US5247940A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for detecting phlebitis
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1992-10-20
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Granted: 1993-09-28
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Expires: 2012-10-20
Abstract
Abstract A device for detecting phlebitis comprises a housing and a plurality of temperature sensors mounted to the housing in spaced relation to one another so that the sensors are disposable in juxtaposition with a skin surface. A comparator mounted to the housing is operatively connected to the sensors for comparing temperatures simultaneously detected by the sensors upon juxtaposition thereof with the skin surface. The comparator includes a circuit or other component for generating a signal upon the detecting by the comparator of a temperature difference greater than a predetermined threshold. An indicator is mounted to the housing and operatively connected to the comparator for providing a sensible indication to an operator in response to the signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter J. Wilk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 21:19
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/01; G; G01; G01K; G01K3/00; G01K3/08; G01K3/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for caring for a patient, comprising the steps of: automatically sensing temperature at a plurality of spaced points on a skin surface of a patent simultaneously, said points being located generally over an inserted portion of an intravenous catheter traversing said skin surface; automatically comparing temperatures sensed at said spaced points; automatically generating a signal upon detecting a temperature difference greater than a predetermined threshold; automatically providing a sensible indication to an operator in response to said signal; and in response to said sensible indication, removing said intravenous catheter from the patient.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for caring for a patient, comprising the steps of: automatically sensing temperature at a plurality of spaced points on a skin surface of a patent simultaneously, said points being located generally over an inserted portion of an intravenous catheter traversing said skin surface; automatically comparing temperatures sensed at said spaced points; automatically generating a signal upon detecting a temperature difference greater than a predetermined threshold; automatically providing a sensible indication to an operator in response to said signal; and in response to said sensible indication, removing said intravenous catheter from the patient.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein said points are greater in number than three and are disposed in a substantially planar array.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein said step of sensing temperature includes the step of detecting infrared radiation from said points.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein said indication is a visual alert signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein said indication is an audible alert signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of sterilizing said skin surface at and about a point of insertion of said catheter into the patient, said step of sterilizing being executed subsequently to said step of removing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of introducing a new catheter into the patient in response to said sensible indication.
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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) | 1996-09-27 | 1997-03-29 | 1997-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-09-27 | 2001-03-29 | 2001-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-09-27 | 2005-03-29 | 2005-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |