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US3889656A
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US
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Method of determining the presence of calculi in body cavities
Assignee: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
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Filing: 1974-03-19
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Granted: 1975-06-17
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Expires: 1994-03-19
Abstract
Abstract A method for detecting the presence of kidney stones, gallstones and the like in situ within a body cavity. The device for carrying out the method includes a fiber optic light conducting probe, the free end of which is introduced into a duct leading to the suspected cavity. Where the free end contacts tissue or organic matter, light emanating from the tip of the probe is diffused into the material. However, where the free end contacts inorganic material, the light is not diffused, but is reflected back through the probe to be sensed at the opposite end thereof, thus giving an indication of the presence of such material.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald R Krawitt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:27
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/06; A61B1/00; A61B1/00163; A61B1/00165; A61B5/0059; A61B5/0082; A61B5/0084
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
The method of determining the presence of agglomerated calculi in body cavities comprising the steps of: providing a light-conductive fiber optic probe having a first end suitable for insertion into said cavity, said probe having first and second groups of optical fibers having first terminals in mutually juxtaposed position at one end of said probe, and second and third terminals in mutually spaced position at an opposite end thereof; introducing a beam of collimated light to said second terminal for conduction to said first terminal, introducing said first terminal into said cavity, manually manipulating the end of said first terminal within said cavity substantially along the axis of said probe to contact possibly present particles of calculi, and observing quantitative changes in the intensity of light reflected back through said probe at said third terminal when said first terminal contacts agglomerated calculi.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
142 words
The method of determining the presence of agglomerated calculi in body cavities comprising the steps of: providing a light-conductive fiber optic probe having a first end suitable for insertion into said cavity, said probe having first and second groups of optical fibers having first terminals in mutually juxtaposed position at one end of said probe, and second and third terminals in mutually spaced position at an opposite end thereof; introducing a beam of collimated light to said second terminal for conduction to said first terminal, introducing said first terminal into said cavity, manually manipulating the end of said first terminal within said cavity substantially along the axis of said probe to contact possibly present particles of calculi, and observing quantitative changes in the intensity of light reflected back through said probe at said third terminal when said first terminal contacts agglomerated calculi.
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) | 1978-06-16 | 1978-12-16 | 1979-06-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-16 | 1982-12-16 | 1983-06-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-16 | 1986-12-16 | 1987-06-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |