Abstract: A device (50) for examining a vagina, the device (50) adapted to be mounted to a handpiece (2) and for allowing air to be introduced into the vagina, the device (50) comprising a tubular probe (1) having a first, foreward end (4) and a second, rearward end (5); and a sealing element (6) disposed adjacent to the foreward end (4) of the tubular probe (1), the sealing element (6) adapted to act as a seal for the vagina to reduce egress of fluid therefrom by sealing against a circumferential zone of the internal tissue defining a vaginal orifice, the tubular probe (1) having a first lateral entry port (11) that allows for an elongate implement (15) to be removably mounted in the device (50) and to be passed through the tubular probe (1) for introduction into the vagina, such that the implement (15) is manipulable by a user, wherein fluid being introduced into said vagina via the tubular probe (1) is delivered via a conduit (51) from a pump (52), and a regulator (54) fluidly connected to the conduit (51) regulates

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a dome-shaped sealing element for a vaginal speculum from an annular workpiece of closed cell polyethylene foam sheet material is described.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum of the kind including a tubular probe (6) for penetrating the vagina wherein the probe is encircled by an annular sealing element (13), in the form of a thick walled, domed shell of polyethylene foam, spaced from the leading end of the probe and which seals only against a circumferential zone of the internal tissue defining the vaginal orifice. The external surface of the sealing element is shaped as a surface of revolution wherein the diameter of the sealing surface increases progressively with axial distance from the leading end of the sealing element and wherein the rate of increase diminishes progressively with said axial distance. The seal therefore provides a low-pressure seal over a limited range of depths of penetration of the probe into the vagina and over a range of angular alignments of the probe.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a dome-shaped sealing element for a vaginal speculum from an annular workpiece (37) of closed cell polyethylene foam sheet material comprising a mould (28) defining an open ended cavity having a circular cross-sectional shape smaller in diameter than the outside diameter of the workpiece, a loading station (32) wherein said workpiece may be applied to the mould to rest on the mould to cover a mouth of said cavity, an insertion station (33) wherein a plunger with a convex head forces the workpiece into said cavity so as to cause the workpiece to adopt a domed shape with a concave side directed towards the mouth of the cavity, a heating station (34) wherein radiant heating means heat the concave side of the workpiece in the mould cavity to soften a surface layer thereof, a cooling station (35) wherein the said surface layer is allowed to cool in the mould cavity, and an unloading station (36) wherein a plunger with a concave head pushes the shaped workpiece from the cavity, conveyor means t

Abstract: An examination device for examining the interior of a body cavity has a tubular probe having a first, forward end and a second, rearward end. The probe is mounted in a hand piece, and a closure is engaged with the second end of the probe. A shield is provided on the probe either adjacent the first end or spaced therefrom but forwardly of the hand piece to shield the hand piece from contact with body tissue. The shield is also able to seal against a body orifice.

Abstract: A probe for a speculum for use in examining the interior of a body cavity. The probe comprised an elongated tubular member (1) having a first and second end and an expandable sealing element (2) encircling said tubular member at or near the first end (3). A means for admission of a fluid (50) is provided to the interior of said sealing element to effect expansion thereof. A removable closure means is adapted to engage the second end (30). A means for admission of a fluid into the bore of said tubular member is also provided (32). The closure means provides a line of sight and extending there through and along the bore of the tubular member.

Abstract: A dilating speculum comprises a tubular body (8) adapted for connection at one end to an eye-piece and light source, a tubular probes (11) adapted to be inserted into the vagina or other body cavity and comprising an outer probe part (13) detachably secured to the tubular body (8) and an inner probe part (12) lodged within the bore of the outer part (13). An inflatable latex (15) sheath surrounds a length of the probe (11) and is sealed thereto at each end of that length. The seal at one end is effected by virtue of an end portion of the sheath (15) being sandwiched between the two probe parts (12, 13) and at the other end by a stretched elastic ring (35) encircling the probe (11) and sheath (15). A passage (24, 23, 25, 28, 29) through the body (8) and probe (11) allows the sheath (15) to be inflated between the seals.