US3739770A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bendable tube of an endoscope
Assignee: Olympus Corp
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Filing: 1971-10-06
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Granted: 1973-06-19
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Expires: 1991-10-06
Abstract
Abstract A bendable tube portion in an endoscope comprises two helically wound metal strips, one of which closely surrounds the other. The strips are wound in opposite directions and the turns of one strip are secured to corresponding turns of the other strip in the plane of bending motion of the tube portion. The tube portion may be bent by at least one string extending through the tube and connected to a control mechanism in the control housing of the endoscope.
Inventors
- 👤 T Mori
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/005; A61B1/0051; A61B1/0055
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
In an endoscope including an elongated tube, and end casing and a control housing on respective longitudinal ends of said tube, and a control mechanism on said housing, a longitudinal portion of said tube adjacent said end casing being bendable, and said control mechanism including means for bending said portion in a plane longitudinal of said tube, the improvement in said bendable tube portion which comprises: a. an inner strip; b. an outer strip, 1. said strips being helically wound in opposite directions to constitute a plurality of turns about an axis extending longitudinally of said portion, 2. said outer strip closely enveloping said inner strip; and c. securing means located in said plane and securing each turn of one of said strips to a respective turn of the other strip.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
In an endoscope including an elongated tube, and end casing and a control housing on respective longitudinal ends of said tube, and a control mechanism on said housing, a longitudinal portion of said tube adjacent said end casing being bendable, and said control mechanism including means for bending said portion in a plane longitudinal of said tube, the improvement in said bendable tube portion which comprises: a. an inner strip; b. an outer strip, 1. said strips being helically wound in opposite directions to constitute a plurality of turns about an axis extending longitudinally of said portion, 2. said outer strip closely enveloping said inner strip; and c. securing means located in said plane and securing each turn of one of said strips to a respective turn of the other strip.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
said outer strip closely enveloping said inner strip; and c. securing means located in said plane and securing each turn of one of said strips to a respective turn of the other strip.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
said outer strip closely enveloping said inner strip; and c. securing means located in said plane and securing each turn of one of said strips to a respective turn of the other strip.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
In an endoscope as set forth in claim 1, said securing means securing respective turns of said inner strip located in said plane on opposite sides of said axis to respective turns of said outer strip located in said plane on said opposite sides.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
In an endoscope as set forth in claim 1, said strips having each two longitudinally terminal portions, and said control mechanism including an elongated control member secured to each of the terminal portions of said strips adjacent said end casing and extending therefrom through said tube to said control housing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-18 | 1976-12-18 | 1977-06-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-18 | 1980-12-18 | 1981-06-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-18 | 1984-12-18 | 1985-06-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |