The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 13, 1999
Filed:
Jul. 21, 1997
David J Talen, Plymouth, MN (US);
Scott P Thome, Waite Park, MN (US);
ActiLife L.L.C., Plymouth, MN (US);
Abstract
An apparatus used in a method of restricting venous flow in an extremity includes a first flexible, stretchable elongate band and a first flexible, stretchable loop fixed to a first end of the first band. A second loop sized to fit about the extremity is defined by passing a free end of the first band through the first loop. Upon pulling a free end of the first band through the first loop in a direction outward from the extremity, the first band stretches against the first loop, thereby causing the second loop to tighten about the extremity to restrict venous flow therethrough. A combination of frictional engagement and stretching of the first band and of the first loop against each other releasably secures the second loop about the extremity in its tightened position, thereby eliminating the need to hold the apparatus to maintain the tightened position. With venous flow restricted in the extremity, various procedures can be performed such as obtaining a blood sample with a conventional fingerstick puncture of the extremity.