Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
A cervical cytology device for simultaneously collecting cytology cell samples from the endocervix and exocervix, said device comprising: handle means for manipulating and rotating said device, said handle means including a pair of parallel rods having surfaces positioned in contiguous relationship, each rod having a distal end and a proximal end; fracturable means joining said rods so that they can be separated after use; a distal cell collecting surface sized and configured to scrape cytology cell samples from the endocervix, said distal surface being attached to and extending axially from said distal end of one of said rods; and an intermediate cell collecting surface sized and configured to scrape cytology cell samples from said exocervix, said intermediate surface being attached to said distal end of said other rod so that said intermediate cell collecting surface extends at an angle from said other rod, said distal cell collecting surface and said intermediate cell collecting surface cooperating, respectfully, to simultaneously scrape cytology cell samples from the endocervix and exocervix, respectfully, when said handle means is rotated and said distal and intermediate cell collecting surfaces are in contact, respectfully, with the endocervix and exocervix.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
A cervical cytology device for simultaneously collecting cytology cell samples from the endocervix and exocervix, said device comprising: handle means for manipulating and rotating said device, said handle means including a pair of parallel rods having surfaces positioned in contiguous relationship, each rod having a distal end and a proximal end; fracturable means joining said rods so that they can be separated after use; a distal cell collecting surface sized and configured to scrape cytology cell samples from the endocervix, said distal surface being attached to and extending axially from said distal end of one of said rods; and an intermediate cell collecting surface sized and configured to scrape cytology cell samples from said exocervix, said intermediate surface being attached to said distal end of said other rod so that said intermediate cell collecting surface extends at an angle from said other rod, said distal cell collecting surface and said intermediate cell collecting surface cooperating, respectfully, to simultaneously scrape cytology cell samples from the endocervix and exocervix, respectfully, when said handle means is rotated and said distal and intermediate cell collecting surfaces are in contact, respectfully, with the endocervix and exocervix.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: each of said intermediate and said distal cell collecting surfaces includes a shaft provided with a plurality of bristles attached to and projecting radially from said shaft, said bristles of each surface forming a generally cylindrical or conical brush portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
85 words
A device, as claimed in claim 2, wherein: each of said rods is tubular; said shaft of said distal surface is fixed in said distal end of one of said rods; and said shaft of said intermediate surface is fixed in said distal end of said other rod; said shaft of said intermediate surface being bent at an angle beyond said distal end of said other rod so that said distal surface and said intermediate surface are at an angle with respect to each other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device as claimed in claim 3 wherein: the included angle between said shafts of said distal surface and said intermediate surface is approximately 85°.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: at least one of said cell collecting surfaces includes closed cell foam for collecting cytology cell samples.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein: said closed cell foam is selected from the group consisting of urethane or polyurethane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: at least one of said cell collecting surfaces includes sponge-like material for collecting cytology cell samples.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: at least one of said cell collecting surfaces includes a cotton swab or cotton-like material for collecting cytology cell samples.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said brush is rigid yet bendable so that said brush is capable of being bent to conform to the shape of a particular exocervix and endocervix to be scraped, said rigidity being such that said brush retains its shape until it is bent again.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fracturable mean is: a fusion of the rods along said contiguous surfaces.