US3776220A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Diagnostic swab with stored culture medium
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-05-09
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Granted: 1973-12-04
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Expires: 1992-05-09
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a disposable device for housing diagnostic swabs or similar devices comprising a plastic tube containing medium in a breakable sealed section, a swab in a second section adapted so that the swab can break the seal separating it from the medium and a third seal located on the opposite side of the swab from the medium.
Inventors
- 👤 F Monaghan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:14
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B10/00; A61B10/02; A61B10/0096; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/38; C; C12; C12M; C12M33/00; C12M33/02; C12M45/00; C12M45/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A disposable culture tube device comprising: a. An upper plastic tube open at one end and sealed at the other; b. The seal being shaped so as to frictionally hold the end of an elongated medical device; c. A lower plastic tube open at one end and sealed at the other, having a chamber formed by; d. a flat welded breakable seal section for closing the plastic tube between its ends; e. A liquid medium within the chamber; f. A second seal partially across the diameter of said tube spaced from and adjacent said breakable seal; g. The upper and lower tubes shaped to fit tightly together.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
A disposable culture tube device comprising: a. An upper plastic tube open at one end and sealed at the other; b. The seal being shaped so as to frictionally hold the end of an elongated medical device; c. A lower plastic tube open at one end and sealed at the other, having a chamber formed by; d. a flat welded breakable seal section for closing the plastic tube between its ends; e. A liquid medium within the chamber; f. A second seal partially across the diameter of said tube spaced from and adjacent said breakable seal; g. The upper and lower tubes shaped to fit tightly together.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the elongated medical device is a sterile swab.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
3 The device of claim 1 wherein the open end of the lower tube is cut at an angle relative to the open end of the upper tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the upper tube has a diameter larger than the lower tube so that the upper tube slides frictionally over the lower tube.
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) | 1976-12-03 | 1977-06-04 | 1977-12-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-03 | 1981-06-04 | 1981-12-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-03 | 1985-06-04 | 1985-12-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |