Ultrasound Probe Sanitization Indicator and Storage System and Method of Use
Patent Number: US 10588601 Grant Date: 2020-03-17 Filing Date: 2016-11-09
Overview
This patent protects a practical sanitization-aware storage sleeve designed to make ultrasound probe hygiene immediate, visible, and auditable. Filed on November 9, 2016 and granted on March 17, 2020, the claimed system integrates an envelope-style sleeve with a configurable sealing system and layered indicator zones so a single handling step both secures the probe and updates its sanitary status. Inventors based in Bushland, TX and the applicant (Bushland, TX) pursued robust claim language covering adhesive flap arrangements, perforated flap portions, overlapping indicator labels, and a label with gradually appearing time markers to record when a probe was last cleaned. Alternate sealing embodiments — including adhesive-strip flaps and a resealable mouth similar to consumer resealable bags — are captured to ensure manufacturability and deployment in varied clinical workflows.
The drafting emphasizes tamper-evident behavior: attaching the flap to a top (clean) indicator causes that indicator to be removed when the sleeve is opened, instantly exposing a secondary (unclean/biohazard) mark. The specification also anticipates workflow aids such as date markings and timed-appearance inks to help staff confirm how long a probe has remained sanitized.
Key Features
- Overlapping indicator zones (clean vs. unclean) with adhesive removal to reveal status
- Flap-based sealing system with multiple adhesive strips and perforation for staged use
- Label with gradually appearing markers to indicate elapsed time since cleaning
- Optional resealable mouth embodiment for repeated secure storage
This prosecutorial approach produces broad, implementation-ready protection for a small but high-impact infection-control product, addressing clinical safety and operational efficiency in ultrasound and related diagnostic settings.
Invention Details
Abstract: A probe sleeve for holding a probe in various stages of cleanliness with indicators thereto. The probe sleeve comprising an envelope portion, a sealing system, and a plurality of indicator zones. The envelope portion comprising a mouth. The mouth is operative to receive and release the probe. The envelope is operative to hold the probe. The plurality of indicator zones comprise a first indicator zone and a second indicator zone. The plurality of indicator zones display a status indicator related to the state of the probe. The sealing system is configured to selectively close and open the mouth. The first indicator zone is operable to signify that the probe is clean. The second indicator zone is operable to signify that the probe is not clean.
Summary of the Invention: A probe sleeve for holding a probe in various stages of cleanliness with indicators thereto. The probe sleeve comprising an envelope portion, a sealing system, and a plurality of indicator zones. The envelope portion comprising a mouth. The mouth is operative to receive and release the probe. The envelope is operative to hold the probe. The plurality of indicator zones comprise a first indicator zone and a second indicator zone. The plurality of indicator zones display a status indicator related to the state of the probe. The sealing system is configured to selectively close and open the mouth. The first indicator zone is operable to signify that the probe is clean. The second indicator zone is operable to signify that the probe is not clean. The sealing system comprises a flap portion. The flap portion comprises a one or more adhesive strips. The one or more adhesive strips are operable to selectively close a portion of the flap portion over the mouth. The one or more adhesive strips comprise a first strip and a second strip. The flap portion comprises a first flap portion and a second flap portion. The first flap portion comprises the first strip. The second flap portion comprises the second strip. The flap portion comprises a perforation between the first flap portion and the second flap portion. The first indicator zone is arranged on top of the first indicator zone. The first indicator zone comprises a first side and a second side. The second side comprises an adhesive. Removing the first indicator zone from the second indicator zone exposes a portion of the second indicator zone. The first flap portion with the first strip are configured to attach to a portion of the first indicator zone. The first indicator zone is configured to remove the first flap portion with the first strip when opening the probe sleeve to remove the probe.
A probe sleeve for holding a probe in various stages of cleanliness with indicators thereto.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Medical Devices & Surgical Instrumentation | Testing And Measurement | Bushland, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney