Microprocessor-controlled apparatus and method for detecting the coagulation of blood
First Claim
1. A system for detecting the coagulation of blood from a liquid to a clot comprising:
- adjustable-variable source means for providing magnetic flux lines having a density that varies in a time repetitive sequence and that is adjustable;
switching means, magnetically coupled to said adjustable-variable source means by said flux lines, for switching from a second state to a first state when said density of said flux lines enters a first density region;
determining means, responsive to said switching means, for determining said first density region; and
adjusting means, responsive to said determining means and operative on said adjustable-variable source means, for adjusting said density of said flux lines at a first level such that said variation causes said density of said flux lines to fall outside of said first density region, whereby non-coagulation of blood causes said switching means to switch from said second state to said first state or whereby said coagulation of blood causes said switching means not to switch from said second state.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and method for detecting the coagulation of a sample of blood includes a ferromagnetic member, which is immersed in the blood sample and which is magnetically coupled to a reed switch, and an adjustable source of magnetic flux lines, which is also magnetically coupled to the reed switch. As the blood sample coagulates, the ferromagnetic member is displaced from the reed switch and, as a result, the magnetic field coupled to reed switch is reduced. When the ferromagnetic member reaches a predetermined displacement, the reed switch is open, which indicates that blood has coagulated. A microprocessor calibrates the reed switch by adjusting the density of the magnetic flux lines from the adjustable source such that the reed switch is open when the ferromagnetic member reaches the predetermined distance displacement.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for detecting the coagulation of blood from a liquid to a clot comprising:
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adjustable-variable source means for providing magnetic flux lines having a density that varies in a time repetitive sequence and that is adjustable; switching means, magnetically coupled to said adjustable-variable source means by said flux lines, for switching from a second state to a first state when said density of said flux lines enters a first density region; determining means, responsive to said switching means, for determining said first density region; and adjusting means, responsive to said determining means and operative on said adjustable-variable source means, for adjusting said density of said flux lines at a first level such that said variation causes said density of said flux lines to fall outside of said first density region, whereby non-coagulation of blood causes said switching means to switch from said second state to said first state or whereby said coagulation of blood causes said switching means not to switch from said second state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for detecting the coagulation of blood from a liquid to a clot comprising:
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a vessel containing said blood; adjustable magnetic field means, located external said vessel, for providing an adjustable magnetic field; permanent magnetic field means, disposed within said vessel, for providing a permanent magnetic field, which combines with said adjustable magnetic field to provide a combined magnetic field, whereby said combined magnetic field is adjusted by adjusting said adjustable magnetic field means; switching means, magnetically coupled to said permanent magnetic field means and said adjustable magnetic field means by said combined magnetic field, for switching from a second state to a first state when said density of said combined magnetic field enters a first density region; moving means for providing relative motion between said vessel and said permanent magnetic field means until said blood clots, whereupon said permanent magnetic field means moves with said vessel such that the density of said combined magnetic field varies in a time repetitive sequence; determining means, responsive to said switching means, for determining said first density region; and adjusting means, responsive to said determining means and operative on said adjustable magnetic field means, for adjusting said density of said adjustable magnetic field such that said variation causes said density of said combined magnetic field to fall outside of said first density region, whereby non-coagulation of blood causes said switching means to switch from said second state to said first state or whereby said coagulation of blood causes said switching means not to switch from said second state.
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17. A method of detecting the coagulation of a sample of blood from a liquid to a clot in a system including a vessel containing said blood, adjustable magnetic field means, located external said vessel, for providing an adjustable magnetic field;
- a ferromagnetic member, disposed within said vessel, for providing a permanent magnetic field, and a normally-open reed switch, magnetically coupled to said adjustable magnetic field means by said adjustable magnetic field, said method comprising the steps of;
(a) adjusting said adjustable magnetic field to a first level at which said reed switch closes; (b) placing said ferromagnetic member in proximity of reed switch; (c) adjusting the adjustable magnetic field to a second level at which the reed switch opens; (d) rotating said vessel to create a relative rotational motion between said ferromagnetic member and said vessel; (e) adjusting the adjustable magnetic field to a third level; and (f) monitoring the state of said reed switch whereupon if said blood has coagulated the reed switch remains open. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
- a ferromagnetic member, disposed within said vessel, for providing a permanent magnetic field, and a normally-open reed switch, magnetically coupled to said adjustable magnetic field means by said adjustable magnetic field, said method comprising the steps of;
Specification