US3995618A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cervical tissue cell-gathering device
Assignee: Richardson Vicks Inc
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Filing: 1975-06-16
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Granted: 1976-12-07
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Expires: 1995-06-16
Abstract
Abstract A cervical tissue cell-gathering device is provided which can be self-administered, and which is so arranged as to protect the sample from contamination as it is inserted and withdrawn from the vagina. An improved method for the preparation of Pap smear slides using such a device is described.
Inventors
- 👤 Warren K. Kingsley
- 👤 Stanley Schoenfeld
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B10/00; A61B10/02; A61B10/0291
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A cervical tissue cell-gathering device comprising: an outer tube; an inner tube, slightly longer than said outer tube, telescopically positioned within said outer tube and longitudinally movable therein; a moistened cervical sponge mounted at the forward end of and projecting from said inner tube, said sponge moistened with a fixative solution for preserving cervical tissue cells; and a thin, flexible, mucous-protecting sleeve which encloses said inner tube and said cervical sponge before and during insertion into the vagina, one end of said sleeve being fastened to the inner wall of said outer tube, and the other end of said sleeve being folded over the forward end of said sponge in such a manner as to permit said cervical sponge to be extended therethrough.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
A cervical tissue cell-gathering device comprising: an outer tube; an inner tube, slightly longer than said outer tube, telescopically positioned within said outer tube and longitudinally movable therein; a moistened cervical sponge mounted at the forward end of and projecting from said inner tube, said sponge moistened with a fixative solution for preserving cervical tissue cells; and a thin, flexible, mucous-protecting sleeve which encloses said inner tube and said cervical sponge before and during insertion into the vagina, one end of said sleeve being fastened to the inner wall of said outer tube, and the other end of said sleeve being folded over the forward end of said sponge in such a manner as to permit said cervical sponge to be extended therethrough.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A cervical cell-gathering device as set forth in claim 1 wherein a cervical stop is affixed to said outer tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A cervical cell-gathering device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the fixative solution is an aqueous solution comprising from 1 to 2 percent of glycerine, and from 25 to 50 percent of a lower alkanol having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A cervical cell-gathering device according to claim 1 wherein the fixative solution is an aqueous solution comprising from 1 to 2 percent of glycerine and from 20 to 40 percent of ethyl alcohol.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A cervical cell-gathering device according to claim 1 wherein the mucous-protecting sleeve is a polyethylene film.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A cervical cell-gathering device according to claim 1 wherein the cervical sponge consists of spirally-wound layers of cellulose cloth sponge.
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) | 1979-12-07 | 1980-06-07 | 1980-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-12-07 | 1984-06-07 | 1984-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-12-07 | 1988-06-07 | 1988-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |