US3926178A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for aiding the voluntary exercising of sphincter muscles
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1975-01-17
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Granted: 1975-12-16
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Expires: 1995-01-17
Abstract
Abstract A device for aiding the exercising of sphincter muscles comprising an insertable member, means disposed around the insertable member yieldable in response to muscle action, and an indicator responsive to the yieldable member is disclosed. The yieldable member comprises independent sets of tubing wrapped around the core of the insertable member and actuated in response to the contractions and relaxations of different sphincter muscles to indicate their functioning and the comparative strengths between muscles.
Inventors
- 👤 Alvin N Feldzamen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:15
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/20; A61B5/202; A61B5/42; A61B5/43; A61B5/4306; A61B5/4318; A61B5/4337; A61H; A61H21/00; A63; A63B; A63B23/00; A63B23/20; A63B21/00; A63B21/008; A63B2220/00; A63B2220/50; A63B2220/56
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
An apparatus to aid the voluntary exercising of muscles comprising: a member adapted to be inserted into a sphincter muscle cavity, said member having a rigid core; a plurality of flexible tubes forming helices disposed around the core, said tubing yieldable to the contractive forces exercised by the sphincter muscles; and means connected to said flexible tubing to indicate the degree of effort intended to exercise the muscles against helices and the rapidity by which the muscles can be contracted and relaxed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
82 words
An apparatus to aid the voluntary exercising of muscles comprising: a member adapted to be inserted into a sphincter muscle cavity, said member having a rigid core; a plurality of flexible tubes forming helices disposed around the core, said tubing yieldable to the contractive forces exercised by the sphincter muscles; and means connected to said flexible tubing to indicate the degree of effort intended to exercise the muscles against helices and the rapidity by which the muscles can be contracted and relaxed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, said rigid core has a rounded head at one end thereof, a tapered section around which said tubing is wound to form a series of helices, a flange to limit insertion disposed at the end of said tapered section and a handle to facilitate insertion at the opposite end thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 2, where said member has a sheath covering said rounded head, said helices and said flange, the sheath being held in place by two bands located on each side of the flange.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said helices are maintained at atmospheric pressure and said indicating means is a pressure gauge to measure the changes in pressure when said muscles are exerted and relaxed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said helices are selectably coupled to said pressure gauge.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said helices are maintained at atmospheric pressure and said indicating means comprises a set of liquid level or displacement gauges, each gauge independently coupled to one tube to indicate which muscles are being exercised, the comparative strength of said muscles, the rapidity of contraction and relations of said muscles, and the sequence of muscular activity.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said helices are maintained at atmospheric pressure and said indicative means comprises a set of Bourdon tubes, each Bourdon tube independently coupled to one tube to indicate which muscles are being exercised, the comparative strength of said muscles, the rapidity of contraction and relation of said muscles, and the sequence of muscular activity.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
102 words
The apparatus of claim 1 where said plurality of flexible tubing comprises, a first tube having a sealed end and wrapped around said rigid core forming a series of helices over a length of said core and then disposed inside said core for the remaining length of said member and a second tube having a sealed end and wrapped around said core, starting at the location where said first tube is disposed inside said core and forming a second set of helices over a second length of said core and then disposed into said core for the remaining length of said member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including coupling means disposed between said tubing and said indicator means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rigid core is hollowed plastic and provided with an end cap.
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) | 1978-12-15 | 1979-06-16 | 1979-12-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-15 | 1983-06-16 | 1983-12-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-15 | 1987-06-16 | 1987-12-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |