Apparatus for vaginal penetration of animals comprising a viewing system, in particular for locating the cervix of the uterus

Abstract

The invention relates to an appliance for vaginal penetration, comprising a grip (2), said appliance being designed to receive a working tool, especially an insemination gun (4) that passes through the grip, characterised in that it comprises a guiding tube (8) extending the grip (2) in order to form a compact assembly, said guiding tube being designed so as to receive the front tip of the working tool (12) therein and receiving a video viewing means such as an endoscopy-type tube (14) comprising a lighting element on the front end thereof, the appliance for vaginal penetration comprising an electronic cell receiving the video images, provided with means for transmitting images to a remote screen.

Claims

1. An apparatus for vaginal penetration comprising a handling shaft (2), said apparatus being provided to receive a work tool passing through the shaft, comprising a guide tube (8) extending the shaft (2) to form a compact assembly, the guide tube being configured to receive internally the front tip of the work tool (12) and receiving a video viewing means such as a tube (14) of endoscope type comprising lighting at a front end of the video viewing means, the apparatus for vaginal penetration comprising an electronic cell receiving the video images, having available image transmission means for transmitting the images to a remote screen.

2. An apparatus for vaginal penetration according to claim 1, wherein the electronic cell is comprised in the shaft (2).

3. An apparatus for vaginal penetration according to claim 1, wherein the image transmission means comprise a connector for a connecting wire, or a means for wireless telecommunication.

4. An apparatus for vaginal penetration according to claim 2, wherein the shaft comprises a battery integrated into the shaft (2).

5. A penetration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide tube (8) is made from a washable transparent material.

6. A penetration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide tube (8), the viewing means (14), and a tube receiving the front tip of the work tool (12) disposed therein, are fastened to the shaft (2) by a bayonet type mounting.

7. A penetration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide tube (8) has a base and comprises to the outside (42) at the base by the shaft (2).

8. A penetration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an assembly formed by the shaft (2) and the guide tube (8), comprise a generally cylindrical shape.

9. A vaginal penetration apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a telescopic mechanism comprising at least the shaft (2) and a gun extension.

10. A penetration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide tube (8) comprises a front face (40) which is inclined.

11. A penetration apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a heating means of the gun (4).

12. A penetration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the viewing means (14) is oriented so as to obtain focusing of the image on the axis of the front tip of the work tool (4), at a desired work distance in front of the guide tube.

13. A work assembly comprising: an apparatus for aiding in vaginal penetration comprising: a handling shaft (2); a guide tube (8) extending the sleeve (2) to form a compact assembly. a video viewing tube of endoscope type (14), comprising lighting at its front end, the video viewing tube being received in the guide tube (8); the shaft (2) comprising a video system rear cell having means for transmitting, to a remote screen, images coming from the video viewing tube; and a work tool passing through the shaft, in relation to which the work tool slides, the work tool comprises a front tip, and is movable between a position in which the front tip is received in the guide tube (8) and a position in which the front tip projects forward from the guide tube.

14. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein the image transmission means comprises a connector for a connecting wire, or a means for wireless telecommunication.

15. An assembly according to claim 14, wherein said connector is “USB” connector.

16. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein the assembly formed by the shaft (2) and the guide tube (8) has a generally cylindrical shape.

17. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein the viewing tube (14) comprises a bent end so as to obtain focusing of the image on the axis of the front tip of the work tool (4), at a desired work distance in front of the guide tube (8).

18. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein the work tool (4) is an insemination gun, a tool for depositing drugs, a tool for listening to sounds, a tool for taking photographs or a tool for sampling internal substances.

19. A non-surgical method of using an apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the work tool is an insemination gun, comprising a first step while monitoring the view ahead of the guide tube (8), of passing through the vagina while inclining the shaft of the apparatus (2) according to obstacles, then of illuminating the back of that vagina to locate the entrance of the cervix of the uterus, in order to dispose the front end of the guide tube (8) in front of that cervix, then a second step while maintaining the shaft (2) in that position, of pushing the insemination gun (4) to make it enter the cervix of the uterus, and lastly of pushing the semen into that uterus.

20. A non-surgical method of using an apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the work tool is a tool for depositing drugs, comprising a first step while monitoring the view ahead of the guide tube (8), of passing through the vagina while inclining the shaft of the apparatus (2) according to obstacles, then of illuminating the back of that vagina to locate the entrance of the cervix of the uterus, in order to dispose the front end of the guide tube (8) in front of that cervix, then a second step while maintaining the shaft (2) in that position, of injecting drugs into the uterus.

21. A non-surgical method of using an apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the work tool is a tool for listening to sounds, comprising a first step while monitoring the view ahead of the guide tube (8), of passing through the vagina while inclining the shaft of the apparatus (2) according to obstacles, then of illuminating the back of that vagina to locate the entrance of the cervix of the uterus, in order to dispose the front end of the guide tube (8) in front of that cervix, then a second step while maintaining the shaft (2) in that position, of listening to sounds emitted beyond the cervix.

22. A non-surgical method of using an apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the work tool is a photographic tool, comprising a first step while monitoring the view ahead of the guide tube (8), of passing through the vagina while inclining the shaft of the apparatus (2) according to obstacles, then of illuminating the back of that vagina to locate the entrance of the cervix of the uterus, in order to dispose the front end of the guide tube (8) in front of that cervix, then a second step while maintaining the shaft (2) in that position, of photographing that cervix.

23. A non-surgical method of using an apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the work tool is a tool for sampling internal substances, comprising a first step while monitoring the view ahead of the guide tube (8), of passing through the vagina while inclining the shaft of the apparatus (2) according to obstacles, then of illuminating the back of that vagina to locate the entrance of the cervix of the uterus, in order to dispose the front end of the guide tube (8) in front of that cervix, then a second step while maintaining the shaft (2) in that position, of sampling substances.

24. A non-surgical method of using an assembly according to claim 13, wherein the work tool is an insemination gun, comprising a first step while monitoring the view ahead of the guide tube (8), of passing through the vagina while inclining the shaft of the apparatus (2) according to obstacles, then of illuminating the back of that vagina to locate the entrance of the cervix of the uterus, in order to dispose the front end of the guide tube (8) in front of that cervix, then a second step while maintaining the shaft (2) in that position, of pushing the insemination gun (4) to make it enter the cervix of the uterus, and lastly of pushing the semen into that uterus.

25. A non-surgical method of using an assembly according to claim 13, wherein the work tool is a tool for depositing drugs, in particular antibiotics, comprising a first step while monitoring the view ahead of the guide tube (8), of passing through the vagina while inclining the shaft of the apparatus (2) according to obstacles, then of illuminating the back of that vagina to locate the entrance of the cervix of the uterus, in order to dispose the front end of the guide tube (8) in front of that cervix, then a second step while maintaining the shaft (2) in that position, of injecting drugs into the uterus.

26. A non-surgical method of using an assembly according to claim 13, wherein the work tool is a tool for listening to sounds, comprising a first step while monitoring the view ahead of the guide tube (8), of passing through the vagina while inclining the shaft of the apparatus (2) according to obstacles, then of illuminating the back of that vagina to locate the entrance of the cervix of the uterus, in order to dispose the front end of the guide tube (8) in front of that cervix, then a second step while maintaining the shaft (2) in that position, of listening to sounds emitted beyond the cervix.

27. A non-surgical method of using an assembly according to claim 13, wherein the work tool is a photographic tool, comprising a first step while monitoring the view ahead of the guide tube (8), of passing through the vagina while inclining the shaft of the apparatus (2) according to obstacles, then of illuminating the back of that vagina to locate the entrance of the cervix of the uterus, in order to dispose the front end of the guide tube (8) in front of that cervix, then a second step while maintaining the shaft (2) in that position, of photographing that cervix.

28. A non-surgical method of using an assembly according to claim 13, wherein the work tool is a tool for sampling internal substances, characterized in that it comprises a first step while monitoring the view ahead of the guide tube (8), of passing through the vagina while inclining the shaft of the apparatus (2) according to obstacles, then of illuminating the back of that vagina to locate the entrance of the cervix of the uterus, in order to dispose the front end of the guide tube (8) in front of that cervix, then a second step while maintaining the shaft (2) in that position, of sampling substances.

Description

[0051] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0052] FIGS. 1a and 1b are overall views of an apparatus for penetration according to the invention, comprising an insemination gun;

[0053] FIG. 2 is a detail view of the shaft of that apparatus;

[0054] FIG. 3 is a detail view of the intermediate ring;

[0055] FIG. 4 is a detail view of the guide tube;

[0056] FIG. 5 is a detail view of the gun tube; and

[0057] FIG. 6 is a detail view of the viewing tube;

[0058] FIGS. 1a and 1b present an apparatus for penetration forming an assembly comprising an elongate shape which is substantially cylindrical, presenting towards the back indicated by the arrow “AR”, a handling shaft 2 receiving along its axis an injection gun 4 sliding therein, comprising an injection needle, or rod of the insemination gun containing the straw, ending at the rear with a push-button 6, and at the front with a tip.

[0059] The shaft is extended forward by a guide tube made from transparent plastic material 8, which is fastened in the middle of that shaft by an intermediate clamping ring 10. The guide tube 8 comprises internally an axial tube 12 surrounding the front tip of the gun, and next to an endoscopic tube 14 of a video system. The diameter of this guide tube 8 is within the dimensions which respect the well-being of the animal, and facilitate penetration, and especially have a smaller diameter than those already known so as to be suitable for the majority of the animals it is wished to inseminate.

[0060] By way of example, in the case of cows, the diameter is preferably comprised between 30 millimeters and 43 millimeters, the diameter is preferably substantially 36 millimeters and can thus be suitable for practically all bovine livestock while respecting their well-being and in order to improve the conditions of insemination, in particular of heifers, whereas the known apparatuses for vaginal penetration could have a diameter of 4 centimeters or 5 centimeters. In the case for an application for ovine livestock, the diameter could be further reduced.

[0061] FIG. 2 presents the shaft 2 comprising a cylindrical outside contour, presenting three longitudinal grooves 20 starting from the front, which each terminate substantially in the middle of that shaft by a groove 22 forming a small crenel comprising a first transverse part, a short longitudinal part and a second transverse part parallel to the first.

[0062] The shaft 2 has an axial bore 24 which passes all the way through it.

[0063] The front part of the axial bore 24 comprises over a small length a greater diameter comprising two longitudinal grooves which each end at the rear with a short transverse groove along a circle arc, in order to receive with a close fit the rear part of the gun tube, and to fasten it with a bayonet-type mounting.

[0064] The shaft 2 comprises a second longitudinal bore 26 which is offset relative to the axis, which starts from the front and opens towards the rear in an elongate cavity 28 open on one side of that shaft, provided to contain a rear cell of the endoscope receiving the images coming from the end of the viewing tube 14.

[0065] The rear cell of the apparatus can receive electrical energy by an external cable, connected for example to a tablet or a smartphone, or intelligent telephone, performing the display. As a variant, a battery may be incorporated in the shaft 2 to supply that rear cell.

[0066] The cavity 28 is provided to receive a cover not shown, which is fitted closely to the outside cylindrical surface, in order to close it to protect the interior of the cell of the video system while presenting an outside contour of the shaft 2 which is smooth.

[0067] As for the axial bore 24, the offset bore 26 comprises on a front part two longitudinal grooves which each terminate at the rear with a transverse groove, to receive the endoscope tube 14 and fasten it by a bayonet type mounting.

[0068] FIG. 3 presents the cylindrical intermediate ring 10, provided to receive the guide tube 8 which is bonded thereto.

[0069] The intermediate ring 10 comprises an inside diameter closely fitting the outside contour of the shaft 2, which has three lugs 30 jutting outwardly, which are provided each to enter a longitudinal outside groove 20 of that shaft starting from the front.

[0070] Once in the rear position, the assembly formed by the guide tube 8 and its intermediate ring 10 fastened within, is maneuvered to pass each lug 30 into the crenel 22, by turning it, withdrawing it rearwardly, then turning it in the opposite direction. An assembly of the guide tube 8 to the shaft 2 is thus produced that is quick and rendered secure, which provides precise positioning.

[0071] FIG. 4 presents the guide tube 8 made from transparent plastic material such as plexiglas, comprising an inclined front face 40 facilitating the advancement towards the uterine cervix, and a rear end having a close fit in the intermediate ring 10, which is clamped and bonded therein.

[0072] The rear part of the guide tube 8 comprises two opposite longitudinal slots 42 which open towards the rear. The front part of each slot 42 comes in front of the intermediate ring 10, so as to form two opposite openings when the guide tube 8 is mounted on the shaft 2.

[0073] When the guide tube is inserted into the animal, the openings of the two slots 42 enable a passage of air to be created which communicates with the internal spaces of the animal, and to evacuate secretions to be found in the vagina and coming into that tube at the time of its insertion. By inclining the shaft downwardly these secretions are enabled to slide along the tube, and to exit by one of the slots 42.

[0074] The transparent material of the guide tube 8 enables its internal state of cleanliness to be monitored during the operations, and afterwards when it is washed and disinfected.

[0075] FIG. 5 presents the gun tube 12 comprising a uniform diameter, its rear part coming to have a close fit in the front part of the axial bore 24 of the shaft 2. The rear end of the gun tube 12 has two outwardly turned diametrically opposite lugs 50 which each have a close fit in a longitudinal slot of that axial bore 24.

[0076] Once it has been pushed into its rearward position, the gun tube 12 is rotated in order to dispose the lugs 50 in the transverse grooves of the shaft 2, to form a bayonet-type fastener which is simple, fast and effective. The front end of the gun tube 12 comes substantially to the middle of the length of the guide tube 8 jutting forward of the shaft 2.

[0077] FIG. 6 presents the viewing tube 14 comprising as for the gun tube 12, a uniform diameter, and a rear part having a close fit in the front part of the offset bore 26 of the shaft 2, which is equipped at its front end with two lugs 50 in order to form a bayonet-type mounting on that shaft.

[0078] The front end of the viewing tube 14 which at the same time provides lighting, given in particular by cells of “LED” type, as well as a view forward, stops slightly short of the front face 40 of the guide tube 8 which thus protects that end.

[0079] The front part of the viewing tube 14 is on a small length L, bent through an angle a so as to obtain focusing of the image on the axis of the apparatus at a desired work distance forward of that tube, which is located substantially at the tip of the injection needle when it is advanced. The depositing of the semen by the tip of the needle can thus be monitored.

[0080] Generally for the use of another work tool in the apparatus for penetration, it is possible in the same way to monitor the working of the tip.

[0081] The viewing tube 14 may comprise different viewing systems. It is possible in particular to use a fibroscopic system performing the transmission of images by optic fibers which send the light forward, and return the images to the rear cell situated in the cavity 28 of the shaft 2. As a variant a video system may be used, the end of the viewing tube 14 comprising a lighting means, as well as a photosensitive sensor, for example of the “CCD” type.

[0082] The focusing of the viewing means is made substantially on the tip of the gun 4 which is located in its forward position, to be able to precisely follow the depositing of the semen which is located at that tip.

[0083] The shaft 2 may comprise an on-button of the video system, which is not represented in the drawings. The rear cell of the video system communicates with the display system which is dissociated from the apparatus for penetration, by a connecting wire, using for example a “USB” type connector located on the shaft, or by a wireless connection, for example using radio communication of the “Bluetooth” type.

[0084] Thus, with a radio or “USB” wired connection, a system is thus obtained which is adapted to numerous tools on the market. A programmed software application may be installed by downloading on most apparatuses on the market. This application provides the communication between the remote apparatus and the radio system. The application enables the user to entre a variable number of items of information on the action carried out by the user and the animal concerned. The data recorded by this application may be synchronized with a database instantaneously or at a later stage. It will be possible to define and develop services facilitating the live and well-being of the user and of the animal, progressively with usages.

[0085] In the case of a wireless connection, the shaft 2 contains the electronics for control of the lighting and viewing means, as well as an autonomous electrical supply.

[0086] The display system may in particular use a mobile telephone or a tablet. It may in particular use a “Smartphone” type apparatus disposed for example in a fluid-tight sheath comprising fastening means, in particular a strap comprising a quick fastener of the “Velcro” type for fastening it to the user's arm.

[0087] The display system may also use any other viewing system, in particular a system integrated into spectacles with radio communication of “Bluetooth” type.

[0088] In this way the operator can follow the advancement of the front end of the apparatus on a stable, clean screen, while guiding that end by inclinations of the shaft in order to facilitate the passage between the various tissues of the internal cavities which appear.

[0089] The images obtained, photographs or films, may be stored in a memory then transferred into a database, which enables them to be brought out later to monitor change in the animal. For example by referencing the type of straw used for an insemination, data may be stored on the operations carried out on each animal.

[0090] These images may also be transmitted, in particular via the Internet, to an outside person such as a vet, to perform a diagnosis, or monitor the state of health of the animals.

[0091] The manner of operating the apparatus is as follows. The viewing means and the remote screen make it possible to track the path within the vagina of the apparatus for vaginal penetration, then to illuminate the back of the vagina to locate the entrance to the cervix of the uterus, in order to place the front end of the guide tube in front of the cervix of the uterus. Next, the operator, while holding the shaft in that position, pushes the insemination gun (4) with that same hand straddling the shaft and the insemination gun, the extension of the insemination gun depending on the case, to make it enter the cervix to reach the uterine body, and lastly pushes the contents of the straw into that uterus still with the same hand then straddling the shaft and the push-button, then operating in the manner of a piston.

[0092] During the operation according to the internal state observed with the viewing, in particular the dilation of the cervix, the presence of mucus or the cleanliness of that mucus, the operator can decide whether or not to inject semen. The chances of success of the insemination are thus strongly ensured.

[0093] As work tool the apparatus for penetration may use different known types of insemination gun, or tools for depositing various products, in particular antibiotics.

[0094] Accessories may be provided to adapt the apparatus for penetration to different uses. In particular there may be provided in the shaft of the apparatus a preheating system for the gun, using for example an electrical resistance, or a suitable heating or insulating substance, in order to avoid thermal disparities between the defrosting of the semen and its insertion, which reduce its activity.

[0095] As work tool a tool for listening to sounds beyond the cervix of the uterus may be used, making it possible, by placing the front end of the guide tube 8 in front of that cervix, to listen to sounds emitted beyond.

[0096] A tool for photographing the cervix of the uterus may also be used. Furthermore a tool for sampling substances may be used, to perform in particular a cytobiological examination by sampling.

[0097] After an operation the different tubes of the apparatus for penetration, which are all fastened to the shaft by the bayonet-type quick assembly, are easily disassembled for complete washing of the apparatus.

[0098] It is to be added that the apparatus for vaginal penetration may of course receive tools that already exist if this is useful and that only minor modifications for the adaptation of the apparatus are to be made for this purpose and without any difficulty whatsoever.

[0099] In a variant not illustrated, a telescopic mechanism of actuators is described also enabling the single-handed utilization of the apparatus for penetration. In this variant, when the apparatus for penetration has been inserted as far as the cervix of the uterus using a handling shaft (2), the insemination gun, and more specifically an extension of the insemination gun, slides within the shaft (2) and when lastly, and in a conventional manner this time, the content of the straw placed within and to the front of the gun has been discharged using the push-button (6) operating in the same way as a piston, that is to say sliding within the body of the gun forward of the gun to push the content of the straw into the uterus. Preferably, and in a conventional manner, the piston has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the gun so as to slide without jolting within the actual interior of the gun and the piston then makes it possible to push a stopper located in the straw which itself pushes the content of the straw, that is to say semen, into the uterus under the action of the piston. The stopper may have a conventional constitution comprising for example three successive strata inside and along the straw of which a first is of wadding and a second of gel and a third again of wadding. The stopper is initially, prior to any operation directed to discharging semen, disposed at the rear of the straw that is to say in a part of the straw which is the closest to the shaft of the apparatus for penetration. With the piston pushing the stopper towards the front of the straw, the wadding in contact with the piston enables the gel and the third stratum of wadding to be pushed in optimal manner within the straw.

[0100] Of course, this last variant not illustrated having a telescopic mechanism is applicable for any type of work tool, by way of non-limiting example a tool for depositing drugs, a tool for listening to sounds, a tool for taking photographs or a tool for sampling internal substances.

[0101] The telescopic mechanism comprises at least the shaft and the gun extension, and optionally the push-button, which is optional on the tool for listening to sounds for example.

[0102] Lastly, in a variant not illustrated, the push-button may be actuated if necessary by a piston extension, which is an extension of the push-button, sliding inside the gun extension, this piston extension, when it is useful, forms part of the telescopic mechanism.