Dual-sensor anti-sepsis stethoscope and device

• US 7,516,814 B1
• Filed: 11/09/2007
• Issued: 04/14/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jon L. Roberts, Joseph Berk
• Original Assignee: Jon L. Roberts, Joseph Berk
• Inventors: Berk, Joseph, Roberts, Jon L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Martin; Edgardo San
• Application Number:
  US11/937,929
• Time in Patent Office: 522 Days
• Field of Search: 181/131, 181/137, 181/125, 600/528, 381/67
• US Class Current: 181/131
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/026 comprising more than one sound collector

Abstract

A dual-sensor stethoscope, or retrofit device for a stethoscope, promotes anti-sepsis and stereoscopy through use of a substantially rigid, generally T-shaped tube for support of dual stethoscope heads. Each head may be rotated away from a body independently for use of a single head or rotated into the same general plane for dual-head stereoscopy. A clinician can create a spatial, three-dimensional (3D) anti-septic barrier and avoid the need to carry multiple stethoscopes. During stereoscopy, the use of a common tube allows the transmission of sound with constructive interference of sound waves. The substantially rigid, generally T-shaped support tube allows a clinician to auscultate with one hand and monitor two locations without transference of pathogens.

Claims

1. A dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope device comprising:

a connection tube dimensioned to engage a sound conduction tube of a stethoscope;

a second tube connected to the connection tube, the second tube having a first end and a second end;

a first sensor head-supporting tube coupled to the first end of the second tube; and

a second sensor head-supporting tube coupled to the second end of the second tube;

wherein at least one of the first and second sensor head-supporting tubes is rotatably coupled relative to the second tube.

2. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope device of claim 1, wherein the first and second sensor head-supporting tubes are rotatably coupled relative to the second tube.

3. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope device of claim 1, further comprising:

a detent or locking means for restraining movement of the at least one sensor head-supporting tube that is rotatably coupled relative to the second tube.

4. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope device of claim 1, further comprising:

a stethoscope head integrated into each of the first and second sensor head-supporting tubes.

5. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope device of claim 1, wherein the device is constructed from disposable materials.

6. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope device of claim 4, wherein the device is constructed from disposable materials.

7. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope device of claim 1, wherein the second tube further comprises at least one telescoping element.

8. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope device of claim 1, wherein the second tube is connected to the connection tube at a location between the first and second ends.

9. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope device of claim 8, further comprising:

a three-way stopcock at the location between the first and second ends where the second tube is connected to the connection tube.

10. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope device of claim 1, wherein the connection tube is directly connected to one of the first and second sensor head-supporting tubes.

11. A dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope, comprising:

an eartip;

an earpiece attached to the eartip;

a common sound conduction tube attached to the earpiece;

a connection tube dimensioned to engage the common sound conduction tube at an end opposite an end attached to the earpiece;

a second tube connected to the connection tube, the second tube having a first end and a second end;

a first sensor head-supporting tube coupled at a first end to the first end of the second tube;

a first sensor head attached to a second end of the first sensor head-supporting tube;

a second sensor head-supporting tube coupled at a first end to the second end of the second tube; and

a second sensor head attached to a second end of the second sensor head-supporting tube;

wherein at least one of the first and second sensor head-supporting tubes is rotatably coupled relative to the second tube.

12. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope of claim 11, wherein both the first and second sensor head-supporting tubes are rotatably coupled relative to the second tube.

13. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope device of claim 11, further comprising:

a detent or locking means for restraining movement of the at least one sensor head-supporting tube that is rotatably coupled relative to the second tube.

14. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope of claim 11, further comprising:

a stethoscope head integrated into each of the first and second sensor head-supporting tubes.

15. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope of claim 11, wherein the stethoscope is dimensioned for pediatric use.

16. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope of claim 14, wherein the stethoscope is constructed from disposable materials.

17. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope of claim 11, wherein the second tube further comprises a telescoping element.

18. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope of claim 11, wherein the second tube is connected to the connection tube at a location between the first and second ends.

19. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope of claim 18, further comprising:

a three-way stopcock at the location between the first and second ends where the second tube is connected to the connection tube.

20. The dual-head anti-sepsis stethoscope of claim 11, wherein the connection tube is directly connected to one of the first and second sensor head-supporting tubes.