Illumination Assembly For Use With Vaginal Speculum Apparatus
An illumination assembly for use with a vaginal speculum includes an assembly housing containing a light source, such as at least one LED or incandescent lamp. The illumination assembly, which can be battery powered or powered by means of a dedicated power supply, such as an AC power supply, is configured to be fitted within a receiving cavity of a handle portion of a vaginal speculum.
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This application is based upon the following two (2) provisional patent applications, claiming priority based on 35 USC § 119(e): U.S. Ser. No. 60/667,505, filed Apr. 1, 2005, entitled: ILLUMINATED VAGINAL SPECULUM ASSEMBLY; and U.S. Ser. No. 60/735,576, filed Nov. 10, 2005, entitled: ILLUMINATED VAGINAL SPECULUM ASSEMBLY. The entire contents of each of the above-noted applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe application relates to the field of hand-held medical diagnostic instruments and in particular to an illumination assembly that is used in conjunction with a vaginal speculum.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONVaginal specula are commonly known apparatus presently used in the field of diagnostic medicine for purposes of examining the cervix of a female patient. A typical vaginal speculum includes an upper blade member and a lower blade member that are operated upon to open and close by means of an articulation mechanism in order to dilate the vaginal cavity of the patient. According to one version of a vaginal speculum apparatus that is manufactured and sold by Welch Allyn, Inc. of Skaneateles Falls, N.Y., a corded illumination assembly is received within a hollow handle portion of a disposable speculum made from a molded plastic material. The illumination assembly includes a miniature light source, such as a halogen or other miniature incandescent lamp, which is contained within an assembly housing and is tethered by cabling to a dedicated (e.g., AC) power source. The light source is coupled, when received by the hollow handle portion, with the proximal end of a curved light pipe disposed within the lower blade member, the light pipe being formed from a light transmissive material. Light is transmitted from the light source by means of internal reflection along the light pipe to a distal end, the light pipe extending along the interior of the lower blade member. Light is projected from the distal end of the light pipe toward the distal end of the lower blade member to the target (i.e., the cervix), thereby permitting a practitioner to conduct an effective patient examination.
One problem with the herein-described light pipe is that a so-called “hot” spot is developed at the distal light emitting end. The distal light emitting end further produces back reflection of light to the eye of the user along a viewing aperture of the speculum that is formed between the upper and lower blade members at the proximal ends thereof. This back reflection produces considerable amounts of glare, thereby impairing the effectiveness of an examination. In addition, the configuration of the distal end of the current light pipe provides non-uniform light distribution at the target (e.g., the cervix).
Another problem is that the body of the light pipe extends into the lower field of view of the user (e.g., the physician), creating obstruction of the target. In addition, shadowing of external illumination is caused by the distal light pipe end.
A further concern is the amount of plastic material that is used in the lower blade member of the molded disposable speculum, including the material taken up by the light pipe and the hollow handle portion. Excessive plastic material results in extra cost of manufacture. The molding of the lower blade member is further affected in that a stress concentration is created at the distal end of the light pipe, based on its squared discontinuous end, resulting in weak location and potential breakage. Moreover, there is difficulty in molding due to the abrupt change in cross section near the gate.
Yet another problem is that body fluids expelled from examination are often trapped by the distal end of the light pipe, producing a contamination issue as well as impairing the efficiency of examination given the effect on light transmission of a buildup of fluids against the light-emitting surface of the light pipe.
Yet another problem is that the industry has become content with the concept of utilizing a tethered illumination assembly. Though effective and highly useful, there are occasions in which such assemblies make examination impractical to perform such as, for example, instances in which the patient is bed-ridden. In these situations, the corded portion of the speculum apparatus can become an impediment to examining a patient. In addition, the use of corded illumination assemblies requires a non-portable (e.g., AC) power supply to be present in the examination area, making field examinations difficult. Still further, corded assemblies can become tangled or become a source of dirt or other contamination, requiring frequent cleaning between examinations.
Yet still further, the advent of alternative light sources, such as LEDs, provide a means for providing efficient illumination with a longer service life than that of incandescent lamps. Heretofore, the incorporation of such light sources in portable illumination systems for vaginal specula has been discouraged in the field due to inefficiencies in power conversion and illumination output. Provision of these light sources, at least in certain instances is desirable, but presently unavailable for use in such apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one aspect, there is disclosed an illumination assembly for use with a vaginal speculum, said illuminator assembly comprising a housing, a light source contained in said housing, and means for receiving at least one battery for powering said contained light source, said illumination assembly being adapted to fit within a receiving cavity of a handle portion of a vaginal speculum.
The light source can include at least one LED, such as a white LED or alternatively can include an incandescent lamp. The means for receiving said at least one battery can be provided in the housing, such as in a battery compartment or through a separate component that is connected either through a tethered or mechanical engagement with the housing.
The illumination assembly can include a switch mechanism for selectively energizing the light source. According to one embodiment, a switch member can be provided on the exterior of the assembly housing. The switch member can be biased in an Off position wherein engagement of the assembly housing into a receiving cavity of a vaginal speculum will automatically energize the light source. The switch also enables the illumination assembly to perform independently as an examination light. The assembly includes means for locking the switch member such that no automatic operation is possible irrespective of the position of the housing in a receiving cavity of a speculum.
The at least one battery used for powering the light source is rechargeable and the assembly housing includes a low-battery power indicator to indicate when recharging is required. A set of charging contacts is also provided, enabling the assembly to be used in conjunction with a docking station. The herein described assembly can also be used in conjunction with an auxiliary power supply, as needed, in the instance that recharging is not readily available. The auxiliary power supply can include at least one battery or an AC power supply, each being connectable to the housing.
The illumination assembly can further include a speculum adapter attachable to the assembly body, wherein the adapter facilitates the engagement of the housing to the receiving cavity of the speculum. In one version, the speculum adapter incorporates an external envelope equivalent to that of one type of illumination assembly and an internal envelope adapted for receiving another type of illumination assembly. The speculum adapter enables simplicity in alignment relative to a receiving cavity of a speculum.
In another version, the housing includes a base portion. A battery housing and an illumination source housing are disposed in parallel relation on one side of the base portion according to one embodiment or the batteries can be stored in a single housing with the light source. The base portion has a larger cross section than the remainder of said assembly housing, wherein the base portion is configured to extend from a receiving cavity of a speculum when attached thereto. The base portion is approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length, thereby defining an effective length for conducting examinations when attached to a speculum. The cross section of the remainder of the housing is adapted to be in substantial close contact with the interior of a receiving cavity of a vaginal speculum.
A flexible sheath member is attachable to the base portion and according to one version, the sheath member is sealingly engageable with the base portion. A frangible tear strip enables selective release of the sheath member from the base portion.
The illumination assembly further includes means for dissipating heat generated by said assembly. In one variation, a heat sink is disposed within said assembly housing. In another variation, the housing at least partially contains a phase change material.
The illumination assembly includes at least one lens that is disposed in relation to said light source for directing illumination from the contained light source. The at least one lens is configured to permit optical coupling of said light source to a speculum.
At least one feature of the assembly housing is configured to enable retention within a receiving cavity of a vaginal speculum, wherein the assembly is configured to automatically energize the contained light source when the assembly housing is inserted at least a predetermined distance within a receiving cavity of a vaginal speculum.
According to a preferred version, the assembly is configured to automatically energize the light source, wherein the assembly can assume at least one or more rotational orientations within the receiving cavity. In one version, the illumination assembly is configured to be disposed in a first rotational orientation and a second rotational orientation that is spaced 180 degrees relative to the first rotational orientation about a primary axis of the illumination assembly. According to this version, the assembly is still configured to automatically energize the light source, irrespective of the rotational orientation assumed in the receiving cavity. In another version, the illumination assembly is configured to assume any rotational orientation about a primary axis of the illumination assembly.
According to yet another aspect, means are provided in the battery powered version for selectively interconnecting the light source with a non-portable power supply in the event of low power circumstances, enabling greater flexibility and versatility with the herein described assembly.
According to yet another version, means are provided for adjusting the uniformity of the illumination spot created by the energized light source. Means are also provided for adjusting the illumination output. The latter means can include at least one optical element that is disposed at an upper end of said assembly housing. In one version, the at least one optical element includes a prismatic member for directing light from said light source, said assembly housing being axially movable within a receiving cavity of a speculum.
According to yet another version, means are provided for adjusting the color of illumination emitted by said light source.
According to another aspect, there is disclosed an illumination assembly for use with a vaginal speculum, said assembly comprising a housing, and at least one LED contained in said housing, said housing being adapted to be positioned within a receiving cavity of a handle portion of a vaginal speculum.
The at least one LED can be powered by at least one battery or alternatively by a nonportable (e.g., AC) power supply. In one preferred version, the at least one LED includes a white LED.
Means are provided for receiving the at least one battery wherein the means can be provided in the housing or can be connected to the housing, such as a power adapter having a body that is mechanically and electrically attached at one end to the housing or tethered by a cable to the housing. According to another version, the housing is tethered to an AC power supply.
A switch mechanism selectively energizes the at least one LED. According to one version, the switch mechanism includes a switch member having a portion formed on the exterior of the assembly housing. In one embodiment, the switch member can be biased in an Off position. The switch member can be locked by a user, thereby preventing automatic operation and further maintaining the assembly in an On position.
The at least one battery is rechargeable and can be recharged, for example, using a docking station. According to one version, charging contacts are provided on a bottom surface of said housing. A low-battery power indicator is provided to indicate when recharging may be needed.
The herein described illumination assembly can also include means for dissipating heat generated by the assembly, such as a heat sink disposed within the assembly housing. According to another version, the housing or at least a portion thereof contains a phase change material.
Preferably, the at least one LED is capable of both high output (e.g., 1 watt and a minimum of 20 lumens/watt) and long service life (e.g., at least 1000 hours), enabling efficient and prolonged use of the illumination assembly for medical applications.
A speculum adapter can attach to the housing, wherein the adapter facilitates the engagement of the housing within the receiving cavity of a vaginal speculum. In a preferred version, the speculum adapter comprises an external envelope equivalent to that of one type of illumination assembly and an internal envelope that is adapted for receiving another type of illumination assembly.
The housing includes a base portion. According to one version, the illumination assembly can include a battery housing and an illumination source housing, each of the battery housing and the illumination source housing being disposed in parallel relation on one side of the base portion. The base portion has a larger cross section than the remainder of said assembly housing, said base portion being configured to extend from a receiving cavity of a speculum when attached thereto. In a preferred version, the base portion is approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length such that an effective working length is established when connected to a speculum. The cross section of the remainder of said assembly housing is sized to provide a substantial close contacting fit with the interior of a receiving cavity of a vaginal speculum.
The illumination assembly can also include a flexible sheath member that is attachable to the base portion. In one version, the sheath member is sealingly engageable with the base portion and can include a frangible tear strip enabling selective release of said sheath member from the base portion.
At least one lens is disposed in the housing in relation to the LED for directing illumination from the illumination assembly. The at least one lens is configured to permit optical coupling of the LED to said speculum.
The illumination assembly is preferably configured to automatically energize said light source when said assembly housing is inserted at least a predetermined distance within a receiving cavity in the handle portion of a vaginal speculum. To that end, the illumination assembly can include a switch mechanism that is engageable with features provided in the receiving cavity of the speculum and provide automatic operation. The switch mechanism can also be manually operated, such that the illumination assembly can be used independently as an examination light. The switch mechanism can be selectively locked to disable automatic operation.
The assembly preferably is engageable with a receiving cavity in the handle of a speculum such that the assembly is configured to automatically energize the contained LED in at least one or more rotational orientations of said assembly within said receiving cavity. In one version, the housing can be configured in a first rotational orientation and a second rotational orientation that is 180 degrees spaced relative to the first rotational orientation. In this version, the light source can be automatically energized in either the first or second rotational orientation. In yet another version, the illumination assembly is adapted to assume any rotational orientation about a primary axis of the assembly within the receiving cavity.
The illumination assembly also includes means for selectively interconnecting the at least one LED with an auxiliary power supply, for example, in situations in which a contained battery is either drained or has insufficient power.
The illumination assembly can further include means for adjusting the spot size created by the energized light source.
The illumination assembly further includes means for adjusting the color of illumination emitted by said light source and can further be configured to adjust the output of illumination generated by the LED. The illumination output adjusting means includes at least one optical element disposed at an upper end of said housing. The at least one optical element includes a prismatic member for directing light from said light source, the housing being movable within a receiving cavity of a speculum.
The herein described illumination assembly permits greater flexibility in that corded illumination assemblies are not required. The illumination assembly provides better coupling to an attached speculum and the assembly can be used independently as an examination light without being tethered to a non-portable power supply. The assembly can be easily cleaned and maintained and is simple to operate.
These and other aspects, features and advantages will become readily apparent from the following Detailed Description which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The following relates to an illuminated vaginal speculum apparatus as well as certain aspects of the apparatus that are herein described and based on various embodiments in accordance with this application. It should be readily apparent from the discussion that follows, however, that there are many variations and modifications that will be apparent to one of sufficient skill in the field, and that are intended to be within the scope of the inventive concepts. In addition, certain terms are used throughout the discussion, such as “top”, “upper”, “bottom”, “lower”, “above”, “below”, “proximal” and “distal”, each of which are used in order to provide a suitable frame of reference with regard to the accompanying drawings. These terms, however, are not intended to be overlimiting, except where so specifically indicated.
Referring first to
An intermediate portion of the slide member 112 is fitted within a guide slot (not shown) that is provided on a rearward facing side of the handle portion 120, the slide member further having a forked upper end or yoke 124 that receives the upper blade member 108, which is pivotally attached thereto, including a downwardly extending lever portion 128 extending from the proximal end of the blade member.
The lever portion 128 further includes an opening 135, shown only in
In addition, the slide member 112 further includes a lower tongue 129 having a single ratchet tooth 130 that engages with a set of corresponding teeth 131 that are provided on the rear exterior side of the handle portion 120 in order to provide relative vertical adjustment between the upper and lower blade members 104, 108, as needed. Additional details relating to the disposable speculum 100 depicted herein, including the adjustment of the upper and lower blade members 104, 108, can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,047, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
Referring to
Referring to
Though the light pipe 146 provides a coupling means for directing illumination from the contained miniature incandescent lamp of the illumination assembly 140, there are a number of issues relating to the instrument design of
Referring to
Like the preceding, the disposable speculum 204 according to this embodiment is generally defined by an upper or top blade member 212, a lower or bottom blade member 214 (which integrally includes the handle portion 216), and a slide member 220. Each of the upper blade member 212 and lower blade member 214 are similarly constructed as described with regard to
The lever portion 224 is defined by a frame-like structure that includes an opening 221, defining an aperture through which the user can examine the patient through the upper and lower blade members 212, 214, as well as a bottom tab 227. Finger pressure on the bottom tab 227 allows the user to angularly articulate the speculum 200, in a manner similar to that described previously. According to this embodiment, an intermediate portion of the slide member 220 is movably (axially) disposed within a guide slot 223 extending over the entirety of the length of the rear side of the handle portion 216. Finger pressure on the lower tongue 229 of the slide member 220 permits engagement between a single tooth provided on the slide member 220 and a set of external teeth 222 provided on the proximal or rear side of the handle portion 216 and enables selective vertical articulation (spacing) of the lower blade member 214 with respect to the upper blade member 212 through selective movement of the slide member 220 and yoke 228. The guide slot 223 extends axially through the set of external teeth 222, improving moldability as opposed to the version shown in
As described in greater detail below, the receiving cavity 217 of the herein described disposable speculum 204 is sized to interchangeably and releasably accommodate at least two illumination assemblies. As will be described in greater detail below, the illumination assemblies that can be interchangeably accommodated by the speculum can vary based on at least one structural and/or functional aspect, including size, type of power supply, and type of light source. In one variation, the receiving cavity 217 of the speculum 204 can interchangeably receive either a corded illumination assembly 140,
For purposes of reference, the cordless or portable illumination assembly 230 according to this embodiment is at least partially depicted in each of
More specifically, the housing 236 is defined by a lower base portion 260 and a narrower extending upper portion 245. According to the present embodiment, the two portions 245, 260 are integrally formed by molding the housing, the housing being made from a durable plastic material. The narrower extending upper portion 245 is sized to fit entirely within the receiving cavity 217 of the handle portion 216 and includes a short tubular open-ended extending portion 238 projecting from a top surface 235 thereof.
The upper portion 245 of the housing 236, as more clearly shown in
As noted, the substantially hollow interior of the housing 236 is sized to retain a number of components. More specifically and referring to
An upper portion of the light source is also retained within the spacer tube 241. According to this embodiment, the light source is a miniature white LED 232, shown schematically in
A lower portion of the LED 232 is retained within a heat sink 244 made from a heat conductive material, such as, for example, aluminum, into which the lower end of the spacer tube 241 extends, as well as the extending electrical contact wires (not shown) from the LED 232. The heat sink 244 extends substantially across the width of the extending upper portion 245 of the housing 236, with the exception of a recessed portion 272 that accommodates an inner walled cavity 276.
Still referring to
A printed circuit board 240 that includes components and circuitry for powering the LED 232 is disposed within the base portion 260 of the assembly housing 236 according to this embodiment. The circuit board 240 includes circuits for controlling the current required by the LED 232. According to this embodiment, the circuit board 240 includes a buck-boost constant current LED driver 251, such as a Model LTC3453EUF, used for this purpose. According to this embodiment, the circuit board 240 is retained and aligned within the housing 236 using a set of guide rails 285, though other suitable retaining means can be used. A set of charging contacts 286 are disposed immediately beneath the circuit board 240, each projecting through a bottom surface 287 of the housing 236. According to this embodiment, three (3) such contacts are provided, each of the contacts being equally spaced from one another, the purposes of which are detailed below. The wires extending from the lower portion of the LED 232 and extending through the heat sink are passed behind the battery 242 to the circuit board 240 and are connected therewith in a conventional manner, while wires extend from the circuit board 240 to the negative terminal of the battery 242.
According to one version as described below, the battery 242 is rechargeable wherein the housing 236 is sized and configured to permit recharging by attachment to a docking station. Details relating to the attachment of a housing of an illumination assembly is described in a subsequent embodiment, but for purposes of this discussion and referring back to
According to the present embodiment, the base portion 260 further includes a pair of clamping recesses 289,
It should be noted in passing that various other configurations could be used for auxiliary or for primary powering of the herein described illumination assembly 230. For example, and as shown in
Referring to
According to this embodiment, the exterior surface of the slider switch 248 includes a pair of external projections 253, one on each of the upper and lower end of the slider switch to aid in manual operation of the assembly. According to this embodiment, engagement causes the switch 248 to move downwardly against the bias of a coil spring (not shown), biasing the switch in an Off position, and causes the lower end 292 of the conductive strip member 290 to electrically contact the conductive contacts 243 of the circuit board 240, thereby completing the circuit and causing the LED 232 to energize.
According to this embodiment, the illumination assembly 230 further permits the slider switch 248 to manually be preset to a locked position, in which the LED 232 can be energized prior to installing the assembly 230 into the receiving cavity 217,
Otherwise and when not placed in the “locked” position, removal of the housing 236 from the receiving cavity 217 causes the switch 248 to be automatically de-energized (e.g., by sliding the switch 248 upward to the original position, moving the lower end 292 of the conductive strip member 290 out of contact with the circuit board 240) and thereby de-energizing the contained light source (e.g., LED) 232. It should be noted that other forms of switch assemblies, such as, but not limited to optical switches, magnetic/reed switches, and other mechanical switches (such as an ON/OFF throw switch that can be enabled with the speculum when engaged therewith to automatically or manually energize and de-energize the contained LED) can be utilized.
The cordless, self-contained and compact nature of the herein described illumination assembly 230 as well as the operation, including the locking feature of the exterior slider switch 248 further enable the herein described assembly to be useful independently as an examination light. The positioning of the LED 232 within the spacer tube 241 as well as the positioning of the collecting lens 259 permit illumination to be directly efficiently and uniformly emitted. The positioning of the contained LED 232 within the illumination assembly 230 and particularly within the heat sink 244 further provides a safety feature in that the exposed end of the tubular portion 238 can be brought into substantial contact with a patient without particular risk of injury. More specifically, because the coupled lens is interior to the tubular extending portion 238, the lens 259 cannot be readily contacted by a patient or user. The lens 259 is further isolated from shock loads if the illumination assembly 230 is dropped.
Referring to
The upper portion of either illumination assembly housing 236, 144, including the extending tubular open-ended portion 238 of the housing 236 or the distal portion 148,
In either instance, the corded illumination assembly 140 and the cordless or portable illumination assembly 230 can be installed into the receiving cavity 217 of the handle portion 216 in which the light source contained in each assembly is effectively coupled with the proximal end of a light pipe 254,
As previously noted, the upper portion 245 of the housing 236 is sized to fit entirely within the receiving cavity 217, wherein the handle portion 216 is defined by an aspect (width×depth) ratio of approximately 2:1 that substantially matches that of the upper portion 245, thereby defining a substantially close-contacting fit. A range of 1.25:1 to 3:1 is suitable to provide adequate stability and greater rigidity, while permitting effective hand held operation. The extending base portion 260 of the illumination assembly 230 further defines an effective length or working length, as measured from a point P,
Referring to
Unlike that of the prior art, the distal end 258 of the light pipe 254 is also different than the version of
The contour provided in the distal light emitting end 258 according to this particular embodiment is essentially a scalloped cut producing an inwardly (i.e., concave) curved portion having a radius of approximately 1.5 to 3.5 inches. The center of the radius is provided from a point Q,
In operation, the light emitted from the coupled illumination assembly 140, 230 is collected by the lens 262,
In addition to the preceding, surfaces proximal to the light pipe 254 of the upper and lower blade members 212, 214 can be treated (e.g., as by frosting). Such treatment assists in reducing unwanted light (that is, light other than that received from the target) from being directed toward the user when the speculum 204 is used with an external light source. Similarly, the distal end 258 of the light pipe 254 can be provided with a variety of different optical surfaces through treatment thereof to smooth light output and control the distribution of illumination.
At least one air gap is also developed,
In addition to the preceding and referring to
Due to the portable and non-tethered (cordless) nature of the illumination assembly 230,
As noted, alternative embodiments of cordless (e.g., battery-powered) illumination assemblies are contemplated. Referring to
A cordless illumination assembly in accordance with this embodiment can also be interchangeably attached into the receiving cavity 133 of the handle portion 120 of the speculum 102 without requiring modification to the speculum. Put another way, a corded illumination assembly housing and the cordless illumination assembly can be interchangeably fitted into the receiving cavity 133 defined by the handle portion 120 of the speculum 102 of
Still referring to
The illumination assembly 380 further includes circuitry 400, enabling the voltage of the at least one contained battery 404 to be raised, if necessary, to that required by the LED 232,
The working life of the compact battery 404 described herein is relatively limited. Preferably, the apparatus is configured such that the battery is designed to operate over a life extending at least equivalent to that of a day of examinations. Referring to
In addition and referring to
In operation, each of the corded or tethered illumination assemblies 140, 140A or cordless illumination assembly 380 can be disposed interchangeably within the receiving cavity 133 of the disposable speculum 102 and coupled with the proximal end of the light pipe 146 wherein illumination is conducted through the light pipe by internal reflection to the distal end 147 towards the target. Though not shown, the housing 384 can be configured with a switch member to enable automatic energization of the contained light source when the housing is disposed at least a predetermined distance into the receiving cavity 133 through engagement with at least one feature on either the housing and/or the interior of the receiving cavity.
Referring to
The disposable speculum 1204 according to this embodiment is defined by an upper or top blade member 1212, a lower blade member 1214 that includes an integral handle portion 1216, and a slide member 1220. Each of the top blade member 1212 and lower blade member 1214 are similarly constructed as that shown in
Distally adjacent and part of the handle portion 1216 and disposed beneath the lower blade member 1214 and extending essentially vertically therebeneath, is a substantially cylindrical receptacle 1234 having an open end 1238 and a defined hollow interior that is sized for retaining the illumination assembly 1260 of the herein described apparatus 1200, as described in greater detail below. It should be readily understood, however, that other geometries can be substituted. The receptacle 1234 includes an upper portion 1242, shown only in
Referring to
Referring to
Details relating to the cartridge 1276 of the illumination assembly 1260 are now provided with reference to
The heat sink 1330 includes an axial groove 1327 extending over the entire axial length thereof and is sized to retain one of a pair of electrical contacts. A first electrical contact 1329 extends from the proximal side of the printed circuit board 1314 and includes a lead wire and a strip member 1334. The strip member 1334 of this electrical contact 1329, when finally assembled, is sandwiched between a cartridge collar 1333 and the exterior of the cartridge body 1304. A second electrical contact 1331 is formed from a lead wire that extends axially from a battery contact board 1335, the board being retained within the bottom of the cartridge body 1304. According to this embodiment, the first electrical contact 1329 is a negative electrical contact while the second electrical contact 1331 is a positive electrical contact in which the positive terminal of the battery 1280,
Still referring to
In passing, it should be noted that the cartridge 1276 is entirely portable and modular and therefore, for example, other LEDs or light sources could be substituted in the herein described illumination assembly by simple substitution of another cartridge having a different light source.
Referring to
It should be noted that other forms of switch assemblies, such as optical switches, magnetic/reed switches and/or other mechanical switches which automatically energize and de-energize the contained LED, and/or other forms of assembly can be utilized. It should be further note in passing that each of the preceding handle portions can include a feature, such as a groove or slot, which permits manual engagement by a user of an exterior switch member, such as 248,
In operation, the illumination assembly 1260 is releasably attached to the cylindrical receptacle 1234 of the disposable speculum 1204 such that the prismatic member 1268 is placed into the upper portion 1242,
Providing the present illumination assembly 1260 according to the present embodiment eliminates the need to mold or otherwise provide a light pipe or a similar light coupling means in the lower blade member 1214, such as provided in
The embodiment shown in
Yet another embodiment of a vaginal speculum apparatus 1700 is shown according to
Another vaginal speculum apparatus 300 made in accordance with the present application is depicted in
The disposable speculum 304 shown herein is similar to that described in
The slide member 320 further includes a lower tongue 356 having a single tooth at its bottom end that engages with a set of ratchet teeth 358 provided on the rear facing side proximate the bottom of the handle portion 316. The tongue 356 can be retroflexed to release the tooth from the set of teeth 358 in order to permit vertical adjustment of the upper blade member 308 relative to the lower blade member 312. Further details concerning the design and the articulation of the disposable speculum 304 are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,047, previously incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
With this background, discussion is now made of the illumination assembly 306 in accordance with this particular embodiment. Still referring to
The battery housing 364 is sized to retain at least one lithium ion or other form of battery (not shown), enabling the illumination assembly 306 to be used without tethering or connection to an exterior (e.g., AC) power supply. A rotatable switch 368 is located at the top of the battery housing 364, the switch being electrically connected to the contacts of the battery and the contained light source to enable energization of the contained light source (e.g., a white LED) within the illumination source housing 360. Electrical connection is effected by a metal tube that moves vertically when the switch 368 is rotated, the vertical motion causing the tube to touch a metal contact inside the housing 364. Alternatively, other switches can be used with this embodiment of the illumination assembly 360. For example, a switch of the type shown in
The light source is preferably disposed in relation to the distal end of the illumination source housing 360, according to this embodiment, enabling the light source to be coupled with the light pipe 254,
- 100 vaginal speculum apparatus
- 102 disposable speculum
- 104 lower or bottom blade member
- 108 upper or top blade member
- 112 slide member
- 116 trough-shaped distal blade
- 120 handle portion
- 123 rear flexible projection
- 124 forked upper end or yoke
- 125 ratchet teeth
- 128 lever portion
- 129 tongue
- 130 ratchet tooth
- 131 teeth
- 133 receiving cavity
- 134 slot
- 135 viewing aperture
- 136 lateral spring-like protrusions
- 137 tab
- 139 interior slot
- 140 illumination assembly, corded
- 140A illumination assembly, corded
- 140B illumination assembly, corded
- 144 housing, illumination assembly
- 144A housing, illumination assembly
- 144B housing, illumination assembly
- 146 light pipe
- 147 distal light-emitting end
- 148 distal portion
- 148A distal portion
- 148B distal portion
- 152 strain relief
- 156 electrical cable
- 160 switch assembly
- 163 depressible button
- 164 electrical cable
- 168 pronged plug
- 172 female plug
- 174 cable
- 176 power supply transformer
- 200 vaginal speculum apparatus
- 204 disposable speculum
- 212 upper or top blade member
- 214 lower or bottom blade member
- 215 elongate section or blade
- 216 handle portion
- 216A handle portion
- 217 receiving cavity
- 217A receiving cavity
- 220 slide member
- 221 opening
- 222 external teeth
- 223 guide slot
- 224 lever portion
- 225 flexible projection
- 226 ratchet teeth
- 227 bottom tab
- 228 yoke or upper portion
- 229 lower tongue
- 230 illumination assembly
- 232 LED
- 235 top surface
- 236 housing
- 238 tubular open-ended extending portion
- 240 circuit board
- 241 spacer tube
- 242 battery
- 243 conductive contacts
- 244 heat sink
- 245 upper portion
- 246 internal centering fingers
- 247 short circuit/over circuit protection device
- 248 slider switch
- 249 guide rails
- 250 rail like portions
- 250A rails
- 251 LED driver
- 253 projections
- 254 light pipe
- 255 proximal end
- 256 ribs, vertically extending
- 258 distal end
- 259 lens
- 260 base portion
- 261 pin, detent
- 262 collecting lens
- 263 leaf spring
- 264 pedestal section
- 265 annular gap
- 266 sheath member
- 268 tab
- 270 frangible tear strip
- 272 recessed portion
- 276 inner walled cavity
- 280 tabs
- 281 speculum adapter
- 282 external envelope
- 283 internal envelope
- 284 plunger, spring loaded
- 285 guide rails
- 286 charging contacts
- 287 bottom surface
- 288 power adapter
- 289 clamping recess
- 290 conductive strip member
- 291 plug-in cord
- 292 lower end
- 293 cable
- 294 switch contacts
- 295 low-power indicator
- 296 transformer
- 297 receptacle
- 298 power adapter
- 299 pins
- 300 vaginal speculum apparatus
- 304 disposable speculum
- 306 illumination assembly
- 308 upper or top blade member
- 312 lower or bottom blade member
- 316 handle portion
- 317 receiving cavity
- 320 slide member
- 324 lever potion
- 332 yoke
- 336 opening
- 340 tab
- 344 interior slot
- 348 curved member
- 352 ratchet teeth
- 356 tongue
- 358 teeth, ratchet
- 360 illumination source housing
- 364 battery housing
- 368 rotatable switch
- 372 base section
- 378 apparatus
- 380 illumination assembly
- 384 housing
- 388 lower or proximal end
- 392 lens
- 396 heat sink
- 400 circuitry
- 404 battery
- 408 docking station
- 412 charging sockets
- 1200 vaginal speculum apparatus
- 1204 disposable speculum
- 1212 upper or top blade member
- 1214 lower blade member
- 1216 integral handle portion
- 1220 slide member
- 1222 lever portion
- 1226 yoke or upper portion
- 1234 receptacle
- 1238 open end
- 1242 upper portion
- 1246 lower portion
- 1260 illumination assembly
- 1264 casing or housing, hollow
- 1268 prismatic member
- 1269 upper portion
- 1272 miniature LED
- 1276 cartridge
- 1280 battery
- 1284 electrically conductive strip member
- 1286 condensing lens
- 1288 spring
- 1292 end cap
- 1304 housing, cartridge
- 1306 distal end
- 1310 reflector cap portion
- 1314 circuit board
- 1318 circuitry
- 1322 opening
- 1326 projecting end
- 1327 axial groove
- 1329 electrical contact
- 1330 heat sink
- 1331 electrical contact
- 1333 cartridge collar
- 1334 strip member
- 1335 battery contact board
- 1336 opening
- 1337 rivet
- 1338 tapered portion
- 1339 chamfered hole
- 1600 vaginal speculum apparatus
- 1608 illumination assembly
- 1612 housing
- 1614 light source
- 1616 light collecting lens
- 1620 light pipe
- 1624 disposable sheath assembly
- 1628 spool member
- 1632 sheath
- 1700 vaginal speculum apparatus
- 1708 illumination assembly
- 1712 housing
- 1716 light source
- 1720 lead wires
- 1724 enclosure
- 1725 barrier/wall
It should be readily apparent that other variations and modifications will be possible to those of sufficient skill in the field, these variations and modifications being considered within the inventive ambits described herein. For example, though each of the preceding embodiments depict a specific battery relation, other configurations and orientations capable of electrical interconnection can be used within the intended scope and breadth according to the following claims. In addition and though each of the embodiments related directly to a speculum with an enclosed receiving cavity, it is conceivable that the embodiments described herein can also be used, for example, with speculums having open-walled handle portions. Still further, the illumination assembly discussed with regard to each of the embodiments can be either a disposable version or, as described by a number of embodiments herein, a reusable assembly that can be attached to a disposable speculum.
Claims
1. An illumination assembly for use with a vaginal speculum, said illumination assembly comprising:
- a contained light source; and
- means for receiving at least one portable power source for powering said contained light source, at least a portion of said illumination assembly being adapted to fit axially within a substantially enclosed receiving cavity of a handle portion of a vaginal speculum.
2. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said light source includes at least one LED.
3. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said at least one LED includes a white LED.
4. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said light source includes at least one incandescent lamp.
5. (canceled)
6. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one portable power source includes at least one battery, said at least one battery being rechargeable.
7. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 6, including a set of charging contacts disposed on a bottom surface of said assembly.
8. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for receiving said at least one portable power supply is electrically and mechanically connected to said assembly.
9. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein said means for receiving said at least one portable power supply includes a power adapter having a body end that is mechanically and electrically connected to said assembly.
10. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein said means for receiving said at least one portable power supply includes a power adapter that is tethered by a cable to said assembly.
11. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, including a switch for selectively energizing said light source.
12. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 11, wherein said switch is defined by a switch member having a portion thereof formed on the exterior of said assembly.
13. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein said switch member is biased in an Off position.
14. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein said switch member is selectively lockable by a user.
15. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 14, including a detent that is engaged when said switch member is moved to a locked position.
16. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 6, including a low-battery power indicator.
17. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, including a speculum adapter attachable to said assembly, said speculum adapter comprising a first envelope that is adapted to be placed in a substantial close fit with the interior of said receiving cavity of said handle portion and a second envelope that is configured to permit said illumination assembly to be engaged therewith.
18. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein said speculum adapter is configured to receive said assembly in at least one or more rotational orientations about a primary axis of said illumination assembly.
19. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein at least a portion of said speculum adapter contains a phase-change material.
20. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, including a base portion.
21. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 20, including a battery enclosure, each of said battery enclosure and said housing being disposed in parallel relation on said base portion.
22. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein said base portion has a substantially uniform cross section that is larger than the cross section of the remainder of said assembly, said base portion being configured to extend from a receiving cavity of said handle portion when attached thereto.
23. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 22, wherein said base portion is approximately 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches in length.
24. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 22, including a flexible sheath member that covers at least a portion of said base portion.
25. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 24, wherein said sheath member substantially conformingly engages with said base portion.
26. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 24, including a frangible tear strip enabling selective release of said sheath member from said base portion.
27. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, including means for dissipating heat generated by said assembly.
28. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 27, wherein said assembly at least partially contains a phase-change material.
29. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 27, including a heat sink.
30. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, including at least one lens disposed in relation to said light source for directing illumination from said illumination assembly.
31. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 30, wherein said at least one lens is configured to permit optical coupling of said light source to said speculum.
32. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein said illumination assembly is independently usable as an examination light.
33. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 32, wherein said switch member is selectively locked by a user.
34. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 33, including a detent that is engaged when said switch member is moved to a locked position.
35. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, including at least one feature configured to enable retention within said receiving cavity of said vaginal speculum.
36. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said assembly is configured to automatically energize said light source when said assembly is inserted at least a predetermined distance within a receiving cavity of a vaginal speculum.
37. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 36, wherein said assembly is configured to automatically energize said light source in at least one or more rotational orientations of said illumination assembly within said receiving cavity about a primary axis of said receiving cavity.
38. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 37, wherein said assembly is configured to be disposed in a first rotational orientation and a second rotational orientation, each of said rotational orientations being 180 degrees spaced from one another.
39. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, including means for selectively interconnecting said light source with an auxiliary power supply.
40. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 39, wherein said auxiliary power supply is a portable power supply.
41. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 39, wherein said auxiliary power supply is a non-portable power supply.
42. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, including means for adjusting the uniformity of an illumination spot created by said light source.
43. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, including means for adjusting the output of illumination generated by said light source.
44. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 43, wherein said illumination output adjusting means includes at least one optical element disposed at an upper end of said assembly.
45. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 44, wherein said at least one optical element includes a prismatic member for directing light from said light source, said assembly being axially movable within said receiving cavity of a speculum.
46. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 1, including means for adjusting the color of illumination emitted by said light source.
47. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 22, wherein the cross section of the remainder of said assembly is sized to provide a substantially close contacting fit with the interior of said receiving cavity of said vaginal speculum.
48. An illumination assembly for use with a vaginal speculum, said assembly comprising:
- a housing; and
- at least one LED contained in said assembly housing, at least a portion of said housing being adapted to be positioned within a receiving cavity of a handle portion of a vaginal speculum, said at least one LED having a coupled collecting lens.
49. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, wherein said at least one LED is powered by at least one portable power supply.
50. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, wherein said at least one LED is powered by an AC power supply.
51. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, wherein said at least one LED includes a white LED.
52. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 49, including means for receiving said at least one battery used as said portable power supply.
53. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 52, wherein said means for receiving said at least one battery is provided in said housing.
54. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 52, wherein said means for receiving said at least one battery is connected to said housing.
55. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 54, wherein said means for receiving said at least one battery includes a power adapter having a body that is connected at one end to said housing.
56. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 54, wherein said means for receiving said at least one battery includes a power adapter that is tethered to said housing.
57. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, including a switch for selectively energizing said at least one LED.
58. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 57, wherein said switch is defined by a switch member having a portion thereof formed on the exterior of said assembly housing.
59. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 58, wherein said switch member is biased in an Off position.
60. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 59, wherein said switch member is selectively movable to a locked position by manual operation thereof.
61. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 60, including a detent that engages said switch member when said member is moved into the locked position.
62. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, including means for dissipating heat generated by said assembly.
63. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 62, wherein said heat dissipating means includes a heat sink disposed within said housing.
64. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 62, wherein at least a portion of said assembly contains a phase-change material.
65. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 50, wherein said housing is tethered to said AC power supply.
66. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, wherein said at least one LED has an output of 1 Watt and a minimum of 20 lumens/watt and has a minimum service life of at least 1,000 hours.
67. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 49, wherein said at least one battery is rechargeable.
68. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 67, including a low-battery power indicator.
69. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 67, including a plurality of charging contacts disposed on a bottom surface of said housing.
70. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, including a speculum adapter selectively connected to said housing, said speculum adapter comprising a first envelope that is configured to maintain a substantial close contacting fit with the interior of said receiving cavity of said speculum and a second envelope that is configured to receive said housing therein.
71. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 70, wherein the second envelope of said speculum adapter is configured to permit said housing to be fitted in at least one or more rotational orientations about a primary axis of said illumination assembly.
72. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 71, in which said speculum adapter receives said housing in a first rotational orientation and a second rotational orientation, each of said first and second rotational orientations being 180 degrees spaced from one another.
73. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, including a base portion.
74. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 73, including a battery enclosure, each of said battery enclosure and said housing being disposed in parallel relation on said base portion and on the same side of said base portion.
75. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 73, wherein said base portion has a substantially uniform cross section that is larger than the cross section of the remainder of said assembly housing, said base portion being configured to extend from said receiving cavity when said base portion is attached thereto.
76. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 75, wherein said base portion is approximately 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches in length.
77. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 75, including a flexible sheath member that covers at least a portion of said base portion.
78. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 77, wherein said sheath member is sealingly engageable with said base portion.
79. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 77, including a frangible tear strip enabling selective release of said sheath member from said base portion.
80. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, including at least one lens disposed in relation to said light source for directing illumination from said illumination assembly.
81. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 80, wherein said at least one lens is configured to permit optical coupling of said light source to said speculum.
82. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 58, wherein said illumination assembly is used independently as an examination light.
83. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 82, wherein said switch member is selectively movable to a locked position by manual operation thereupon.
84. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 83, including a detent that engages said switch member when said member is moved into the locked position.
85. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, including at least one feature configured to enable retention of said illumination assembly within said receiving cavity.
86. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, wherein said illumination assembly automatically energizes said light source when said housing is inserted within said receiving cavity.
87. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 86, wherein said illumination assembly automatically energizes said light source in at least one or more rotational orientations of said illumination assembly about a primary axis of said illumination assembly.
88. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 49, including means for selectively interconnecting said at least one LED with an auxiliary power supply.
89. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 88, wherein said auxiliary power supply includes a portable power supply.
90. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 88, wherein said auxiliary power supply includes a non-portable power supply.
91. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, including means for adjusting the spot size created by said at least one LED.
92. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, including means for adjusting the output of illumination generated by said at least one LED.
93. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 92, wherein said illumination output adjusting means includes at least one optical element disposed at an upper end of said housing.
94. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 93, wherein said at least one optical element includes a prismatic member for directing light from said at least one LED, said housing being movable within a receiving cavity of a speculum.
95. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, including means for adjusting the color of illumination emitted by said at least one LED.
96. An illumination assembly as recited in claim 48, wherein said illumination assembly automatically energizes said light source when said housing is inserted at least a predetermined distance within said receiving cavity.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 3, 2006
Publication Date: Sep 18, 2008
Applicant: Welch Allyn, Inc. (Skaneateles Falls, NY)
Inventors: Michael T. McMahon (Syracuse, NY), Allan I. Krauter (Skaneateles, NY), Robert L. Vivenzio (Auburn, NY), Dale C. Saddlemire (Cortland, NY), Dominick Danna (Syracuse, NY), Steven R. Slawson (Camillus, NY), Ervin R. Goldfain (Syracuse, NY), Daniel C. Briggs (Memphis, NY), Scott G. Spanfelner (Camillus, NY), Jon R. Salvati (Skaneateles, NY)
Application Number: 11/910,399
International Classification: A61B 1/303 (20060101); A61B 17/42 (20060101);