Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Monitoring fertility cycle
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-10
2002-12-03
Nasser, Robert L. (Department: 3736)
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Monitoring fertility cycle
C600S532000, C119S014010, C119S014140
Reexamination Certificate
active
06488635
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to the monitoring of the exhalation of an animal in order to provide information about the animal. The information can relate to health, diet or other condition. The animal can be farm livestock such as cattle, domesticated animals such as cats, dogs and horses or poultry such as turkeys and chickens.
Animals produce exhalations some of which are odours such as those from the skin, breath, milk and solid and liquid waste products. It is important that any monitoring is based on an accurately taken sample.
GB 2272773A discloses a method for the examination of the condition of a ruminant animal including sampling odours from at least one part of the animal with an olfactory sensor thereby to identify a specific aspect of the animal condition and apparatus to examine a ruminant animal including means to collect breath or other flow containing an odour of the animal as a sample, means to purge said collecting means, sensing means to receive said sample and identify at least one specific condition of the animal and means to supply an indication of said condition. The method and apparatus may be used to detect conditions such as oestrus, ketosis and other metabolic disorders of ruminant animals in general.
GB 2272626A discloses the use of an olfactory sensor for the checking of any residual contamination after a teat cleaning operation. Purge air or gas can be used.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective technique for monitoring livestock on the basis of exhalation from the livestock. Exhalation includes breath from the animal, vapour from milk or any other volatile materials emanating therefrom. Condition can be determined from a component of the exhalation, which component may be an odour or specific compound or other material. The composition of such exhalation can provide a valuable source of information regarding the animal's state of health. The determination of the presence of a particular component in the exhalation can be used to identify an animal's condition.
In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for collecting an exhalation sample comprising a housing having inlet and outlet means; a flow path between the inlet and outlet means; and a collapsible container positioned within the housing and in communication with said flow path; means for introducing the sample to the apparatus and means for expelling the sample from the apparatus. It is particularly preferred that the means for introducing the sample to and expelling the sample facilitate flow into and out of the collapsible container.
In a first preferred embodiment the housing comprises a rigid tube having first and second ends, in communication with the flow path at the first end and at the second with means for facilitating the introduction or expulsion of the sample from the apparatus. The rigid tube is preferably made of plastic or other similar material. It is especially preferred that the end in communication with the flow path comprises inlet means for admitting the sample to the apparatus and outlet means for its expulsion. The tube is preferably sealed to prevent the ingress of unwanted contaminants. Sealing is conveniently effected by the use of closures, positioned at the open ends of the tube and appropriately pierced to accommodate the inlet and outlet means, the means for introducing and the means for expelling the sample (exhalation means) from the apparatus.
The collapsible container may take any form appropriate to permit collection and temporary storage of the sample. It is preferred that the container be made of inert material to prevent contamination of the sample. It is especially preferred that the collapsible container is disposable.
The means for introducing and means for expelling the sample from the apparatus may have the effect of facilitating flow of exhalation through the apparatus.
In a second preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the collapsible container comprises a length of plastic tubing, sealed at one end and in communication with the flow path at the other. Typically the type of plastic tubing used for packaging food is preferred.
The means for introducing the sample to the apparatus preferably produces a reduced pressure within the housing in the region surrounding the collapsible container. The establishment of this reduced pressure causes the collapsible container to expand from the collapsed state and thus draw or facilitate the flow of exhalation through the inlet and into the collection apparatus. It is preferred that flow of exhalation is into the collapsible container.
The means for expelling the sample, the exhalation means, from the apparatus preferably produces an increased pressure within the housing in the region surrounding the collapsible container. The establishment of this increased pressure causes the resilient, collapsible container to collapse which forces the exhalation to be expelled, via the outlet, from the collection apparatus.
The inlet and outlet means may be formed integrally or independent of each other and are preferably constructed of inert material to avoid contamination of the sample. The inlet and outlet means are optionally provided with valve means to selectively control the direction of flow of sample into or out of the apparatus. A two way valve may be provided in cases where the inlet and outlet means are formed integrally; the direction of flow of the exhalation sample either into or out of the apparatus may be regulated by use of electronic control means.
A third preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention provides apparatus for collecting an exhalation sample comprising a housing with inlet and outlet means; a flow path between the inlet and outlet means; a collapsible container positioned within the housing and in communication with said flow path; means for introducing the sample to the apparatus; means for expelling the sample from the apparatus and means for controlling the direction of flow of exhalation into or out of the apparatus.
Sensing means may also be provided to detect the presence of exhalation. For example flow sensing means may also be provided to detect the flow of exhalation. These flow sensing means may be connected to a central control unit where upon detection of a flow of exhalation, actuation of the sample introduction means occurs thereby effecting flow of the exhalation into the apparatus. The use of sensing and control means facilitates the collection of samples upon detection of exhalation only. These sensing and control means may also be able to distinguish between exhalations derived from the rumen and those derived from the lungs. Actuation of the sample introduction means may also be effected in response to non-rumen derived exhalations.
A fourth preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention provides apparatus for collecting an exhalation sample comprising a housing having inlet and outlet means; a flow path between the inlet and outlet means; a collapsible container positioned within the housing and in communication with said flow path; means for introducing the sample to the apparatus; means for expelling the sample from the apparatus; means for controlling the direction of flow of exhalation into or out of the apparatus; flow sensing means and actuation means for facilitating collection of a sample upon detection by the flow sensing means of the flow of exhalation.
In some instances it may be necessary to control the temperature of the collected sample in order to prevent loss of components by, for example, condensation onto the walls of the container. Thus in a fifth preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention temperature control means are further included in the apparatus. Such temperature control means may take the form of an electrical heating element, a thermostatically controlled water jacket or equivalent which surrounds or forms part of the housing.
The sample collection apparatus may form part of an apparatus such as an animal condition monit
BTG International Limited
Pillsbury & Winthrop LLP
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