Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
A gas operated cryosurgical instrument which comprises: a handle defining a socket therein; a movable first valve member in said handle; a tubular exhaust conduit terminating at one end in a hollow tip of high thermal conductivity, the other end defining a second valve member and including means detachably securing said exhaust conduit seated within said socket; a gas delivery conduit mounted in said handle and extending through said socket and through said exhaust conduit when so secured and terminating at a nozzle within said tip; means for selectively advancing said first valve member against said second valve member to close said exhaust conduit when said exhaust conduit is fully seated within said socket; and means for limiting the movement of said first valve member to prevent closure of said exhaust conduit when the conduit is not fully seated within said socket.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
A gas operated cryosurgical instrument which comprises: a handle defining a socket therein; a movable first valve member in said handle; a tubular exhaust conduit terminating at one end in a hollow tip of high thermal conductivity, the other end defining a second valve member and including means detachably securing said exhaust conduit seated within said socket; a gas delivery conduit mounted in said handle and extending through said socket and through said exhaust conduit when so secured and terminating at a nozzle within said tip; means for selectively advancing said first valve member against said second valve member to close said exhaust conduit when said exhaust conduit is fully seated within said socket; and means for limiting the movement of said first valve member to prevent closure of said exhaust conduit when the conduit is not fully seated within said socket.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
142 words
A gas operated cryosurgical instrument which comprises: a handle defining a socket therein; a movable first valve member in said handle; a tubular exhaust conduit terminating at one end in a hollow tip of high thermal conductivity, the other end defining a second valve member and including means detachably securing said exhaust conduit seated within said socket; a gas delivery conduit mounted in said handle and extending through said socket and through said exhaust conduit when so secured and terminating at a nozzle within said tip; means for selectively advancing said first valve member against said second valve member to close said exhaust conduit when said exhaust conduit is fully seated within said socket; and means for limiting the movement of said first valve member to prevent closure of said exhaust conduit when the conduit is not fully seated within said socket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
142 words
A gas operated cryosurgical instrument which comprises: a handle defining a socket therein; a movable first valve member in said handle; a tubular exhaust conduit terminating at one end in a hollow tip of high thermal conductivity, the other end defining a second valve member and including means detachably securing said exhaust conduit seated within said socket; a gas delivery conduit mounted in said handle and extending through said socket and through said exhaust conduit when so secured and terminating at a nozzle within said tip; means for selectively advancing said first valve member against said second valve member to close said exhaust conduit when said exhaust conduit is fully seated within said socket; and means for limiting the movement of said first valve member to prevent closure of said exhaust conduit when the conduit is not fully seated within said socket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein said first valve member is carried by said gas delivery conduit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The instrument of claim 2 wherein said advancing means comprises a manually operable trigger connected to advance both of said delivery conduit and valve member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein said first valve member comprises a ball.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein said nozzle includes a cylindrical gas discharge passage of smaller diameter than said delivery conduit and a smoothly curved reduction passage therebetween.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein said advancing means comprises: pivot means within said handle; a rod supported by said pivot means having a first end engaging said first valve member on one side of said pivot means and a second end on the other side of said means; and a manually operable trigger secured to the second end of said rod.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The instrument of claim 6 wherein said pivot means comprises a trunnion ball rotatably supported within said handle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The instrument of claim 7 wherein said first valve member is carried by said gas delivery conduit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The instrument of claim 8 wherein said first valve member comprises a ball.