US3848587A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ear, nose and throat examining instrument
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-11-21
•
Granted: 1974-11-19
•
Expires: 1992-11-21
Abstract
Abstract This instrument has an elongated handle with a non-round speculum supporting tang extending laterally from the handle at one end. A fiber optic bundle extends through the handle and terminates at the end of the tang for conducting light from a remote light source and illuminating a body cavity. A variety of transparent specula can be fitted on the support tang. One ear speculum has a closed transparent end through which the ear may be viewed. One channel along the length of this speculum permits insertion of instruments or fluid. A second channel permits drainage of fluid into a collection vial. In addition, a laryngoscope speculum may be fitted on the tang. The laryngoscope also includes means for administering a topical anaesthetic in the region of the soft palate.
Inventors
- 👤 B Mcdonald
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:01
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/24; A61B1/06; A61B1/07; A61B1/227; A61B1/32; A61B1/012; A61B1/015
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
An ear, nose or throat (ENT) examining instrument comprising: an elongated handle; a non-round speculum support tang at one end of the handle extending at an angle to the length thereof for engaging a socket of a transparent speculum; a remote light source; and a fiber optic bundle extending from the light source into the handle and terminating adjacent the end of the tang.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
64 words
An ear, nose or throat (ENT) examining instrument comprising: an elongated handle; a non-round speculum support tang at one end of the handle extending at an angle to the length thereof for engaging a socket of a transparent speculum; a remote light source; and a fiber optic bundle extending from the light source into the handle and terminating adjacent the end of the tang.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
An ENT examining instrument as defined in claim 1 further comprising: a resilient bumper; and means for mounting the resilient bumper on the same side of the handle as the tang and for slidably adjusting the position of the bumper along the length of the handle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
An ENT examining instrument as defined in claim 1 further comprising: a magnifying lens; and means for mounting the lens on the handle for adjustment between an elevated position opposite the tang and a retracted position more remote from the tang.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
An ear, nose or throat (ENT) examining instrument comprising: an elongated handle; a light conducting non-round, male speculum support tang at one end of the handle extending at an angle to the length thereof for engaging a female socket of a transparent speculum; and means for projecting light through the end of the tang.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
An ear, nose or throat (ENT) examining instrument comprising: an elongated handle; a light conducting non-round, male speculum support tang at one end of the handle extending at an angle to the length thereof for engaging a female socket of a transparent speculum; and means for projecting light through the end of the tang.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
86 words
An ear, nose or throat (ENT) examining instrument comprising: an elongated handle; a non-round male speculum support tang at one end of the handle extending at an angle to the length thereof for engaging a female socket of a transparent speculum; means for projecting light from the end of the tang; a resilient bumper; and means for mounting the resilient bumper on the same side of the handle as the tang and for slidably adjusting the position of the bumper along the length of the handle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
86 words
An ear, nose or throat (ENT) examining instrument comprising: an elongated handle; a non-round male speculum support tang at one end of the handle extending at an angle to the length thereof for engaging a female socket of a transparent speculum; means for projecting light from the end of the tang; a resilient bumper; and means for mounting the resilient bumper on the same side of the handle as the tang and for slidably adjusting the position of the bumper along the length of the handle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
An ENT examining instrument as defined in claim 4 wherein the angle between the handle and tang is about 105* to 120*.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
An ENT examining instrument as defined in claim 4 wherein the tang has a self-holding taper.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
81 words
An ear, nose or throat (ENT) examining instrument comprising: an elongated handle; a non-round male speculum support tang at one end of the handle extending at an angle to the length thereof for engaging a female socket of a transparent speculum; means for projecting light from the end of the tang; a magnifying lens; and mean for mounting the lens on the handle for adjustment between an elevated position opposite the tang and a retracted position more remote from the tang.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
81 words
An ear, nose or throat (ENT) examining instrument comprising: an elongated handle; a non-round male speculum support tang at one end of the handle extending at an angle to the length thereof for engaging a female socket of a transparent speculum; means for projecting light from the end of the tang; a magnifying lens; and mean for mounting the lens on the handle for adjustment between an elevated position opposite the tang and a retracted position more remote from the tang.
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) | 1977-11-18 | 1978-05-20 | 1978-11-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-18 | 1982-05-20 | 1982-11-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-18 | 1986-05-20 | 1986-11-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |