US4580551A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible plastic tube for endoscopes and the like
Assignee: Warner Lambert Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1984-11-02
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Granted: 1986-04-08
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Expires: 2004-11-02
Abstract
Abstract An elongated, flexible plastic tube with internal web and bore structure comprising a continuous sequence of connected vertebra-like elements useful in endoscopes and the like.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter P. Siegmund
- 👤 George J. Carpenter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 02:19
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/005; A61B1/0051; A61B1/0055
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
An elongated, flexible plastic structure defining a continuous sequence of connected vertebra-like elements useful in endoscopes and the like comprising: an elongated plastic extrusion or injection molding defining a tube having a generally circular wall, said tube having an internal, elongated web structure incorporating a central lumen or bore all coextensive with said tube, a plurality of secondary bores formed in the tube wall and a plurality of cut-outs formed in said wall along the length of the tube effective to make the tube more flexible while preserving the integrity of the central bore.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
An elongated, flexible plastic structure defining a continuous sequence of connected vertebra-like elements useful in endoscopes and the like comprising: an elongated plastic extrusion or injection molding defining a tube having a generally circular wall, said tube having an internal, elongated web structure incorporating a central lumen or bore all coextensive with said tube, a plurality of secondary bores formed in the tube wall and a plurality of cut-outs formed in said wall along the length of the tube effective to make the tube more flexible while preserving the integrity of the central bore.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The structure of claim 1 in which the cut-outs intersect the secondary bores.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The structure of claim 2 in which the cut-outs are V-shaped in cross-sectional configuration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The structure of claim 2 in which the cut-outs are arranged according to a uniform pattern in opposed pairs.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The structure of claim 1 in which the cut-outs are sealed by a thin-walled elastomeric, membranous sheet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The structure of claim 5 in which the sheet defines a sleeve overlaying the exterior of the tube.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The structure of claim 1 in which the internal web structure defines two intersecting webs dividing the internal cross-sectional area of the tube into four independent sectors or quadrants each coextensive with the tube.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-04-07 | 1989-10-07 | 1990-04-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-07 | 1993-10-07 | 1994-04-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-07 | 1997-10-07 | 1998-04-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |