US4007731A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Means and techniques for establishing hearing deficiencies
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-08-14
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Granted: 1977-02-15
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Expires: 1995-08-14
Abstract
Abstract Neonates are tested for hearing deficiencies. A printed record is made of changes in heart beat rate in response to various sound stimuli. Relevant information such as heart beat rate, frequency of the stimulating sound, intensity of the stimulating sound, and related clock information is printed out in digital form. In a modification, changes in time between heart beats are extrapolated so that, in effect, changes in heart beat rate may be quickly determined on a go-no-go basis. These tests are particularly useful on infants under the age of eight months so that corrective measures may be taken prior to expiration of a critical period of development in the infant's life.
Inventors
- 👤 Ciwa Griffiths
- 👤 Dean O. Thompson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:07
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/12; A61B5/121; A61B5/02; A61B5/024; A61B5/0245
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
In a system for determining hearing capability, means producing a sound stimulus for a subject whose hearing capability is being established; said means being located in sound range of said subject with such sound stimulus being applied to said subject having the capability of producing changes in activity of the heart of said subject; means attached to said subject when said sound stimulus is being so applied to said subject and producing a first signal representative of the heart beat rate of said subject; means producing a second signal representative of the heart beat of said subject; clock means developing a third signal representative of elapsed time; recording means; means applying said first signal, and said third signal to said recording means for producing a recording representative of said heart beat rate and elapsed time and means applying said second signal to said clock means to initiate said third signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
In a system for determining hearing capability, means producing a sound stimulus for a subject whose hearing capability is being established; said means being located in sound range of said subject with such sound stimulus being applied to said subject having the capability of producing changes in activity of the heart of said subject; means attached to said subject when said sound stimulus is being so applied to said subject and producing a first signal representative of the heart beat rate of said subject; means producing a second signal representative of the heart beat of said subject; clock means developing a third signal representative of elapsed time; recording means; means applying said first signal, and said third signal to said recording means for producing a recording representative of said heart beat rate and elapsed time and means applying said second signal to said clock means to initiate said third signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 including means applying signals from said sound producing means to said recording means to effect a recording of the intensity of said sound and also the frequency of said sound.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 including means for applying said second signal to said recording means to effect the operation of the same.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 in which said recording means is a line printer and the signals applied thereto for recording are in digital form.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 including timing means for gating said sound producing means on and off repetitiously, and means applying a signal from said timing means to said recording means to effect a recording representative of the initiation of operation of said sound producing means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
62 words
In a method for determining hearing capability of a subject, the steps comprising, subjecting said subject to a source of sound; repetitiously turning said sound on and off to produce a train of sound waves for hearing by said subject; and producing a recording of the change in heart beat rate of the subject in response to said train of sound waves.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
62 words
In a method for determining hearing capability of a subject, the steps comprising, subjecting said subject to a source of sound; repetitiously turning said sound on and off to produce a train of sound waves for hearing by said subject; and producing a recording of the change in heart beat rate of the subject in response to said train of sound waves.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
In a method set forth in claim 6, including the step of simultaneously recording the intensity and frequency of said sound waves.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
In a method as set forth in claim 6, including the steps of simultaneously recording elapsed time between heart beats, and also recording conditions of the sound waves.
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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) | 1980-02-15 | 1980-08-16 | 1981-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-02-15 | 1984-08-16 | 1985-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-02-15 | 1988-08-16 | 1989-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |