US5297537A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Disposable liquid supply kit for use in an endoscope
Assignee: Endoscopy Support Services Inc
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Filing: 1993-07-14
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Granted: 1994-03-29
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Expires: 2013-07-14
Abstract
Abstract A disposable liquid supply system comprises a closed liquid container, a first flexible tube connected to the container and terminating at the top thereof for introducing a gas into the container, and a second flexible tube connected to the container and terminating at the bottom thereof for supplying a liquid to an endoscope. The container which contains a desired liquid, and the first and second tubes form a disposable, closed sealed unit which is connectable to an endoscope prior to use.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Savitt
- 👤 Christopher O. R. Siddall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 20:06
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
A disposable liquid supply system kit for use in supplying a liquid to an endoscope, said kit comprising, in combination a kit package and a plurality of articles contained therein, said articles including: a) a closed and sealed liquid container having an openable top with a frangible seal and a bottom, said container containing a liquid; b) a first flexible tube having a first end connectable to said container when said kit is assembled and terminating at said top when connected to said container for introducing a gas into said container, and having a second, opposite end adapted to be connected to an endoscope; and c) a second flexible tube having a first end connectable to said container when said kit is assembled and terminating at said bottom when connected to said container for supplying a liquid to an endoscope, and having a second, opposite end adapted to be connected to an endoscope; said container forming a closed, sealed, liquid-containing unit which is unsealed prior to use and connected to an endoscope via said first and second tubes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
A disposable liquid supply system kit for use in supplying a liquid to an endoscope, said kit comprising, in combination a kit package and a plurality of articles contained therein, said articles including: a) a closed and sealed liquid container having an openable top with a frangible seal and a bottom, said container containing a liquid; b) a first flexible tube having a first end connectable to said container when said kit is assembled and terminating at said top when connected to said container for introducing a gas into said container, and having a second, opposite end adapted to be connected to an endoscope; and c) a second flexible tube having a first end connectable to said container when said kit is assembled and terminating at said bottom when connected to said container for supplying a liquid to an endoscope, and having a second, opposite end adapted to be connected to an endoscope; said container forming a closed, sealed, liquid-containing unit which is unsealed prior to use and connected to an endoscope via said first and second tubes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, wherein said liquid is sterile water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, wherein said liquid is a cleaning fluid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, wherein said liquid is a disinfecting solution.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, wherein said first and second tubes are connected together in parallel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 5, wherein said first and second tubes are separate, individual tubes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 5, wherein said first and second tubes are formed of an integral tube structure with two longitudinal openings.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, wherein one of said first and second tubes is arranged inside of the other.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, wherein said first and second tubes are closed at their free ends one end.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 9, wherein said first and second tubes each include a frangible diaphragm at said one end which closes the respective tube opening and which may be broken when the free end of the respective tube is forced over a rigid pipe stem.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 9, wherein said first and second tubes are heat-sealed at said one end.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 9, wherein said first and second tubes are flared outward at said one end to facilitate sliding onto rigid pipe stems.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, further comprising an adapter connected to one end of said first and second tubes, for connection to the gas/liquid coupler of an endoscope.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, further comprising an adapter for connection to one end of said first and second tubes and to the gas/liquid coupler of an endoscope.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
70 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 14, wherein said first and second tubes each include a frangible diaphragm at said one end which closes the respective tube opening and which may be broken when the respective tube is forced over a rigid pipe stem and wherein said adaptor has a rigid pipe stem protruding therefrom for insertion, respectively, in said one end of said first and second tubes.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
35 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, further comprising a one-way valve in said second tube, permitting liquid to exit from said container, but not to enter it when said kit is assembled.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, wherein said container is substantially rigid.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, wherein said container has at least one opening in one side thereof for insertion of at least one rigid tube.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, wherein said container is a flexible bag.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, wherein said container includes a handle to facilitate holding.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 20, wherein said flap has an aperture to facilitate hanging.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 19, wherein said bag is substantially flat and rectangular in shape.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 19, further comprising a bag holder having a pouch for supporting said flexible bag.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, wherein said container is made of a translucent plastic.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 1, wherein said container is a substantially rigid rectangular box.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
30 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 25, wherein said container is made of cardboard, and is lined, on its inside, with a flexible sheet of liquid impervious material.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 25, wherein said liquid impervious material is a plastic.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The liquid supply system kit defined in claim 25, wherein said liquid impervious material is a metal foil.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
41 words
The water supply system defined in claim 18, further comprising two rigid tubes, connected to said first and second flexible tubes, respectfully, for insertion in said container, each rigid tube being adapted for insertion in a separate one of said openings.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
The water supply system defined in claim 29, wherein said rigid tubes each include a tapered barb to prevent its removal from the respective opening.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The water supply system kit defined in claim 29, wherein said rigid tubes include a flexible seal for engagement with the perimeter of the respective opening.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
44 words
The water supply system kit defined in claim 29, wherein one of said tubes has a length substantially equal to the height of said container, and the other of said tubes has a length which is substantially shorter than the height of said container.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
24 words
The water supply system kit defined in claim 29, wherein said two rigid tubes have tapered ends to facilitate insertion in said two openings.
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) | 1997-03-28 | 1997-09-27 | 1998-03-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-03-28 | 2001-09-27 | 2002-03-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-03-28 | 2005-09-27 | 2006-03-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |