Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A medical system for obtaining tissue samples, comprising: tissue gathering means including a helically-shaped end section, said end section being formed of a flat, elongated, and essentially rectangular member twisted about its longitudinal axis such that the edges thereof which extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of said member are disposed in a helically wound fashion about said longitudinal axis, the surface of the end section being of a matte finish to enhance adhesion of tissue thereon; means for manipulating said gathering means and being joined to the inner end portion of said end section; and, a flat paddle-shaped member having a slot-like opening formed therein, at least a portion of the helically-shaped end section of the tissue gathering means being disposed within the slot-like opening and being movable relative thereto to transfer tissue adhering to the end section from said end section to a surface of the flat paddle-shaped member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
A medical system for obtaining tissue samples, comprising: tissue gathering means including a helically-shaped end section, said end section being formed of a flat, elongated, and essentially rectangular member twisted about its longitudinal axis such that the edges thereof which extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of said member are disposed in a helically wound fashion about said longitudinal axis, the surface of the end section being of a matte finish to enhance adhesion of tissue thereon; means for manipulating said gathering means and being joined to the inner end portion of said end section; and, a flat paddle-shaped member having a slot-like opening formed therein, at least a portion of the helically-shaped end section of the tissue gathering means being disposed within the slot-like opening and being movable relative thereto to transfer tissue adhering to the end section from said end section to a surface of the flat paddle-shaped member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The medical system of claim 1 wherein the last-mentioned means is a rod-like handle member connected to and extending substantially axially of the end section of the gathering means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The medical system of claim 1 wherein said opening is a slot having opposed side walls spaced apart a distance equal to at least the thickness of the edges of the end section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
81 words
The medical system of claim 3 wherein the slot is formed in one edge of the member, the helically shaped end section being disposed within the slot at the inner end of said section, the body portion of the end section being drawn toward the member to transfer tissue on said section onto that surface of the member opposite the direction of motion of the end section, the side walls of the slot acting to deposit the tissue on the member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The medical system of claim 1 wherein the opening is defined by side walls of a reduced thickness relative to the remaining portions of the member, the side walls being flexible to provide a wiping action against surfaces of the end section moving relatively thereto to facilitate transfer of tissue on the end section from said end section to said member.