US4458694A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus and method for detection of tumors in tissue
Assignee: Yeda Research and Development Co Ltd
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Filing: 1981-07-23
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Granted: 1984-07-10
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Expires: 2001-07-23
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for detecting tumors in living human breast tissue comprising apparatus for determining the dielectric constants of localized regions of living human breast tissue including probe apparatus comprising a multiplicity of probe elements, apparatus for applying an AC signal to the tissue, apparatus for sensing electrical properties at each of the probe elements at a plurality of different times, and signal processing circuitry, coupled to the sensing apparatus for comparing the electrical properties sensed at the plurality of different times for providing an output indication of the dielectric constant of the localized region of breast tissue associated with the probe apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce D. Sollish
- 👤 Ephraim H. Frei
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:23
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/05; A61B5/053; A61B5/0536; A61B5/0059; A61B5/0082; A61B5/0091; A61B5/43; A61B5/4306; A61B5/4312
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for detecting tumors in living human breast tissue comprising: means for determining the dielectric constants of localized regions of living human breast tissue including probe means comprising a multiplicity of probe elements; means for applying an AC signal to the tissue; and means for sensing electrical properties at each of said probe elements at a plurality of different times; and signal processing circuitry, coupled to said sensing means for comparing the electrical properties sensed at said plurality of different times for providing an output indication of the dielectric constant of the localized region of breast tissue associated with said probe means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for detecting tumors in living human breast tissue comprising: means for determining the dielectric constants of localized regions of living human breast tissue including probe means comprising a multiplicity of probe elements; means for applying an AC signal to the tissue; and means for sensing electrical properties at each of said probe elements at a plurality of different times; and signal processing circuitry, coupled to said sensing means for comparing the electrical properties sensed at said plurality of different times for providing an output indication of the dielectric constant of the localized region of breast tissue associated with said probe means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said determining means also comprises means for measuring a plurality of AC signals to said probe means, said AC signals being out of phase with respect to each other by a known amount.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 and wherein said means for measuring a plurality of AC signals comprises means for measuring four AC signals having a quadrature phase relationship therebetween to said probe means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said applying means comprises means for applying a swept frequency signal to the tissue and measuring resulting signals by said probe means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 and wherein said swept frequency signal varies in frequency between 0.1 and 10 KHz.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said determining apparatus also comprises automatically operative switching means for selectively and sequentially measuring resulting AC signals at individual probe elements.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 and also comprising display means for displaying the electrical properties of tissue.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 7 and wherein said display means comprises gray-scale display means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 7 and wherein said display means comprises multi-color display means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4331160A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-07-10 | 1988-01-09 | 1988-07-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-07-10 | 1992-01-09 | 1992-07-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-07-10 | 1996-01-09 | 1996-07-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |