US5275152A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Insertion tube terminator
Assignee: Waygate Technologies USA LP
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Filing: 1992-07-27
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Granted: 1994-01-04
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Expires: 2012-07-27
Abstract
Abstract The insertion tube body of a borescope or endoscope is constructed to avoid leakage current. An inner coil is covered with a tubular urethane jacket over which a tubular braid is disposed. Terminators having sleeve portions are attached by inserting the sleeve portions between the coil and the jacket. The terminators are secured using epoxy and the braid is bound using a winding or wrap of thread. The braid does not contact the terminator or the coil, and floats electrically. A layer of a flexible tough material such as polyurethane is applied over the braid and onto the terminators.
Inventors
- 👤 Allan I. Krauter
- 👤 Terry V. Grantier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:36
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/005; A61B1/0051; A61B1/0052; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/1206; A61B18/1233; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/0009; A61M25/0012; A61M25/0043; A61M25/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
A flexible elongated insertion tube body for a borescope or endoscope which has axial, radial, and torsional dimensional stability and provides electrical isolation between an interior and an exterior thereof, the insertion tube body comprising a tube body member which includes an inner helical metal coil, an insulating elastomeric tubular jacket disposed over said coil, a metal braid layer disposed over said tubular jacket, and an insulating coating applied onto said braid layer; a terminator in the form of a tubular member having a metal sleeve portion inserted at one end of said tube body member between said coil and said jacket and in electrical contact with the coil, said jacket extending axially to or beyond an axially terminal end of said braid so that the braid and coil are kept electrically isolated from one another by said jacket; and means mechanically binding said terminal portion of said braid onto said jacket over said sleeve portion of said terminator with said insulating coating extending over said terminal end of said braid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
A flexible elongated insertion tube body for a borescope or endoscope which has axial, radial, and torsional dimensional stability and provides electrical isolation between an interior and an exterior thereof, the insertion tube body comprising a tube body member which includes an inner helical metal coil, an insulating elastomeric tubular jacket disposed over said coil, a metal braid layer disposed over said tubular jacket, and an insulating coating applied onto said braid layer; a terminator in the form of a tubular member having a metal sleeve portion inserted at one end of said tube body member between said coil and said jacket and in electrical contact with the coil, said jacket extending axially to or beyond an axially terminal end of said braid so that the braid and coil are kept electrically isolated from one another by said jacket; and means mechanically binding said terminal portion of said braid onto said jacket over said sleeve portion of said terminator with said insulating coating extending over said terminal end of said braid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The insertion tube body of claim 1 wherein said coil is a metal ribbon formed into an elongated helix having a predetermined inner diameter and outer diameter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The insertion tube body of claim 2 wherein said terminator metal sleeve portion has an inner diameter smaller than said coil outer diameter so that said coil and terminator form an interference fit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The insertion tube body of claim 2 wherein said terminator metal sleeve has an inner land against which an axial end of said coil is lodged.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The insertion tube body of claim 1 wherein said jacket is a tube of urethane.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The insertion tube body of claim 1 wherein said outer insulating coating is polyurethane which penetrates and covers over said braid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The insertion tube body of claim 1 wherein said means mechanically binding includes a wrap of thread or monofilament wound over said braid terminal end.
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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) | 1997-01-03 | 1997-07-05 | 1998-01-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-01-03 | 2001-07-05 | 2002-01-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-01-03 | 2005-07-05 | 2006-01-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |