US3785366A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for disease diagnosis
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1968-12-19
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Granted: 1974-01-15
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Expires: 1988-12-19
Abstract
Abstract A process and apparatus for procuring and processing cellular material, particularly for use in disease detection from body cavities in which a self-contained pipette structure is used for irrigating the body cavity with a solution, re-aspirating the solution with the samples to be collected; shipping the thusobtained samples of cellular material to a laboratory and recovering at the laboratory by means of the pipette structure specimens of cellular material for purposes of analysis.
Inventors
- 👤 H Davis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 17:44
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B10/00; A61B10/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A method for procuring and preserving samples of cellular material from a body cavity and processing said cellular material to be conditioned for analysis by utilizing a single container structure including pipette means in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a specimen substantially completely under the control of a laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of at least partly filling said container structure with a cellpreservative solution, delivering said container structure to the patient, aspirating cellular sample material into said container structure from the patient''s body cavity by first irrigating the cavity with the solution and thereafter re-aspirating the solution by using said pipette means, delivering said container structure with said solution contained therein to a laboratorylike facility, and recovering the cellular material in the laboratory-like facility to effectively condition the cellular material contained in said solution for analysis whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
149 words
A method for procuring and preserving samples of cellular material from a body cavity and processing said cellular material to be conditioned for analysis by utilizing a single container structure including pipette means in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a specimen substantially completely under the control of a laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of at least partly filling said container structure with a cellpreservative solution, delivering said container structure to the patient, aspirating cellular sample material into said container structure from the patient''s body cavity by first irrigating the cavity with the solution and thereafter re-aspirating the solution by using said pipette means, delivering said container structure with said solution contained therein to a laboratorylike facility, and recovering the cellular material in the laboratory-like facility to effectively condition the cellular material contained in said solution for analysis whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of recovering the cellular material includes the step of processing said solution within said container structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein the analysis includes microscopic examination, and further comprising the step of eventually distributing the cellular material on a microscopic slide directly from said container structure by said pipette means whereby uniformly good slides are assured.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the analysis includes microscopic examination, and further comprising the step of eventually distributing the cellular material on a microscopic slide directly from said container structure by said pipette means whereby uniformly good slides are assured.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
223 words
A method for procuring and preserving samples of cellular material from vagina and processing said cellular material to be conditioned for microscopic examination by utilizing a single container structure including pipette means in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a microscopic slide with the cellular material thereon substantially completely under the control of a laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of at least partly filling said container structure with a solution containing alcohol in an alcohol concentration strong enough to inhibit bacterial growth and low enough neither to injure the body nor to substantially alter the cells and physiological salts in a concentration sufficient to prevent swelling and shrinking of the cells, delivering said container structure to the patient, aspirating cellular sample material into said container structure from the patient''s vagina by first irrigating the vagina with the solution and thereafter re-aspirating the solution by using said pipette means, delivering said container structure with said solution contained therein to a laboratory-like facility, processing said solution by centrifuging within said container structure in the laboratory-like facitility to effectively condition the cellular material contained in said solution for microscopic examination, and eventually distributing said cellular material on a microscopic slide directly from said container structure by said pipette means whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated and uniformly good slides are assured.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
223 words
A method for procuring and preserving samples of cellular material from vagina and processing said cellular material to be conditioned for microscopic examination by utilizing a single container structure including pipette means in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a microscopic slide with the cellular material thereon substantially completely under the control of a laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of at least partly filling said container structure with a solution containing alcohol in an alcohol concentration strong enough to inhibit bacterial growth and low enough neither to injure the body nor to substantially alter the cells and physiological salts in a concentration sufficient to prevent swelling and shrinking of the cells, delivering said container structure to the patient, aspirating cellular sample material into said container structure from the patient''s vagina by first irrigating the vagina with the solution and thereafter re-aspirating the solution by using said pipette means, delivering said container structure with said solution contained therein to a laboratory-like facility, processing said solution by centrifuging within said container structure in the laboratory-like facitility to effectively condition the cellular material contained in said solution for microscopic examination, and eventually distributing said cellular material on a microscopic slide directly from said container structure by said pipette means whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated and uniformly good slides are assured.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
130 words
A method utilizing a single pipette structure for procuring samples of cellular material from a body cavity forming part of a female reproductive tract and processiNg said cellular material to be conditioned for analysis in disease detection in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a specimen containing the cellular material substantially completely under the control of a laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of filling the pipette structure with a cell-preserving solution, transferring cellular sample material into said pipette structure from the tissue surfaces of said body cavity, delivering said pipette structure containing the preservative solution to a laboratory-like facility, and recovering the cellular material from the solution containing the samples of cellular material in the laboratory-like facility to utilize said cellular material for the disease detection analysis.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
130 words
A method utilizing a single pipette structure for procuring samples of cellular material from a body cavity forming part of a female reproductive tract and processiNg said cellular material to be conditioned for analysis in disease detection in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a specimen containing the cellular material substantially completely under the control of a laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of filling the pipette structure with a cell-preserving solution, transferring cellular sample material into said pipette structure from the tissue surfaces of said body cavity, delivering said pipette structure containing the preservative solution to a laboratory-like facility, and recovering the cellular material from the solution containing the samples of cellular material in the laboratory-like facility to utilize said cellular material for the disease detection analysis.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for processing samples of cellular material from a body cavity forming part of a female reproductive tract by utilizing a single pipette structure having a first portion adapted to be used as a container and a second portion adapted to be used as an auxiliary pipette, in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a specimen of the cellular material substantially completely under the control of a laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of transferring cellular material from tissue surfaces of said cavity into said first portion, closing said pipette structure, with the cellular material contained in a solution within said first portion, delivering the closed pipette structure with said cellular material enclosed therein to a laboratory-like facility, processing the cellular material in said pipette structure at the laboratory-like facility to separate said cellular material from the solution, and recovering the cellular material from said auxiliary pipette structure whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for processing samples of cellular material from a body cavity forming part of a female reproductive tract by utilizing a single pipette structure having a first portion adapted to be used as a container and a second portion adapted to be used as an auxiliary pipette, in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a specimen of the cellular material substantially completely under the control of a laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of transferring cellular material from tissue surfaces of said cavity into said first portion, closing said pipette structure, with the cellular material contained in a solution within said first portion, delivering the closed pipette structure with said cellular material enclosed therein to a laboratory-like facility, processing the cellular material in said pipette structure at the laboratory-like facility to separate said cellular material from the solution, and recovering the cellular material from said auxiliary pipette structure whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for processing samples of cellular material from a cavity forming part of a female reproductive tract by means of a container structure including means forming a pipette, and conditioning the samples for microscopic inspection in a laboratory-like facility in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a microscopic slide with the cellular material thereon substantially completely under the control of the laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of aspirating by the use of the pipette of said structure the cellular material from tissue surfaces of said cavity into the container structure, delivering the samples of cellular material to the laboratory-like facility in said container structure, processing the samples of cellular material at the laboratory-like facility by centrifuging the samples within said container structure, and eventually distributing the thus processed cellular material on a microscopic slide directly from said container structure, whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for processing samples of cellular material from a cavity forming part of a female reproductive tract by means of a container structure including means forming a pipette, and conditioning the samples for microscopic inspection in a laboratory-like facility in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a microscopic slide with the cellular material thereon substantially completely under the control of the laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of aspirating by the use of the pipette of said structure the cellular material from tissue surfaces of said cavity into the container structure, delivering the samples of cellular material to the laboratory-like facility in said container structure, processing the samples of cellular material at the laboratory-like facility by centrifuging the samples within said container structure, and eventually distributing the thus processed cellular material on a microscopic slide directly from said container structure, whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
253 words
A method for processing samples of cellular material from a living body by means of a single container structure including means forming a pipette and containing a solution which includes agents operative as preservatives for the cellular material and conditioning the samples for microscopic inspection in a laboratory-like facility in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a microscopic slide with the cellular material thereon completely under the control of laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of: irrigating the part of the living body containing cellular material with the solution from the container structure, aspirating the irrigation solution containing samples of cellular material into the container structure, delivering the aspired solution containing the samples of cellular material to the laboratory-like facility in said container structure, processing by centrifuging the irrigation solution containing the said samples of cellular material within said container structure at the laboratory-like facility including, within said container structure, centrifuging the said solution to concentrate the cellular material container in the irrigation solution within said container structure to form a supernatant solution, removing the supernatant solution from said container structure, supplying to the thus-concentrated cellular material a fixing solution and mixing the fixing solution to the thus-concentrated cellular material within said container structure, centrifuging within said container structure the mixture of concentrated cellular material and fixing solution to condition the cellular material for microscopic examination, and eventually distributing the thus processed cellular material on a microscopic slide directly from said container structure, whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
253 words
A method for processing samples of cellular material from a living body by means of a single container structure including means forming a pipette and containing a solution which includes agents operative as preservatives for the cellular material and conditioning the samples for microscopic inspection in a laboratory-like facility in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a microscopic slide with the cellular material thereon completely under the control of laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of: irrigating the part of the living body containing cellular material with the solution from the container structure, aspirating the irrigation solution containing samples of cellular material into the container structure, delivering the aspired solution containing the samples of cellular material to the laboratory-like facility in said container structure, processing by centrifuging the irrigation solution containing the said samples of cellular material within said container structure at the laboratory-like facility including, within said container structure, centrifuging the said solution to concentrate the cellular material container in the irrigation solution within said container structure to form a supernatant solution, removing the supernatant solution from said container structure, supplying to the thus-concentrated cellular material a fixing solution and mixing the fixing solution to the thus-concentrated cellular material within said container structure, centrifuging within said container structure the mixture of concentrated cellular material and fixing solution to condition the cellular material for microscopic examination, and eventually distributing the thus processed cellular material on a microscopic slide directly from said container structure, whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
163 words
A method for processing by means of a single pipette structure adapted to contain an irrigation solution, samples of cellular material from a living body cavity and conditioning the samples for analysis in a laboratory-like facility in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a specimen of the cellular material completely under the control of laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of: providing a pipette structure with a content of an irrigation solution having agents effective as preservative for the cellular material, irrigating the cavity of the living body containing cellular material with the irrigation solution from the pipette structure, re-aspirating the irrigation solution containing samples of cellular material into the pipette structure, delivering the samples of cellular material to the laboratory-like facility in said pipette structure, processing the contents of the pipette structure to recover specimens of cellular material from the solution at the laboratory-like facility and conditioning the specimens for said analysis, whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
163 words
A method for processing by means of a single pipette structure adapted to contain an irrigation solution, samples of cellular material from a living body cavity and conditioning the samples for analysis in a laboratory-like facility in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a specimen of the cellular material completely under the control of laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of: providing a pipette structure with a content of an irrigation solution having agents effective as preservative for the cellular material, irrigating the cavity of the living body containing cellular material with the irrigation solution from the pipette structure, re-aspirating the irrigation solution containing samples of cellular material into the pipette structure, delivering the samples of cellular material to the laboratory-like facility in said pipette structure, processing the contents of the pipette structure to recover specimens of cellular material from the solution at the laboratory-like facility and conditioning the specimens for said analysis, whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 10, wherein the step of processing is carried out at least in part in said pipette structure.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 10, wherein the analysis includes microscopic examination, and wherein the conditioning step includes eventually distributing the thus processed cellular material on a microscopic slide.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
92 words
