US3656473A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Medical data processing
Assignee: American Science and Engineering Inc
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Filing: 1969-08-28
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Granted: 1972-04-18
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Expires: 1989-08-28
Abstract
Abstract A test tube bearing a label for receiving identifying marks is keyed into a label marking unit in the presence of the patient. Unique patient identification information is transcribed from his charge plate or wrist bracelet. Specimen description information and processing directions generated by keyboard, automatic modules, or auxiliary cards are also encoded on the label. Such cards may also receive the identification information. The label is decoded in keyed reading units in the laboratory and the indicated procedures performed. The identification information is read at process junctures and transcribed automatically to additional aliquot containers as required to maintain positive identification of the specimen.
Inventors
- 👤 Lester A Sodickson
- 👤 Martin J Rubin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 13:30
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/02; B; B01; B01L; B01L3/00; B01L3/54; B01L3/545; B01L3/5453; G01N35/00584; G01N35/00722; G01N35/00732; G01N2035/00742; G01N2035/00772; G01N2035/00782; G01N2035/00861
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of medical data processing which method includes the steps of, placing a specimen from a patient in a specimen container having a permanently attached encodable label thereon, placing said container in a code impressing means, then impressing encoded patient identification data from a patient identification means associated with and uniquely identifying said patient upon said encodable label to provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the patient from whom said specimen was taken, and immediately after said impressing step and before said specimen is subjected to testing, placing said container in a code reading means associated with said code impressing means, scanning said encodable label to read out all the information encoded thereon and comparing the information thus read out with said patient identification data just previously impressed to insure the absence of error.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of medical data processing which method includes the steps of, placing a specimen from a patient in a specimen container having a permanently attached encodable label thereon, placing said container in a code impressing means, then impressing encoded patient identification data from a patient identification means associated with and uniquely identifying said patient upon said encodable label to provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the patient from whom said specimen was taken, and immediately after said impressing step and before said specimen is subjected to testing, placing said container in a code reading means associated with said code impressing means, scanning said encodable label to read out all the information encoded thereon and comparing the information thus read out with said patient identification data just previously impressed to insure the absence of error.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method of medical data processing in accordance with claim 1 and further including the step of impressing encoded data on said label identifying the test to be performed upon said specimen to also provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the test to be performed upon said specimen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method of medical data processing in accordance with claim 2 and further including, the scanning of said label being with said code reading means to provide an encoded output signal that both identifies said patient and the test to be performed upon said specimen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
137 words
Medical data processing apparatus comprising, a specimen container having a permanently attached encodable label thereon, patient identification means for providing encoded patient identification data uniquely identifying an associated patient, means for receiving both said specimen container and said patient idenTification means and responding to said patient identification means for impressing said encoded patient identification data upon said encodable label to provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the patient from whom the specimen in said container was taken, said means for receiving also including separate means for receiving said specimen container for scanning said encodable label immediately after impressing encoded data by said means for impressing for reading out all the information encoded on said encodable label to provide an output indication for comparison with said patient identification data to insure the absence of error.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
137 words
Medical data processing apparatus comprising, a specimen container having a permanently attached encodable label thereon, patient identification means for providing encoded patient identification data uniquely identifying an associated patient, means for receiving both said specimen container and said patient idenTification means and responding to said patient identification means for impressing said encoded patient identification data upon said encodable label to provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the patient from whom the specimen in said container was taken, said means for receiving also including separate means for receiving said specimen container for scanning said encodable label immediately after impressing encoded data by said means for impressing for reading out all the information encoded on said encodable label to provide an output indication for comparison with said patient identification data to insure the absence of error.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said means for receiving includes means for impressing encoded data on said label identifying the test to be performed upon said specimen to also provide on said label an automatically readable identification of the test to be performed upon said specimen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said label includes thermosensitive material, and said means for impressing includes means for selectively heating predetermined portions of said thermosensitive material to visibly impress said encoded data upon said label.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein said thermosensitive material is secured to said container with a high melting point transparent plasticized adhesive tape.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
Medical data processing apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein said thermosensitive material is applied directly to said container as a layer of paint which is then covered by a suitable layer of protective and sealing material.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-18 | 1975-10-18 | 1976-04-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-18 | 1979-10-18 | 1980-04-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-18 | 1983-10-18 | 1984-04-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |