Endoscope provided with function of being locked to flexibility of insertion part which is set by flexibility modifying operation member
US5976074A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/042
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A densely wound coil and a wire which passes through the coil are inserted into a flexible part which has a flexibility. The coil which is fixed in the vicinity of a distal end of the wire has a proximal end thereof which is regulated in movement toward a rearward side by a stopper. The wire which extends rearward from the proximal end of the coil has a proximal end thereof which is drawn or pulled toward the rearward side by angular movement of an adjustment knob which is provided in the vicinity of a forward end of an operation part. By this traction, a compressive force is relatively applied to the coil to make flexibility of the coil changeable. Indicia associated with the adjustment knob alerts the user to the level of flexibility to which the adjustment knob is moved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.