEDICS, INC., A TEXAS CORP.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., A TEXAS CORP.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., A TEXAS CORP.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: SURGITRONICS CORPORATION, A TEXAS CORP.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: CARBOMEDICS, INC., A TEXAS CORP.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: NEUROMEDICS, INC., A TEXAS CORP.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: CALCITEK, INC., A TEXAS CORP.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: AMERICAN PACEMAKER CORPORATION, A MASSACHUSETTS CO

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: INTERMEDICS, INC.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CHASE COMMERCIAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004605/0581

Effective date: 19860804

Owner name: INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CHASE COMMERCIAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004605/0581

Effective date: 19860804

Owner name: INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CHASE COMMERCIAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004605/0581

Effective date: 19860804

Owner name: SURGITRONICS CORPORATION

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CHASE COMMERCIAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004605/0581

Effective date: 19860804

Owner name: CARBO-MEDICS, INC.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CHASE COMMERCIAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004605/0581

Effective date: 19860804

Owner name: NEUROMEDICS, INC.

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CHASE COMMERCIAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004605/0581

Effective date: 19860804

Owner name: CALCITEK, INC., ALL TEXAS CORPS

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CHASE COMMERCIAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004605/0581

Effective date: 19860804

Owner name: AMERICAN PACEMAKER CORPORATION A CORP OF MA

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CHASE COMMERCIAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004605/0581

Effective date: 19860804

Owner name: INTERMEDICS, INC., A TEXAS CORP., STATELESS

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: INTERMEDICS CARDIASSIST, INC., A TEXAS CORP., STAT

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: INTERMEDICS INTRAOCULAR, INC., A TEXAS CORP., STAT

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: SURGITRONICS CORPORATION, A TEXAS CORP., STATELESS

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: CARBOMEDICS, INC., A TEXAS CORP., STATELESS

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: NEUROMEDICS, INC., A TEXAS CORP., STATELESS

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813

Owner name: CALCITEK, INC., A TEXAS CORP., STATELESS

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:B. A. LEASING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004603/0607

Effective date: 19860813