Patent US3850160A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3850160A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Diagnostic tampon and the use thereof for collecting cellular material
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-02-06
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Granted: 1974-11-26
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Expires: 1994-02-06
Abstract
Abstract A diagnostic tampon comprising a supporting body, the surface of which is covered with a film of polycarbonate or a porous sheet composed of pure, biologically inert mixed esters of cellulose. The tampon is particularly adapted for collecting cellular material including bacterial, fungal and parasitic elements, from body cavities, in particular the vaginal cavity, for subsequent examination.
Inventors
- 👤 J Denson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:36
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B10/00; A61B10/02; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/20; A61F13/2051; G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/48; G01N33/50; G01N33/52; G01N33/528
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
A tampon including a means for obtaining cell specimens for diagnosis which comprises a supporting body that is flexible, appropriately shaped and stiff enough to be inserted into a body cavity, said supporting body having a covering portion comprising an external film of polycarbonate or a porous sheet composed of biologically inert mixed esters of cellulose secured to the surface of said supporting body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
64 words
A tampon including a means for obtaining cell specimens for diagnosis which comprises a supporting body that is flexible, appropriately shaped and stiff enough to be inserted into a body cavity, said supporting body having a covering portion comprising an external film of polycarbonate or a porous sheet composed of biologically inert mixed esters of cellulose secured to the surface of said supporting body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A vaginal tampon for obtaining cell specimens for diagnosis which comprises a cylindrical shaped, supporting body having a film of polycarbonate secured to the surface thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A vaginal tampon for obtaining cell specimens for diagnosis which comprises a cylindrical shaped, supporting body having a film of polycarbonate secured to the surface thereof.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
70 words
A METHOD FOR COLLECTING AND EXAMINING CELLULAR MATERIAL FROM THE VAGINAL CAVITY WHICH COMPRISES: A. INSERTING A TAMPOND, THE SURFACE OF WHICH IS COVERED WITH A FILM OF POLYCARBONATE, INTO THE VAGINAL CAVITY; B. WITHDRAWING THE TAMPOND; C. REMOVING THE FILM FROM THE TAMPOND AND PLACING IT ON A SLIDE; D. FIXING AND STAINING THE CELLULAR MATERIAL ON THE FILM; AND E. EXAMINING THE STAINED CELLULAR MATERIAL ON THE SLIDE.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
70 words
A METHOD FOR COLLECTING AND EXAMINING CELLULAR MATERIAL FROM THE VAGINAL CAVITY WHICH COMPRISES: A. INSERTING A TAMPOND, THE SURFACE OF WHICH IS COVERED WITH A FILM OF POLYCARBONATE, INTO THE VAGINAL CAVITY; B. WITHDRAWING THE TAMPOND; C. REMOVING THE FILM FROM THE TAMPOND AND PLACING IT ON A SLIDE; D. FIXING AND STAINING THE CELLULAR MATERIAL ON THE FILM; AND E. EXAMINING THE STAINED CELLULAR MATERIAL ON THE SLIDE.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 3 wherein after step (d) the film is dissolved with an inert solvent before examining the stained cellular material on the slide.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of bromoform, chloroform, ethyl dichloride, methylene chloride, and 1,1,2-trichloroethane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the solvent is chloroform.
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) | 1977-11-25 | 1978-05-27 | 1978-11-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-25 | 1982-05-27 | 1982-11-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-25 | 1986-05-27 | 1986-11-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |