US4501555A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Periodontal probes
Assignee: Dentsply Research and Development Corp
•
Filing: 1984-02-02
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Granted: 1985-02-26
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Expires: 2004-02-02
Abstract
Abstract A periodontal probe (3) comprises an elongate shaft terminating in a measuring tine (4) having a plurality of spaced transverse grooves (5) formed therein, the probe being formed of a material translucent to light. In use, the probe is mounted in a handle provided with a source of light (6) to direct light along the length of the probe whereby the grooves formed in the tine appear as comparatively brightly illuminated marks.
Inventors
- 👤 Frederick Ditchburn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:52
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C19/00; A61C19/04; A61C19/043; A61C5/00; A61C5/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A self-contained periodontal probe and light source comprising, in combination, an elongated handle body containing a source of light, a light-transmitting probe shaft supported by one end of said handle body and terminating in a tapered light-transmitting measuring tine extending laterally from said shaft and provided with a series of spaced transverse devices thereon, said light source being adapted to illuminate said light probe and devices thereon to permit ready visual observation of said devices on said tine as rings of light when said probe is in use.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
A self-contained periodontal probe and light source comprising, in combination, an elongated handle body containing a source of light, a light-transmitting probe shaft supported by one end of said handle body and terminating in a tapered light-transmitting measuring tine extending laterally from said shaft and provided with a series of spaced transverse devices thereon, said light source being adapted to illuminate said light probe and devices thereon to permit ready visual observation of said devices on said tine as rings of light when said probe is in use.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
The periodontal probe according to claim 1 further characterized by said handle body being hollow and said source of light comprising an electric light bulb positioned within said handle body adjacent the end of said light-transmitting probe shaft nearest said handle and including electric battery means within said handle body, and a conventional electric circuit including a switch and connecting said electric light bulb and battery means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
The periodontal probe according to claim 1 in which said devices are transverse grooves spaced along said tine and appearing as bands of light when illuminated to facilitate use of said tine as a measuring probe to determine the depth of a pocket or recess in a dental environment.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3559292A
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US3935640A
Cited
US4203223A
Cited
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Cited
GB2086232A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-02-26 | 1988-08-27 | 1989-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-02-26 | 1992-08-27 | 1993-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-02-26 | 1996-08-27 | 1997-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |