Patent US3675641A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3675641A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Speculum instrument and isolated light means therefor
Assignee: Bio Analytical Laboratories Inc
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Filing: 1969-11-21
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Granted: 1972-07-11
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Expires: 1989-11-21
Abstract
Abstract A speculum instrument with improved lighting means therefore is disclosed wherein the speculum barrel, which may be a single use disposable material, tapers to become increasingly larger at its proximal end. A smaller cylindrical sleeve member having a light transmitting flange or wall at one end, has the flange affixed into the larger proximal end of the barrel with the sleeve extending therefrom, to define an annular contamination isolated area with the flange directed towards the distal end of the barrel. A handle member containing a light source releasably engages the speculum barrel and provides lamp means in the isolated area to direct light through the barrel. An obturator in the barrel may be withdrawn through the sleeve.
Inventors
- 👤 John M Fiore
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:24
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/31; A61B1/00064; A61B1/00105; A61B1/00142; A61B1/06; A61B1/0661; A61B1/0669; A61B1/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A speculum instrument comprising in combination a. a barrel member having a proximal and distal end and adapted for insertion into a body opening, b. a handle unit releaseably secured to said barrel member at the proximal end thereof, c. said barrel member tapering from a smaller distal end to a larger dimension at the proximal end thereof, d. a sleeve member at said proximal end of said barrel and defining an aperture through the proximal end of said barrel of significantly less diameter than said larger barrel dimension, e. radially inwardly projecting light transmitting wall means between and engaging said sleeve member and said barrel for directing light into the bore of said barrel and through said distal end and f. light means in said handle unit adapted to pass light through said light transmitting means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A speculum instrument comprising in combination a. a barrel member having a proximal and distal end and adapted for insertion into a body opening, b. a handle unit releaseably secured to said barrel member at the proximal end thereof, c. said barrel member tapering from a smaller distal end to a larger dimension at the proximal end thereof, d. a sleeve member at said proximal end of said barrel and defining an aperture through the proximal end of said barrel of significantly less diameter than said larger barrel dimension, e. radially inwardly projecting light transmitting wall means between and engaging said sleeve member and said barrel for directing light into the bore of said barrel and through said distal end and f. light means in said handle unit adapted to pass light through said light transmitting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said sleeve member is a separate member attached to said larger proximal end of said barrel member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said sleeve member includes a flange window section with the said flange window section being said light transmitting means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said sleeve member and said barrel member are of a single use disposable synthetic resin material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention as recited in claim 3 wherein said flange section is attached to said larger proximal end of said barrel member and said sleeve section extends therefrom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The invention as recited in claim 5 wherein the inside diameter of said sleeve member is slightly larger than the inside diameter of said barrel distal end so that an obturator in said distal end may be withdrawn through said sleeve member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as recited in claim 6 wherein said light means comprises a plurality of lamps positioned in said handle unit and adjacent said flange section to direct light down said barrel member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said handle unit is releaseably secured to said sleeve member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention as recited in claim 8 wherein said speculum instrument is a sigmoidoscope.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as recited in claim 9 wherein the effective length of said barrel member is of a frusto conical configuration.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as recited in claim 10 wherein said barrel member includes an inner taper extending over a significant portion of its effective length.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as recited in claim 10 wherein said barrel member includes an external taper extending over a significant portion of its effective length.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said barrel member includes an outwardly flared proximal end portion, and an axially projecting portion on said flared portion adapted to be engaged by said handle unit.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-11 | 1976-01-10 | 1976-07-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-11 | 1980-01-10 | 1980-07-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-11 | 1984-01-10 | 1984-07-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |