Patent US3687139A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3687139A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Digital amniotome
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1971-01-28
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Granted: 1972-08-29
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Expires: 1991-01-28
Abstract
Abstract The digital amnitome described herein is a generally hollow, cylindrical finger-like device closed at one end adapted to be placed on and operated by a finger for rupturing the amniotic membrane during obstetrical procedures. The cylindrical device is adapted to extend over the second finger joint and preferably is formed of a plastic material that is stiffly flexible to aid in the flexure of the first finger joint which operates the device. Adjacent the closed end of the cylindrical device there is a resilient recessed portion in one wall having a sharp tipped, hook-like element secured thereto. When the fingertip is flexed, the resilient portion and sharp tipped element, which are normally in a retracted position, are extended radially to expose the sharp tip and permit its use in rupturing of the amniotic membrane.
Inventors
- 👤 Jean R Poirier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:13
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/42; A61B17/4208
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
A gynecological device adapted to be placed on and operated by a finger for rupturing the amniotic membrane during obstetrical procedures, said device comprising: a finger carried member having an axis and adapted to extend over the first two finger phalanxes, said member having a resilient recessed portion in one wall contiguous to the finger tip position, said recessed portion adapted to be flexed radially of said axis, a sharp tipped element secured to said recessed portion, said element being normally retracted behind the outer surface of the wall of said member, whereby said recessed portion and element are adapted to be operated by flexure of the finger tip to protrude from said member, thereby to facilitate the rupture of said membrane, and thereafter to be released to retract within said outer surface, thereby to facilitate withdrawal of said device without trauma.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
A gynecological device adapted to be placed on and operated by a finger for rupturing the amniotic membrane during obstetrical procedures, said device comprising: a finger carried member having an axis and adapted to extend over the first two finger phalanxes, said member having a resilient recessed portion in one wall contiguous to the finger tip position, said recessed portion adapted to be flexed radially of said axis, a sharp tipped element secured to said recessed portion, said element being normally retracted behind the outer surface of the wall of said member, whereby said recessed portion and element are adapted to be operated by flexure of the finger tip to protrude from said member, thereby to facilitate the rupture of said membrane, and thereafter to be released to retract within said outer surface, thereby to facilitate withdrawal of said device without trauma.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said element is hook-like.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said axis is normally curved to facilitate entry of said member into the vagina.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said member is stiffly flexible to facilitate its utilization.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the member is stiffly flexible and of sufficient length to extend over the second joint of the finger, thereby to facilitate flexure of the finger tip to operate said element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said recessed portion includes a lever arm fulcrumed against the inner radial wall of said member, the tip of said lever arm having a sharpened point.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said element is integral with said recessed portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
A device according to claim 1 which also includes a cover member defining an orifice for said element positioned over said recessed portion, whereby said element is in a normally retracted position thereby to reduce the possibility of traumitizing the cervix or vaginal vault.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device according to claim 8 wherein said member has thickened walls to increase its stiffness in the region of the second finger joint, thereby to facilitate flexure of the finger tip for extending and exposing said element.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 9 wherein said recessed portion is in the form of a resilient diaphragm in said radial wall.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
112 words
A gynecological device adapted to be placed on and operated by a finger for rupturing the amniotic membrane during obstetrical procedures, said device comprising: a finger carried member having an axis and adapted to extend over the first two finger phalanxes, said member having an integral resilient recessed portion in one wall contiguous to the finger tip position, said recessed portion adapted to be flexed radially of said axis, a sharp tipped element integral with said member secured to said recessed portion, whereby said recessed portion and element are adapted to be operated by flexure of the finger tip to protrude from said member, thereby to facilitate the rupture of said membrane.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
112 words
A gynecological device adapted to be placed on and operated by a finger for rupturing the amniotic membrane during obstetrical procedures, said device comprising: a finger carried member having an axis and adapted to extend over the first two finger phalanxes, said member having an integral resilient recessed portion in one wall contiguous to the finger tip position, said recessed portion adapted to be flexed radially of said axis, a sharp tipped element integral with said member secured to said recessed portion, whereby said recessed portion and element are adapted to be operated by flexure of the finger tip to protrude from said member, thereby to facilitate the rupture of said membrane.
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) | 1975-08-29 | 1976-02-28 | 1976-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-29 | 1980-02-28 | 1980-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-29 | 1984-02-28 | 1984-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |