US3779233A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Speculum instrument with disposable forward section
Assignee: Espey Mfg and Electronics Corp
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Filing: 1971-09-30
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Granted: 1973-12-18
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Expires: 1991-09-30
Abstract
Abstract Speculum instrument for use with disposable plastic (polyethylene) sigmoidoscope or proctoscope tube. The elongated tubes are tapered to provision for the geometric optics employed, and contain a light shield, which acts to diffuse the light source and also protect the light source and instrument from contamination The tubes contain a rectangular groove that provides for its captivation by the instrument. A disposable plastic obturator is also provided with each tube. The instrument is fitted with a cylindrical lamp holder assembly having a plurality of lamps, an eye piece that allows one to look through the cylinder of lamps, a spring retaining ring that provides for the colleting of the disposable tubes, a cam push button arrangement for opening the retaining ring collet and ejecting the disposable tube, a handle that contains a rechargeable battery, a reostat with thumb wheel which controls the amount of light, a fitting for rubber tubing to allow for the admission of air, an air valve for the release of air, and gasket seals to provide for an air tight assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 S Saslow
- 👤 J Roberts
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:32
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/31; A61B1/00142; A61B1/06; A61B1/0661; A61B1/0669
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
204 words
A speculum instrument including an extended handle unit for holding a barrel, comprising in combination: a. a hollow cylindrical head at one end of said handle introducing an eye piece pivotally attached thereto; b. a hollow cylindrical lamp holder unit held in said head, said handle having a thick cylindrical outer wall with lamp holding places defined in said wall holding a plurality of lamps so as to reflect their light in a direction substantially normal to said extended handle; c. a rheostat and thumb wheel control unit removably held at the part of said handle adjacent said head; d. a battery space between said unit and said handle other end including means holding a rechargeable battery in said handle, means connecting said battery to said lamps through said rheostat unit; and, e. a disposable plastic elongated barrel including a tapered collecting sleeve for latching onto said cylindrical head, said head and said barrel having corresponding circular grooves, a split resilient ring band in said head for engaging said grooves, said ring band having a radially extending enlarged split section, and plunger release means for pressing into the split at said enlarged splIt section across said head to release said barrel from said head.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
204 words
A speculum instrument including an extended handle unit for holding a barrel, comprising in combination: a. a hollow cylindrical head at one end of said handle introducing an eye piece pivotally attached thereto; b. a hollow cylindrical lamp holder unit held in said head, said handle having a thick cylindrical outer wall with lamp holding places defined in said wall holding a plurality of lamps so as to reflect their light in a direction substantially normal to said extended handle; c. a rheostat and thumb wheel control unit removably held at the part of said handle adjacent said head; d. a battery space between said unit and said handle other end including means holding a rechargeable battery in said handle, means connecting said battery to said lamps through said rheostat unit; and, e. a disposable plastic elongated barrel including a tapered collecting sleeve for latching onto said cylindrical head, said head and said barrel having corresponding circular grooves, a split resilient ring band in said head for engaging said grooves, said ring band having a radially extending enlarged split section, and plunger release means for pressing into the split at said enlarged splIt section across said head to release said barrel from said head.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
The instrument as claimed in claim 1, said grooves being an outer groove on said barrel and an inner groove on said head, said enlarged section having two wide open portions on each side of said split, said release means, including a cam with a tapered end penetrating said open portions widening said ring so as to effectuate said release.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
67 words
The instrument as claimed in claim 2, said release means further comprising a plunger release button in said head, a plunger rod connected to said button, said rod in turn being connected to said cam which is so disposed that the tapered end will penetrate said wide open portions on each side of said slit, the pressing on said button causing said cam to penetrate said slot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The instrument as claimed in claim 3, wherein said barrel is made of polyethylene and has graduations on the outside thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The instrument as claimed in claim 4, including a removable elongated obturator which can be removed from said head when said eye piece is pivotally open.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-17 | 1977-06-18 | 1977-12-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-17 | 1981-06-18 | 1981-12-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-17 | 1985-06-18 | 1985-12-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |