
US Patent No: 6,328,709
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
Devices and methods to identify ductal orifices during nipple aspiration
Stats
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Dec 11, 2001
Issued date -
Nov 12, 1999
filing date -
09/438,219
serial no -
In Force
status
Importance
Abstract
Devices, methods and kits for identifying a breast milk duct orifice capable of yielding fluid or releasing a keratin plug under a vacuum are described and claimed. The devices include a magnification lens integral to a nipple aspiration device or a nipple aspiration device having an attachment element for attaching a magnification tool to aid the practitioner to better observe a nipple surface under a vacuum. The devices also can include one or more access ports for such purposes as accessing the duct, marking the duct, or collecting fluid from the duct. The methods of nipple aspiration comprise identifying a duct that yields fluid or releases a keratin plug under a vacuum. The kits can comprise a device of the invention, a container for the kit contents, and instructions.
First Claim
Related Publications
International Classification(s)
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Cited Art
| Patent Info | (Count) | # Cites | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
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| 4,673,388 Breast pump | 63 | 1985 | |
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| 4,709,657 Aquatic viewing system | 20 | 1986 | |
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| 5,798,266 Methods and kits for obtaining and assaying mammary fluid samples for breast diseases, including cancer | 35 | 1996 | |
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| 4,767,417 Drainage device for collecting liquids from a body cavity | 25 | 1986 | |
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| 5,042,978 Container using a mass of porous material for liquid retention | 31 | 1990 | |
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| 4,772,262 Portable electric breast pump | 64 | 1987 | |
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| 5,007,899 Drive unit adapted for use with manual piston pump | 92 | 1988 | |
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| 4,680,028 Flexible breast receptor for breast pump | 66 | 1984 | |
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| 5,762,640 Effusion fluid sucking device | 40 | 1996 | |
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| 5,476,490 Heating pad | 30 | 1994 | |
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| 5,471,994 Method and apparatus for obtaining a cytology monolayer | 16 | 1993 | |
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| 4,740,196 Nursing apparatus | 31 | 1986 | |
Patent Citation Ranking
Maintenance Fees
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee | due date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.5 Year Payment | $7400.00 | $3700.00 | $1850.00 | Jun 11, 2013 |
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surcharge - 11.5 year - Late payment within 6 months | $160.00 | $80.00 | $40.00 |
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable | $700.00 | $350.00 | $175.00 |
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional | $1,640.00 | $820.00 | $410.00 |