Patent US3937586A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3840004A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Otoscope with disposable speculum
Assignee: Heine Optotechnik KG
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Filing: 1973-01-26
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Granted: 1974-10-08
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Expires: 1993-01-26
Abstract
Abstract An otoscope includes a speculum joined to the head thereof by means of an annular groove and an annular rib. The speculum is of an inexpensive synthetic resin and is disposable. The speculum is sufficiently flexible so that it can be separated from the head by manually applied force.
Inventors
- 👤 H Heine
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 22:17
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/227
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
An otoscope suitable for pneumatic examination of an orifice comprising a handle, a head on said handle, joined air-tightly to said handle and a disposable. essentially frustoconical speculum, one of said head and the larger end of said speculum having an annular rib thereon and the other of said head and the larger end of said speculum having an annular groove therein, said groove and rib being so disposed and and shaped and said speculum being sufficiently flexible that said speculum can be joined to and separated from said head with said rib and groove forming an essentially gas-tight join using only manually applied force.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
An otoscope suitable for pneumatic examination of an orifice comprising a handle, a head on said handle, joined air-tightly to said handle and a disposable. essentially frustoconical speculum, one of said head and the larger end of said speculum having an annular rib thereon and the other of said head and the larger end of said speculum having an annular groove therein, said groove and rib being so disposed and and shaped and said speculum being sufficiently flexible that said speculum can be joined to and separated from said head with said rib and groove forming an essentially gas-tight join using only manually applied force.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
An otoscope as defined in claim 1, wherein said annular groove is in said head and said annular rib is on said speculum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
An otoscope as defined in claim 1, wherein said annular groove is in said speculum and said annular rib is on said head.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
An otoscope as defined in claim 1, wherein said speculum is of a molded synthetic plastic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
An otoscope as defined in claim 1, wherein said speculum is of an essentially opaque material selected from the group consisting of ABS, polystyrene, polyester, polyacrylic, polyvinyl chloride, phenol-formaldehyde or urea-fomaldehyde, said material containing enough pigment to render same essentially opaque.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
A disposable essentially frustoconical speculum adapted to form a gas-tight seal proximate the larger end thereof with the distal end of an otoscope suitable for pneumatic examination of an orifice, one of said larger end and the distal end of said otoscope having an external annular rib and the other having an internal groove, said rib and groove being adapted to form a gas-tight join by snapping said rib into said groove.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
A disposable essentially frustoconical speculum adapted to form a gas-tight seal proximate the larger end thereof with the distal end of an otoscope suitable for pneumatic examination of an orifice, one of said larger end and the distal end of said otoscope having an external annular rib and the other having an internal groove, said rib and groove being adapted to form a gas-tight join by snapping said rib into said groove.
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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) | 1977-10-07 | 1978-04-08 | 1978-10-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-07 | 1982-04-08 | 1982-10-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-07 | 1986-04-08 | 1986-10-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |