Patent US4737109A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4737109A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Breast cancer detection training device
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1987-03-03
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Granted: 1988-04-12
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Expires: 2007-03-03
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for use in training persons in breast cancer detection by manual examination is disclosed. The apparatus includes a device which simulates human breast tissue and a plurality of simulated lesions which are designed to represent specific lesions found in human breast tissue. The apparatus is employed to train a person in manual breast examination and also serves to train a person to recognize many different types of lesions found in human breast tissue.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel J. Abramson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 15:19
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B23/00; G09B23/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A training device for use in teaching manual breast examination techniques employed in detecting human breast cancer comprising: a body of an elastomerically yielding material, and at least one lump embedded in said body, said lump due to its hardness, size and configuration resembling a pre-determined type of lesion which is known to be found in human breasts such that a person may be trained to recognize different types of lesions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A training device for use in teaching manual breast examination techniques employed in detecting human breast cancer comprising: a body of an elastomerically yielding material, and at least one lump embedded in said body, said lump due to its hardness, size and configuration resembling a pre-determined type of lesion which is known to be found in human breasts such that a person may be trained to recognize different types of lesions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said body comprises at least one cavity into which said lumps may be removably inserted.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 2 further comprising a cover of an elastomerically yielding material which may be placed over said body, said cover simulating human breast tissue.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 3 wherein said cover is hingedly attached to said body in a manner which permits said cover to assume an open position which exposes said body and a closed position which covers said body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said body is fabricated from foam rubber or a suitable polymer which simulates the consistency of breast tissue.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein said cover comprises foam rubber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 5 wherein said cover further comprises a plastic elastomer which simulates human skin.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 7 wherein said cover is shaped to simulate a human breast.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 6 wherein said cover further comprises a portion fabricated from silicone gel which simulates the feel of normal breast tissue.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
A device according to claim 3 wherein said cover comprises silicone gel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said body comprises silicone gel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said lumps resemble lesions- comprising carcinomas, fibro-adenomas, cysts and lipomas.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said body comprises silicone gel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 12 wherein said lumps are permanently embedded in said body.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of training a person to perform manual breast examination comprises the steps of: providing a training device for use in teaching manual breast examination techniques employed in detecting human breast cancer comprising a body of an elastomerically yielding material, and at least one lump embedded in said body, said lump due to its hardness, size and configuration, resembling a pre-determined type of lesion which is known to be found in human breasts such that a person may be trained to recognize different types of lesions, instructing a person on the technique of manual breast examination, and requiring the person to manually examine said device to thereby familiarize the person with the technique of manual breast examination as well as teaching the person to recognize at least one pre-determined type of lesion which is found in human breast tissue.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of training a person to perform manual breast examination comprises the steps of: providing a training device for use in teaching manual breast examination techniques employed in detecting human breast cancer comprising a body of an elastomerically yielding material, and at least one lump embedded in said body, said lump due to its hardness, size and configuration, resembling a pre-determined type of lesion which is known to be found in human breasts such that a person may be trained to recognize different types of lesions, instructing a person on the technique of manual breast examination, and requiring the person to manually examine said device to thereby familiarize the person with the technique of manual breast examination as well as teaching the person to recognize at least one pre-determined type of lesion which is found in human breast tissue.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein said device includes a means for manually interchanging said lumps, said method further comprising the steps of: removing said lump from said body, and inserting another lump resembling a different pre-determined type of lesion to thereby teach a person to recognize a plurality of different types of lesions which are found in human breast tissue.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
95 words
A training device for use in teaching manual breast examination techniques employed in detecting human breast cancer comprising, a body of an elastomerically yielding material, at least one recess in said body, a plurality of lumps made of different materials and of different colors to simulate lumps within the human body selected from the group comprising carcinomas, fibro-adenomas, cysts, cystic thickenings and lipomas, said lumps being adapted to be received with said recess, and a cover for said body simulating human skin whereby the lump disposed within the recess may be felt through said cover.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
95 words
A training device for use in teaching manual breast examination techniques employed in detecting human breast cancer comprising, a body of an elastomerically yielding material, at least one recess in said body, a plurality of lumps made of different materials and of different colors to simulate lumps within the human body selected from the group comprising carcinomas, fibro-adenomas, cysts, cystic thickenings and lipomas, said lumps being adapted to be received with said recess, and a cover for said body simulating human skin whereby the lump disposed within the recess may be felt through said cover.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4001951A
Cited
US4655716A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-04-12 | 1991-10-12 | 1992-04-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-04-12 | 1995-10-12 | 1996-04-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-04-12 | 1999-10-12 | 2000-04-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |