Patent US3813147A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US3960138A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3960138A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Differential temperature integrating diagnostic method and apparatus
Assignee: Energy Research and Development Administration ERDA
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Filing: 1975-01-06
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Granted: 1976-06-01
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Expires: 1995-01-06
Abstract
Abstract A method and device for detecting the presence of breast cancer in women by integrating the temperature difference between the temperature of a normal breast and that of a breast having a malignant tumor. The breast-receiving cups of a brassiere are each provided with thermally conductive material next to the skin, with a thermistor attached to the thermally conductive material in each cup. The thermistors are connected to adjacent arms of a Wheatstone bridge. Unbalance currents in the bridge are integrated with respect to time by means of an electrochemical integrator. In the absence of a tumor, both breasts maintain substantially the same temperature, and the bridge remains balanced. If the tumor is present in one breast, a higher temperature in that breast unbalances the bridge and the electrochemical cells integrate the temperature difference with respect to time.
Inventors
- 👤 James D. Doss
- 👤 Charles W. McCabe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:23
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/01; A61B5/68; A61B5/6801; A61B5/6802; A61B5/6804
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for detecting the presence of a tumor in a human breast comprising the steps of: placing a temperature sensing device in thermal contact with each breast; measuring the temperature of each breast individually; determining the temperature difference between said breasts measuring the time said temperature sensing devices are in thermal contact with said breasts; integrating the temperature difference with respect to time; and, indicating the integrated temperature difference.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for detecting the presence of a tumor in a human breast comprising the steps of: placing a temperature sensing device in thermal contact with each breast; measuring the temperature of each breast individually; determining the temperature difference between said breasts measuring the time said temperature sensing devices are in thermal contact with said breasts; integrating the temperature difference with respect to time; and, indicating the integrated temperature difference.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
In the method set forth in claim 1, mounting said temperature sensing devices in the breast receiving cups of a brassiere.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
In the method set forth in claim 2, actuating integration and time measurement when a clasp holding said brassiere on the subject is engaged.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
115 words
Apparatus for detecting tumors in the human breast comprising: means for simultaneously maintaining a heat-conducting pad in intimate contact with each of a pair of human breasts; a temperature responsive resistor in thermal contact with each of said heat-conducting pads; a bridge circuit with said temperature responsive resistors connected in circuit in adjacent arms; bridge circuit balancing means; timing means for determining the time said heat-conducting pads are maintained in contact with said breasts; and, current integrating means in circuit with said bridge adapted to provide an indication of cumulative unbalance of said bridge circuit during the time period measured by said timing means as a result of temperature differences between said temperature responsive resistors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
115 words
Apparatus for detecting tumors in the human breast comprising: means for simultaneously maintaining a heat-conducting pad in intimate contact with each of a pair of human breasts; a temperature responsive resistor in thermal contact with each of said heat-conducting pads; a bridge circuit with said temperature responsive resistors connected in circuit in adjacent arms; bridge circuit balancing means; timing means for determining the time said heat-conducting pads are maintained in contact with said breasts; and, current integrating means in circuit with said bridge adapted to provide an indication of cumulative unbalance of said bridge circuit during the time period measured by said timing means as a result of temperature differences between said temperature responsive resistors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
In the apparatus set forth in claim 4, said first-mentioned means comprising a brassiere having a pair of breast-receiving cups, each of said cups having a heat conducting pad and a temperature responsive resistor fixed thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
In the apparatus set forth in claim 5, a circuit closing clasp on said brassiere for actuating said apparatus when said brassiere is normally worn.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
In the apparatus set forth in claim 6, said temperature responsive resistor comprising thermistors.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
In the apparatus set forth in claim 7, said timing means comprising a first electrochemical cell, and said integrating means comprising a second electrochemical cell.
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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) | 1979-06-01 | 1979-12-01 | 1980-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-06-01 | 1983-12-01 | 1984-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-06-01 | 1987-12-01 | 1988-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |