US5885209A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Endoscopic working channel and method of making same
Assignee: Astemo Ltd
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Filing: 1997-01-31
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Granted: 1999-03-23
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Expires: 2017-01-31
Abstract
Abstract A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) flexible and bendable working channel section which is circumferentially reinforced against kinking and which is adapted to be insertable, in-line, with the rigid section of the endoscopic working channel.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony D. Green
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:40
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/00064; A61B1/0011; A61B1/012; A61B1/018
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
An endoscopic working channel capable of retrofit into a pre-existing endoscope, comprising: a) an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member having a microporous microstructure and having first and second opposing ends, an intermediate section and luminal and abluminal wall surfaces thereof; b) an elastomer impregnated into the microporous microstructure of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member; c) a first elastomer layer circumferentially provided on at least a substantial longitudinal extent of the the ablumenal wall suface of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member; d) a circumferential support positioned about the first elastomer layer; and e) at least one additional elastomer layer provided about and covering the circumferential support.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
An endoscopic working channel capable of retrofit into a pre-existing endoscope, comprising: a) an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member having a microporous microstructure and having first and second opposing ends, an intermediate section and luminal and abluminal wall surfaces thereof; b) an elastomer impregnated into the microporous microstructure of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member; c) a first elastomer layer circumferentially provided on at least a substantial longitudinal extent of the the ablumenal wall suface of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member; d) a circumferential support positioned about the first elastomer layer; and e) at least one additional elastomer layer provided about and covering the circumferential support.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 1, wherein the elastomer impregnated into the microporous microstructure further comprises polyurethane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 1, wherein the first elastomer layer further comprises polyurethane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 3, wherein the first elastomer layer further comprises a 2.5 to 7% solids by weight polyurethane solution.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 4, wherein the first elastomer layer further comprises about 4% solids by weight polyurethane solution.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 1, wherein the circumferential support further comprises flat ribbon wire.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 6, wherein the flat ribbon wire is helically wrapped about the circumference of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member and passes along at least a substantial longitudinal extent thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 1, wherein the at least one additional elastomer layer provided about and covering the circumferential support further comprises polyurethane.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 8, wherein the at least one additional elastomer layer further comprises a 10 to 17% solids by weight polyurethane solution.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 5, wherein the at least one additional elastomer layer further comprises about 12% solids by weight polyurethane solution.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
108 words
An endoscopic working channel capable of retrofit into a pre-existing endoscope, comprising: a) a polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member having a microporous microstructure and having first and second opposing ends, an intermediate section and luminal and abluminal wall surfaces thereof; b) a first polyurethane elastomer layer circumferentially provided on at least a substantial longitudinal extent of the abluminal wall surface of the polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member; c) at least one flat ribbon wire member circumferentially positioned about the first elastomer layer and extending about at least a substantial longitudinal extent of the polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member; and d) at least one additional polyurethane elastomer layer provided about and covering the circumferential support.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
108 words
An endoscopic working channel capable of retrofit into a pre-existing endoscope, comprising: a) a polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member having a microporous microstructure and having first and second opposing ends, an intermediate section and luminal and abluminal wall surfaces thereof; b) a first polyurethane elastomer layer circumferentially provided on at least a substantial longitudinal extent of the abluminal wall surface of the polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member; c) at least one flat ribbon wire member circumferentially positioned about the first elastomer layer and extending about at least a substantial longitudinal extent of the polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member; and d) at least one additional polyurethane elastomer layer provided about and covering the circumferential support.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 11, wherein the polytetrafluoroethylene tubular member further comprises expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 11, wherein the first elastomer layer further comprises a 2.5 to 7% solids by weight polyurethane solution.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 12, wherein the first elastomer layer further comprises about 4% solids by weight polyurethane solution.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 12, wherein the at least one additional elastomer layer further comprises a 10 to 17% solids by weight polyurethane solution.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The endoscopic working channel according to claim 14, wherein the at least one additional elastomer layer further comprises about 12% solids by weight polyurethane solution.
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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) | 2002-03-22 | 2002-09-21 | 2003-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-03-22 | 2006-09-21 | 2007-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-03-22 | 2010-09-21 | 2011-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |