US4919113A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of cleaning scope end of endoscope and endoscope with scope end cleaning mechanism
Assignee: Toshiba Corp
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Filing: 1989-06-06
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Granted: 1990-04-24
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Expires: 2009-06-06
Abstract
Abstract A method of cleaning scope end of endoscope capable of performing a painless cleaning operation as well as securing a stable direct observation condition, without relying on an operator's skill. The method includes the steps of: injecting water towards the scope end for washing out the scope end; exhaling air towards the scope end to blow away remaining drops on the scope end of the water injected at the injecting step; and inhaling as much an amount of air as exhaled at the exhaling step, slowly enough not to cause dew condensation due to an abrupt pressure decrease. An endoscope equipped with scope end cleaning mechanism performing this method is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Yutaka Sakamoto
- 👤 Ryuichi Kamaga
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 13:16
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/12; A61B1/121
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of cleaning a scope end of an endoscope, comprising the steps of: injecting water on the scope end for washing out the scope end; exhaling air on the scope end to blow away remaining drops on the scope end of the water injected at the injecting step; and inhaling substantially as much an amount of air as exhaled at the exhaling step, slowly enough not to cause dew condensation due to an abrupt pressure decrease.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of cleaning a scope end of an endoscope, comprising the steps of: injecting water on the scope end for washing out the scope end; exhaling air on the scope end to blow away remaining drops on the scope end of the water injected at the injecting step; and inhaling substantially as much an amount of air as exhaled at the exhaling step, slowly enough not to cause dew condensation due to an abrupt pressure decrease.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the exhaling step is divided into a first exhaling step preceding the inhaling step and a second exhaling step following the inhaling step.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the exhaling step and the inhaling step are carried out simultaneously in parallel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2, wherein the first exhaling step and the inhaling step are carried out simultaneously in parallel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2, wherein the second exhaling step and the inhaling step are carried out simultaneously in parallel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein a sequence comprising the injecting step, exhaling step and the inhaling step is carried out automatically.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the sequence is initiated by an operator's manual operation of a switch which activates a contrrol unit controlling the sequntial performance of the injecting step, exhaling step and the inhaling step.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
100 words
An endoscope with scope and cleaning mechanism which utilizes water injections, air inhalation and air exhalation, comprising: a scope with a scope end where exposed ends of optical devices are located; means for injecting water on the scope end for washing out the scope end; means for exhaling air on the scope end to blow away remaining drops on the scope end of the water injected by the injecting means; and means for inhaling substantially as much an amount of air as exhaled by the exhaling means, slowly enough not to cause dew condensation due to an abrupt pressure decrease.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
100 words
An endoscope with scope and cleaning mechanism which utilizes water injections, air inhalation and air exhalation, comprising: a scope with a scope end where exposed ends of optical devices are located; means for injecting water on the scope end for washing out the scope end; means for exhaling air on the scope end to blow away remaining drops on the scope end of the water injected by the injecting means; and means for inhaling substantially as much an amount of air as exhaled by the exhaling means, slowly enough not to cause dew condensation due to an abrupt pressure decrease.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The endoscope of claim 8, wherein exhalation by the exhaling means is divided into a first exhalation preceding the inhalation by the inhaling means and a second exhalation following the inhalation by the inhaling means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The endoscope of claim 8, wherein the exhalation by the exhaling means and the inhalation by the inhaling means are carried out simultaneously in parallel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The endoscope of claim 9, wherein the first exhalation and the inhalation are carried out simultaneously in parallel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The endoscope of claim 9, wherein the second exhalation and the inhalation are carried out simultaneously in parallel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The endoscope of claim 8, wherein a sequence comprising the injection by the injecting means, exhalation and inhalation is carried out automatically.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
49 words
The endoscope of claim 13, wherein the endoscope further comprises an automatic cleaning switch and a control unit, and wherein the sequence is initiated by an operator's manual operation of the automatic cleaning switch which activates the control unit controlling the sequential performance of the injection, exhalation and inhalation.
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) | 1993-04-23 | 1993-10-23 | 1994-04-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-04-23 | 1997-10-23 | 1998-04-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-04-23 | 2001-10-23 | 2002-04-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |