Patent CH106869A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4040414A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasonic personal care instrument and method
Assignee: XYGIENE Inc
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Filing: 1976-05-12
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Granted: 1977-08-09
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Expires: 1996-05-12
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to the field of hygienic care of the human skin and for performing certain dermatological procedures as removing blackheads and opening pimples with an ultrasonic applicator. The applicator or tool, which is used in conjunction with a selected fluid, has a contoured configuration or surface that is placed in energy transmission relationship to the skin and ultrasonically vibrated for performing the particular procedure desired.
Inventors
- 👤 Leonard W. Suroff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:47
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M37/00; A61M37/0092; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/50; A61M35/00; A61M35/003
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 87
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
The method of removing a foreign deposit from the tissue of a human comprising the steps of: A. positioning adjacent said foreign deposit to be removed a surface capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, B. supplying a fluid to the tissue adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said surface, C. inducing vibrations in said surface at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, D. moving said ultrasonically vibrating surface relative to said foreign deposit such that it substantially engages the tissue and applies a force thereto, whereby an extraction of said foreign deposit from its containment in said tissue is obtained, and E. circumferentially applying a static force to the tissue in surrounding relation to said foreign deposit.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
119 words
The method of removing a foreign deposit from the tissue of a human comprising the steps of: A. positioning adjacent said foreign deposit to be removed a surface capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, B. supplying a fluid to the tissue adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said surface, C. inducing vibrations in said surface at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, D. moving said ultrasonically vibrating surface relative to said foreign deposit such that it substantially engages the tissue and applies a force thereto, whereby an extraction of said foreign deposit from its containment in said tissue is obtained, and E. circumferentially applying a static force to the tissue in surrounding relation to said foreign deposit.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
116 words
The method of removing a foreign deposit from the tissue of a human comprising the steps of: A. positioning adjacent said foreign deposit to be removed a surface capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, B. supplying a fluid to the tissue adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said surface, C. inducing vibrations in said surface at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, D. moving said ultrasonically vibrating surface relative to said foreign deposit such that it substantially engages the tissue and applies a force thereto, whereby an extraction of said foreign deposit from its containment in said tissue is obtained, and E. substantially conforming the contour of said surface for engagement with the tissue.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
116 words
The method of removing a foreign deposit from the tissue of a human comprising the steps of: A. positioning adjacent said foreign deposit to be removed a surface capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, B. supplying a fluid to the tissue adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said surface, C. inducing vibrations in said surface at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, D. moving said ultrasonically vibrating surface relative to said foreign deposit such that it substantially engages the tissue and applies a force thereto, whereby an extraction of said foreign deposit from its containment in said tissue is obtained, and E. substantially conforming the contour of said surface for engagement with the tissue.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
119 words
The method of removing a foreign deposit from the tissue of a human comprising the steps of: A. positioning adjacent said foreign deposit to be removed a surface capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, B. supplying a fluid to the tissue adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said surface, C. inducing vibrations in said surface at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, D. moving said ultrasonically vibrating surface relative to said foreign deposit such that it substantially engages the tissue and applies a force thereto, whereby an extraction of said foreign deposit from its containment in said tissue is obtained, and E. providing an aperture in said surface adapted to be selectively positioned around said foreign deposit.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
119 words
The method of removing a foreign deposit from the tissue of a human comprising the steps of: A. positioning adjacent said foreign deposit to be removed a surface capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, B. supplying a fluid to the tissue adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said surface, C. inducing vibrations in said surface at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, D. moving said ultrasonically vibrating surface relative to said foreign deposit such that it substantially engages the tissue and applies a force thereto, whereby an extraction of said foreign deposit from its containment in said tissue is obtained, and E. providing an aperture in said surface adapted to be selectively positioned around said foreign deposit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said surface is comprised of a plastic material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said surface is comprised of a metallic material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method as defined in claim 1, and further including the step of vibrating said surface at an amplitude of vibration to produce a quantitative reduction of friction between said foreign deposit and the tissue in surrounding relation thereto to effect a displacement therefrom.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said surface is vibrated in the frequency range of 1,000 cycles per second to 1,000,000 cycles per second.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as defined in claim 7, wherein said frequency is preferably in the range of 16,000 cycles per second to 100,000 cycles per second.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the amplitude of vibration of said surface is in the range of 0.0001 inch to about 0.070 inch.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as defined in claim 1, and further including the step of continuously supplying a stream of said fluid to the tissue.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method as defined in claim 10, and further including the step of pulsing said surface at a preselected pattern of pulses at spaced intervals of time in the frequency range of up to 1,000 cycles per second.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
108 words
The method of removing a foreign deposit from the tissue of a human comprising the steps of: A. positioning adjacent said foreign deposit to be removed a surface capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, said foreign deposit is a blackhead, B. supplying a fluid to the tissue adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said surface, C. inducing vibrations in said surface at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, and D. moving said ultrasonically vibrating surface relative to said foreign deposit such that it substantially engages the tissue and applies a force thereto, whereby an extraction of said blackhead from its containment in said tissue is obtained.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
108 words
The method of removing a foreign deposit from the tissue of a human comprising the steps of: A. positioning adjacent said foreign deposit to be removed a surface capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, said foreign deposit is a blackhead, B. supplying a fluid to the tissue adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said surface, C. inducing vibrations in said surface at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, and D. moving said ultrasonically vibrating surface relative to said foreign deposit such that it substantially engages the tissue and applies a force thereto, whereby an extraction of said blackhead from its containment in said tissue is obtained.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
114 words
The method of removing a foreign deposit from the tissue of a human comprising the steps of: A. positioning adjacent said foreign deposit to be removed a surface capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, said foreign deposit is contained within a pimple, B. supplying a fluid to the tissue adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said surface, C. inducing vibrations in said surface at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, and D. moving said ultrasonically vibrating surface relative to said foreign deposit in said pimple such that it substantially engages the tissue and applies a force thereto, whereby an extraction of said foreign deposit from its containment in said pimple is obtained.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
114 words
The method of removing a foreign deposit from the tissue of a human comprising the steps of: A. positioning adjacent said foreign deposit to be removed a surface capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, said foreign deposit is contained within a pimple, B. supplying a fluid to the tissue adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said surface, C. inducing vibrations in said surface at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, and D. moving said ultrasonically vibrating surface relative to said foreign deposit in said pimple such that it substantially engages the tissue and applies a force thereto, whereby an extraction of said foreign deposit from its containment in said pimple is obtained.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said fluid is an antiseptic to maintain a sterilized condition.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said fluid is an analgesic.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said fluid is a lotion.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as defined in claim 1, and further including the step of regulating the rate of supplying said fluid.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as defined in claim 1, and further including the step of controlling the amplitude of vibration of said surface by regulating the electrical power delivered thereto.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
120 words
The method of removing a foreign deposit from the skin of a human comprising the steps of: A. providing an applicator having a contacting surface capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, B. positioning said contacting surface adjacent said foreign deposit to be removed for transmitting to the skin mechanical vibratory energy in the ultrasonic frequency range, C. supplying a fluid to the tissue adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said contacting surface, D. vibrating said contacting surface at an ultrasonic rate to produce peak accelerations of at least 1,000 g, and E. moving said ultrasonically vibrating contacting surface relative to the skin in a direction such that it engages the skin and said foreign deposit is released therefrom.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
120 words
The method of removing a foreign deposit from the skin of a human comprising the steps of: A. providing an applicator having a contacting surface capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, B. positioning said contacting surface adjacent said foreign deposit to be removed for transmitting to the skin mechanical vibratory energy in the ultrasonic frequency range, C. supplying a fluid to the tissue adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said contacting surface, D. vibrating said contacting surface at an ultrasonic rate to produce peak accelerations of at least 1,000 g, and E. moving said ultrasonically vibrating contacting surface relative to the skin in a direction such that it engages the skin and said foreign deposit is released therefrom.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as defined in claim 19, wherein said contacting surface is vibrated in a plane substantially normal to the skin.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as defined in claim 19, and further including the step of providing said applicator with an aperture contained therein, and said aperture is placed in surrounding relation to said foreign deposit.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as defined in claim 21, wherein said foreign deposit exits through said aperture.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 19, wherein said foreign deposit is a blackhead.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as defined in claim 19, and further including the step of maintaining a compressive force by said contacting surface against the skin until a rupture of the tissue surrounding said foreign deposit occurs.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 24, wherein said foreign deposit is a pimple.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as defined in claim 19, and further including the step of periodically vibrating the contacting surface at a sonic frequency in the range of 10 cycles per second to 1,000 cycles per second.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as defined in claim 26, wherein said frequency is preferably in the range of 1,000 cycles per second to 100,000 cycles per second.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as defined in claim 19, and further including the step of retracting said contacting surface from engagement with the skin upon release of said foreign deposit therefrom.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined in claim 19, wherein said fluid is a medicament.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as defined in claim 29, wherein said fluid is an antiseptic to maintain a sterilized condition.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined in claim 29, wherein said fluid is an analgesic.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined in claim 19, wherein said fluid is a lotion.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as defined in claim 19, and further including the step of regulating the rate of supplying said fluid.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as defined in claim 19, wherein said contacting surface is vibrated in the frequency range of 1,000 cycles per second to 1,000,000 cycles per second.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method as defined in claim 19, and further including the step of continuously applying said fluid to the skin adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said contacting surface, as said applicator is ultrasonically vibrated.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as defined in claim 19, and further including the step of first applying a compressive force in a plane substantially normal to the skin with said contacting surface prior to vibrating same.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as defined in claim 36, and further including the step of automatically supplying said fluid when said contacting surface engages the skin and a compressive force is applied.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as defined in claim 19, and further including the step of supplying said fluid through said applicator.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as defined in claim 19, and further including the step of supplying said fluid externally of said applicator.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method as defined in claim 19, and further including the steps of: a. providing said applicator with an aperture contained therein, and said aperture is placed in surrounding relation to said foreign deposit, b. applying said fluid to the skin adjacent said foreign deposit for engagement by said contacting surface, as said applicator is ultrasonically vibrated, and c. retracting said contacting surface from engagement with the skin upon release of said foreign deposit therefrom.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method as defined in claim 40, and further including the steps of: a. maintaining a compressive force by said contacting surface against the skin until said foreign deposit is released, and b. automatically supplying said fluid when said compressive force is initially applied.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus for removing foreign deposits from the skin, comprising: A. applicator means having a contacting surface thereon capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, B. means operatively associated with said applicator means for supplying a fluid to the skin adjacent said foreign deposit, C. means for inducing vibrations in said applicator means such that said contacting surface is vibrated at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, and D. an aperture on said contacting surface, such that as said contacting surface is moved into engagement with the skin said foreign deposit is removed from the skin and through said aperture means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus for removing foreign deposits from the skin, comprising: A. applicator means having a contacting surface thereon capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, B. means operatively associated with said applicator means for supplying a fluid to the skin adjacent said foreign deposit, C. means for inducing vibrations in said applicator means such that said contacting surface is vibrated at a frequency in the ultrasonic range, and D. an aperture on said contacting surface, such that as said contacting surface is moved into engagement with the skin said foreign deposit is removed from the skin and through said aperture means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein said applicator means is in the form of a member having a head portion at one end thereof with said aperture extending through said head portion.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein the cross sectional area of said aperture is dimensioned to encompass said foreign deposit to be removed from the skin.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein said motion of said contacting surface is of an amplitude of vibration to produce peak accelerations of at least 1,000g.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein said contacting surface is vibrated in the frequency range of 1,000 cycles per second to 1,000,000 cycles per second.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 46, wherein said frequency is preferably in the range of 16,000 cycles per second to 40,000 cycles per second.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein the amplitude of vibration of said contacting surface is in the range of 0.0001 inch to about 0.070 inch.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, and further including means for pulsing said ultrasonic energy at a preselected pattern of pulses at spaced intervals of time in the frequency range of up to 1,000 cycles per second.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein said applicator means is of a plastic material.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein said applicator means is of a metallic material.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein said applicator means includes a contoured output edge.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein said applicator means includes a head portion at one end thereof and a base portion at the opposite end thereof with said base portion adapted to be removeably secured to said means for inducing vibrations.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 53, wherein said aperture extends axially through said head portion and includes an outwardly extending cavity wall surface tapering outwardly from said aperture.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 53, wherein said head portion is angularly disposed relative to said base portion.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 53, wherein said head portion is angularly disposed at an angle of approximately 90° to said base portion.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 53, and further including threaded means at one end of said base portion for removeably securing said applicator means.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein said fluid is supplied through said applicator means.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein said fluid is supplied externally of said applicator means.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, and further including means for automatic supply of said fluid when said contacting surface engages the skin and a compressive force is applied.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 60, and further including means to channel said fluid to said contacting surface.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, and further including control means operatively associated with said fluid supply means for regulating the amount of flow therethrough.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, and further including fluid reservoir means adapted to be readily positioned in operative relation to said means for supplying said fluid.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein said means for inducing vibrations in said applicator means includes: a. motor means mounted in a housing adapted to be hand held, and b. a generator for converting electrical current to said ultrasonic range.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 42, wherein said vibrated contacting surface pressurizes said fluid for enhancing the effectiveness of the removal of said foreign deposit from the skin.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
11 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 65, wherein said fluid is cavitated.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
160 words
Apparatus for removing foreign deposits from the skin, comprising: A. applicator means having a head portion with a contacting surface and a base portion at the other end thereof, said applicator means capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, B. means for inducing vibrations in said applicator means at a frequency in the ultrasonic range up to 100,000 cycles per second and to produce motion in said contacting surface of an amplitude of vibration to produce peak accelerations of at least 1,000g. C. means operatively associated with said applicator means for supplying a fluid to the skin adjacent said foreign deposit, and D. an aperture on said contacting surface extending axially within said head portion and including an outwardly extending cavity wall surface tapering outwardly from said aperture through said head portion, such that as said contacting surface and the skin are moved into engagement with each other, the foreign deposit is removed from the skin and into said aperture.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
160 words
Apparatus for removing foreign deposits from the skin, comprising: A. applicator means having a head portion with a contacting surface and a base portion at the other end thereof, said applicator means capable of supporting and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, B. means for inducing vibrations in said applicator means at a frequency in the ultrasonic range up to 100,000 cycles per second and to produce motion in said contacting surface of an amplitude of vibration to produce peak accelerations of at least 1,000g. C. means operatively associated with said applicator means for supplying a fluid to the skin adjacent said foreign deposit, and D. an aperture on said contacting surface extending axially within said head portion and including an outwardly extending cavity wall surface tapering outwardly from said aperture through said head portion, such that as said contacting surface and the skin are moved into engagement with each other, the foreign deposit is removed from the skin and into said aperture.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 67, wherein said head portion is angularly disposed relative to said base portion.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 67, wherein the cross sectional area of said aperture is dimensioned to encompass the foreign deposit to be removed from the skin.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 69, wherein said aperture extends through said head portion and the foreign deposit is viewable therethrough to assist in positioning said applicator means on the skin.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 67, wherein said fluid is supplied through said applicator means.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 67, wherein said fluid is supplied externally of said applicator means.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 67, and further including means for automatic supply of said fluid when said contacting surface engages the skin and a compressive force is applied.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 73, and further including means to channel said fluid to said contacting surface.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 67, and further including control means operatively associated with said fluid supply means for regulating the amount of flow therethrough.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 67, and further including fluid reservoir means adapted to be readily positioned in operative relation to said means for supplying said fluid.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 67, wherein said applicator means is of a plastic material.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 67, wherein said applicator means is of a metallic material.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 67, wherein said means for inducing vibrations in said applicator means includes: a. motor means mounted in a housing adapted to be hand held, and b. a generator for converting electrical current to said ultrasonic range.
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) | 1980-08-08 | 1981-02-07 | 1981-08-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-08 | 1985-02-07 | 1985-08-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-08 | 1989-02-07 | 1989-08-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |