Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A flexible tube for an endoscope adapted to be inserted in a body cavity, having a tubular core (7) made of helically wound metallic strip, a cylindrical braid member (8) fitted over the core (7), a metallic annular end piece (10,11) secured.to each end of the core and the braid member and a plastics sheath (9) secured to the outer surface of the braid member (8), characterized in that said cylindrical braid member (8) is braided of a plurality of metallic wires (13) and a plurality of heat-resistant, chemicals-resistant non-metallic filaments and/or fibres (14).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A flexible tube for an endoscope adapted to be inserted in a body cavity, having a tubular core (7) made of helically wound metallic strip, a cylindrical braid member (8) fitted over the core (7), a metallic annular end piece (10,11) secured.to each end of the core and the braid member and a plastics sheath (9) secured to the outer surface of the braid member (8), characterized in that said cylindrical braid member (8) is braided of a plurality of metallic wires (13) and a plurality of heat-resistant, chemicals-resistant non-metallic filaments and/or fibres (14).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A flexible tube as claimed in claim 1, in which said non-metallic filaments or fibres (14), which form a portion of the cylindrical braid are heat-resistant to more than 150°C.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A flexible tube as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which said non-metallic filaments or fibres (14) which form a portion of the cylindrical braid are made from acid-resistant and alkali-resistant material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
A flexible tube as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, in which said non-metallic filaments or fibres (14) which form a portion of the cylindrical braid are made of one or more heat-resistant and chemicals-resistant materials including polyimide, carbon, silicon --carbide, boron nitride or glass.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A flexible tube as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, in which said sheath (9) is secured to the cylindrical braid (8) by melting a portion of the sheath material into the interstices of the braid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A flexible tube as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, in which said sheath (9) is secured to the cylindrical braid (8) by means of adhesive applied to the outer surface of the braid (8).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A flexible tube as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, in which said sheath (9) is formed by applying molten plastics material to the outer surface of the braid (8).