Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Sensitivity of skin to allergens or radiation
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-02
2001-04-24
O'Connor, Cary E. (Department: 3736)
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Sensitivity of skin to allergens or radiation
C220S023400, C206S538000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06221027
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an allergy testing apparatus.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Allergy testing involves subjecting a patient to a wide variety of different allergens to determine which allergens cause allergic reactions in the patient. Such testing requires that the respective allergens be applied beneath the surface of the patient's skin. Typically, the patient is first screened by superficial scratches or punctures with allergens to test for severe reactions. If there are no severe reactions, the patient may be subjected to intradermnal tests with small bore needles.
Numerous different testing devices have been proposed for containing allergens to be applied to a patient. Examples include that shown in my earlier U.S. Pat. No. 4,237,906. There, I presented an individual tray which incorporated a top wall having a finite number of upwardly opening bores for telescopical receipt of individual allergen wells or vials. While having enjoyed substantial commercial success, this device, like many others proposed, had restricted flexibility in its ability to carry a wide number of wells or vials, depending on the number of different allergens to be applied in the procedure.
There is a need for modular testing trays which may be conveniently and releasably coupled together to provide the physician with the convenience of supporting a wide array of different allergens in a particular testing procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The allergy testing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by a plurality of tray devices configured with bodies having coupling members along the sides thereof for releasably coupling together to thus support such trays arrayed together in a selected number to support various number of allergy wells or vials.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features of the invention.
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Letter dated Sep. 28, 1999 from Ray Ling Hsiao, M. D.
Fulwider Patton Lee & Utecht LLP
Marmor II Charles
O'Connor Cary E.
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