US4766909A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Threshold penile rigidity measuring device
Assignee: Endocare Inc
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Filing: 1987-02-02
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Granted: 1988-08-30
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Expires: 2007-02-02
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus (10) for measuring a predetermined penile rigidity or hardness in a penile tumescent event. The apparatus (10) includes a band-like structure (12) for releasably engaging a penis (11). Suitably attached and associated with band-like structure (12) are releasable fasteners (15) for detecting a predetermined force in a penile tumescent event whereby penile rigidity or hardness can be measured.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerald W. Timm
- 👤 William E. Bradley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:47
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/43; A61B5/4375; A61B5/4393
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
An apparatus for measuring rigidity of a penis in a penile tumescent event, comprising: (a) band means for encircling at least a major portion of the circumference of the penis, and (b) detection means attached to a surface of the band means for detecting and recording the occurence of multiple levels of predetermined force urging the band means toward a larger diameter, the multiple levels of predetermined force corresponding to multiple levels of predetermined penile rigidity.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
76 words
An apparatus for measuring rigidity of a penis in a penile tumescent event, comprising: (a) band means for encircling at least a major portion of the circumference of the penis, and (b) detection means attached to a surface of the band means for detecting and recording the occurence of multiple levels of predetermined force urging the band means toward a larger diameter, the multiple levels of predetermined force corresponding to multiple levels of predetermined penile rigidity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the detection means is entirely mechanical, requiring no electrical elements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the detection means has a tensile strength less than the band means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
78 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the band means comprises a flexible strip of material having first and second end portions and means for mounting the flexible strip of material on the penis, the detection means interconnecting the first and second end portions whereby as the multiple levels of predetermined force urge the first and second end portions away from one another, the multiple levels of predetermined force are detected and recorded by the detection means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the first and second end portions of the flexible strip of material are further interconnected by an elastic device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the flexible strip of material comprises first and second stips interconnected to each other.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein the first and second strips are adjustably interconnectable and releasable a plurality of times, wherby the diameter of the band structure can be adjusted.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein the first and second strips overlap one another, and disposed on overlapping surfaces of the first and second strips are hook material means and loop material means for releasably attaching the overlapping surfaces of the first and second strips to one another, thereby allowing repeated release and attachment of the first and second strips.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the detection means includes a plurality of detection elements each capable of measuring a different level of predetermined force.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the detection elements are configured and attached to the band means such that at any given moment less than all of the detection elements are placed under tension.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the detection elements each have a width less than that of the band means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the detection means has a plurality of states corresponding to the detection of the predetermined multiple levels of penile rigidity.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for measuring penile rigidity of a penis, comprising: (a) positioning about the circumference of the penis band means having detection means attached to a surface of the band means for detecting and recording the occurrence of multiple levels of predetermined force urging the band means toward a larger diameter, the predetermined levels of force corresponding to predetermined levels of penile rigidity; and (b) monitoring the detection means to determine the multiple levels of determined rigidity detected by the detection means.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for measuring penile rigidity of a penis, comprising: (a) positioning about the circumference of the penis band means having detection means attached to a surface of the band means for detecting and recording the occurrence of multiple levels of predetermined force urging the band means toward a larger diameter, the predetermined levels of force corresponding to predetermined levels of penile rigidity; and (b) monitoring the detection means to determine the multiple levels of determined rigidity detected by the detection means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method in accordance with claim 13, wherein the monitoring step includes the step of observing the detection means to see if the detection means have one of two states, separated or non-separated.
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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) | 1991-08-30 | 1992-02-29 | 1992-08-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-08-30 | 1996-02-29 | 1996-08-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-08-30 | 2000-02-29 | 2000-08-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |