US3785370A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Detection of impaired pulmonary function
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1972-09-14
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Granted: 1974-01-15
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Expires: 1992-09-14
Abstract
Abstract A non-radioactive tracer technique for detecting the presence of impaired pulmonary function indicating disease of the small airways at a much earlier stage than is permitted by previously used techniques, which non-radioactive technique involves the introduction of a bolus of helium at residual volume and the measurement of the concentration of helium in the expirate. The point in vital capacity where the helium concentration in the expirate increases sharply above the alveolar plateau indicates the state of pulmonary function.
Inventors
- 👤 P Richards
- 👤 H Susskind
- 👤 L Stang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:21
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/08; A61B5/0813; A61B5/091; A61B5/093; A61B5/0935
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of detecting impaired lung function comprising the steps of, a. supplying directly, to a passageway leading to the lung at 0.25 percent VC during inhalation, a bolus of helium and thereafter b. measuring during expiration the helium concentration in the expirate to identify the point during expiration when an abrupt increase in the helium concentration occurs.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of detecting impaired lung function comprising the steps of, a. supplying directly, to a passageway leading to the lung at 0.25 percent VC during inhalation, a bolus of helium and thereafter b. measuring during expiration the helium concentration in the expirate to identify the point during expiration when an abrupt increase in the helium concentration occurs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 in which the bolus in the amount of about 1 cc is inserted at residual volume of the lung.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 in which the point during expiration where an abrupt increase in the helium concentration occurs is detected and compared to statistically obtained information by computer to obtain evidence of the impaired lung function.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3527205A
Cited
US3527206A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-14 | 1977-07-16 | 1978-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-14 | 1981-07-16 | 1982-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-14 | 1985-07-16 | 1986-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |