US5058568A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible endoscope
Assignee: Karl Storz SE and Co KG
•
Filing: 1989-05-28
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Granted: 1991-10-22
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Expires: 2009-05-28
Abstract
Abstract A flexible endoscope has at least one outer protective coat, one protective mesh and elements arranged in the distal region, which are connected via a series of connecting lines for data and/or energy transmission to the connection element arranged at the opposite end. The mesh includes a plurality of conductive lines which are electrically insulated from each other. The connecting lines are included among the conducting lines of the mesh.
Inventors
- 👤 Klaus Irion
- 👤 Horst Dittrich
- 👤 Hans-Peter Schwarz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 00:54
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/00064; A61B1/00071; A61B1/005; A61B1/0051
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
A flexible endoscope comprising: at least one outer protective casing, at least one protective mesh, elements arranged at a distal region of the endoscope, a connection element arranged at an opposite end of the endoscope, and a series of electrically separate connecting lines for conducting a plurality of data and energy signals to the connection element, wherein said connecting lines compose said protective mesh.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
64 words
A flexible endoscope comprising: at least one outer protective casing, at least one protective mesh, elements arranged at a distal region of the endoscope, a connection element arranged at an opposite end of the endoscope, and a series of electrically separate connecting lines for conducting a plurality of data and energy signals to the connection element, wherein said connecting lines compose said protective mesh.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said connecting lines are insulated electric lines.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 2, wherein said connecting lines are co-axial lines.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 3, wherein said connecting lines are lightwave conductors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 4, wherein said protective mesh is arranged between said at least one outer protective casing and a support spiral hose.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 5, wherein said protective mesh comprises a cover means for permitting a large bending angle of said endoscope.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 6, further comprising a support spiral hose which is an electric spiral line.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 7, further comprising tackles which are one of electric and optical lines.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 8, wherein single connecting lines are provided as reserve lines.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 9, wherein each of the connecting lines comprises at least two spaced lines.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 10, wherein each of the connecting lines comprise at least two spaced lines.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 11, wherein the elements arranged at the distal region include an electronic image recorder.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 12, wherein said elements arranged at the distal region include an ultrasound transducer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
52 words
A flexible endoscope comprising: a support spiral hose which is an electric conductor; an electrically conductive protective mesh disposed outside the support spiral hose; and means for electrically isolating the support spiral hose from the mesh, whereby the support spiral hose and the mesh may carry a plurality of separate electrical signals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
52 words
A flexible endoscope comprising: a support spiral hose which is an electric conductor; an electrically conductive protective mesh disposed outside the support spiral hose; and means for electrically isolating the support spiral hose from the mesh, whereby the support spiral hose and the mesh may carry a plurality of separate electrical signals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
A flexible endoscope according to claim 14, wherein the means for isolating includes an insulator disposed between the support spiral hose and the mesh.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
A flexible endoscope comprising: first and second tackles which are one of electric and optical lines for carrying first and second separate signals.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
A flexible endoscope comprising: first and second tackles which are one of electric and optical lines for carrying first and second separate signals.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4327711A
Cited
US4615330A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-10-21 | 1995-04-22 | 1995-10-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-10-21 | 1999-04-22 | 1999-10-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-10-21 | 2003-04-22 | 2003-10-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |