US5133721A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for removing foreign objects from anatomic organs
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1991-03-19
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Granted: 1992-07-28
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Expires: 2011-03-19
Abstract
Abstract A device for removing foreign objects from anatomic organs such as the ear canal or throat having a housing shaped like a flashlight, an electrical power source such as a battery or AC power from a wall socket, and a tip extending from the housing, the tip having at least one wire loop made from a shape-memory-effect alloy such as Nitinol switchably connected to the electrical power source such that when electric current flows through the wire loop the wire loop heats up and returns to a previously programmed shape such as a curet or tweezers so as to facilitate removal of the foreign object.
Inventors
- 👤 Earl D. Angulo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:13
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/50; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30092; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0014; A61F2210/0023; A61F2210/0033
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A device for removing foreign objects from anatomic organs comprising: a housing; an electrical power source; a tip extending from said housing, said tip comprising at least one wire loop made from a shape-memory-effect alloy switchably connected to said electrical power source such that when electric current flows through said wire loop said wire loop heats up and returns to a previously programmed shape so as to facilitate removal of said foreign object; and further comprising a light bulb located on said housing so as to illuminate said tip.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A device for removing foreign objects from anatomic organs comprising: a housing; an electrical power source; a tip extending from said housing, said tip comprising at least one wire loop made from a shape-memory-effect alloy switchably connected to said electrical power source such that when electric current flows through said wire loop said wire loop heats up and returns to a previously programmed shape so as to facilitate removal of said foreign object; and further comprising a light bulb located on said housing so as to illuminate said tip.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said electrical power source comprises a battery and current limiting circuit located within said housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said electrical power source comprises an AC power cord with a transformer/rectifier for connection to a wall socket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said previously programmed shape comprises a curet shape.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said tip comprises two wire loops made from shape-memory-effect alloys switchably connected to said electrical power source.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 5 wherein said two wire loops return to a previously programmed shape of tweezers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 5 wherein said two wire loops return to a previously programmed shape of forceps.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 6 further comprising barbs on said wire loops.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said shape-memory-effect alloy is Nitinol.
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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) | 1995-07-28 | 1996-01-27 | 1996-07-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-07-28 | 2000-01-27 | 2000-07-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-07-28 | 2004-01-27 | 2004-07-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |