FERTILSCAN 2000

FERTILSCAN 2000

Abrégé français

FERTILSCAN est un nouveau dispositif féminin destiné à mesurer les quatre paramètres les plus importants de la fertilité et, ainsi, à déterminer les heures optimales de fertilité durant un cycle menstruel. Cet article, utilisé chaque matin comme un tampon vaginal spécial et comme le thermomètre classique, fait état de la température du corps, de la glaire cervicale, du composé associé à la fertilité ainsi que de l'augmentation subite de l'hormone lutéinisante. Les mesures sont prises par la pointe de la sonde qui contient cinq détecteurs à haute sensibilité, sans produit chimique ni courant. Une puce programmée incorporée, utilisant une batterie au lithium de 3 V, traite les mesures qui sont affichées sur un petit écran intégré pour enregistrement manuel et qui sont sauvegardées dans la sonde pendant 64 jours de mesure. Les données peuvent être imprimées au moyen de l'interface d'un ordinateur standard.

Abrégé anglais

FERTILSCAN is a new device for women to measure the four most important parameters
of fertility, and thus determine the hours of highest fertility within the menstrual cycle. Used
like a special vaginal tampon every morning, like the traditional thermometer, it indicates:
the body temperature, as well as the cervical mucus, the fertility associated compound and
the luteinizing hormone surge. The measures are taken by the tip of the probe containing
five highly sensitive sensors without chemicals nor current. The built-in, programmed chip,
using a 3 volt lithium battery, processes the measures which are displayed on an integrated
small screen for manual recording, as well as stored within the probe for 64 measurement
days. The data can be printed out via an interface to a standard computer.

Revendications

claims

The embodiments of the invention on which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed
are defined as follows.
The first element is the measurement of the four parameters with one single vaginal
probe: CF (Cervical Mucus transparency), FAC (Fertility Associated Compound),
LH-Peak (Luteneizing Hormone Surge), together with the BT (Body Temperature).
The second element is the high-tech tip of the probe, with five highly sensitive tiny
sensors, and the use of an infrared beam to measure transparency of the cervical mucus.
(To be further described later.)
Drawing
Attached (20x33cm) to show the instrument full size with particularities identified

Description

CA 02207636 1997-06-27


ABSTRACT, SPECIFICATION AND DRAWING FOR
FERTILSCAN 2000 Wl'l H INTERFACE
ABSTRACT
FERTILSCAN is a new device for women to measure the four most important parameters
of fertility, and thus determine the hours of highest fertility within the menstrual cycle.
Used like a special vaginal tampon every morning, like the traditional thermometer, it
indicates: the body temperature, as well as the cervical mucus, the fertility associated
compound and the luteinizing hormone surge. The measures are taken by the tip of the
probe cont~ining five highly sensitive sensors without chemicals nor current. The built-in,
programmed chip, using a 3 volt lithium battery, processes the measures which are
displayed on an integrated small screen for manual recording, as well as stored within the
probe for 64 measurement days. The data can be printed out via an interface to a standard
computer.
SPECIFICATION
General character
This invention relates to the daily measurement of four parameters of the femalemenstrual cycle in order to determine the optimal time for conception.
Previous methods
The traditional parameter measured daily by a woman is the body temperature, which is
an approximate indicator of the menstrual situation. The basal temperature is not
sufficient to predict the time of ovulation. From its curve over a cycle, the doctor can read
if the ovaries function normally or wether there is a disorder to be treated, but not
forecaast the precise time of ovulation. Since sperm and ova have a restricted survival
time, fertilisation is only most probable within about a day. Therefore, determination of
the most favorable hours of coition represents a significant step in the treatment of
childless couples.
The conventional methods to determine the conception optimum are: cervixscore
according to Insler, measuring of the LH-peak, and determining of the ovary size; these
can only be carried out under clinical conditions. A number of chemical tests are
available for daily use by a woman at home, but they are cumbersome, unreliable and
costly.
The three additional parameters measured by FERTILSCAN 2000 are explained
herewith:
The LH-Peak (Luteinizing Hormone Surge) generates the ovulation and the release of the
egg. The LH-Value is essential to determine the time of ovulation, because it increases
five-fold during a short time 16 to 24 hours before ovulation.
The FAC (Fertility Associated Compound) sums up all the important hormones and
proteins formed in the uterus (epithelium and endometrium). It is responsible for
controlling the movement of the matured follicle, which is similarly enriched with FAC.

CA 02207636 1997-06-27


A fertilized egg is able to nest in the uterus only with the aid of an intrinsically formed
active protein which is part of FAC.
The CF measures the transparency of the Cervical Fluid or Mucus, which is normaly
cloudy, but becomes crystal clear 3 to 4 days before ovulation, when estrogen level
increases. The fertile phase of the cycle starts at that time.
Innovation
FERTILSCAN 2000 is a programmed vaginal probe that measures in two minutes the
four most important parameters of fertility. After the start-button is pushed, they are
successively displayed on a four-digit small screen for daily manual recording and
interpretation of the optimal time for conception. They are also memorized up to 64 days
(two full cycles) for subsequent print-out and interpretation by a doctor/gynecologist.
The probe is hygienic without any chemical nor current, although the internal processor
uses a 3-volt lithium battery. It should be for personal use by one woman, in order to
prevent the tr~n~mi~sion of any disease. It needs only a regular cleaning with alcohol, and
the change of the small battery about yearly.
A special interface allows to transmit the memorized data of up to 64 days to a standard
computer for printing, as normally operated at a pharmacy or medical office.
FERTILSCAN 2000 is very easy to use by any woman at home, where daily measures
can be recorded. It allows to determine ovulation and highest fertility time, as well as a
possible irregularity to be interpreted and treated by a gynecologist. It advantageously
replaces the simple thermometer and a number of chemical or clinical tests.
Patent claims
The embodiments of the invention on which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed
are defined as follows.
The first element is the measurement of the four parameters with one single vaginal
probe: CF (Cervical Mucus transparency), FAC (Fertility Associated Compound), LH-
Peak (Luteneizing Hormone Surge), together with the BT (Body Temperature).
The second element is the high-tech tip of the probe, with five highly sensitive tiny
sensors, and the use of an infrared beam to measure transparency of the cervical mucus.
(To be further described later.)
Drawing
Attached (20x33cm) to show the instrument full size with particularities identified



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