US3620212A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Intrauterine contraceptive device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-06-15
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Granted: 1971-11-16
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Expires: 1990-06-15
Abstract
Abstract An intrauterine contraceptive device formed, in part at least, of a nickel-titanium alloy which has a mechanical memory. The device is formed initially in the desired free shape it will take in the uterine cavity, heat-treated with the free shape being mechanically constrained, and then plastically deformed to a compact, elongated shape for easy insertion through a cervical canal into a uterine cavity. The device will gradually resume its free shape as it is heated to temperature near the human body temperature.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert D Fannon Jr
- 👤 Brenton R Lower
- 👤 Leonard E Laufe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:57
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F6/00; A61F6/06; A61F6/14; A61F6/142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
An intrauterine contraceptive device, comprising an elongated strand, shaped in a configuration lying substantially in one plane to fit within a uterine cavity; said strand being composed at least partially through the length thereof of an alloy comprising 53.5-56.5 weight percent nickel, the remainder being essentially titanium; and said strand being heat-treated while the configuration thereof is mechanically constrained.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
59 words
An intrauterine contraceptive device, comprising an elongated strand, shaped in a configuration lying substantially in one plane to fit within a uterine cavity; said strand being composed at least partially through the length thereof of an alloy comprising 53.5-56.5 weight percent nickel, the remainder being essentially titanium; and said strand being heat-treated while the configuration thereof is mechanically constrained.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The contraceptive device as set forth in claim 1 including a sheath surrounding the strand and composed of a material which will slough away upon insertion of the strand into a uterine cavity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The contraceptive device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said strand is composed of a continuous core of said alloy throughout the length thereof and a continuous sheath of molded plastic material surrounding said core.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The contraceptive device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the alloy is characterized by being restored to its initial shape, after plastic deformation thereof, above human body temperature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The contraceptive device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said strand is shaped and then heat-treated to about 900* F. while the shape thereof is mechanically constrained.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The contraceptive device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said stRand is composed of a plurality of wires of said alloy extending throughout the length thereof and a continuous sheath of molded plastic material surrounding the wires.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
113 words
An intrauterine contraceptive device comprising an elongated strand shaped in a compact configuration to fit in a cervical canal for insertion into a uterine cavity; said strand being composed at least partially through the length thereof of an alloy comprising 53.5-56.5 weight percent nickel, the remainder being essentially titanium; said strand being first formed with a free shape in substantially one plane to fit within a uterine cavity, and then heat-treated while the free shape is mechanically constrained, and finally plastically deformed into said compact configuration; and said alloy being characterized as being restored to said free shape when said strand in the compact configuration is heated to a temperature above body temperature.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
113 words
An intrauterine contraceptive device comprising an elongated strand shaped in a compact configuration to fit in a cervical canal for insertion into a uterine cavity; said strand being composed at least partially through the length thereof of an alloy comprising 53.5-56.5 weight percent nickel, the remainder being essentially titanium; said strand being first formed with a free shape in substantially one plane to fit within a uterine cavity, and then heat-treated while the free shape is mechanically constrained, and finally plastically deformed into said compact configuration; and said alloy being characterized as being restored to said free shape when said strand in the compact configuration is heated to a temperature above body temperature.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
The contraceptive device as set forth in claim 7 including a sheath of material surrounding said strand when in said compact configuration, and composed of a material which will slough away upon insertion of the strand into a uterine cavity.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-15 | 1975-05-17 | 1975-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-15 | 1979-05-17 | 1979-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-15 | 1983-05-17 | 1983-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |