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.
Granted: 2020-03-17
