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:
Mar. 28, 2006
Filed:
Feb. 25, 2002
Nicholas P. Van Brunt, White Bear Lake, MN (US);
Donald J. Gagne, St. Paul, MN (US);
Nicholas P. Van Brunt, White Bear Lake, MN (US);
Donald J. Gagne, St. Paul, MN (US);
Hill-Rom Services, Inc., Wilmington, DE (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for inducing sputum samples for diagnosing pulmonary disorders, especially as it relates to detection of early stages of lung cancer. The apparatus is comprised of a pneumatic chest compression vest, a pneumatic pressure generator, and a mouthpiece connected to a nebulizer. Sputum samples are induced by applying an oscillating force to the chest via the pneumatic chest compression vest and pressure generator, while simultaneously providing an aerosolized solution (such as normal or hypertonic saline) via the nebulizer while the patient is standing. The sample is subsequently evaluated to ascertain a patient's risk of or the presence of a pulmonary disorder such as lung cancer.