Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
248 words
A microbiological specimen sampling device capable of operation by one hand for exposure of a sample collector and for obtaining contamination-free specimens, comprising a catheter assembly comprising: an outer catheter having a distal end and a proximal end, and an inner catheter having a distal end and a proximal end, a sample collector disposed generally within said inner catheter, a removable, water soluble plug engaging and sealing a portion of said outer catheter in a position between the distal end of said outer catheter and the distal end of said inner catheter, and means operable by one hand for moving said outer catheter axially with respect to said inner catheter and for extending said sample collector beyond the distal ends of said catheters to obtain a sample, comprising: a first handle member at the proximal end of said outer catheter, a second handle member at the proximal end of said inner catheter and located proximally of said first handle member, and operating means for said sample collector, said handle members defining respective surfaces adapted and arranged for operating engagement by different digits of one hand of an operator to be drawn together to cause relative axial movement of said inner and outer catheters to dislodge said plug from said outer catheter by pushing-out motion of said inner catheter, and said operating means of said sample collector adapted to be operated by a digit of the same hand while the hand grasps the proximal end of said catheter assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
248 words
A microbiological specimen sampling device capable of operation by one hand for exposure of a sample collector and for obtaining contamination-free specimens, comprising a catheter assembly comprising: an outer catheter having a distal end and a proximal end, and an inner catheter having a distal end and a proximal end, a sample collector disposed generally within said inner catheter, a removable, water soluble plug engaging and sealing a portion of said outer catheter in a position between the distal end of said outer catheter and the distal end of said inner catheter, and means operable by one hand for moving said outer catheter axially with respect to said inner catheter and for extending said sample collector beyond the distal ends of said catheters to obtain a sample, comprising: a first handle member at the proximal end of said outer catheter, a second handle member at the proximal end of said inner catheter and located proximally of said first handle member, and operating means for said sample collector, said handle members defining respective surfaces adapted and arranged for operating engagement by different digits of one hand of an operator to be drawn together to cause relative axial movement of said inner and outer catheters to dislodge said plug from said outer catheter by pushing-out motion of said inner catheter, and said operating means of said sample collector adapted to be operated by a digit of the same hand while the hand grasps the proximal end of said catheter assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The microbiological specimen sampling device of claim 1 wherein said handle members further include means for limiting longitudinal separation of the respective handle member surfaces to a predetermined maximum distance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
The microbiological specimen sampling device of claim 1 or 2 wherein said first handle member comprises a longitudinally extending handle sleeve and said second handle member comprises a longitudinally extending handle shaft, said handle shaft being sized and constructed to telescope into said handle sleeve upon urging of the respective handle member surfaces together.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The microbiological specimen sampling device of claim 3 wherein said handle members further include stop means for retaining said handle shaft within said handle sleeve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The microbiological specimen sampling device of claim 1 wherein said device further comprises means for fixing the relative positions of the catheters during obtaining of a sample.