US4819620A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Endoscope guide pipe
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1987-08-13
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Granted: 1989-04-11
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Expires: 2007-08-13
Abstract
Abstract An endoscope guide pipe includes a pipe member with a first end, which is closed and in a generally convergent, rounded shape, and a second end which is opposite to the first end and open. The pipe member is typically formed from a transparent material, such as a glass or plastic material. Thus, the guide pipe may be inserted into a body, and then an endoscope may be fitted into the guide pipe to observe the internal structure of the body. Since a defined space or cavity is maintained when the guide pipe is inserted into the body, so the internal structure of a body, such as a subcutaneous tissue, can be viewed directly by the endoscope in the present guide pipe. The guide pipe is particularly advantageous when it is desired to view directly a portion of a body which does not have a cavity or space, such as the internal structure of a muscle.
Inventors
- 👤 Ichiro Okutsu
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:33
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/273; A61B1/2736; A61B1/00147; A61B1/00154; A61B1/06; A61B1/0623; A61B1/12; A61B1/307; A61B1/31; A61B1/313; A61B1/317; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/320016
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A medical instrument for guiding an endoscope to be inserted therein for viewing a subcutaneous structure of a body, comprising: an endoscope; and an elongated pipe member having a first end, which is closed and generally convergent in shape, and a second end, which is opposite said first end and which is open, thereby allowing said endoscope to be loosely fitted into said pipe member to permit said endoscope to rotate around a longitudinal axis thereof as being located inside of said guide pipe, said elongated pipe member including a transparent portion comprising at least a predetermined part thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
A medical instrument for guiding an endoscope to be inserted therein for viewing a subcutaneous structure of a body, comprising: an endoscope; and an elongated pipe member having a first end, which is closed and generally convergent in shape, and a second end, which is opposite said first end and which is open, thereby allowing said endoscope to be loosely fitted into said pipe member to permit said endoscope to rotate around a longitudinal axis thereof as being located inside of said guide pipe, said elongated pipe member including a transparent portion comprising at least a predetermined part thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein said convergent first end is generally rounded, thereby substantially eliminating any sharp corner.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The medical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a handle integrally formed with said pipe member and extending radially outwardly from said pipe member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein said pipe member is formed from a transparent glass material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein said pipe member is formed from a transparent plastic material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein said pipe member is formed with at least one opening.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein said pipe member is provided with at least one scale.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein said pipe member is so structured that the endoscope fitted into said pipe member may be moved slidably freely along the longitudinal axis of said pipe member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein said pipe member is formed from a metal at least in part, and said pipe member is formed with at least one opening.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The medical instrument of claim 1, wherein a gap between said guide pipe and said endoscope loosely fitted in said guide pipe is filled with liquid.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
49 words
The medical instrument of claim 10, further comprising: support means for fitting said endoscope into said guide pipe, external liquid supply means for providing said liquid to said gap through said support means, and external liquid discharge means for removing said liquid from said gap through said support means.
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) | 1992-04-10 | 1992-10-10 | 1993-04-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-04-10 | 1996-10-10 | 1997-04-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-04-10 | 2000-10-10 | 2001-04-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |