Contamination-free endoscope valves for use with a disposable endoscope sheath
US4852551A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 1988 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87716
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An endoscope and valve system specially adapted for use with a disposable sheath having a plurality of channels and respective resilient tubes extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the resilient tubes extend along grooves formed in the side of an endoscope control handle and are captured behind a pivotably mounted access door. The valve system pinches the tubes against the door. The pinching mechanism selectively releases the tubes by pressing respective valve-actuating buttons on the control handle. In another embodiment, the tubes are placed in external pinch valves which are selectively actuated by actuating switches mounted on the control handle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.