Patent US6258024B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6258024B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Speculum device
Assignee: SSH Medical Ltd
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Filing: 1997-10-31
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Granted: 2001-07-10
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Expires: 2017-10-31
Abstract
Abstract A probe for a speculum for use in examining the interior of a body cavity. The probe comprised an elongated tubular member ( 1 ) having a first and second end and an expandable sealing element ( 2 ) encircling said tubular member at or near the first end ( 3 ). A means for admission of a fluid ( 50 ) is provided to the interior of said sealing element to effect expansion thereof. A removable closure means is adapted to engage the second end ( 30 ). A means for admission of a fluid into the bore of said tubular member is also provided ( 32 ). The closure means provides a line of sight and extending there through and along the bore of the tubular member.
Inventors
- 👤 Clemens Van Der Weegen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 20:20
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A disposable probe for a speculum for use in examining the interior of a body cavity, said probe comprising an elongate, rigid tubular member having a see-through bore extending between a first end and a second end of the tubular member, an expandable sealing element encircling said tubular member at or near said first end, means for admission of a fluid to the interior of said sealing element to effect expansion thereof, a removable closure means for said second end, and means for admission of a transparent fluid into said bore, characterized in that said closure means permits direct vision through said bore.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
A disposable probe for a speculum for use in examining the interior of a body cavity, said probe comprising an elongate, rigid tubular member having a see-through bore extending between a first end and a second end of the tubular member, an expandable sealing element encircling said tubular member at or near said first end, means for admission of a fluid to the interior of said sealing element to effect expansion thereof, a removable closure means for said second end, and means for admission of a transparent fluid into said bore, characterized in that said closure means permits direct vision through said bore.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 1 wherein said closure means forms part of an eye piece, hand piece or other extension device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 1 wherein the removable closure means comprises a sealable entry port for a surgical implement.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 1 wherein said expandable sealing element is a substantially annular bladder.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 4 wherein the annular bladder is an elastomeric material stretchably fitted onto the tubular member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 5 wherein the annular bladder is secured to the tubular member by an elastomeric tie means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 5 wherein the annular bladder is secured to the tubular member by a string tie means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 5 wherein the annular bladder is secured to the tubular member by an adhesive means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said means for admission of fluid to the interior of said sealing element is an annular bladder comprising a duct extending from the interior of the sealing element to a fluid connection means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 9 wherein said fluid connection means are adapted to connect to a supply tube extending to a remote air supply means thereby allowing for the annular bladder to be inflated.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tubular member is made of material that is capable of transmitting light.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 11 wherein said tubular member is of a moulded colourless transparent plastic.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
A combination of a probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 1 and a re-usable hand piece, wherein said tubular member is detachably secured to the hand piece.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
A combination of a probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 13 and a re-usable hand piece, to which the probe is detachably secured, wherein the hand piece includes a light source to project light from the hand piece into the material of the tubular member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
39 words
A combination as claimed in claim 14 , wherein said tubular member and said hand piece have respectively juxtaposed faces through which the light is projected, and which are perpendicular to the direction of the light passing through them.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
A combination as claimed in claim 15 wherein said faces are polished to facilitate the transmission of the light from the hand piece to the tubular member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said means for admission of a fluid into the bore of said tubular member is integral with the removable closure means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said means for admission of fluid into the bore of said tubular member comprises an air connection means opening at one end into said bore.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
A probe for a speculum as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said removable closure means has a sleeve portion which sealingly engages with the external surface of said tubular member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-07-09 | 2005-01-08 | 2005-07-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-07-09 | 2009-01-08 | 2009-07-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-07-09 | 2013-01-08 | 2013-07-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |