Patent US4875468A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4875468A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Elastomer-ePTFE biopsy channel
Assignee: Welch Allyn Inc
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Filing: 1988-12-23
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Granted: 1989-10-24
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Expires: 2008-12-23
Abstract
Abstract A biopsy channel for a borescope or endoscope is formed of a thin-wall elastomeric tubular sleeve or sheath that is interference fitted over an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) liner. An end fitting can be formed of a metal or plastic tube, preferably with an internal chamfer. This can be secured by epoxy in either end of the channel, after suitably priming the elastomeric sleeve or sheath. This channel has high dimensional stability and can withstand bending to tight radii without kinking.
Inventors
- 👤 Allan I. Krauter
- 👤 Robert L. Vivenzio
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:05
CPC Classifications
B; B32; B32B; B32B1/00; B32B1/08; A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/012; A61B1/015; A61B1/018; A61B10/00; A61B10/02; A61B10/04; B32B27/00; B32B27/06; B32B27/08; B32B27/32; B32B27/322; B32B2327/00; B32B2327/12; B32B2327/18; B32B2535/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
54 words
A flexible channel which is liquid impervious comprising a tubular inner liner of a flexible expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, having a predetermined inside diameter and outside diameter; and a tubular outer sleeve of an elastomer, having a free inside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the inner tube, and stretch fit over said inner liner.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
54 words
A flexible channel which is liquid impervious comprising a tubular inner liner of a flexible expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, having a predetermined inside diameter and outside diameter; and a tubular outer sleeve of an elastomer, having a free inside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the inner tube, and stretch fit over said inner liner.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The flexible channel of claim 1 wherein said outer sleeve has a wall thickness when relaxed, of one half millimeter or below.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The flexible channel of claim 1 wherein said channel has a total diameter of not more than about 4 millimeters.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The flexible channel of claim 1 wherein said polytetrafluoroethylene inner tube has an inside diameter of 3.0 millimeters and a wall thickness of 0.4 millimeters.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The flexible channel of claim 4 wherein said elastomer outer sleeve has a wall thickness of 0.25 millimeters.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The flexible channel of claim 1 further comprising a rigid tubular fitting secured within one end of said channel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The flexible channel of claim 6 wherein said tubular fitting has an internal chamfer at one end thereof which extends into said channel.
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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) | 1992-10-23 | 1993-04-24 | 1993-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-10-23 | 1997-04-24 | 1997-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-10-23 | 2001-04-24 | 2001-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |