US3799152A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible and expandable esophagoscope
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-08-21
•
Granted: 1974-03-26
•
Expires: 1992-08-21
Abstract
Abstract An elongated flexible tubular element for use as an esophagoscope and the like and an arrangement for selectively expanding and contracting the tubular element. The flexible tubular element is adapted to have associated therewith or to receive therein a suction tube and/or a fiber optical bundle for illumination of the region at the inner end of the tubular element, and another optical element for checking or photographing the region at the inner end of the tubular element can also be introduced through the tubular element if so desired. A control box at the outer end of the tubular element is provided for controlling the expansion and contraction thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 S Kim
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:15
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/273; A61B1/2733; A61B1/005; A61B1/0051; A61B1/0055; A61B1/06; A61B1/07; A61B1/267; A61B1/2676
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A device especially adapted for insertion into the esophagus and comprising; an elongated tubular member, said member comprising a plurality of substantially cylindrical circular means extending axially along said member and adjustable in diameter, adjusting means connected to said circular means and moveable for adjusting the diameter of the circular means, adjustable means at one end of said member connected to said adjusting means for the movement thereof for the selective expansion and contraction of said circular means, and a resilient fluid impervious sleeve member extending along and enclosing said circular means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
92 words
A device especially adapted for insertion into the esophagus and comprising; an elongated tubular member, said member comprising a plurality of substantially cylindrical circular means extending axially along said member and adjustable in diameter, adjusting means connected to said circular means and moveable for adjusting the diameter of the circular means, adjustable means at one end of said member connected to said adjusting means for the movement thereof for the selective expansion and contraction of said circular means, and a resilient fluid impervious sleeve member extending along and enclosing said circular means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 1 in which said circular means comprises axially distributed elements tiltable relative to one another whereby said tubular member is laterally flexible.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 2 which includes at least one flexible optical element extending along said tubular member from end to end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
A device according to claim 3 in which said optical element is adapted to supply light to the vicinity of the end of said tubular member opposite said adjustable means, said tubular member being hollow from end to end so as to be adapted to have a further element introduced therethrough.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
101 words
A device according to claim 1 in which said circular means comprises a plurality of axially distributed circular elements, each circular element being resilient, said adjusting means comprising string means connected to circumferential points of each circular element and operable when moved to adjust the circumferential points on the respective circular element relatively, means on said circular elements forming deviation points about which said string means are entrained, and axial strings connected to said string means oN the opposite side of said deviation points from said circular elements and extending along said tubular element to said adjustable means for movement thereby.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 5 which includes means for arresting said adjustable means in adjusted positions thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 1 in which said circular means comprises a helical member, and each individual convolution of said helical member being expandable and contractable.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
A device according to claim 7 in which each said convolution has one end in the form of a male member and the other end in the form of a female member, each end of each convolution telescopically interfitting with the adjacent end of the next adjacent convolution.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 8 in which each of said male and female members include means at the ends which are interengageable to limit the expanding movement of said convolutions and which prevent said members from becoming disengaged.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 7 in which each said convolution in the region thereof intermediate the ends is circumferentially flexible.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
106 words
A device according to claim 10 in which said adjusting means comprises string-like means extending circumferentially of each said convolution and having ends connected to circumferentially spaced points of the respective convolution, flexible inextensible string-like elements extending axially along the outside of said convolutions and connected to said string-like means, eyelet means on said convolutions through which said string-like elements pass and which form deviating points for said string-like means, said string-like elements extending to and being connected to said adjustable means for axial movement of the string-like elements by said adjustable means with simultaneous circumferential movement of said string-like means to adjust said convolutions radially.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device according to claim 1 in which said circular means is in the form of individual rings variable in diameter, and a helical spring extending along said tubular member and having a portion of each convolution connected to a respective ring.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 12 in which the portion of said spring between adjacent ones of said rings include a flexible coiled region.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 12 in which each ring includes interfitting male and female portions in adjustable telescopic relation whereby the diameter of each ring can be varied by varying the degree of telescopic engagement of said portions.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
64 words
A device according to claim 14 which includes string-like elements extending circumferentially of said rings and connected thereto, pull strings extending axially along said rings and connected to said string-like elements, eyelet means connected to said rings through which said pull strings extend and which form deviation points for said string-like elements, said pull strings being connected to said adjustable means for movement thereby.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
57 words
A device according to claim 15 which includes a flexible optical element extending the length of said tubular member and having a light emitting end portion disposed outwardly beyond the range of the ring most remote from said adjustable means, said helical spring having an end region supportingly connected to said end portion of said optical element.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 1 in which said circular means comprises a rolled strip of thin material with the edges in overlapping relation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 17 in which said strip comprises lateral slit-like perforations distributed thereover to impart flexibility to said circular means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
75 words
A device according to claim 17 which includes eyelet means on the radially outer edge of said strip, axial string means passing through said eyelet means, and branch strings connected to said string means at axially spaced points therealong and leading circumferentially about said circular means and connected to spaced points thereabout, whereby axial moVement of said string means will cause circumferential movement of said branch strips and expansion and contraction of said circular means.
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) | 1977-03-25 | 1977-09-24 | 1978-03-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-25 | 1981-09-24 | 1982-03-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-25 | 1985-09-24 | 1986-03-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |