Auxiliary intra-urethral magnetic valve for persons suffering from urinary incontinence
US5004454A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 1990 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/25
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A urethral magnetic valve for insertion into the urethra of a person suffering from incontinence includes a plastic tube of a diameter suitable for insertion close to the bladder. It forms a valve seat in its distal portion to be normally closed by an elongate valve member of a ferro-magnetic, non-corrosive material. The valve member has a surface corresponding to the valve seat at its proximal end, tapers towards its distal end, and is urged onto the seat by a spring attached at its distal end to the proximal valve end. The spring extends inside the tube and is fastened to the latter at its proximal end; it is so dimensioned that it will keep the valve closed at normal pressure and permit the valve member to be lifted off the seat by overpressure in the bladder. The person wishing to urinate holds a permanent or electro-magnet close to the skin over the pubic area, which attracts and tilts the ferro-magnetic valve member, thereby opening the passage through the tube and through the urethra.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.