US4750477A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Instrument control head
Assignee: ACMI Corp
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Filing: 1987-02-20
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Granted: 1988-06-14
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Expires: 2007-02-20
Abstract
Abstract An instrument of a generally tubular flexible shape for accessing a target area comprising an objective head, a control head and a flexible shaft therebetween. The control head has a repositionable instrument entry block for inserting a surgical instrument or washing fluid into the control and to a target area near the objective head. The control head also has a repositionable light post and vent valve assembly which may be repositioned after the instrument has been inserted into a target area. The light post and vent valve assembly may also comprise a connector for a disconnectable external light carrier.
Inventors
- 👤 John L. Wardle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:34
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/307; A61B1/00064; A61B1/00066; A61B1/005; A61B1/0051
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
An instrument of a generally tubular flexible shape for accessing a target area, said instrument having a proximal end thereof, distal end thereof, and a working channel therebetween, said proximal end having a control head including an entry block means containing a portion of said working channel, said control head further comprising: control head housing means having a passageway to permit access of said working channel from said entry block means through said control head housing means, and means for repositionally mounting said entry block means relative to said control head housing means while enabling said housing passageway to have access to said working channel, whereby said entry block means is readily repositionable relative to said control head housing means so that an operator can reposition said entry block means to a suitable position relative to said housing means for using said working channel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
An instrument of a generally tubular flexible shape for accessing a target area, said instrument having a proximal end thereof, distal end thereof, and a working channel therebetween, said proximal end having a control head including an entry block means containing a portion of said working channel, said control head further comprising: control head housing means having a passageway to permit access of said working channel from said entry block means through said control head housing means, and means for repositionally mounting said entry block means relative to said control head housing means while enabling said housing passageway to have access to said working channel, whereby said entry block means is readily repositionable relative to said control head housing means so that an operator can reposition said entry block means to a suitable position relative to said housing means for using said working channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
An instrument as in claim 1 wherein said means for repositionally mounting said entry block means has a limiting stop means to limit the amount of reposition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
An instrument as in claim 2 wherein said means for repositionally mounting said entry block means is limited to about a 90 degree repositioning arc relative to said control head.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
An instrument as in claim 1 wherein said entry block means is sealingly engaged on said control head housing means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
An instrument as in claim 1 wherein said entry block means includes an entry tube and entry tube retainer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
An instrument as in claim 1 wherein said entry block means includes a stopcock adaptor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
An instrument as in claim 1 wherein said entry block means includes a stopcock.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
118 words
An instrument of a generally tubular flexible shape for accessing a target area, said instrument having a proximal end thereof, a distal end thereof, and a working channel therebetween , said proximal end having a control head, said control head further comprising: control head housing means, repositionable entry block means having a passageway to permit access of said working channel from said entry block means through said control head, and mounting means movably interconnecting said control head housing and said entry block means to enable said entry block means to be repositioned relative to said control head housing whereby an operator is able to reposition said entry block means to a suitable position for using said working channel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
118 words
An instrument of a generally tubular flexible shape for accessing a target area, said instrument having a proximal end thereof, a distal end thereof, and a working channel therebetween , said proximal end having a control head, said control head further comprising: control head housing means, repositionable entry block means having a passageway to permit access of said working channel from said entry block means through said control head, and mounting means movably interconnecting said control head housing and said entry block means to enable said entry block means to be repositioned relative to said control head housing whereby an operator is able to reposition said entry block means to a suitable position for using said working channel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
An instrument as in claim 8 wherein said mounting means has a means for limiting the amount of entry block means reposition.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
An instrument as in claim 8 wherein said entry block means is sealingly engaged on said control head housing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
An instrument as in claim 8 wherein said entry block means includes an entry tube and entry tube retainer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
85 words
An instrument of a generally tubular shape for accessing a target area, said instrument having a proximal end thereof, a distal end thereof, and a working channel therebetween, said proximal end having a control head, said control head further comprising: control head housing means, repositionable entry block means having a passageway to permit access of said working channel from said entry block means through said control head, and repositionable light carrier entry means for enabling a light carrier means to enter into said control head.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
85 words
An instrument of a generally tubular shape for accessing a target area, said instrument having a proximal end thereof, a distal end thereof, and a working channel therebetween, said proximal end having a control head, said control head further comprising: control head housing means, repositionable entry block means having a passageway to permit access of said working channel from said entry block means through said control head, and repositionable light carrier entry means for enabling a light carrier means to enter into said control head.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-06-14 | 1991-12-14 | 1992-06-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-06-14 | 1995-12-14 | 1996-06-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-06-14 | 1999-12-14 | 2000-06-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |