APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITION WITHIN A MAMMAL
First Claim
1. An apparatus for measuring a physiological condition within a mammal comprising:
- an elongated probe for insertion into a body lumen of the mammal, the probe comprising a first circuit board operably coupling a pH sensor for measuring pH within the body lumen and generating a pH signal indicative of the measured pH, a memory device storing parametric data unique to the pH sensor and a first interface connector located at a proximal portion of the probe;
a handle for manipulating the probe, the handle comprising a second circuit board operably coupling a microprocessor for processing the pH signal and generating an output signal based on the processing of the pH signal, a display device for displaying the output signal generated by the microprocessor, and a second interface connector;
the probe connected to the handle in manner that allows the probe and handle to be repetitively engaged and disengaged from each other; and
wherein when the probe is connected to the handle, the first and second interface connectors are in electrical connection so that the microprocessor can retrieve the parametric data from the memory device of the probe and receive the pH signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system, method and apparatus for determining a physiological condition within a mammal based on pH and/or temperature measurements. In one aspect, the invention is directed to an apparatus for measuring a physiological condition within a mammal comprising: a probe for insertion into a body lumen of the mammal, the probe housing a first circuit board operably coupling a pH sensor for measuring pH within the body lumen and generating a pH signal indicative of the measured pH, a memory device storing parametric data unique to the pH sensor, and a first interface connector located at a proximal potion of the probe; a handle for manipulating the probe, the handle housing a second circuit board operably coupling a microprocessor for processing the pH signal and generating an output signal based on the processing of the pH signal, an indicia device for communicating the output signal generated by the microprocessor, and a second interface connector; the probe connected to the handle in a manner that allows the probe and handle to be repetitively engaged and disengaged from each other; and wherein when the probe is connected to the handle, the first and second interface connectors are in operable connection so that the microprocessor can retrieve the parametric data from the memory device of the probe and receive the pH signal.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. An apparatus for measuring a physiological condition within a mammal comprising:
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an elongated probe for insertion into a body lumen of the mammal, the probe comprising a first circuit board operably coupling a pH sensor for measuring pH within the body lumen and generating a pH signal indicative of the measured pH, a memory device storing parametric data unique to the pH sensor and a first interface connector located at a proximal portion of the probe; a handle for manipulating the probe, the handle comprising a second circuit board operably coupling a microprocessor for processing the pH signal and generating an output signal based on the processing of the pH signal, a display device for displaying the output signal generated by the microprocessor, and a second interface connector; the probe connected to the handle in manner that allows the probe and handle to be repetitively engaged and disengaged from each other; and wherein when the probe is connected to the handle, the first and second interface connectors are in electrical connection so that the microprocessor can retrieve the parametric data from the memory device of the probe and receive the pH signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 28)
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19. An apparatus for measuring a physiological condition within a mammal comprising:
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an elongated probe for insertion into a body lumen of the mammal, the probe comprising a first circuit board operably coupling an ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) for measuring pH within the body lumen and generating a pH signal indicative of the measured pH, a temperature sensor for measuring temperature within the body lumen and generating a temperature signal indicative of the measured temperature, a diaphragm in contact with an electrolyte solution buffered at a known pH, a memory device storing ISFET slope data at both ambient temperature and normal body temperature for the ISFET, and a first interface connector located at a proximal portion of the probe; a handle for manipulating the probe, the handle comprising a second circuit board operably coupling a microprocessor for receiving the pH and temperature signals and generating an output signal based on the processing of the pH and temperature signals and the ISFET slope data, a display device for displaying the output signal generated by the microprocessor, and a second interface connector; the probe connected to the handle in manner that allows the probe and handle to be repetitively engaged and disengaged from each other; and wherein when the probe is connected to the handle, the first and second interface connectors are in electrical connection so that the microprocessor can retrieve the ISFET slope data from the memory device of the probe and receive the pH and temperature signals. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. An apparatus for measuring a physiological condition within a mammal comprising:
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a probe for insertion into a body lumen of the mammal, the probe comprising; an elongated tubular housing extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, the elongated tubular housing having a first internal cavity; a first circuit board located within the first internal cavity; a pH sensor for measuring pH within the body lumen located at a distal portion of the elongated tubular housing, the pH sensor generating a pH signal indicative of the measured pH and operably coupled to the first circuit board; a temperature sensor for measuring temperature within the body lumen located at the distal portion, the temperature sensor generating a temperature signal indicative of the measured temperature and operably coupled to the first circuit board; a first memory device storing parametric data unique to the pH sensor, the memory device housed within the internal cavity of the elongated tubular housing and operably coupled to the first circuit board; and a first interface connector located at a proximal portion of the elongated tubular housing and operably coupled to the circuit board; a handle for manipulating the probe, the handle comprising; a second housing having a second internal cavity and a socket forming a passageway into the second internal cavity; a second circuit board located within the second internal cavity; a microprocessor located within the second housing and operably coupled to the second circuit board for receiving and processing the pH signal and the temperature signal, the microprocessor generating an output signal based on the processing of the pH signal and the temperature signal and the parametric data; a power source located within the second housing and operably coupled to the second circuit board; user controls located on the second housing and operably coupled to the second circuit board; a display device operably coupled to the second circuit board for displaying the output signal generated by the microprocessor; a second interface connector operably coupled to the circuit board and aligned with the socket; and wherein the probe is removably secured to the handle, the proximal portion of the elongated tubular housing extending into the socket of the second housing so at the first and second connectors are in electrical connection.
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Specification