A method according to claim 10, wherein the step of processing the contents of said pipette structure at the laboratory-like facility includes the steps of centrifuging in said pipette structure the said irrigation solution to concentrate the cellular material contained therein to form a supernatant solution, removing from the pipette structure the supernatant solution, supplying and mixing with the thus concentrated cellular material a fixing solution within said pipette structure, and centrifuging within said pipette structure the mixture of concentrate cellular material and fixing solution to condition the cellular material for analysis.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of eventually distributing the thus processed cellular material on a microscopic slide directly from said pipette structure.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
215 words
A method of utilizing a single pipette structure for procuring samples of cellular material from a body cavity of a human being and processing said cellular material to be conditioned for analysis in disease detection in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a specimen containing the cellular material substantially completely under the control of a laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of filling the pipette structure with a cell-preserving solution, transferring cellular sample material into said pipette structure from said body cavity, delivering said pipette structure containing the preservative solution to a laboratory-like facility, and recovering the cellular material from the solution containing the samples of cellular material in the laboratory-like facility to utilize said cellular material for the disease detection analysis, the step of recovering the cellular material including processing said solution containing the samples of cellular material by ceNtrifuging said pipette structure in the laboratory-like facility to concentrate the cellular material contained in said solution within said pipette structure to form a supernatant solution, discarding said supernatant solution, supplying fixing solution into said pipette structure, mixing said concentrated cellular material with said fixing solution within said pipette structure, re-centrifuging said pipette structure containing the mixture of concentrated cellular material and fixing solution to effectively condition said cellular material for microscopic examination.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
215 words
A method of utilizing a single pipette structure for procuring samples of cellular material from a body cavity of a human being and processing said cellular material to be conditioned for analysis in disease detection in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a specimen containing the cellular material substantially completely under the control of a laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of filling the pipette structure with a cell-preserving solution, transferring cellular sample material into said pipette structure from said body cavity, delivering said pipette structure containing the preservative solution to a laboratory-like facility, and recovering the cellular material from the solution containing the samples of cellular material in the laboratory-like facility to utilize said cellular material for the disease detection analysis, the step of recovering the cellular material including processing said solution containing the samples of cellular material by ceNtrifuging said pipette structure in the laboratory-like facility to concentrate the cellular material contained in said solution within said pipette structure to form a supernatant solution, discarding said supernatant solution, supplying fixing solution into said pipette structure, mixing said concentrated cellular material with said fixing solution within said pipette structure, re-centrifuging said pipette structure containing the mixture of concentrated cellular material and fixing solution to effectively condition said cellular material for microscopic examination.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
246 words
A method for processing samples of cellular material by utilizing a single pipette structure having a first portion adapted to be used as a container and a second portion adapted to be used as an auxiliary pipette, in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a specimen of the cellular material substantially completely under the control of a laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of transferring cellular material into said first portion, closing said pipette structure, with the cellular material contained in a solution within said first portion, delivering the closed pipette structure with said cellular material enclosed therein to a laboratory-like facility, processing the cellular material in said pipette structure at the laboratory-like facility to separate said cellular material from the solution, and recovering the cellular material from said auxiliary pipette structure whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated, the step of processing including centrifuging said pipette structure in the laboratory-like facility to concentrate said cellular material in said first portion thereof, separating at least partly said first portion of said pipette structure from the other portion thereof, discarding the supernatant solution from said pipette structure, supplying a fixing solution into said separated portion of said pipette structure, re-centrifuging said cellular material with said fixing solution, discarding from said cellular material supernatant solution, sucking up cellular material by means of said auxiliary pipette defined by said second portion thereof, and distributing said material on a microscopic slide directly from said auxiliary pipette structure.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
246 words
A method for processing samples of cellular material by utilizing a single pipette structure having a first portion adapted to be used as a container and a second portion adapted to be used as an auxiliary pipette, in such a manner as to enable the preparation of a specimen of the cellular material substantially completely under the control of a laboratory-like facility, comprising the steps of transferring cellular material into said first portion, closing said pipette structure, with the cellular material contained in a solution within said first portion, delivering the closed pipette structure with said cellular material enclosed therein to a laboratory-like facility, processing the cellular material in said pipette structure at the laboratory-like facility to separate said cellular material from the solution, and recovering the cellular material from said auxiliary pipette structure whereby the danger of cross-contamination is substantially eliminated, the step of processing including centrifuging said pipette structure in the laboratory-like facility to concentrate said cellular material in said first portion thereof, separating at least partly said first portion of said pipette structure from the other portion thereof, discarding the supernatant solution from said pipette structure, supplying a fixing solution into said separated portion of said pipette structure, re-centrifuging said cellular material with said fixing solution, discarding from said cellular material supernatant solution, sucking up cellular material by means of said auxiliary pipette defined by said second portion thereof, and distributing said material on a microscopic slide directly from said auxiliary pipette structure.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for processing samples of cellular material aspirated in a solution into a container structure having means to enable aspiration of one''s own cellular material and operable to be used as an aspirator, comprising the steps of processing said solution within said container structure to separate said cellular material from the solution, and recovering the cellular material including the step of conditioning the same for diagnostic detection analysis whereby the danger of cross-contamination is greatly minimized, including the steps of centrifuging said container structure to concentrate said cellular material therein, discarding the supernatant solution from said concentrated cellular material, supplying a fixing solution to said container structure, mixing said concentrated cellular material and said fixing solution, re-centrifuging said container structure to condition said cellular material for microscopic examination, and distributing said cellular material on a microscopic slide directly from said container structure.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for processing samples of cellular material aspirated in a solution into a container structure having means to enable aspiration of one''s own cellular material and operable to be used as an aspirator, comprising the steps of processing said solution within said container structure to separate said cellular material from the solution, and recovering the cellular material including the step of conditioning the same for diagnostic detection analysis whereby the danger of cross-contamination is greatly minimized, including the steps of centrifuging said container structure to concentrate said cellular material therein, discarding the supernatant solution from said concentrated cellular material, supplying a fixing solution to said container structure, mixing said concentrated cellular material and said fixing solution, re-centrifuging said container structure to condition said cellular material for microscopic examination, and distributing said cellular material on a microscopic slide directly from said container structure.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
169 words
Apparatus for procuring and processing samples of cellular material from a living body by means of a fluid within the apparatus so as to minimize cross-contamination comprising in combination: a first hollow member, a tubular portion and a second hollow member having a flexible wall portion constituting a flexible bulb, connector means operatively associated with said members and said tubular portion to enable various assemblies of said first and second hollow members and of said tubular portion including means connecting said first and said second hollow members with said tubular portion into a unitary structure with said second hollow member connected with one end of said tubular portion and with said first hollow member closing the other end of said tubular portion, means by disassembly of at least some of said members to provide a separate pipette formed by said tubular portion and said second hollow member to aspirate said fluid, and means to disassemble said members from each other to constitute said first hollow member a centrifugal container.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
169 words
Apparatus for procuring and processing samples of cellular material from a living body by means of a fluid within the apparatus so as to minimize cross-contamination comprising in combination: a first hollow member, a tubular portion and a second hollow member having a flexible wall portion constituting a flexible bulb, connector means operatively associated with said members and said tubular portion to enable various assemblies of said first and second hollow members and of said tubular portion including means connecting said first and said second hollow members with said tubular portion into a unitary structure with said second hollow member connected with one end of said tubular portion and with said first hollow member closing the other end of said tubular portion, means by disassembly of at least some of said members to provide a separate pipette formed by said tubular portion and said second hollow member to aspirate said fluid, and means to disassemble said members from each other to constitute said first hollow member a centrifugal container.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
174 words
A pipette structure comprising: an elongated tubular portion of a first diametric dimension having two ends, a first end member of relatively larger external dimension than said first diametric dimension, detachable connecting means provided at one end of said elongated tubular portion and at said first end member to enable connection between and separation of said one end of the tubular portion from said first end member, a second end member of relatively larger external dimension than said first diametric dimension having connecting means to enable connection between said second end member and said one end of said tubular portion, said second end member having at least in part an internal dimension of substantially the same dimension as said first diametric dimension to enable said second end member to be used as a closing cap over the other end of said tubular portion, said first end member and said second end member having flexible wall portions operable to use either of said end members as a pipette bulb when connected with said tubular portion.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
174 words
A pipette structure comprising: an elongated tubular portion of a first diametric dimension having two ends, a first end member of relatively larger external dimension than said first diametric dimension, detachable connecting means provided at one end of said elongated tubular portion and at said first end member to enable connection between and separation of said one end of the tubular portion from said first end member, a second end member of relatively larger external dimension than said first diametric dimension having connecting means to enable connection between said second end member and said one end of said tubular portion, said second end member having at least in part an internal dimension of substantially the same dimension as said first diametric dimension to enable said second end member to be used as a closing cap over the other end of said tubular portion, said first end member and said second end member having flexible wall portions operable to use either of said end members as a pipette bulb when connected with said tubular portion.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
157 words
A pipette structure comprising: an elongated tubular portion having a mouth end and an end provided with a first part of complementary connector means, a first flexible member having a closed end and an open end provided with a second part of complementary connector means detachably connecting said flexible member to said tubular portion to constitute said connected parts a first pipette as well as to enable separation of said tubular portion from said end member to constitute said flexible member an open container, a second member having an open end and a closed end and forming a cap member detachably closing said mouth end of said pipette structure, said second member and said tubular portion having further complementary connector means at said end provided with said first part of complementary connector means to allow alternative connection of said second member with said tubular portion to constitute said second member and said tubular portion a second pipette.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
157 words
A pipette structure comprising: an elongated tubular portion having a mouth end and an end provided with a first part of complementary connector means, a first flexible member having a closed end and an open end provided with a second part of complementary connector means detachably connecting said flexible member to said tubular portion to constitute said connected parts a first pipette as well as to enable separation of said tubular portion from said end member to constitute said flexible member an open container, a second member having an open end and a closed end and forming a cap member detachably closing said mouth end of said pipette structure, said second member and said tubular portion having further complementary connector means at said end provided with said first part of complementary connector means to allow alternative connection of said second member with said tubular portion to constitute said second member and said tubular portion a second pipette.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
143 words
Apparatus for procuring and processing samples of cellular material by means of a fluid comprising in combination a first hollow flexible member having an open end, a second hollow flexible member having an open end and a tubular portion open at both ends, first connector means detachably assembling said first hollow member with said tubular portion to provide a first pipette structure with said first hollow member constituting a pipette bulb and said tubular portion constituting an aspirating channel of substantial length, second connector means detachably assembling said second hollow member with said first pipette structure to effectively provide a closure member therefor, and third connector means on said second hollow member and said tubular portion to allow alternative connection of said second hollow member with said tubular portion when disassembled from said first hollow member to effectively provide a second pipette structure.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
143 words
Apparatus for procuring and processing samples of cellular material by means of a fluid comprising in combination a first hollow flexible member having an open end, a second hollow flexible member having an open end and a tubular portion open at both ends, first connector means detachably assembling said first hollow member with said tubular portion to provide a first pipette structure with said first hollow member constituting a pipette bulb and said tubular portion constituting an aspirating channel of substantial length, second connector means detachably assembling said second hollow member with said first pipette structure to effectively provide a closure member therefor, and third connector means on said second hollow member and said tubular portion to allow alternative connection of said second hollow member with said tubular portion when disassembled from said first hollow member to effectively provide a second pipette structure.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
175 words
Apparatus for procuring and processing samples of cellular material by means of a fluid according to claim 21, wherein the first hollow flexible member is of a first interior volume and a physical strength sufficient to enable it to be used as a centrifugal container, the second hollow flexible member being of a relatively smaller interior volume, the first connector means detachably assemblying said first hollow member with said tubular portion to provide the first pipette structure with said first hollow member constituting a pipette bulb as well as a reservoir for fluid aspirated into said first pipette structure, said secOnd connector means assembling said second hollow member with said first pipette structure to effectively provide a closure member therefor and thus to enable said closed pipette structure to be shipped with a content of fluid aspirated therein, and said third connector means which assembles said second hollow member with said tubular portion, effectively providing a second pipette structure to be used for aspirating fluid from said reservoir upon disengagement of said first connector means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
133 words
A structure for procuring and processing, by the use of a fluid, samples of cellular material derived from a living body which minimizes the danger of cross-contamination, comprising: a first hollow member forming a container open at one end, a second hollow member open at one end thereof, a tubular portion open at both ends thereof, one end of said tubular portion being provided with means forming a fluid-tight detachable sealing connection with said first hollow member detachably connecting said one end with said first hollow member, and the diametric dimensions of said second hollow member and of the other end of said tubular portion being so correlated that said second hollow member sealingly fits over one of the two ends and into the other of the two ends of said tubular portion.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
133 words
A structure for procuring and processing, by the use of a fluid, samples of cellular material derived from a living body which minimizes the danger of cross-contamination, comprising: a first hollow member forming a container open at one end, a second hollow member open at one end thereof, a tubular portion open at both ends thereof, one end of said tubular portion being provided with means forming a fluid-tight detachable sealing connection with said first hollow member detachably connecting said one end with said first hollow member, and the diametric dimensions of said second hollow member and of the other end of said tubular portion being so correlated that said second hollow member sealingly fits over one of the two ends and into the other of the two ends of said tubular portion.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
A structure according to claim 23, wherein said first and second hollow members are each provided with flexible wall means constituting a bulb
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
A structure according to claim 37, wherein the other end of said tubular portion is provided with means producing a uniform smear of cellular material on a microscopic slide.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
69 words
A structure according to claim 25, wherein the means at the one end of said tubular portion is provided with means in the form of an abutment collar for the open end of said first hollow member and an axial extension of such diametric dimension enabling coaxial assembly with the open end of said first hollow member to provide said fluid-tight detachable sealing connection with said first hollow member.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
69 words
A structure according to claim 23, wherein the means at the one end of said tubular portion is provided with means in the form of an abutment collar for the open end of said first hollow member and an axial extension of such diametric dimension enabling coaxial assembly with the open end of said first hollow member to provide said fluid-tight detachable sealing connection with said first hollow member.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
170 words
A pipette structure comprising: an elongated tubular portion having two open ends, a first flexible end member having an open end and a closed end, said tubular portion being of at least the same order of length as said first end member, first connecting means provided at one end of said elongated tubular portion and at said first end member detachably connecting said tubular portion and said first end member to constitute the thus connected parts a first pipette operable to discharge and reaspirate fluid into said first end member, a second flexible end member detachably closing the other end of said tubular portion, and second connecting means at said second end member and said tubular portion to allow alternative connection between said second end member and said tubular portion in such a manner as to constitute a second pipette structure capable of withdrawing fluid from the closed end of said first end member by insertion of said tubular portion over a substantial length thereof into said first end member.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
170 words
A pipette structure comprising: an elongated tubular portion having two open ends, a first flexible end member having an open end and a closed end, said tubular portion being of at least the same order of length as said first end member, first connecting means provided at one end of said elongated tubular portion and at said first end member detachably connecting said tubular portion and said first end member to constitute the thus connected parts a first pipette operable to discharge and reaspirate fluid into said first end member, a second flexible end member detachably closing the other end of said tubular portion, and second connecting means at said second end member and said tubular portion to allow alternative connection between said second end member and said tubular portion in such a manner as to constitute a second pipette structure capable of withdrawing fluid from the closed end of said first end member by insertion of said tubular portion over a substantial length thereof into said first end member.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
172 words
A structure for procuring and processing, by the use of a fluid, samples of cellular material derived from a living body which minimizes the danger of cross-contamination, comprising: first means constituting a container for said fluid, second means including a relatively long tubular portion and constituting together with said first means a pipette structure for discharging the fluid from said container and re-aspirating said fluid back into said container, means to provide between said first and second means a separable connection so aS to enable use of said container as a centrifuging container upon separation of said first means from said second means, and further means in said structure associated with the tubular portion of said second means to effectively constitute said tubular portion a further pipette structure for withdrawing fluid from said container by immersion of said tubular portion into said container, said further means being operable to close said structure in a fluid-tight manner with said first and second means connected, and a cell preservative fluid in said first means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
172 words
A structure for procuring and processing, by the use of a fluid, samples of cellular material derived from a living body which minimizes the danger of cross-contamination, comprising: first means constituting a container for said fluid, second means including a relatively long tubular portion and constituting together with said first means a pipette structure for discharging the fluid from said container and re-aspirating said fluid back into said container, means to provide between said first and second means a separable connection so aS to enable use of said container as a centrifuging container upon separation of said first means from said second means, and further means in said structure associated with the tubular portion of said second means to effectively constitute said tubular portion a further pipette structure for withdrawing fluid from said container by immersion of said tubular portion into said container, said further means being operable to close said structure in a fluid-tight manner with said first and second means connected, and a cell preservative fluid in said first means.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
149 words
A device for procuring and processing samples of cellular material from a living body which minimizes cross-contamination, comprising a tubular portion forming an aspirating channel, said tubular portion being open at both ends, main bulb means connected to one end of said tubular portion, said main bulb means being of flexible material to permit use of said tubular portion and said main bulb means as pipette and being of sufficient strength and dimensions to enable use thereof as centrifuging container upon separation from said tubular portion, a closure member for the other end of said tubular portion, and means in said device forming an auxiliary bulb means having a flexible wall structure, and the length of said tubular portion being at least of the same order of length as said main bulb means and forming directly an aspirating channel for the cellular material when inserted into a body cavity.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
149 words
A device for procuring and processing samples of cellular material from a living body which minimizes cross-contamination, comprising a tubular portion forming an aspirating channel, said tubular portion being open at both ends, main bulb means connected to one end of said tubular portion, said main bulb means being of flexible material to permit use of said tubular portion and said main bulb means as pipette and being of sufficient strength and dimensions to enable use thereof as centrifuging container upon separation from said tubular portion, a closure member for the other end of said tubular portion, and means in said device forming an auxiliary bulb means having a flexible wall structure, and the length of said tubular portion being at least of the same order of length as said main bulb means and forming directly an aspirating channel for the cellular material when inserted into a body cavity.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 30, wherein said auxiliary bulb means is connected to said main bulb means at the end opposite the connection of said tubular portion.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 31, wherein said auxiliary bulb means is formed within said tubular portion intermediate its two open ends.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 31, wherein said auxiliary bulb means is formed by said closure member.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
288 words
A pipette structure for use in obtaining and processing cellular samples from the vagina, which minimizes the danger of cross-contamination, comprising an elongated tubular portion of relatively small diametric dimension and open at both ends, a first end member having flexible walls and of a diametric dimension larger than the diametric dimension of the tubular portion, said first end member being open at one end and closed at the other end, first complementary means at the open end of said first end member and at one open end of said tubular portion readily detachably connecting said first end member to said one end of said tubular portion to constitute the thus-connected first end member and tubular portion an aspirator to aspirate from the vagina a solution containing cellular samples and rendering said first end member usable directly as centrifuging container upon disconnection from said one end of said tubular portion, a second end member having a closed end and an open end, second complementary means at the open end of said second end member and at the other end of said tubular member detachably connecting said second end member to the other end of said tubular portion to provide a hermetic seal for the aspirated fluid in said structure and sufficiently tight to permit transportation of the pipette structure with the solution including the cellular samples contained therein, and said tubular portion being of sufficient length to extend into the vagina to obtain the solution with the cellular samples by aspiration while the first end member is operated as aspirator bulb with its flexible walls disposed substantially externally of the person from whom the cellular samples are to be obtained, and a cell-preservative solution contained in said structure.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
288 words
A pipette structure for use in obtaining and processing cellular samples from the vagina, which minimizes the danger of cross-contamination, comprising an elongated tubular portion of relatively small diametric dimension and open at both ends, a first end member having flexible walls and of a diametric dimension larger than the diametric dimension of the tubular portion, said first end member being open at one end and closed at the other end, first complementary means at the open end of said first end member and at one open end of said tubular portion readily detachably connecting said first end member to said one end of said tubular portion to constitute the thus-connected first end member and tubular portion an aspirator to aspirate from the vagina a solution containing cellular samples and rendering said first end member usable directly as centrifuging container upon disconnection from said one end of said tubular portion, a second end member having a closed end and an open end, second complementary means at the open end of said second end member and at the other end of said tubular member detachably connecting said second end member to the other end of said tubular portion to provide a hermetic seal for the aspirated fluid in said structure and sufficiently tight to permit transportation of the pipette structure with the solution including the cellular samples contained therein, and said tubular portion being of sufficient length to extend into the vagina to obtain the solution with the cellular samples by aspiration while the first end member is operated as aspirator bulb with its flexible walls disposed substantially externally of the person from whom the cellular samples are to be obtained, and a cell-preservative solution contained in said structure.
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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) | 1977-01-14 | 1977-07-16 | 1978-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-14 | 1981-07-16 | 1982-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-14 | 1985-07-16 | 1986-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |