US5193263A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of securing skin tube to bendable tube portion of endoscope
Assignee: Pentax Corp
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Filing: 1992-04-17
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Granted: 1993-03-16
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Expires: 2012-04-17
Abstract
Abstract A method of securing a skin tube to a bendable tube portion that is formed at the distal end of the insert part of an endoscope, the bendable tube portion being bendable by remote control. The method comprises the steps of: fitting a flexible skin tube over the bendable tube portion; fitting a fitting member into the groove at at least one end portion of the skin tube, the fitting member having a shape which is fittable to the groove; loosely fitting a securing device around the end portion of the skin tube, the securing device being formed from a shape memory material which has previously memorized a shape with which the securing device is capable of peripherally pressing the end portion of the skin tube and, at the same time, pressing the fitting member against the surface of the groove; and restoring the securing device to the memorized shape.
Inventors
- 👤 Nagashige Takahashi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 01:48
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23P; B23P11/00; B23P11/02; B23P11/025; A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/005; A61B1/0058; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/49863; Y10T29/49865; Y10T29/49876
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of securing a skin tube to a bendable tube portion of an endoscope which has a groove in the outer surface, comprising the steps of: fitting a flexible skin tube over said bendable tube portion; fitting a fitting member onto said flexible skin tube into said groove of said bendable tube portion of at at least one end portion of said skin tube, said fitting member having a shape which is fittable to said groove; loosely fitting a securing means around said end portion of said skin tube, said securing means being formed from a shape memory material which has previously memorized a shape with which said securing means is capable of peripherally pressing said end portion of said skin tube and, at the same time, pressing said fitting member against the surface of said groove; and restoring said securing means to said memorized shape, thereby securing said skin tube to said bendable tube portion.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of securing a skin tube to a bendable tube portion of an endoscope which has a groove in the outer surface, comprising the steps of: fitting a flexible skin tube over said bendable tube portion; fitting a fitting member onto said flexible skin tube into said groove of said bendable tube portion of at at least one end portion of said skin tube, said fitting member having a shape which is fittable to said groove; loosely fitting a securing means around said end portion of said skin tube, said securing means being formed from a shape memory material which has previously memorized a shape with which said securing means is capable of peripherally pressing said end portion of said skin tube and, at the same time, pressing said fitting member against the surface of said groove; and restoring said securing means to said memorized shape, thereby securing said skin tube to said bendable tube portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of securing a skin tube according to claim 1, wherein said groove is formed along the axis of said bendable tube portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of securing a skin tube according to claim 2, wherein said groove has a U-shaped cross-sectional configuration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of securing a skin tube according to claim 3, wherein said fitting member has a U-shaped configuration which is conformable to said groove.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of securing a skin tube according to claim 1, wherein said securing means memorizes a C-like shape with two opposing end portions which are bent inwardly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of securing a skin tube according to claim 1, wherein said securing means is restored to said memorized shape at ordinary temperature.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of securing a skin tube according to claim 1, wherein said securing means is formed from a shape memory alloy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of securing a skin tube according to claim 7, wherein said shape memory alloy is a TiNi shape memory alloy.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of securing a skin tube according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive is applied to the inner surface of said end portion of said skin tube.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of securing a skin tube according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive is applied to at least the area between said skin tube and said fitting member or the area between said skin tube and said securing means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-03-15 | 1996-09-14 | 1997-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-03-15 | 2000-09-14 | 2001-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-03-15 | 2004-09-14 | 2005-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |