Patents Examined by Cary C O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7056288
    Abstract: A vaginal speculum assembly is provided including an upper arm and a lower arm movably coupled to one another by a coupling member positioned at a posterior end. Each of the upper and lower arms are dimensioned for at least partial insertion into a patient's vagina, and when so inserted, are dimensioned to exert pressure on at least upper and lower portions of an inner surface of the patient's vaginal wall. The coupling member permits movement of the upper and lower arms relative to one another to adjust their positioning relative to the vaginal wall. The assembly further includes a locking device coupled to at least one of the upper and lower arms which, when activated, substantially prevents movement of the upper and lower arms relative to one another. A connector member extends outwardly from a posterior end of the upper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ethicon Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Tracey, Frederick T. Karl