U.S. patent number 3,704,704 [Application Number 05/079,738] was granted by the patent office on 1972-12-05 for birth control valve.
Invention is credited to Ramon L. Gonzales.
United States Patent |
3,704,704 |
Gonzales |
December 5, 1972 |
BIRTH CONTROL VALVE
Abstract
In combination with a tube within a mammal which when opened is
necessary to effect reproduction and when closed effects
sterilization, a valve to be located within the tube which can be
selectively opened and closed.
Inventors: |
Gonzales; Ramon L. (North
Hollywood, CA) |
Family
ID: |
22152493 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/079,738 |
Filed: |
October 12, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/831; 251/309;
285/247; 128/843; 251/314; 285/260; 604/248 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
6/24 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
6/00 (20060101); A61F 6/24 (20060101); A61b
019/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/1R,33R,274,247
;251/309,314 ;285/260,247 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Truluck; Dalton L.
Claims
I claim:
1. A birth control valve to be connected between first and second
segments of a severed flesh tube, said valve comprising:
a valve spool, said spool being constructed such that means are
provided whereby alternate opening or closing of flow through said
flesh tube can be accomplished;
a first section removably connected by first attachment means to
said valve spool, said first section including a first internal
sleeve and a first cap, said first internal sleeve having a first
elongated opening therethrough, said first internal sleeve having a
first connection means which is adapted to be located within the
first segment of the severed flesh tube whereby the tube opening
communicates with said first elongated opening, said first cap
surroundingly removably connected to said second internal sleeve;
and
a second section removably connected by a second attachment means
to said valve spool, said second section including a second
internal sleeve and a second cap, said second internal sleeve
having a second elongated opening therethrough, said second
internal sleeve having a second connection means which is adapted
to be located within the second segment of the severed flesh tube
whereby the tube opening communicates with said second elongated
opening, said second cap surroundingly removably connected to said
second internal sleeve.
2. A birth control valve as defined in claim 1 wherein:
said first section is substantially identical to said second
section.
3. A birth control valve as defined in claim 2 wherein:
each of said caps being movable with respect to its respective said
internal sleeve between a retaining position and a non-retaining
position, said retaining position providing the connection to the
severed flesh tube.
4. A birth control valve as defined in claim 3 wherein:
said cap being capable of being physically separated from said
internal sleeve when in said non-retaining position.
5. A birth control valve as defined in claim 3 wherein:
each of said first and said second internal sleeves includes an
extension, each of said first and second connection means
comprising an annular raised portion upon said extension.
6. A birth control valve as defined in claim 5 wherein:
the forward end of each of said first and second caps having a
resilient collar, with said cap in said retaining position said
collar cooperating to bind said tube toward the front end of said
raised portion.
7. A birth control valve as defined in claim 6 wherein:
with a said cap in said retaining position a second area of binding
occurs adjacent the aft end of said raised portion.
8. A birth control valve as defined in claim 1 wherein:
said valve spool includes a rotatable element movable between an
open position and a closed position, said open position permitting
passage of matter from between said first and said second elongated
openings, said closed position not permitting passage of matter
between said first and second elongated openings.
9. A birth control valve as defined in claim 1 wherein:
said first and said second attachment means each comprising an
assembly of screw threads.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Within the past few years a problem of major proportion has been
over population. This problem of over population of human beings is
of world wide magnitude. This overpopulation problem, it is
believed by many, if not checked within the next decade or two,
will result in a problem of catastrophic proportions. The
proponents, who are most concerned about the over population
problem, believe that it will be necessary to effect widespread
sterilization of people to insure that the population will be
controlled within certain limits.
Within the past few years, in an effort to avoid widespread
sterilization, there has been many programs instituted by
governments and concerned organizations toward educating the
general public on birth control. Generally this form of education
is frequently referred to as family planning. This family planning
varies in that people are educated to a great many different types
of devices which can be employed to effect birth control. These
birth control devices range from prophylactics, interuterine
devices, birth control pills and the like.
Presently, the most common form of birth control has been the
taking, by the female of the species, of a birth control pill.
Basically, the birth control pill changes the hormone balance
within the female, such hormone balance not permitting the female
to become pregnant. However, within recent years, much concern has
arisen over the use of the "pill." Many women have mental problems
such as a change in their personality by the taking of such pills.
Further, some women incur physical problems such as blood clots.
Additionally, it is possible that such pills may cause a tendency
for females to easily contact cancer in their later years.
As a result of the well publicized problems with the "pill," a
great many women have decided not to use the "pill" as a method of
birth control. The other known physical devices which are useable
for birth control are dangerous in that there are a high percentage
of failures in such devices thereby resulting in the woman becoming
pregnant. Therefore, more and more people are turning to surgical
methods of birth control such as vasectomies for the male and the
tieing of the fallopian tubes for the female. However, such
surgical operations, in the majority of cases, are not capable of
being reversed. Chance for future pregnancy is absolutely
precluded.
A great number of people may have one or two children within the
first years of marriage and find it undesirable to have additional
babies within the next few years. If the couple does not want to
take a chance in the having of additional children immediately, the
only birth control method which is safe that is open to them
relates to the surgical method. Further, the easiest person to
operate upon is the male, as hospitalization is not usually
required, where it is required when operating upon the female.
Therefore, the male obtains a vasectomy which usually means that
the couple can not ever have future children.
Frequently, in such cases, five or ten years later, the couple may
find it desirable to again have a child. Since the male has had a
vasectomy (or the female has had her fallopian tubes tied), the
couple is not capable of having future children of their own. If
there was a way in which this surgical procedure could be reversed
at such a period of time, such would be of primary advantage to
such couples.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a valve which is to be inserted within
either the fallopian tubes of the female or the vas deferens of the
male. The valve is to take the place of the surgical procedure
effecting permanent tieing of the fallopian tubes or permanent
cutting of the vas deferens. The valve is to be composed of
identical sections which are to be attached to a valve spool. The
fallopian tubes or the vas deferens are to be cut with the separate
portions of the tube inserted within a section of the valve. Each
section includes structure to securely retain the portion of the
cut tube. Each of the sections of the valve are then securely
attached to the valve spool. The valve spool may be completely
closed so as to preclude passage of either the sperm of the male or
the egg of the female through the tube, or the valve spool may be
open if desired. The valve spool may also include a rotary element
which can be selectively moved to either the closed or open
position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view through the valve of this
invention showing the valve as it would be installed within a
tubing with the valve spool preventing passage through the
tubing;
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view through one of the identical
sections of the valve of FIG. 1 taken along line 2--2 of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a view of the valve of this invention similar to FIG. 1
but showing the valve spool having a longitudinal opening
therethrough to permit passage of fluid through the tube;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 taken along line 4--4 of FIG.
3;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the incorporation of
a rotatable element within the valve spool which is capable of
being selectively moved to either the open or closed position;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 2 taken along line 6--6 of FIG.
5;
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the rotatable valve
spool in the open position;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but taken along line 8--8 of
FIG. 7; and
FIG. 9 is a view of the head of the rotatable element of the valve
spool taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SHOWN EMBODIMENT
Referring particularly to the drawing, there is shown in FIG. 1 the
valve 10 of this invention having identical sections 12 and 14
being secured to a valve spool 16. Valve spool 16 includes a first
externally threaded cylinder 18 and a second externally threaded
cylinder 20. The first externally threaded cylinder 18 is to be in
an axial alignment with the second externally threaded cylinder 20,
but located on opposite sides of the main portion 22 of the valve
spool 16. The main portion 22 is to be substantially disc shaped
with the first cylinder 18 and the second cylinder 20 being
concentrically spaced inwardly from the periphery of the main
portion 22.
The section 12 comprises an internal sleeve 24 and a threaded cap
26. The section 14 also comprises an internal sleeve 28 and a
threaded cap 30. Each of the internal sleeves 24 and 28 have a
respective central longitudinal opening 32 and 34, respectively.
Each of the internal sleeves 24 and 28 are substantially
cylindrical-tubular in configuration.
Adjacent the inward end of each of the internal sleeves 24 and 28
is a threaded recess 36 and 38, respectively. Threaded recess 36 is
to matingly cooperate with the threads formed upon the second
externally threaded cylinder 20. Threaded recess 38 is to matingly
cooperate about the threaded portion of the first cylinder 18. The
threaded cap 26 is to be threadingly secured about the periphery of
internal sleeve 24. Threaded cap 30 is to be threadingly secured
about the periphery of internal sleeve 28.
The forward end of the internal sleeve 24 includes a tubular
extension 40 having an annular shaped raised portion 42 integrally
connected thereto. The forward end of internal sleeve 28 includes a
similar extension 44 and a similar raised portion 46 connected
thereto. Located aft of the raised portion 42 is an annular groove
48. Also located aft raised portion 46 is an annular groove 50. The
function of the annular grooves 48 and 50 will be explained further
on in the specification.
The forward end of the threaded cap 46 is formed into a resilient
collar 52. Also, the forward end of the threaded cap 30 is formed
into a resilient collar 54. It is to be noted that the collars 52
and 54 result in an opening which is of a smaller diameter than the
internal opening of the main portion of its respective threaded
cap. The function of each of the collars 52 and 54 will be
explained further on in the specification.
It is to be noted that the threaded caps 26 and 30 are identical in
construction as well as the internal sleeves 24 and 28 being
identical in construction. The main portion of the threaded caps 26
and 30 are to be formed of a substantially rigid plastic material
with the collars 52 and 54 formed of a more resilient plastic
material. Similarly, the main portion of the internal sleeves 24
and 28 are formed of a rigid plastic material with the forward
portion thereof adjacent raised portions 42 and 46 being formed of
a more resilient plastic.
To install the sections 12 and 14, the installer, normally a
medical doctor, proceeds as follows: After making the normal
surgical incision to obtain access to either the fallopian tubes of
the female or the vas deferens of the male, the doctor then cuts
the appropriate tube in half. The installer then places upon one of
the separated ends of the tube 56 and slides therealong the
threaded cap 26. The installer then places the end of the tube 56
about extension 40, over the raised portion 42 and within annular
groove 48. The installer then grasps the threaded cap 26 and
effects threading of such upon internal sleeve 24. The cap 26 is
threaded upon internal sleeve 24 until the aft end of the threaded
cap 26 is in alignment with the aft end of the internal sleeve 24.
The portion of the internal sleeve adjacent groove 48 is slightly
compressed about extension 40 thereby effecting a binding action
upon the end of tube 56. This binding action is in the aft
direction of raised portion 42. Also, upon the tightening of
threaded cap 26, the resilient collar 52 effects a resilient
compression about the tube 56 forwardly of the raised portion 42.
It is to be noted that if installed properly, the dual binding
action of the threaded cap 26 about the internal sleeve 25 with the
tube 56 located therebetween is sufficient to effect adequate
retention of the tube 56 but not sufficient so as to shut off blood
circulation within the tube 56. Such is an important feature of
this invention as it would be undesirable for the end of the tube
56 to die.
The procedure for the installation of the threaded cap 30 about the
internal sleeve 28 is identical to the foregoing except with the
installation of such being on the other end of the tube 56.
Upon the sections 12 and 14 being so installed, the installer can
then install different valve spools 16 according to the option of
the patient. For example, if it is desired that the patient be
permanently closed, the valve spool 16 of FIG. 1 could be employed,
which when in cooperation with recesses 36 and 38, prevents passage
of any matter from one end of tube 56 to the other end of tube 56.
If the patient desires that flow be permitted from one end of tube
56 to the other end of tube 56, the valve spool 16 within FIG. 3 of
the drawings can be employed wherein the longitudinal opening 58 is
located within the valve spool 16. It is to be noted that, if the
patient some years before had had the valve spool of FIG. 1
installed, in another operation at a later time the sections 12 and
14 can be removed from the valve of FIG. 1 with the valve spool of
FIG. 3 being installed. By such a procedure the patient now would
no longer be sterile but would be capable of reproduction.
If the patient so desires, the valve spool 16 of FIGS. 5 and 7 of
the drawing could be employed wherein a rotatable valve element 60
is employed in conjunction with the valve spool 16. Rotatable valve
element 60 includes a slotted head 62 and a transverse opening 64
substantially at the midpoint of the longitudinal length of the
element 60. The valve spool 16 of FIGS. 5 and 7 is basically
similar to the valve spool of FIG. 3 in that a longitudinal opening
66 is formed within the valve spool. A plurality of seals 68 are to
be located between the main portion 22 of the valve spool 16 and
the rotatable element 60. It is the function of the seals to
prevent passage of fluid along the surface of the valve element
exteriorly of the valve 10.
If the patient decides to employ the use of the valve spool of
FIGS. 5 and 7 of the drawing, the patient can initially select
either the open or closed position upon installation. The valve
spool 16 of FIGS. 5 and 7 is installed in the same way as
previously described. However, with the rotatable element 60 being
positioned as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawing, wherein the opening
64 is located substantially at a right angle to the access of
opening 66, no passage of matter can result between one end of tube
56 to the other end of tube 56. In essence, in this position, the
patient is now sterile and not capable of reproduction.
Let it be assumed that the patient remains sterile for a period of
several years. Now let it also be assumed that the patient desires
to have another child. The patient then need only to contact his
doctor and indicate such a desire to the doctor. The doctor need
only perform a small surgical incision in the area of the valve 10.
A special tool is then to be inserted through the incision and in
cooperative relation with the slotted head 62. The doctor then need
only rotate rotatable element 60 90.degree. causing an alignment of
openings 64 and 66. Therefore, conductance of matter is to be
permitted from one end of tube 56 to the other end of tube 56. If
at some future date the patient again decides to become sterile, a
repeat of the procedure need only incur with the rotatable element
60 again being rotated 90.degree. so as to locate opening 64 at a
right angle with respect to opening 66.
Numerous modifications could be employed within the scope of this
invention by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example,
although the tube restraining section including the use of raised
portions 42 and 46 has been found to be most satisfactory in
restraining of tube 56, it is envisioned by Applicant that numerous
other such tube restraining means could be employed which will not
cause the tube to die. Further, the employment of seals 68 in
conjunction with the rotatable valve element 60 may be avoided with
a minor modification of the cooperative relationship between the
valve element 60 and the main portion 22 of the valve spool 16.
Further, the slotted head 62 may be readily changed to a polygonal
shaped protrusion. It happens to be that the inventor believes that
a protrusion would be more likely to cause injury to adjacent
tissue than a slot.
It is also to be within the scope of this invention to effect
rotation of the element 60 exteriorly of the body, in other words,
not requiring an incision. This may be accomplished by magnetically
polarizing element 60 prior to installation. The rotation of
element 60 would be accomplished by particular location and
movement of a magnetic field exteriorly of the body. Verification
of movement of element 60 can be checked by means of X-ray. It is
believed that numerous other modifications could readily be
employed by one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, limitation
of Applicants invention is to only be in view of a fair and just
interpretation of the following claims.
* * * * *