Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
The method for determining characteristics of body fluid samples which comprises confining a sample to be studied, providing an energy source positioned externally of said sample having a vibrational movement output, disposing an essentially inelastic probe in contact with said sample but out of contact with the sample confining means, intercoupling said probe and energy source to establish a pattern of physical movement for said probe, and utilizing feed-back energy values proportionate to the dampening and attenuation of the probe by the sample in determining the energy absorbed and transmitted by said sample as testing continues.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
96 words
The method for determining characteristics of body fluid samples which comprises confining a sample to be studied, providing an energy source positioned externally of said sample having a vibrational movement output, disposing an essentially inelastic probe in contact with said sample but out of contact with the sample confining means, intercoupling said probe and energy source to establish a pattern of physical movement for said probe, and utilizing feed-back energy values proportionate to the dampening and attenuation of the probe by the sample in determining the energy absorbed and transmitted by said sample as testing continues.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the probe is of slender rod configuration, and the vibrational energy moves said rod-probe in a longitudinally reciprocal pattern.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the energy applied and the feed-back energy cooperatively determine an output reading.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as set forth in claim 3 and further comprising the step of tabulating said output readings over a period of time to establish time spaced correlations thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as set forth in claim 4 wherein said output readings are recorded over a period of time to provide a chart presentation of said readings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as set forth in claim 4 wherein said output readings are on a real time basis to indicate rate of change.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the probe and energy source are elastically intercoupled.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
142 words
Apparatus for determining characteristics of fluid samples comprising means for confining a sample to be studied, a power source having a vibrational movement output, an inelastic probe disposed in contacting relation with said sample but out of contact with said confining means, means interconnecting said power source and probe whereby the probe is physically moved within the sample by energy transmitted by said interconnecting means, readout means intercoupled to said power source and sensitive to the power requirements thereof, and feed-back means sensitive to the physical movement patterns of said probe intercoupled to said readout means for determining therewith the levels of energy transmitted and absorbed by said sample, and means for the observation and/or recording of said energy measurements over a period of time whereby changes in the energy level are observed for indications of the characteristics of said fluid sample.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
142 words
Apparatus for determining characteristics of fluid samples comprising means for confining a sample to be studied, a power source having a vibrational movement output, an inelastic probe disposed in contacting relation with said sample but out of contact with said confining means, means interconnecting said power source and probe whereby the probe is physically moved within the sample by energy transmitted by said interconnecting means, readout means intercoupled to said power source and sensitive to the power requirements thereof, and feed-back means sensitive to the physical movement patterns of said probe intercoupled to said readout means for determining therewith the levels of energy transmitted and absorbed by said sample, and means for the observation and/or recording of said energy measurements over a period of time whereby changes in the energy level are observed for indications of the characteristics of said fluid sample.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
Structure as set forth in claim 8 wherein said probe is moved in a longitudinally vibrational mode.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
Structure as set forth in claim 8 wherein said power source and interconnecting means combination is elastic.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
Structure as set forth in claim 8 wherein said power source provides sound related vibrational energy.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
Structure as set forth in claim 11 wherein said power source is provided by a magnet type driving device having a vibrational energy output for moving said probe.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
52 words
The combination as set forth in claim 8 wherein the power source is of a type useable in the propagation of sound and wherein said power source is coupled in a balanced circuit with said feed-back modifying the balance thereof to provide the desired indication of the transmitted and absorbed energy levels.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
Structure as set forth in claim 8 wherein said power source is positioned externally of said sample confining means and sample.